Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo or YouTube
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
Please take a moment to read the Community guidelines and learn how to use the Community. The personal details and information provided by you will be used by VisitScotland to create your iKnow community account. Any content you provide, such as a profile photo, username, comments and discussions will be publicly available.
By ticking the box and clicking submit you confirm that you have read and agreed to the terms of our privacy policy.
Love Scotland and want to share your stories – why not have a look at all the recent discussions and make a contribution or start a new discussion? Visiting Scotland and looking for some advice – why not ask a question or start a discussion or simply explore all the great content?
Join the conversation today and share your #scotspirit.
By ticking the box and clicking submit you confirm that you have read and agreed to the terms of our privacy policy.
Love Scotland and want to share your stories – why not have a look at all the recent discussions and make a contribution or start a new discussion? Visiting Scotland and looking for some advice – why not ask a question or start a discussion or simply explore all the great content?
Join the conversation today and share your #scotspirit.
Exploring Loch Lomond area
shawes86
Member ✭✭
My wife and I will be in Scotland this spring for a couple weeks. One night in early May we're spending the night in Balloch, and the next day we've allotted to just exploring the Loch Lomond area before heading to Glasgow that evening. I want to head up Conic Hill, but that won't take all day.
What else should we make it a point to see / where else should we go in that area before we head to Glasgow? We're hiring a car so we can drive (don't have to rely on trains or buses).
What else should we make it a point to see / where else should we go in that area before we head to Glasgow? We're hiring a car so we can drive (don't have to rely on trains or buses).
Tagged:
1
Best Answers
-
Horizons
Member, VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs covers a pretty massive area and you haven't provided your before and after plans from this 1 segment but I'll provide some recommendations as best I can. My top advice would be to stick to either the east or west of the loch, I am not aware of ferries crossing with cars (maybe the Tarbert - Ben Lomond one does).
On the east, I'd recommend exploring Aberfoyle (maybe even Go Ape there) - Callander. There's a bunch of beautiful views & waterfalls (ex: Bracklinn) and generally is a quiet and under-appreciated part of the country. Use the WalkHighlands section to see which short walks / falls you'd like to explore.
I wouldn't miss the village of Luss on the west at all, it is so beautiful. I have my pictures and experiences in a blogpost here. I'd also recommend checking out Arrochar (good hiking) and Tarbert (good Loch views) but I have a feeling you'll cross there before / after the Balloch segment.I'm Anirudh, an Indian travel blogger who has explored a lot of Scotland by public transport. My blog. Find me on Facebook | Instagram
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Speyside fest)6 -
DMWScotland
VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭
Hello @shawes86I've walked around some of the east side of Loch Lomond, but I haven't been up Conic Hill yet. Hopefully this year If you're starting your hike early in the morning and find you have some time left I'd recommend visiting Inchcailloch Island! A little boat leaves from Balmaha boatyard (behind Oaktree Inn) and takes you across to the island, only a five minute sailing!The skipper will drop you off and arrange a time with you to return. Two and a half hours should be enough time to explore the paths on the island, but if you really want to take your time allow a little more.There are three different paths you can choose from to reach Port Bawn at the other side of the island:Low path (1 mile) ~ a gentle woodland walk with a few slopes, passing the burial ground and farm ruinsSummit path (1 mile) ~ a more strenuous climb to the top of the island (85m) and enjoy the viewsCentral path (3/4 mile) ~ walk through the heart of the island and take in the oak woodland.Each path takes around 30-45 minutes.You do need to walk back to where you were dropped off though (North Jetty), so allow time for this.You can read more and see photos on my blog: https://loveexploringscotland.com/2016/06/05/inchcailloch-isle-of-the-old-woman/I also have this post about the Loch Lomond area but some of my visits were a few years ago: https://loveexploringscotland.com/2016/01/03/loch-lomond-and-the-trossachs/
There are some beautiful short walks here.Have a brilliant time in Scotland!
Dawn-Marie x6 -
Horizons
Member, VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
"Perhaps instead of heading to Killin after leaving Glencoe, we should see the west side of the Loch, including Tarbet and Luss, on our way to Balloch. Then the next day we stay on the east side before heading to Glasgow...?"
This is what I'd do. Killin can be driven to via Callander as well so you can do it on the East Loch + Trossachs exploration day.I'm Anirudh, an Indian travel blogger who has explored a lot of Scotland by public transport. My blog. Find me on Facebook | Instagram
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Speyside fest)5 -
DMWScotland
VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭
@shawes86 you're welcome I thought because you would already be parked at the Visitor Centre, start of the Conic Hill hike, you might manage to sqeeze it in after some lunch. 5
-
VisitScotlandAngela
Member, Moderator, VisitScotland Staff ✩
Hello @shawes86 !
I think you would enjoy either route however here are some things to see along both ways which may help you decide:
Option 1 - Loch Lomond- The Falls of Falloch are on the roadside around 4.5 miles south of Crianlarich and are spectacular. It's also part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Scenic Routes Trail where Woven Sound- a metalic platform - has been installed which intensifies the sound of the falls.
- The Drovers Inn is a quirky old inn and is one of the oldest pubs in Scotland. It's also a great a place to stop enjoy some traditional Scottish food.
- An Ceann Mor is another of the National Parks scenic viewpoints and provides one of the most spectacular views at the mountainous northern end of Loch Lomond from the small hamlet of Inveruglas. Walk to the top of the small wooden pyramid and enjoy the outstanding view.
- Tarbet is a small village at the northern end of Loch Lomond and a great place to take a boat trip through the northern part of the Loch.
- Luss is a must see. It's a beautiful conservation village with lots of traditional stone cottages, restaurants and gift shops, as well as a beautiful old church. The view from the pier looking across the islands to the mountains on the eastern shore is amazing. It's also a great place to enjoy some walking and there are plenty of water based activities on offer at Luss.
- Balloch is the largest village on Loch Lomond with lots going on. Loch Lomond Shores has lots of shops, restaurants, attractions and activities with fantastic panoramic views over Loch Lomond. Cruises are available from the centre of the village and Balloch Castle Country Park is a beautiful area to enjoy a walk with paths along the river, lochside, woodlands and through meadows. There are also some stunning gardens in the Country Park. Also remember to pop into Balloch iCentre when you visit. If you are staying in Balloch on a Monday or Thursday, you might also enjoy some traditional live music at the Corries Coffee Shop.
- After travelling through Glen Dochart, you will reach the village of Killin where the Falls of Dochart thunder through the village. There are also lots of great walks to enjoy around the region of Killin.
- Balquhidder is where you will find the graveyard of the famous Scottish outlaw - Rob Roy McGregor - in the graveyard of the old church. There's also fine dining nearby at Monachyle Mhor on the banks of Loch Voil or at Mhor 84 which offers a more informal dining experience.
- At Kilmahog meet Hamish and Honey - the resident Heilan' Coo's at the Trossachs Woolen Mill.
- Ben A'an - one of my favourite walks in the Trossachs with some outstanding views over Loch Katrine. Although its only 1 mile from the car park to the top of the hill, it's perhaps one of the steepest short walks in the region so leave at least 2 - 2.5 hours.
- Loch Katrine is beautiful and a great place to enjoy a boat trip aboard the Steam Ship Sir Walter Scott. Bike hire is also available for cycling along the shore of the Loch.
- Dukes Pass is a scenic road winding down through the Trossachs. Stop off at The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre which has a great network of paths through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The Little Fawn Waterfall is a short walk from the visitor centre and it's also a great place to spot some wildlife.
7
Answers
That said, I just looked at some pictures of the Tarbet area and Luss. I had originally thought we could do both the east and west sides by driving all the way around the north end of the Loch. Now I'm thinking that's just way too much for one day. Perhaps instead of heading to Killin after leaving Glencoe, we should see the west side of the Loch, including Tarbet and Luss, on our way to Balloch. Then the next day we stay on the east side before heading to Glasgow...? After that we spend 1 day in Glasgow before flying back to the States. Thoughts?
Thanks for your insight. I want to see as much as possible while at the same time not feeling too rushed...but I tend to try to cram way too much into too short a period of time.