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Loch Lomond Accommodation

Loch Lomond - the largest freshwater lake in Britain

Loch Lomond surrounded by the Trossachs heather-clad hills walking country

Plenty of outdoor and fun activites on Loch Lomond

Picnic areas and boat trip stops at Tarbet on Loch Lomondside

Boat trips and cruises are popular on Loch Lomond

Woodland and lochside walks around Loch Lomond especially on the east side

Check out the National Park Gateway Centre for exhibitions and info on the Park

You can hire a boat or take your own on Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Tourist Information Scotland Boat Trips Fishing

Loch Lomond truly is a gateway from the Scottish Lowlands opening up to the Scottish Highlands. Everything about it and the towns and villages here is a cross-between the two.

Loch Lomond itself is the largest freshwater lake in Britain. It makes for a scenic trip round or even from a boat cruise on the loch itself. There are also woodland walks, the West Highland Way or hill walks all around the Loch Lomond area.

Loch Lomond Accommodation Tourist Information Scotland

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in Britain at 23 miles long and 5 miles wide in some places. It's long been a getaway for the lowland population as it's within easy striking distance of Glasgow - under an hour's drive away.

It's transition from Lowlands to Highlands, being surrounded by The Trossachs, makes it an attractive honeypot area and greets you as the first large area of open Scottish countryside as you're travelling north. The western side of the lake tends to be busier with the main road and several small settlements with cafes and holiday accommodation. The eastern side is quieter and better for walking and taking in the views.

B&B, hotel, caravan and camping accommodation is centred in the towns and villages that surround Loch Lomond with a concentration in and around Balloch and Alexandria but also at Luss and Tarbet on the west side of the loch and Drymen and Rowardennan on the eastern side. You can even get married with Loch Lomond as your backdrop. There are a good range of hotels that have wedding venues and all other associated services can be arranged in the area.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond is the centrepiece of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, deisgnated in 2002 as Scotland's first national park. It is also a National Nature Reserve due to its mature broadleaved woodland along its shores where wild flowers like bluebells, wild garlic, primroses, wood sorrel, dog's mercury and great woodrush flourish in Spring. It is also home to the Scottish dock which grows nowhere else in Britain.

The National Park is excellent for wildlife watchers. Two hundred species of birds have been recorded in the area including capercaille, osprey, buzzard, golden eagle, peregrine, pied flycatcher int the woods and of course a range of geese. There are more fish species in the loch than any other freshwater in Britain. There are ancient oak woodlands fringing the loch to the north and the islands on the loch

There's plenty to keep you occupied within the park including footpaths and a cycle network, hillwalks, boat trips, fishing, or just to sit and marvel at the beautiful landscape.

The National Park has a fantastic Gateway Visitor Centre at the Loch Shores Complex at Balloch. Here you can find out all about the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where to go, what to see from the interesting interactive displays as well as find out what events you can get involved in from the staff and array of leaflets on offer. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Gateway Centre: Tel: 01389 722199. Email: info@lochlomond-trossachs.org. Countryside Ranger Service, Balloch Public Slipway, Pier Road, Balloch G83 8QX. Tel: 01389 757295. There are other visitor centres at Luss (01301 702785) and Balmaha (01360 870470). Alternatively check the National Park link right for facts and figures and more information about the area as well as events.

Boat Trips Cruises Loch Lomond

You can either take a boat trip or cruise along Loch Lomond or take your own boat (or hire one) and sail yourself around. The Loch Lomond Park Authority produce "A Guide to Navigation" available from Loch Lomond Park Authority, The Old Station, Balloch G83 8SS. Tel: 01389 753311.

Alternatively there are plenty of companies offering boat trips from different locations around the loch.

Boat-Trips Loch Lomond Boat Hire

For boat trips on Loch Lomond accompanied by a researched commentary try Sweeney's Cruises, Balloch G83 8LF. Tel: 01389 752376. Fax 01389 721082. Email: john_sweeney@talk21.com

Luxury speedboat tours and private charters are available from: Paul at Loch Lomond Leisure Scotland. Tel: 07973 354707. E-mail: info@lochlomond-scotland.com

Macfarlane and Son offer tailored boat cruises, charters for groups and boat hire as well as educational trips, wedding cruises and trips for those walking the West Highland Way. Macfarlane and Son, The Boatyard Balmaha, Loch Lomond G63 0JQ. Tel: 01360 870214 E-mail: boatyard@macfarlaneandson.co.uk

For boat hire from 3 hours upwards, particularly for experienced fishermen try Loch Goil Cruisers, Lochgoilhead PA24. Tel: 01301 703382. Mobile: 07787 516709. Email: lochgoilcruisers@aol.com

The West Highland Way

The West Highland Way continues up from Glasgow along the eastern side of Loch Lomand, along the base of the 3,192 foot Ben Lomand and up the Great Glen.

The West Highland Way is a long distance route covering just over 95 miles from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. It was Scotland's first long distance route completed in 1980. It generally takes 7-8 days and there is some hill walking along the route.

There is a wide choice of accommodation all the way along the route so you can plan a whole walking holiday doing it in stages or just picking off sections depending on where you're based.

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