Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond, United Kingdom

Full of wild scenery, fascinating history, and delicious local food, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is a Scottish treasure. At the center of the park is Loch Lomond, the largest body of freshwater in the U.K., featuring ample recreation (everything from kayaking and canoeing to jet-skiing), 30 islands (visit Inchconnachan in spring to see a blanket of bluebells), and miles of bonnie banks (for strolling in the shadow of Ben Lomond). Beyond the lake, the park is packed with interesting corners to explore, from the lush landscapes of the southern section to the sprawling glens and rocky peaks in the north. For the best views, cycle the challenging Loch Eck Loop, or hike the craggy Cobbler. Also worth seeking out are villages like Balmaha, national scenic areas such as Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and more off-the-beaten-track areas like the Cowal Peninsula and Breadalbane.

More Recommendations

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Full of wild scenery, fascinating history, and delicious local food, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is a Scottish treasure. At the center of the park is Loch Lomond, the largest body of freshwater in the U.K., featuring ample recreation (everything from kayaking and canoeing to jet-skiing), 30 islands (visit Inchconnachan in spring to see a blanket of bluebells), and miles of bonnie banks (for strolling in the shadow of Ben Lomond). Beyond the lake, the park is packed with interesting corners to explore, from the lush landscapes of the southern section to the sprawling glens and rocky peaks in the north. For the best views, cycle the challenging Loch Eck Loop, or hike the craggy Cobbler. Also worth seeking out are villages like Balmaha, national scenic areas such as Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and more off-the-beaten-track areas like the Cowal Peninsula and Breadalbane.

Enjoying the views on the banks of Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is one of my favourite parts of Scotland. On a sunny day it is perfect for a drive around the water, stopping in at the villages and small towns along the way. Best of all is the climb of Ben Lomond. It may take up to 3 hours to climb but the views all along the way are breathtaking. Less than an hour from Glasgow it is a great day trip from the city or as a stopping off point on the road further into the Scottish Highlands.

Loch Lomond

We arrived at Loch Lomond after a long drive from Edinburgh. The sun was starting to set and storm clouds were rolling in. The blues on the water and in the sky were amazing.

Countryside of Scotland

A trip to Scotland isn’t complete without renting a car and driving on the undersized roads through the countryside. Enjoy the various terrains, small hidden towns, and the numerous lochs along the way. (My family did this going cross-country on the way from Edinburgh to Oban)

Seaplane to Loch Lomond

The glittering waters of Loch Lomond—all 27 square miles of them—are on Glasgow’s doorstep less than 40 minutes away. Part of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, the largest inland expanse of water in Great Britain naturally attracts all manner of watersport fanatics, including kayakers, windsurfers, jet-skiers, and anglers. It also draws throngs of trekkers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers with scores of mountain and waterfront trails. All this is great fun—but what if you’ve only a few hours to spend, and want to experience the loch without dirtying your shoes? A seaplane tour over the park, perhaps including a lunch stop at a five-star restaurant, might be the ticket. For more information about the places and people who make Glasgow special, visit peoplemakeglasgow.us

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR