Plenty of Loch Lomond facts to enjoy ahead of your National Park visit. Picturesque villages, walks, trails and cruises. Climb Ben Lomond, shop at Loch Lomond Shores or discover the café with kilted waiters. (If that’s your sort of thing.)
There are lots of Loch Lomond facts but the very first thing you should know is that it’s close to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. It’s a bit over half an hour by road and much the same by train (to Balloch).
If you are new to the loch or just thinking about visiting, then here’s all you need to know – what to do and where to go. It’s in note form – so just dip in and out. (To be honest, there are more Loch Lomond facts here than you’ll ever remember!)
The really wacky snippets are further down the page – for example, it’s true that a naval torpedo under test once hit a loch-side hotel (on nearby Loch Long).
“Families with young children and casual recreational off-roaders (marketing-speak for ‘folk who like cycling on quiet paths’) have plenty of options, especially on forestry tracks.”
But first you need to know the basics.
Loch Lomond is an old-established tourist favourite
Like the Trossachs nearby, Loch Lomond was an early tourism destination and has welcomed visitors since the idea of tourism was invented more than two centuries ago. It’s the largest loch in Scotland by surface area, for a start.
It gets a bit crowded on the loch
Today, more than half Scotland’s population live within an hour’s drive. So, it’s a popular destination for ‘local’ visitors too.
It’s a designated National Park
Since 2002, 720 sq miles (1,865 sq km) of the landscape around Loch Lomond have been designated as the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
All kinds of great places to stay around Loch Lomond. Outdoor activities are very popular in this region – both ashore and afloat.
There are walking routes for all abilities, close to the loch, with some demanding excursions as well: take on a stretch of the West Highland Way by Loch Lomond, explore the crags of The Cobbler or take the well-used path to the summit of Ben Lomond. And that’s just at the start of the list……
Loch Lomond facts about Cycling around the loch
You can cycle with Loch Lomond only moments away for a whole 15 miles (24 km) between Balloch and Tarbet. The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path is traffic-free for much of its length.
Families with young children and casual recreational off-roaders (a posh way of saying ‘folk who like cycling on quiet paths’) have plenty of options, especially on forestry tracks.
National Cycle Route 7 also passes this way for dedicated long-distance types. And, as you would expect of a place with such well-developed ‘infrastructure’, cycle-hire, information boards, supporting leaflets and cyclist-friendly accommodation are all easy to find.
Loch Lomond facts on the loch
For sailing, swimming and so on, you’ll enjoy the 2.6 cubic km (.62 cubic miles) of water in Loch Lomond. Best advice here is to float on top of it, of course. You’ll find 71 sq km (27.5 square miles) of surface area – enough to keep all the leisure craft and canoeists apart, most of the time.
It is fair to say that this, the largest surface area of any water body in the UK, can get a bit crowded at peak times. OK, not all Loch Lomond facts are pleasing!
Naturally, there’s slipway provision, marinas, canoe hire and all that kind of stuff. (Remember though that this is a beautiful conservation area. All power-driven boats must be register, in accordance with the Loch Lomond Bylaws.)
Fishing
Nearly forgot, there’s angling galore if that’s your thing. When the famous General Wolfe of Quebec was a mere Lieutenant Colonel stationed at Inversnaid near the loch around 1753, he was supposed to be chasing Jacobites after the Battle of Culloden.
However, he had his fly-fishing rods with him. This suggests that the loch’s reputation amongst anglers is at least 250 years old.
Part of this reputation is for monster fish – Atlantic salmon, sea trout as well as record breaking coarse fish such as perch and pike.
The Loch Lomond Angling and Improvement Association is the key to everything you need to know about the area’s angling, by way of permits, quarry species, seasons, restocking programmes and so on….
Anything else?
Well, there’s a choice of golf courses, pony trekking options and seaplane rides – and all that comes after you’ve probably visited the large shopping and leisure complex of Loch Lomond Shores, at Balloch at the south end.
See? I told you it was pretty well developed here. Sure, Loch Lomond does remote and wild, but you’ve got to work at finding it…
What else can I do
around Loch Lomond?
Here are some suggestions for spending your time in and around the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.
Climb Ben Lomond
Visitors have been climbing Ben Lomond for fun since 1756, when the first recorded ascent was by – can you believe it? – a bunch of students. It soon became a popular day out.
The ‘sportsman’ (blood-soaked-wildlife-slaughterer?) Colonel Peter Hawker climbed it in 1812, noting in his published diary that ‘the ascent to the summit is….very passable….so much so, that ladies very commonly go up, and sometimes take with them a piper, and other apparatus for dancing.’
These days the piper is very much an optional extra, as, indeed, is the apparatus for dancing. But strong footwear and weatherproofs are recommended for this popular though demanding day out. You start from Rowardennan car park.
If this sounds like there’s a bit too much perspiring involved then try the next one…the local dumpling, to climb, not eat.
Climb the Dumpling – Duncryne Hill
Yes, it’s an odd suggestion – but this dumpling sits at the south end of Loch Lomond and is otherwise known as Duncryne Hill.
Go to the village of Gartocharn and drive out on Duncryne Road – park in a layby by the road and follow the signs (which are a little idiosyncratic and warn you about not disturbing the teddy bears – as I recall!).
A few minutes’ walk (short but steep) gives a superb reward – a spectacular panorama up the loch to the mountains beyond the Highland line. The House of Darroch in the village is good for a snacks, lunch, cakes and even shopping for gifts too.
It’s so inspiring that you’re sure to come over all geological, or possibly even glacial. Make sure the camera batteries are charged. Truly one of Scotland’s top, uhmm, five views. Don’t miss it.
Track down Rob Roy’s Cave
You know that Rob Roy Macgregor was real and not just Liam Neeson dressed up? And Rob Roy really did become a legend in his own lifetime (thanks to Daniel Defoe, of Robinson Crusoe fame, who wrote a book about Rob Roy’s adventures).
Anyway, all famous historical Scots, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie, had to have caves. It was an image thing.
‘The Vikings were so keen on cruising on Loch Lomond that they brought their own boats with them, carrying them over from the head of Loch Long to plonk them in the loch at Tarbet on Loch Lomond. (Tarbet is Gaelic for a place of portage.)’
Rob Roy’s cave is north of Inversnaid, by the lochside, easily accessible as a wee diversion from the West Highland Way.
As it’s quite hard to spot – which was a useful function of a cave for hiding in – these days it has the word ‘CAVE’ in big white letters painted outside, which is very helpful.
Go whisky tasting near the Loch
Within easy distance of Loch Lomond, Glengoyne Distillery is tucked below the western end of the Campsie Hills. It’s a scenic and a relaxing setting, totally in keeping with the intention of the folk who make the whisky there.
They want you to slow down and relax. After all, their malt whisky is distilled at one-third of the rate of any other malt whisky.
They say that’s what makes it such a complex and rewarding taste. You can explore this for yourself by selecting one of their tours.
These range from little tasting tours to comprehensive and exclusive total immersions (figuratively speaking) in the art of the distiller. (And yes, of course you get to try the product.)
Loch Lomond Beer
Johanna says that if I mention whisky I should mention beer as well. OK. Right. The Loch Lomond Brewery have a shop at their brewery at an industrial estate in Alexandria at the south end of the loch. (Well, you can’t do totally scenic all the time and, besides, they welcome visitors).
Meanwhile the Balmaha Brewing Company says they are ‘nestled’ in the National Park and, indeed, you’ll find their Oak Tree Inn doing its nestling thing just beside the Balmaha Boatyard, where you’ll go to get across to the wee island of Inchcailloch. Right?
Loch Lomond facts – The island of Inchcailloch
If you only have time to visit one of Loch Lomond’s islands, then consider Inchcailloch (and also taking a longer trip next year).
The island is a National Nature Reserve and is associated with the local Saint Kentigern. (Its name means ‘island of the old woman’ or ‘cowled woman’ ie nun.)
It has lovely oak woodland, bluebells in May and lots of other interesting botany, plus a stunning viewpoint.
At 56 hectares it’s the fourth largest of the 39 Loch Lomond islands that have tree cover. It’s also easy to reach on an on-demand ferry service from the Balmaha Boatyard. In short, it’s a Loch Lomond ‘must see’. But, wait, there are plenty of cruising options that go further afield…
Loch Lomond Cruising and ferries
Among Loch Lomond facts, it should be emphasised that The Vikings were so keen on cruising on Loch Lomond that they brought their own boats with them. They carryied them over from the head of Loch Long to plonk them in the loch at Tarbet on Loch Lomond. (Tarbet is Gaelic for a place of portage.)
Strictly speaking, these Vikings were really looting and pillaging, so this may not count.
However, cruising and boat trips have been available on the loch since Victorian times – one of today’s operators was here by the 1880s.
Today, cruising is handled by a number of operators and in a variety of formats. These could include island landings, pub visits, barbeques, live commentaries and private charters and can be from one hour upwards. Whatever the programme, it’s a great way of getting to know the loch.
From Portnellan Farm (pictured here) you can go speedboat cruising (but book in advance). Ferry and cruise operators include Cruise Loch Lomond, also Loch Lomond Leisure (all kinds of craft hire) and Sweeney’s Cruise Company.
The Cobbler – the (slightly) spiky peak west of Loch Lomond
From the West Highland Way by Loch Lomond or by the shores of Loch Long, your eye is drawn to the profile of The Cobbler.
It’s simply one of Scotland’s most easily identifiable mountains. Though at 2891 ft / 881 metres it doesn’t qualify as a Munro (a mountain over 3000ft / 914 metres), it’s long been a popular excursion.
Walkers and rock-climbers are drawn to its craggy skyline, with that distinctive overhang, seen from certain angles (though not the one immediately below!). Take care, will you?
Falls of Falloch – north of the Loch
Glen Falloch has some noted waterfalls. The English Romantic poet William Wordsworth called it ‘the vale of awful sound’ – just the sort of thing a romantic poet would say.
The Falls of Falloch are probably the best-known in the area and make a pleasant little leg-stretch in fine Highland scenery if you find yourself above Loch Lomond on the Crianlarich stretch of the A82. They are easy to find – there’s a big brown sign and a car park!
Villages around Loch Lomond
Luss
Long ago, Luss was a place of pilgrimage associated with St Kessog, a 6th-century Irish saint who lived on the nearby island of Inchtavanich.
Today, the attractive lochside community of Luss is still very much on the visitor list, with fine prospects of the loch, its islands and the peak of Ben Lomond. You could say – the residents definitely would – that Luss is actually too popular.
The Colquhoun family features prominently in the village’s story. In the early 19th century, they built the present Luss village to accommodate their estate workers.
Luss and this area has lots of lovely hotels and guest houses too. The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel in Luss is top of our list.
Luss is a fine example of a ‘planned village’. It has seen little change since its construction and is a designated Outstanding Conservation Area.
In other words, it’s pretty and you’ll like it! Another one for your ‘Loch Lomond don’t miss’ list.
Oh, and Johanna says you’ll enjoy the Coach House Coffee Stop as she reports lovely soups, haggis and home baking, as well as kilted waiters.
Balloch – Loch Lomond Shores
Balloch grew up around an early ferry and river crossing point at the south end of Loch Lomond.
As tourism and leisure time developed in the 19th century, Balloch’s moorings on the River Leven attracted steamers, boat-hire, cruising and the air of a place where city-folk came to enjoy themselves while messing about with boats. The arrival of the railway also helped.
(Picture here) Alas, the Maid of the Loch no longer sploshes her way around the loch. (Loch Lomond facts alert…) She was the last paddle-steamer built in the UK (in Glasgow in 1953) and is laid-up undergoing a long-drawn-out restoration close by the Balloch Steam Slipway, itself a venerable piece of machinery dated 1902.
If you tire of the retail experience of Loch Lomond Shores – see next para – then you can stroll round in a few minutes to inspect her.
Anyway, today, Balloch’s role as a gateway to Loch Lomond takes the form of the Loch Lomond Shores complex, where interpretation, activity choice and retailing all fulfil the needs of the 21st-century visitor. (Basically, there are lots of shoppies.)
You can experience lots of quality shopping here plus a farmers’ market sometimes – but the view up the loch and across to the laid-up paddler The Maid of the Loch is free.
Explore the East Loch Lomond villages
On the east side of the loch, motorists should stop at Rowardennan. (To be honest – you have to. It’s where the motorable road ends.)
There’s parking, camping and accommodation including a youth hostel and hotel – plus a lot of folk putting their boots on and setting off for a walk – Loch Lomond looks tempting, while the West Highland Way carries on north.
The Way also goes on through Inversnaid, another way of reaching the east side of Loch Lomond by road.
On this east-side road to and from Rowardennan, there are plenty of picnic places and stopping-off points, including Sallochy (look for the parking sign) with its choice of woodland walks.
Further south is Balamaha with its boatyard offering cruises and trips. Climb Conic Hill from here via the West Highland Way for a superb view across the Loch Lomond islands. Buchanan Smithy and Milton of Buchanan are little settlements between Balmaha and the larger community of Drymen.
There is a good choice of accommodation in the area, with further shops, pubs and cafes in Drymen.
Also within easy distance of Loch Lomond are communities such as Gartocharn, with stunning views from Duncryne Hill, just behind it, and, further east, Balfron and Killearn.
These are attractive communities on the edge of the Campsie Hills, and good touring centres with accommodation choice.
Loch Lomond Facts – west and north
The scenic spectacle draws visitors north along the main loch-side road, the A82, beyond The Carrick, the golf course at Arden. Many make a stop at the attractive estate village of Luss, already mentioned above.
A few minutes further north, Inverbeg with its Inn and other accommodation, holiday park, gallery and pier, is another scenic diversion.
Continuing north, Tarbet is a long-established settlement at the road junction for the west. Accommodation and boat cruises, as well as pleasant loch-side strolling, are all on offer here.
At Tarbet, the road splits, one route going further north by the loch, the other heading west and over to Arrochar at the head of Loch Long.
Arrochar sits in an attractive setting below wooded slopes. There are fine views of the Cobbler, plenty of accommodation choice and the village is also on the Three Lochs Way walking route.
Further on, the A83 continues west by the Rest and Be Thankful for Loch Fyne, Inveraray and beyond.
Back on Loch Lomond, Inveruglas is a definite ‘photo-stop’ with easy parking. It has a passenger-only ferry connection to Inversnaid on the opposite bank.
It’s also the place where serious walkers set off for a day in the peaks of the ‘Arrochar Alps’.
At the top of the loch, Ardlui is another popular stopping-off point with its accommodation choice, marina and, close by, the inn where Rob Roy himself slaked his thirst more than once.
The main road then climbs north through Glenfalloch with fine views of the high hills around Crianlarich. East along Glen Dochart, the Falls of Dochart at Killin are picturesque – especially impressive in spate…but not really within the Loch Lomond ‘sphere’.
A Recap on Loch Lomond towns/villages nearby
Arden
Just a couple of minutes along the road from the Balloch, a rural community hidden between road and shore. Accommodation, places to eat, ferry terminal for Inchmurrin – plus a championship golf course – the Carrick.
Arrochar
In Clan MacFarlane country (and once the seat of the chief), Arrochar was a kind of natural route centre at the head of Loch Long and also on a later military road between Inveraray and Dumbarton.
A pier for steamers, then the arrival of the railway both helped visitors discover the unique appeal of Arrochar’s location below the grand hills. Today the community still welcomes plenty of visitors with a good choice of accommodation and places to eat.
Gartocharn
An attractive little community close to the south end of Loch Lomond, with easy access to the loch. Duncryne Hill, viewpoint and landmark, rises prominently behind the village.
Luss
(Too) popular stopping-off point by Loch Lomond, beautifully sited with islands offshore. A ‘planned village’ for the local estate and a designated ‘Outstanding Conservation Area’. Good accommodation choice and places to eat.
Tarbet
In Gaelic ‘a place of portage’ – in this case between Loch Lomond and the salt water of Loch Long – Tarbet is on an important junction between west and north.
As an old-established community catering for travellers, many famous names have passed through here, including Robert Burns and the Wordsworths. As well as accommodation and places to eat, it has an attractive shoreline and offers regular loch cruising.
Balmaha
An attractive little loch-side community with a sylvan setting and a little bay sheltered by the island Inchcailloch. Popular stop-off point on any excursion up the east side of Loch Lomond; also where the West Highland Way meets the Loch.
Good accommodation choice and places to eat – plus boat hire and boat trips. It’s beginning to sound like the essential Loch Lomond experience.
Drymen
Originally a bridging point on the Endrick before it reached Loch Lomond, now an important gateway community for Loch Lomond and the National Park. Good choice of accommodation and friendly pubs.
Here’s our tip just for you: go through a little gate on the north side of the main road (opposite the Buchanan Arms Hotel) and a two minute walk reveals a brilliant view of the loch.
Ardlui
Once an old cattle-droving stopping-off place, complete with nearby inn, at the head of Loch Lomond. Today, lots still go on here. There is a marina, boat cruises, caravan park, ferry to take walkers on to the West Highland Way, plus a choice of refreshments and accommodation.
Good base for local walking excursions: perhaps exploring the old drovers’ route into Glen Gyle, or a big day on Ben Vorlich.
That’s the practical facts on Loch Lomond – you should be able to find plenty to occupy your time here. The rest of this is just for fun…some of the wackier things you might enjoy about the loch.
More on Loch Lomond
– some of the odder Loch Lomond facts and stats.
THE LOCH LOMOND GLACIER
Loch Lomond is only 27ft or eight metres above sea level. Only because a melting glacier dumped a load of earth and rocks down at the south end, did it become a proper inland loch – dammed by the material – and not just an arm of the sea like its fjord-like neighbour, Loch Long.
That all happened at the end of the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago.
THE FISH FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE
Loch Lomond has a larger number of native and introduced fish species than any other loch in Scotland, with 15 native species. This includes the powan, confined in the UK to a few lochs and tarns.
Unfortunately, other species such as ruffe (introduced to the loch by that curious breed, the coarse angler) are very fond of powan eggs. [That’s enough about fish – Ed.]
HOW MANY ISLANDS?
The number of islands on the loch varies depending on its water-level. If tree-cover is used to define islands, this gives a figure of 39. Of the islands of Loch Lomond, Inchmurrin is the largest island in an inland loch (or lake) anywhere in the UK.
And how deep is Loch Lomond? Well, we’ve a whole page on that topic. Follow the link.
AND THIS MONSTER-THING IS A BIT WEIRD…
In the 1953 US film ‘The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms’, about a giant dinosaur-like creature that attacks New York, the dialogue makes more than one reference to ‘The Loch Lomond Monster’ as evidence that weird creatures exist.
Presumably they meant the name of another loch? Or do they know something we don’t?
And, sure enough, at the height of the Loch Ness monster mania, many years ago, the crew on the footplate of a steam locomotive (the railway also overlooks the top section of the loch) also saw something they thought was a large swimming creature of unknown origins. Yeah, right.
LOCH LOMOND AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLYING
The first successful unpowered flight in the UK was made in 1895 in a field above Cardross by Percy Pilcher, in his glider called ‘The Bat’. A lecturer at Glasgow University, he went on to build larger gliders, successfully flying them.
He was on the point of attempting a flight in a powered machine when killed in a gliding accident.
LOCH LOMOND’S UNIQUE PLANT
Growing nowhere else in Britain, the Loch Lomond dock (Rumex aquaticus) was only discovered in 1935. This was odd as it grows up to two metres tall! Hardly an inconspicuous wee thing.
CAPTAIN HADDOCK’S FAVOURITE WHISKY
Captain Haddock is Tintin’s best friend in the famous Belgian cartoon and story series. His favourite whisky is a brand called “Loch Lomond”. Blistering barnacles!
THE BARE ESSENTIALS ON INCHMURRIN
The Loch Lomond island of Inchmurrin has a nudist colony. It’s Scotland’s oldest naturist club, and has been there since the 1940s. I have heard that they are short of members though. (Oooh, can I say that? – anyway it proves the midges aren’t that bad….)
ROBERT BURNS THE LOCH-SIDE TRAVELLER
In the summer of 1787, Robert Burns was probably Loch Lomond’s most famous visitor up to that time, unless we count Rob Roy, though he was resident for a time.
Burns was heading south, down the loch for Dumbarton. He spent the night at Bannachra, near Arden, in good company – basically partying all night. (Strong drink was definitely taken.)
Next day, none too sober, with his companions and mounted on the road, he was overtaken by a Highlander, also on horseback. Burns raced him, and overtook him. The Highlander checked his horse, which fell, and Burns likewise went down.
Cuts, bruises and a sore head were the results of his wild time by the loch. Yes, it still happens today to many visitors after the weekend…
(Pictured here) An especially attractive section of the Three Lochs Way (34 miles / 55km) that runs through the sea-loch fringes of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.
TORPEDO RUNS AMUCK ON LOCH LONG
Between 1912 and 1986, Loch Long was the site of a torpedo testing range. Every torpedo supplied to the Royal Navy at one time was test-fired down the loch (without a warhead!). Usually all went well and the devices were recovered and delivered as required.
Once, in the 1950s, one went astray and gave a local steamer a bit of a bump. Worse, a few years later, another torpedo went well off course.
The missile left the water, ploughed up a beach, over a lawn and crashed through the French windows of a lochside hotel. The Loch Long range is thus unique in managing to torpedo a hotel!
(The buildings of the range itself are abandoned and not, uhmm, overwhelmingly scenic. The hotel is now a private house but if you know where to look you can see the wall that was built by the navy in case another torpedo went off track!)
THE RIGHT TO ROAM IN SCOTLAND
Long before the ‘right to roam’ legislation was enacted in the Loch Lomond area, outdoor enthusiasts from Dumbarton gathered for a mass trespass on the Overtoun estate in May 1911, then a strictly guarded sporting estate
Demonstrations also took place at Balloch, where walkers wanted to reach the south shores of Loch Lomond. Today, both areas, naturally, are open to all and actively managed for recreation and walking.
WHISKY DISTILLING FOR NEARBY GLASGOW
It is thought that by 1816 the illegal stills on the islands of Loch Lomond were producing an estimated 100 gallons a day for consumption in Glasgow.
DESIGN A SHIP’S HULL
(Pictured here) One of Scotland’s oddest attractions in the Loch Lomond area, down by Dumbarton and the Clyde. The Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank did what its name suggests.
The shipbuilders Denny tested models of ship hulls in a 300ft (90m) tank.
Built 1882, the tank complex retains many original features, except the shipyard of which it was once part, which closed a long time ago.
The tank is part of the Scottish Maritime Museum.
(And finally) Though the ‘Cutty Sark’ is possibly the most famous Dumbarton-built ship, the now-vanished yards here were pioneering in their day. The first ever steamship to cross the English Channel, the ‘Margery’, also came from Dumbarton.
The largest-ever inland waterway fleet – Burma’s Irrawaddy Flotilla – as mentioned in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Road to Mandalay’ – was also built here.
Imagine: all this industry going on and only minutes from ‘the bonnie banks’.
More on Loch Lomond boat trips. And an answer to the question of how deep Loch Lomond is.
More Loch Lomond facts (if you can take any more) on the National Park website.