Things To Do In Loch Lomond

An hour’s drive from the city of Glasgow, at stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, you’ll find one of the most popular locations for visitors and locals alike. Known as the gateway to the Highlands, this famous loch stretches for 24 glorious, scenic miles across 1865 sq km, of enchanting natural beauty and is the largest body of water in the UK.  

Loch Lomond is just one of many stunning Scottish Lochs that you’ll fall in love with.

Apart from the whisky, climbing and hiking in the hills and glens, fishing, boating and waterskiing on the water are among the many activities for visitors to Loch Lomond. There are also historic castles, wildlife reserves and museums to explore with the family.  

Whether you are looking for things to do in Scotland, or you are thinking about buying a static caravan in Scotland so that you can return to this wonderful part of the world time and time again, we’ve gathered together some of the most popular things to do in Loch Lomond.

Walking In Loch Lomond

The Great Trossachs Path is a spectacular, signposted two day hike across ruggedly beautiful terrain, and the West Highland Way Walk is one of the 10 top hiking trails in the world, according to National Geographic, crossing 154km of magnificent, wild country from Fort William to Milngavie. The route is dotted with picturesque villages, including Killin, near the Falls of Dochart, Balmaha and Inchcai.

An alternative long distance route is the stunning, historic Rob Roy Way.  This stunning trail leads across the Southern Highlands, taking you down legendary paths trod by notorious Scottish outlaw.

For a more gentle walk, Tarbet Isle Walk leads you through oak and pine woodland and guarantee spectacular views of the Loch and Tarbet Isle. 

Forming part of the historic Rob Roy trail, The Glen Ogle Trail leads along a disused railway line, a gentle uphill walk-through glorious countryside. This is a great route for mountain bikes too.

Climbing In Loch Lomond

Situated to the east of the loch, Ben Lomond is known as a Munro because it stands over 975 metres tall. The 7-mile Tourist Path to the summit is known as one of the easier climbs. The most popular path up to the summit of Ben Lomond is the Tourist Path, which is accessed via the village of Rowardennan and starts at the Ben Lomond visitor centre. 

Conic Hill presents a shorter hill walk above Balmaha with spellbinding views over the Loch Lomond. Right on the Highland Boundary Fault, this short hill walk offers truly fantastic views over Loch Lomond and its many islands.

On the outskirts of the park, Bracklinn Falls, near the picturesque town of Callander, you’ll stumble across a spectacular series of waterfalls. The path under the bridge is wide enough for a pushchair, a memorable day out for families.

Loch Lomond Water Sports

Loch Lomond offers a huge range of popular water sports, including wakeboarding, water skiing, canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Suitable for swimming, the annual Great Scottish Swim takes place here if you fancy a chilly dip.

Dumbarton Castle 

Set in a stunning, dramatic location on Lomond’s shores, Dumbarton Castle is one of Scotland´s most intriguing historical sites. With spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, there are 557 steps to the White Tower Crag, but it´s well worth the climb. There are also some fantastic interactive activities for the children.

Balloch Castle Country Park 

Located in 200 acres of stunning guided walks, nature trails, and secluded walled gardens, Loch Lomond’s top country park offers incredible views. Balloch is a charming village to the south west of the loch, with 28 beaches, making this a popular destination for families.

The Maid of the Loch

Visitors can see one of the last paddle steamers with working engines and paddles. The Maid of the Loch was built in 1953 and is being lovingly restored. There’s a restaurant with wonderful views of the Loch and the mountains.

Inchmahome Priory

A must for history lovers and accessible by ferry from the Port of Monteith, several 13th-century Augustinian monastery buildings still exist on the largest island on the Lake of Menteith. Mary Queen of Scots was hidden from the English here as a child. 

Breadalbane Folklore Centre

Located at Killin, close to the Falls of Dochart, this lovely old mill with the waterwheel still in operation houses the treasures and the history of the clans. Arts and crafts, shops and interactive activities, including the story of St Fillan and the famous healing stone number among the activities.

Inversnaid RSPB Nature Trail

Situated in oak woodland to the east of the loch, Inversnaid trails are a haven for nature lovers. Wood warbler, buzzards, woodpeckers, flycatchers and redstart are among the many birds you might spot in the summer. You might catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, including red deer and pine martens or stumble across some ancient ruins as you enjoy the fabulous views. Inversnaid Falls are a short distance away.

Hamilton Toy Collection

In the quaint town of Callander, the museum houses an amazing collection of toys spanning 175 years of the Hamilton family. It´s one of the world´s biggest largest privately owned toy collections. Crammed with dolls, houses, tin soldiers, cars, and puppets, this is a visit guaranteed to delight the whole family.

Doune Castle

Built for the Regent Albany, this formidable castle has been used as a location for films such as Ivanhoe and the series Game of Thrones and Outlander. Noteworthy attractions include the keep-gate house and domestic quarters, musician’s gallery, and the kitchen where you can learn to prepare a banquet Access to the courtyard and cellar is via a steep, cobbled tunnel, and there are incredible views of Ben Lomond from the battlements.

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

A fantastic day out for the family with the chance to meet the animals, including elephants, giraffes, camels, and deer. There´s a wildlife tour around the reserves and a boat trip to Chimp Island.

Argyll Adventure

An hour´s drive from Loch Lomond, Argyll Adventure is a five-star attraction with a range of themed activities for the whole family. Try shooting crossbows, horse-riding, paintball, and laser tag. There´s a café and picnic tables so you can make a day of it.

Loch Lomond Pony Trekking

Pony trekking is a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the beautiful national park for all ages. Catering for beginners and experienced riders, one-to-one and group sessions are on offer. 

Loch Lomond Faerie Trail 

Children and adults will love this delightful wander through the magical woodlands near Luss, one of the prettiest villages in Scotland. Tickets include an activity book and pencil, wristband, and certificate. Faeries live among the trees in their magical houses – an enchanting adventure.

Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium

Visit an extraordinary underwater world as you journey to the ocean floor through themed zones, including the Tropical Ocean Tunnel. The aquarium houses over 1500 species of creatures: sharks, a family of Otters and friendly Cow Nose Rays. In the interactive rockpools, you can touch starfish and other sea creatures and enjoy the wonderful Loch views from the observation deck. The children will love feeding time, listening to fun talks and quizzes.

Loch Lomond Seaplanes

For an unforgettable sightseeing experience, take a flight over the Highlands in a luxury seaplane. Flights last about half an hour, and you´ll see more than sixty miles over some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world towards the Isle of Bute.

Go Ape Loch Lomond 

In the heart of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, deep in the forests, at Go Ape you´ll gasp at the longest zip wires in Britain. Ride a 323-metre zip over waterfalls and treetops and take part in an obstacle course with 30 treetop challenges.