Walking & Climbing Loch Lomond
You're not thinking of climbing a hill in those shoes, are you? Actually, they're fine - we’ve got walks and trails for every kind of footwear - even if it's only a saunter along the boardwalk at the Loch Lomond Shores complex. On the other hand (or foot), if you’re looking for a more demanding excursion, then there is a great choice. Take on a stretch of the West Highland Way by Loch Lomond, explore the crags of The Cobbler or take the well-used path to the summit of Ben Lomond. And that’s just at the start of the list...
Long Distance Walking Routes:
Three Lochs Way
The Three Lochs Way is a great introduction to long-distance walking in Scotland. Not too demanding, it breaks down into enjoyable stretches over three or four days. It’s 31 miles (50km) long and starts and finishes by Loch Lomond, only at different points.
Why did we call it the Three Lochs Way? Easy. As well as Loch Lomond, the route runs near the Gareloch and Loch Long. (Think about it as the Sea Lochs Way, if you like.)
And here’s the appeal. Loch Lomond is a pretty romantic place anyway. The Three Lochs Way uses, in part, old historic tracks that have their own romantic heritage, leading to and from the Highlands and joining up communities. Then there are the views across the lochs to romantic hills, a little further off to the north and west. Scenic, historic, romantic – what a mix!
As it joins up with three other long-distance walking routes, including the Scottish Coastal Way - be warned! Start with The Three Lochs and who knows where you could end up…… (Cue ‘Lord of the Rings’ theme music.)
West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is the grand-daddy of Scotland’s official long-distance footpaths. It is 96 miles / 154 km in length, from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William. On its way north, the route descends to the lochside from Conic Hill above Balmaha. After that, it’s on through oak and pinewood, by rugged pathway and forestry track, all the way to Glen Falloch and beyond. High grade scenery throughout, of course. And it comes in manageable day sections if you just want to sample it: for example, Rowardennan to Inversnaid, Inversnaid to Inverarnan or Inverarnan to Crianlarich are all around seven miles (11km). Camp sites and other accommodation, plus support services such as bag carrying or guiding are all available. Make the most of Scotland’s premier long-distance route.
Cowal Way
Take the Cowal Way for 57 miles / 91 km of the best of Cowal – rugged, wild, quite undiscovered in places. This route links Portavadie on the western side of the Cowal peninsula with Inveruglas on Loch Lomond, via the delectable Kyles of Bute. It goes by way of Glendaruel, Glen Branter and up to Strachur. Then it’s on via Lochgoilhead to Loch Long and Arrochar, then over to Loch Lomond. Basically, it’s all of the best things about the west distilled down to one glorious walking experience.
Rob Roy Way
We could talk all day about Rob Roy Macgregor. But there’s another way of getting to know all about this real figure from Scotland’s story. Start at Drymen, by Loch Lomond, and follow the Rob Roy Way. To be honest, we’ll be sorry to see you go, as the other end of the trail is at Pitlochry, up to 92 miles /148km away, depending on route options – by Aberfoyle, Callander, Lochearnhead, Killin, Loch Tay and then off eastwards and north by Loch Tay and beyond. But these are all places associated with Scotland’s most famous cattle-drover, racketeer, outlaw and folk-hero. And the scenery is pretty special as well.
Shorter Loch Lomond Walks
If you’ve been looking at the choice of long-distance routes that criss-cross the Loch Lomond area and already feel a bit tired, then here are some shorter walks in the Loch Lomond area…….
Balloch Castle Country Park
The neat and rolling parklands around the Gothic-styled early 19th-century Balloch Castle are a good place for a stroll - and to get a first impression of the whole setting of Loch Lomond. It’s historic too – these are the old homelands of the Earls of Lennox who played a part in the story of Loch Lomond. Their original 13th-century castle is just a mound in the park today.
Helensburgh
Here’s another good reason to choose Helensburgh as a holiday base: lots of healthy walking on the doorstep. A brisk walk along the promenade or an excursion on an old right of way above the town; a stroll through woodlands or a high road right to the banks of Loch Lomond – just a few of the options. There are signposts to keep you right – and, in any case, the locals are friendly, so just ask. And there’s a leaflet to download or pick up when you get here…..and plenty of great coffee shops for that essential reviving cuppa when you get back!
Luss
A ‘must see’ on the west shore of Loch Lomond, the best way to appreciate Luss’s setting is on foot. The walking choice starts with a gentle stroll along the bonnie banks. Or follow a riverside route by the Luss Water. Glen Luss is behind the village, beyond the main road, and is also accessible by pathway. The village and its setting can be enjoyed in a circular route, the Luss Heritage Path, that takes about an hour.
Rosneath
The Rosneath Peninsula is where you can take in the ambience of the big sea lochs and their interplay with the hills. Basically, that’s a posh way of saying there are fine views – down towards Arran from Barbour Road on the west side of the peninsula – or an all-round panorama from Clach Mackenny, the high ground behind Rosneath, accessed by forestry roads. With a horizon filled with hills, you can also make your way along the crest from here northwards towards Peaton Road, which has a nature trail.
Lang Craigs
The estate around Overtoun House is open to all, and has fine parkland walking. The estate in turn gives access to the Lang Craigs, in the Kilpatrick Hills above. Wide-open space with breathtaking views to Loch Lomond, plus a scattering of old woodland – this area is a reminder that wild Scotland starts surprisingly close to the cities
Whinny Hill
Accessed from Balloch Castle Country Park, this area in the care of the Woodland Trust has a network of paths plus – you’ve guessed it from the location – wonderful views across Loch Lomond. ‘Whinny’ is Scots for ‘gorsy’. Gorse is a spiky bush with vivid yellow flowers.
Aber
Walk up Duncryne Hill at the back of Gartocharn and you’ll probably wonder how to get even closer to Loch Lomond. The answer is to take a path from the Millennium Hall at Gartocharn. That way you can enjoy the historic rural landscape and end up at a viewpoint right by the shore, by the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. Bring your camera – there may be ospreys fishing in summer. Altogether a delectable (and level!) walk.
Balmaha and Rowardennan
Balmaha offers a great choice of delightfully scenic walks. The shortest is to a viewpoint, Craigie Fort, overlooking the loch and reached by a rock-cut path. Or you can climb Conic Hill – superb views over the Loch Lomond islands. The island of Inchcailloch also has a fine walk – boat trips available. And Balmaha is on the West Highland Way – so there is plenty of choice both here and further along the shore towards Rowardennan. This is a popular starting point for climbing “The Ben” – Ben Lomond. Lomond is thought to translate as “beacon” or “signal mountain”. Naturally, the views from the top are outstanding - just the place to light a signal fire if you needed to tell folk about something…….though we’d prefer if you just used your mobile phone.
Arrochar/Tarbet
Right in the heart of the hills, Arrochar and Tarbet offer a great base if you like forest walks, long glens, plus the option of taking to the high ground. Waymarked walks start from the station carpark, for example. Then there is Glen Loin to explore – as far as the Loch Sloy dam if you fancy a big day out. And with the Arrochar Alps on the near horizon – there are a lot of big hills here to tempt you!
