If you are looking for things to do in Loch Lomond, look no further! This beautiful Scottish loch has plenty of activities and attractions to keep visitors busy. From hiking and boating to fishing and golfing, there is something for everyone in Loch Lomond. In this blog post, we will explore the top 7 things to do in this stunning location.
Things to do in Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, boasting stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Below we give an overview of the 7 best things to do in Loch Lomond.
Tip: the map of Loch Lomond below shows where the best things in Loch Lomond can be found. To enlarge the map, click on the top right corner. To save this map in your Google Maps account, click on the star symbol next to the title. In the folder, you can show or hide different categories. You can then use this map to navigate when you are at your destination.
#1 Climb Conic Hill
The climb to Conic Hill is well worth doing when visiting the area of Loch Lomond. You can either start your hike from Drymen or Balmaha and enjoy breathtaking views at the summit. After a steep but rewarding climb, hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views across Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. We suggest the hike from Drymer to Conic Hill for its breathtaking views of Scotland’s countryside and longer trail. If you’re not in the mood for a long trek, then Balmaha is your best bet. Use this map to follow along with both hikes.
Drymer to Conic Hill: this 16km/10-mile hike will take 5-6 hour to complete. During the hike, you walk through meadows of sheep, forests, and spectacular viewpoints across the plains. At the top, you can enjoy the view of Loch Lomond. You can return to Drymer if you parked the car in the village or walk to Balmaha.
Balmaha to Conic Hill: the hike from Balmaha to Conic Hill is 4km / 2.5 miles and will take approximately 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level. It begins with a fairly steep ascent, gradually increasing in steepness as you climb upwards toward the summit. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond, and The Trossachs National Park.
#2 Loch Lomond boat tour
Taking a boat tour around Loch Lomond is a great way to appreciate its beauty and explore some of the areas that are otherwise inaccessible on foot. On the tour, you can marvel at the breathtaking views of Ben Lomond, soak up the peaceful atmosphere, and spot some of Scotland’s native wildlife. The best place to do the boat tour is from Balmaha because the other activities we recommended are in the area of Blamaha and therefore perfect to combine.
When you book a tour, there are two options available: a 1-hour boat tour or the longer 2-hour boat tour. Both options are great the only difference is that during the 2-hour tour, you pass “The Narrows,” a passageway between three islands! With this extended route, travelers can enjoy more breathtaking views. Click on the link of both tours to book your preferred boat tour.
#3 Whiskey tour at Glengoyne
Visiting Glengoyne Distillery for a whiskey tour is an absolute must if you are in the area. Tickets need to be purchased from the official Glengoyne website upfront, costing £18 / $22 per person. The tours take place four times a day, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. It’s also a great activity to do on a rainy day. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or someone who just wants to learn more about how Scottish whisky is made, this tour has something for everyone! We liked the whiskey tour because you can taste different single malts.
#4 Hike Balmaha Millennium Forest path
The Balmaha Millennium Forest path is one of the fun things to do in Loch Lomond that shouldn’t be missed. The hike starts at Balmaha Visitor Centre. The hike is easy to follow, when you arrive there is a map that indicate how you need to walk. The hike is 2 km / 1.25 miles and takes around 45 minutes – 1 hour to complete. It passes through a variety of landscapes from forests, to meadows, to sandy beaches. On the way, you can spot wildlife such as red squirrels and roe deer. The path also offers stunning views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding area which makes it worth doing.
After the walk, you can drink or have lunch at The Oat Tree Inn. This traditional Scottish inn is a great place to relax after your hike and enjoy some local delicacies. The Oat Tree Inn has a cozy bar with a log fire where you can sit back, have a pint of beer or glass of whiskey and take in the views of the loch.
#5 Balloch Castle Country Park
A visit to Balloch Castle Country Park should definitely be of your things to do in Loch Lomond when you are in the area. The country park offers a variety of things to do, from exploring the historic castle ruins to walking around the beautiful woodland trails. There’s also a Castle garden where you can walk. When traveling with kids there are play areas, a cafe, and a restaurant as well a miniature train. The park is great for families and people who like to make easy walks in parks.
#6 Discover the countryside by doing a mini road trip
If you really want to explore some of the best things to do in Loch Lomond, then taking a mini road trip is the way to go. You can start at Balmaha and drive via Drymer and Dalmary to Aberfoyle. Here you drive Callender and return via Port of Menteith. Our map shows exactly how to ride.
During this road trip, you see stunning views of mountains and lochs. This mini road trip is perfect for those who want to discover the area without going on lengthy hikes. The road trip takes +/- 2-3 hours depending on how often you stop.
Tip: when traveling with a family you can stop at Go Ape Aberfoyle where you can do an aerial adventure in the treetops. Tickets can be bought via the site of Go Ape Aberfoyle.
#7 Luss
When you would like to visit more villages in the area of Loch Lomond is Luss worth visiting. Here you can admire a sandy beach or start some hikes. When you love to hike Beinn Dubh – Glen Striddle horseshoe in Luss is great to do. This hike is 11.5km / 7.25 miles long and takes 3.5 – 5 hours. On this hike, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond, and The Trossachs National Park. Check all the details of the hike here.
Tour to Loch Lomond
As you can see there is a lot to do in Loch Lomond which is a perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay. We recommend visiting Loch Lomond yourself but when you do not have the time and you are in the cities you can book an organized tour. See below the tours we recommend when you are in one of these cities:
- Edinburgh: visit Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies
- Glasgow: visit Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle
How many days do you need for Loch Lomond
You need at least two days to explore the highlights of this area. Some people even stay for a whole week or more, as there is so much to see and do in Loch Lomond. Whichever plan you choose, Loch Lomond is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Where to stay in Loch Lomond
When visiting Loch Lomond, it is essential to plan and book your accommodation several months in advance due to its immense popularity amongst Scots. We recommend staying in the area of Balmaha as you are centrally located. Travelers with a camper or their own car have the following options:
When traveling to Loch Lomond with a car: Oak Tree Inn, Loch Lomond Waterfront Luxury Lodges, and Birchwood Guest Lodge are good accommodations to stay.
Oak Tree Inn offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the loch, as well as a range of fabulous amenities such as an onsite restaurant and a bar. The friendly staff provides top-notch customer service and ensures that all guests have an enjoyable and relaxing stay.
Loch Lomond Waterfront Luxury Lodges has some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland, nestled between the loch and the mountains, these luxurious lodges provide an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. With good beds and modern amenities, these lodges offer the perfect base for a restful getaway.
Birchwood Guest Lodge has elegant rooms for budget travelers. It provides an ideal base for exploring the area or just relaxing in comfort. Enjoy superior hospitality with friendly staff who strive to ensure your stay is an enjoyable experience.
When traveling with a motorhome: If you’re looking for a way to park without spending any money, your options are limited. The best places to stay is xx
Where to eat in Loch Lomond
There are many great places to eat in the Loch Lomond area, see below places that are worth visiting.
The Oak Tree Inn is a traditional Scottish pub and restaurant situated in Balmaha. The restaurant offers classic British dishes as well as vegetarian options, all with stunning views over Loch Lomond.
The Lodge on Loch Lomond is a chic restaurant located in the village of Luss. Here you can enjoy modern British cuisine which is inspired by the surrounding nature. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere with an outdoor terrace and stunning views of the loch.
The Boathouse at Loch Lomond is a restaurant located on the banks of the loch. The menu includes modern British dishes and classic seafood, all made with fresh produce sourced from local farmers. The restaurant also offers a selection of traditional Scottish beers and whiskies.
Transportation in Loch Lomond
If you are planning to explore Loch Lomond and the surrounding area, public transportation is available. The local buses run between Glasgow, Balloch, and other villages in this area. The best way to explore the area is by car. When you want to hire a car you can do this via Rentalcars. We use Rentalcars when we want to travel by car to discover new destinations. They’re easy to use and book with.
How to get to Loch Lomond
Getting to Loch Lomond is easy and there are a few different options available depending on your circumstances.
By Car: the most popular way to get to Loch Lomond is by car. It is easy to get there from major cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh.
By Bus: There are bus services that run from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Loch Lomond. You can also take a bus from Inverness, Fort William, or Oban.
By Train: You can take a train from Glasgow to Balloch. From there you can take a bus or ferry to your destination in Loch Lomond.
Traveling by car/camper is the best way to discover Loch Lomond. In the overview below you can see how long it takes to reach Loch Lomond (Balmaha) from popular destinations:
- Fort William to Balmaha: 2 hours and 15 minutes | 152 km / 95 miles
- Glen Coe to Balmaha: 2 hours | 128 km / 80 miles
- Isle of Skye to Balmaha: 4 hours and 45 minutes | 328 km / 204 miles
- Glenfinnan Viaduct to Balmaha: 2 hours and 45 minutes | 181 km / 113 miles
- Inverness to Balmaha: 3 hours and 15 minutes | 265 km / 165 miles
- Glasgow to Balmaha: 45 minutes | 35 km / 22 miles
- Edinburgh to Balmaha: 1 hour and 30 minutes | 102 km / 64 miles
The best time to visit Loch Lomond
The best time to visit Loch Lomond is during the summer months of June through August. During this time, you can expect an average temperature between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius (59-68 Fahrenheit). The warm days allow for plenty of outdoor activities in the beautiful countryside, such as hiking, boat tours, and scenic drives. If you’re looking for something quieter, autumn and winter also provide breathtaking scenery – just make sure to pack your warmest coat!
Discover more of Scotland
After visiting Loch Lomond you can travel to many places like Edinburgh, Glen Coe, or Fort William.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and it is brimming with things to do. From historic buildings and monuments to chic bars, cafés, and restaurants. There is so much to discover!
Glen Coe is part of the Highlands and it is known for its dramatic landscapes. Fort William lies at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain.
If you want to visit Scotland and don’t know what to do, our Scotland itinerary can help you. The itinerary includes all the best attractions, locations, and activities. Plus, it has some extra tips to make sure you have a good time!
Other useful articles that are worth checking are:
- Scotland trip cost: explains per type of traveler how much budget you need
- Scotland travel guide: guide about Scotland that gives general travel information about Scotland.
