Loch Lomond
The basics
Loch Lomond is commonly visited on day tours from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the cruise port of Greenock, with many tours and day trips stopping nearby at Oban, Inveraray, Loch Ness, Loch Awe, Stirling Castle, and William Wallace Monument. You can drive, walk, or cycle around the loch’s shores, or rent kayaks, canoes, or book tickets on a cruise from Tarbet to see the wild scenery of the north shores of the loch.
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Things to know before you go
Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly trails can be found along the shores of Loch Lomond.
In winter, the hills and mountains become icy and snowy, and should only be tackled by those with sufficient mountaineering experience.
Scotland is known for its notoriously changeable weather; bring layers and be prepared for sunshine one minute and rain the next.
Bring insect repellent to fend off midges (gnats).
How to get there
With its southern tip 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Glasgow, Loch Lomond is an accessible wilderness. The main access points are Balloch on the south and Luss on the west. From Glasgow Queen Street, ScotRail runs a direct, 50-minute train service to Balloch and one to Arrochar and Tarbet. Driving to Balloch takes 35 minutes from Glasgow and about 90 minutes from Edinburgh. Tour typically include round-trip transport from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Loch Lomond has year-round appeal. Spring is wildflower season, autumn brings fantastic fall foliage, and winter promises snow-dusted mountain vistas. Summer sees the most visitors and is the best option weather-wise. The vast size of the lake and the national park means the area rarely feels crowded.
Island-hopping in Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond features more than 30 islands. Among the largest of them is Inchmurrin, home to the ruins of the 14th-century Lennox Castle. North of Inchmurrin is Inchcailloch, an easily accessible island with a 13th-century church and several attractive woodland walking trails.
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- Linlithgow Palace
- Linlithgow Loch
- Blackness Castle
- Hopetoun House
- Forth Bridge
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