Visiting the Islands
The islands of
Loch Lomond are increasingly popular with many boat users visiting on a daily basis or staying over night. There are now in the region of 5,500 - 6,000 registered boats on
Loch Lomond each year.
Many parts of the
loch shore and the islands have conservation designations because of their natural heritage importance. The islands
offer a wealth of important flora and fauna, which is protected under legislation. Special care must be taken when visiting these areas.
When boating on
Loch Lomond have consideration for others using the loch and its shore. In particular, be aware of your wake and its effect. Leave things as you find them and take your litter away with you.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives detailed guidance on your responsibilities when exercising access rights.
The Byelaws and the Islands
The Loch Lomond Byelaws were first introduced in 1996 by the Loch Lomond Regional Park Authority to reduce disturbance to wildlife, local people and visitors and to promote safety.
The islands are covered by the byelaws under section 3.13, which states:
- No personal shall damage or though their actions cause to be damaged either the flora or fauna of the banks and shore of the loch or the amenity or any physical features on or forming part of the loch or its banks and shore.
- No person shall deposit or leave any litter, rubbish or waste in the loch or on its banks or shore including any hook, line, weight or other item of fishing tackle
Speed Limits and the Islands
With regards to the speed craft can travel on
Loch Lomond; generally it can be assumed that:
- a speed of 90kph/56mph applies to open areas of the loch; and
- a speed of 11kph/7mph applies within 150 metres off all shores, both mainland and island (there are a few exceptions)
The 11kph/7mph speed area has also been extended around the islands of Inchmoan, Inchtavannach, Inchconnachan and Inchcruin. Please see the map at the back of your Byelaw booklet where the 11kph/7mph speed areas are outlined in dark blue.
The navigable channel between Inchtavannach and Inchconnachan known as The Narrows and Inchmoan are signed as ‘no wake’ areas and should be navigated at less then 11kph/7mph, with as little wake as possible.
Boat users will see yellow ‘No Wake’ markers:
- between the west end of Inchmoan and the south east end of Inchtavannach;
- between the north westend of Inchconnachan and the north east end of Inchtavannach; and
- between the south east end of Inchconnachan and the point on the northern side of Inchmoan
This low speed limit will reduce noise-disturbance to wildlife, reduce wake induced shore erosion and will also make the islands a more peaceful area for people to visit.
The islands and their surrounding waters are patrolled by National Park Rangers to offer information and assistance to
loch users.