Things to do in Loch Lomond
As a professional Loch Lomond photographer, I have a massive library of photographs of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. I have a real passion for the National Park and created See Loch Lomond, a website rich with guides to things to do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Loch Lomond Guide Book
I have published '101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs', which you can purchase on this website. Here, though, is a list of some highlights and the most asked suggestions for Loch Lomond activities.
Loch Lomond activities for families
In the beautiful village of Luss, sometimes rebranded as 'Fab-u-luss!' there is a Faerie Trail, which has to be the most popular attraction for young ones. Loch Loch Lomond Shores at Balloch has attractions, including Mini Golf, Bird of Prey Centre and Sea Life Centre. The Sea Life Centre is a good tip for a wet weather day; at Drymen, families can buy day passes for the pool facility at the Buchanan Arms Hotel.
Loch Lomond Sea Life Centre, Balloch
Loch Lomond Faerie Trail, Luss
Unusual things to do in Loch Lomond
Take off from Loch Lomond with Loch Lomond Sea Planes, who fly from the grounds of Cameron House Hotel. They have various flights, but wherever your journey goes, you will see Loch Lomond and its 22 islands during your spectacular take-off.
Loch Lomond Island Tour
Whilst mentioning Loch Lomond's islands, I recommend a speedboat tour from Portnellan Farm near Gartocharn. Chris will take you around and onto some of the islands. You may even get to land on the island with wallabies on!
Free things to do in Loch Lomond
The best thing about Loch Lomond is its scenery, which has many walking routes, including the famous West Highland Way, Scotland's first and most popular Great Trail. Join the path as it hugs the east Loch Lomond shoreline. It might inspire you to plan a 7-day walk of the 96-mile route from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William in the Highlands.
Something gentler (and free!) is the Drymen Village History Trail. At Drymen's Village Square, there is a map to follow. Listen to some accompanying audio using the Drymen Village website.
Conic Hill, Balmaha
One of Scotland's most popular hill climbs is Conic Hill at Balamha. You will get magnificent views of Loch Lomond and its islands from the recently re-stoned pathway, an excellent free experience. Call in at The Oak Tree Inn and St Mocha, an excellent pub and coffee shop in the loch side village of Balmaha.
Tom Weir Statue, Balmaha, Loch Lomond
Conic Hill, Loch Lomond
Tom Weir Statue, Balmaha
Also at Balmaha is the Tom Weir Statue, celebrating the life of the Scottish climber and lover of the outdoors. Tom's TV programme 'Weir's Way' inspired a generation of Scots to leave their towns and cities to enjoy the Scottish countryside, including Loch Lomond.
Climb Ben Lomond
In Scotland, mountains over 3,000 feet are termed Munro's. Scotland's most southerly Munro is Ben Lomond. Apart from the parking charge, a climb will cost you nothing, apart from some effort! The path provides spectacular views, and from the summit, you can see as far as the Isle of Arran and Ben Nevis on a clear day.
Loch Lomond activities for couples
If money is no option, then you can't beat a stay at Cameron House on Loch Lomond, use their spa, get some treatments and then enjoy a meal at the highly recommended Cameron Grill restaurant within the resort.
Many of the other ideas could turn into a romantic break. I photograph many couples in Loch Lomond for my portrait and wedding photography, including engagement shoots. I often get asked about my favourite destination, and that is a simple answer: Inchcailloch Island.
Visit Inchcailloch Island, Loch Lomond
Inchcailloch is part of a National Nature reserve, an unspoilt small wooded island with a sandy beach. If you're wondering how to get to Inchcailloch Island, there are two options: the closest is the on-demand ferry from Balmaha Boatyard, and the other is by Cruise Loch Lomond boat from Luss.
Each May, a beautiful blanket of bluebells covers the island; the view of Ben Lomond from the summit is also exceptional.
Ben Lomond Summit View
Inchcailloch Island, Loch Lomond
Outdoor attractions in Loch Lomond
I've covered some popular outdoor attractions, including Ben Lomond, Conic Hill and Inchcailloch Island. However, there are many more, including the RSPB reserve at Gartocharn, which now includes a boardwalk over wetlands to Aber Shore.
Things to do in Loch Lomond for dogs
Many of the tourism businesses in Loch Lomond cater to dogs; they know that people like to bring their dogs for a walk in the pretty scenery and will wish to combine it with some lunch or a coffee and cake. In most villages, you will find places with big welcome signs for dogs and their well-behaved owners!
Loch Lomond Boat Trips
There are two boat operators, Sweeney's Cruises of Balloch and Cruise Loch Lomond at Tarbet. Both operators offer circular cruises and waterbus connections. Jump on a boat for a cruise or a connection from Luss, Balmaha, Balloch, Tarbet, Inversnaid, Rowardennan, and Inchcailloch Island. Timetables vary depending on the time of year. Check/book with the operator before travelling. Cruising on Loch Lomond is fun, with varied scenery and interesting information from the commentary.
Cycling in Loch Lomond
Cruise Loch Lomond, Rowardennan
What can you do in Loch Lomond for a day?
As you can see from this guide, there is plenty to do; my book's title, '101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, ' proves that and even then, there are more that I could include!
Top tips for a day in Loch Lomond
1) Consider arriving by train to Balloch or Arrochar as an alternative to driving.
2) Bring your bike; excellent cycling routes include The West Lomond Cycle Path and the National Number 7 Cycle Route.
3) If it's sunny or a weekend, come early! Roads get busy, and car parks fill as everyone has the same idea as you!
4) Pick a village as your base and explore shops, cafes, walks, and attractions; Balmaha, Luss, and Drymen are great choices.
Want more things to do in Loch Lomond?
There is so much to see and do in Loch Lomond, and we haven't even covered the Trossachs (saving for another post!). You can buy my photo guidebook, '101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs' below. I also offer photography training courses, and the details are below. Do also check out my See Loch Lomond website.
Need a Loch Lomond Photographer?
Whether it's a family holiday, a proposal, an engagement, or a wedding, get in touch if you want to learn more about my Loch Lomond photography services.
