Loch Lomond, Scotland, is a gorgeous expanse nestled in the heart of the Trossachs National Park and home to some of Scotland’s most exciting attractions and activities. You best believe us when we say there are many things to do in Loch Lomond!
You can experience spectacular hiking trails, wondrous wildlife, and world-class golf courses, stay in a wilderness lodge, and enjoy unforgettable outdoor activities while visiting one of Scotland’s most beautiful natural attractions.
There are so many things to do in Loch Lomond that it can be overwhelming to plan your holiday. Read our guide for what should be on your to-do list while visiting Loch Lomond.
30 Things to Do in Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is magnificent; there’s no other way to put it.
The town sits at the foot of Ben Lomond, close to the Highland boundary fault line that splits the Lowlands and the Highlands. This makes it an iconic location for hikers, climbers, and other nature lovers who want nothing more than to scale some of Scotland’s top Munros.
The Lomond Loch is the largest lake in Britain, spanning 39 kilometres into the Trossachs National Park, which means the Loch Lomond shores are always within view as you explore the surrounding area. You can enjoy days filled with water sports like jet skiing, boat cruises, paddle boarding, and wild swimming.
Cap off your day of exploring the West Highland with some sensational camping, spotting some of the rarest wildlife in Scotland, like golden eagles. Or, take a visit to the Loch’s shores and enjoy a romantic evening amidst the bountiful nature of Loch Lomond.
But before you get overwhelmed, let’s cover some of the most quintessential things to do in Loch Lomond & Scotland.
Explore the Towns & Villages of Loch Lomond
Many small towns and villages in the Loch Lomond area are just waiting for you to visit. These are home to their own culture, history, and delectable traditional foods. Here’s our pick of some of the best ones:
Luss
The quaint village of Luss is one of the most popular places for travellers to start their journey into Loch Lomond. With plenty of accommodation like the Loch Lomond Lodge, why not stay awhile?
Situated on the loch shore, Luss is a special place to stay for a few days before venturing out for camping in the national park.
It has an intricate history dating back 1,500 years when St Kessog came to Loch Lomond, which Luss loves to celebrate. During the spring and summer, you can enjoy great walks along the picturesque cabins of Luss that are lined with freshly gathered flowers.
Callander
Located up the west road from the loch’s shores is the small town of Callander, many people’s gateway into the Scottish highlands. With shops, a leisure lodge, golf courses, and many other things to see and do in Callander, it’s well worth the visit while you’re in Loch Lomond.
Callander boasts numerous attractions, including a natural beauty that shows off where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. There are nature trails that show off absolutely stunning sights like the River Keltie and Bracklinn Falls, which are both answers to the question, “What can you do in Loch Lomond for a day?”.
It’s worth spending at least a day in this riverside town, so be sure to add it to your Scottish holiday.
Killin
North of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Killin is a beautiful town surrounded by the conservation nature of the national park.
Enjoy your time in the scenic leisure town lodge surrounded by the nature of the Trossachs National Park for a mind, body and soul-soothing holiday break.
Balloch
Located at the South end of Loch Lomond sits Balloch, your entryway into the jaw-dropping sights of Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park, and beyond.
Balloch has all the amenities you’d ever need in its city centre, like a great lodge, golf courses, restaurants, and shops. Before venturing into the park, you should prioritise spending some time exploring Balloch’s attractions.
Enjoy the Hikes & Sights of Trossachs National Park
One of the highlights of visiting Loch Lomond is the spectacular sights of the Trossachs National Park and the many adventurous activities available to do within the area. As the first national park in Scotland, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs has a special place in many visitors’ hearts and offers a splendid holiday attraction when you visit Loch Lomond.
Since most of Scotland’s population is a mere 1 hour’s drive from this park, it’s regularly jam-packed with visitors, camping tents, and events. Here are some of our favourites to do while you’re visiting the
Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond is a towering mountain on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond and one of the best places to test your hiking abilities. Many visitors love Loch Lomond for its amazing outdoor activities, and Ben Lomond is the crown jewel of the town. Scotland’s most southerly Munro stretches nearly a kilometre into the sky, dazzling outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
Taking roughly four and a half hours to summit, Ben Lomond is the perfect way to start an early morning hiking trip that will give you stunning views and leave you feeling refreshed.
Loch Katrine
In the very heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs sits a beautiful loch a few miles east of Loch Lomond. Not many people know that Loch Katrine is a freshwater loch which has been supplying Glasgow with drinkable water for the past 150 years. Loch Katrine is more than just a pleasant picnic area when wondering what to do in Loch Lomond.
Rob Roy MacGregor, one of Scotland’s most infamous Highland robbers of folklore, was said to have been born on the loch’s northernmost shore. And in 1810, Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth were so smitten by the Loch’s beauty that they wrote poems about Loch Katrine.
If you need even more reasons to pay Loch Katrine a visit, then you’ll be interested to know that the Loch was used as a filming location for the Scottish hit series ‘Outlander’. So, take a stroll to the forest parks around Loch Katrine at a leisurely pace and breathe in the history.
Conic Hill
A short and quick hike, Conic Hill makes it easy to see the impressive Loch Lomond in less than an hour’s climb. If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of scaling Ben Lomond, Conic Hill is a great alternative option.
At its summit, Conic Hill offers an absolutely gorgeous view of not only the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, but the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond too! Say hello to some of the friendliest highland cattle in Scotland as you climb this popular hiking path in the Trossachs National Park.
The Devil’s Pulpit
Between towering rocks, a small stream flows, mesmerising all those who are brave enough to venture into this rocky maze. Don’t be afraid if you see red water carved its way through the rock; the red sandstone of this area gives the water a spooky dark crimson hue that frightens many people who first see it.
The Devil’s Pulpit is a mystifying attraction that makes you wonder how such a peculiar geological.
Loch Lomond Faerie Trail
From the village of Luss, you can experience the best family trails that Loch Lomond has to offer, filled with faerie houses, leisure, and magic-filled forest walks.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Loch Lomond Faerie trail with your family to experience a truly magical 2 hours of imaginative faerie-themed trails.
Glen Ogle Trail
One of Loch Lomond’s best cycling paths, the Glen Ogle trail follows the old railway line north of Loch Lomond and presents stunning views of the lowlands around the loch. The viaduct that serves as the centre attraction of the trail once ran from Callander to Oban but was knocked out of commission by an avalanche of rocks.
The Glen Ogle Trail is an excellent way to start your cycling trip through this national park, from expert to amateur.
Rob Roy Way
The Rob Roy Way is a long route that takes you across most of the border between Central Scotland and the start of the highlands that signifies the routes once used by the infamous outlaw, Rob Roy.
Taking you past glens, rivers, mountains, lowlands, and more, the Rob Roy Way is an excellent way to experience the pinnacle of Scottish scenery and is one of the most unique Loch Lomond attractions you can enjoy.
The Cobbler
The Cobbler, sometimes known as Ben Arthur, is one of the hills within Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The views of the surrounding area are pristine from atop this hill, making a favourite for many visitors to the area.
Climbing the Cobbler needs a full day since its starting point isn’t easily accessible, but once you’re atop its rounded summit, you’ll realise that it was all worth it.
Falls of Falloch
On a hot summer’s day in Scotland, nothing is more tempting than hopping into the cool basin of the Falls of Falloch and being treated to a swim with a view. It’s an amazing reward after a long hike, and perfect for a picture or two. Some couples have even proposed within sight of the Falls.
These falls drop about 30 feet, and some adventurous visitors even use the falls as a diving board to reach the deep basin below!
Wild Camp at Trossachs
One of the best ways to experience the Trossachs National Park hills is to go wild camping in its forests. As one of only a few countries that allow wild camping, the Trossachs National Park Authority allows visitors to use the park’s land for camping wherever they’d like from March through September.
You won’t come closer to seeing the park’s beauty unless you’ve seen the sun rise over Ben A’an. Just make sure to heed the advice of the national park authority about any news or dangers in the area.
Connect fully with Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park by spending some time with friends at a camping lodge in the wilds.
Wallabies of Inchconnachan
Located in the centre of Loch Lomond, you’ll find the islands of Inchconnachan and, more importantly, Britain’s red-necked wallabies! You hear that right, you can see wallabies in their natural environment without travelling all the way to Australia.
Introduced to the uninhabited islands after the Second World War, the wallabies have flourished and are just waiting for you to snap pictures of them.
This is one of the main sites of Loch Lomond and the pride of the Trossachs National Park Authority’s conservation efforts, so make sure to be on your best behaviour when interacting with the wallabies.
The Whangie
Before reaching Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, why not take a brief trek up the Whangie hills, an easy climb with a peculiar crack separating parts of the mountains?
Legend has it that the devil himself split Whangie in twain, but all we know is that Whangie has become a popular climbing touchstone of the region.
The Whangie is the perfect way to warm up your walking feet as you arrive at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs from other hotspot destinations like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Try out Climbing and Bouldering
The Trossachs National Park has a celebrated tradition of climbing and bouldering, and it’s one of the best activities you can do while at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
If you’re a keen climber and are looking to test your abilities, Loch Lomond has one of the best walls you can find at spots like The Cowal, Glen Ogle, and Ben Ledi Boulders. There are shops in the area that sell all the essentials you may need for a spontaneous climb, including shoes, chalk, matts, and harnesses.
You can also hire expert climbers to teach you the basics, possibly giving you a new hobby to enjoy!
Stargazing in Trossachs
One of the most unique qualities of the Trossachs National Park is its low level of light pollution and its dark skies. There are several Dark Skies regions within the national park, which are regions that have been designated with minimal light pollution and offer unparalleled views of the night sky.
You can stay in a lodge or camp out in the national park during March to experience the amazing night sky that usually eludes us and see the beautiful constellations that are always above us.
You can give astronomy a greater look by visiting the Stirling Astronomical Society, about an hour away.
Balloch Castle & Country Park
This Gothic-style castle is right next to the banks of the lochs and boasts an impressive history and views next to Loch Lomond’s only public country park.
Balloch has a rich lineage, with lovely landscapes around the Fairy Glen, a Chinese Garden, Pleasure Grounds, and Quarry Pond, all highlighting one or more aspects of those who owned the castle.
As one of the only castles you can find in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Balloch Castle is a must-see while in the town.
Take on the West Highland Way
Are you an extreme lover of the outdoors? If you want nothing more than to go for a walk and then keep walking, then the West Highland Way is right for you! This 96-mile trek spans from Milngavie all the way to Fort William – Scotland’s Outdoor Capital.
The best part of the West Highland Way is that you can take it at your own pace, choosing a shorter route from the full trek or going the entire 96 miles in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Boat Tours around Loch Lomond
In addition to the amazing nature trails around Loch Lomond, there are ways to explore the amazing lochs too. In Loch Lomond and the surrounding area are plenty of options for boat trips that take you through the gorgeous waters of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, next to lonely islands just waiting to be explored, and let you see Scotland’s wildlife from an entirely new perspective.
When you wonder where to go in Loch Lomond, don’t limit your sights to the mountains and forest parks, but take a gander and see what the waters have in store for you as well.
Lomond Cycle Paths
Hiking isn’t the only way to experience the beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. In fact, some of the best landscapes can only be seen from a bicycle seat!
The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path is the most well-known, taking cyclists along the high road of the west loch shore and presenting them with ample picnic spots and stunning views. When you arrive back at Trossachs pier, reward yourself with a pint and some delicious fish and chips at Balloch.
Who wouldn’t want to feel the wind rush through their hair as they ride on bicycles through this special place?
Loch Lomond Distillery
Easily recognised with its golden stag branding, the Loch Lomond Distillery has been brewing fine Scotch single malt whisky since 1965!
Take a tour of the world-class facilities at the distillery and get a deeper understanding of the lengthy process that goes into every bottle of Loch Lomond whisky — a true Scottish natural heritage.
Taking some time for retail therapy at the Loch Lomond Distillery and then savouring your whisky at the lodge is an essential part of any visit to Loch Lomond.
Other amazing distilleries near Loch Lomond are Auchentoshan Distillery and Deanston Distillery, as well as Loch Lomond Brewery if you’re a fan of beer.
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre prides itself on being the premier bird of prey sanctuary in Great Britain and is a perfect place to meet some ambassador birds of prey with the family.
The Centre has daily shows that aim to engage and inform audiences about the species of birds around the region, like golden eagles while showing off their abilities.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see this fantastic show and the residents of the Bird of Prey Centre while you’re at Loch Lomond.
Loch Lomond Sea Planes
Experiencing the views of Scotland from the air rivals the summit of most mountains in Lomond. Thankfully, Loch Lomond Seaplanes offers this same experience to those who want some unforgettable memories from the sky.
Enjoy the thrill of taking off from the Loch’s waters and seeing the lochs, islands, landscapes, and mountains in a way that few have while visiting Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park, and beyond.
Flying aboard a seaplane is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should definitely consider on your trip to Loch Lomond.
The Maid of the Loch
The Maid of the Loch is one of the largest conservation projects in Loch Lomond, but it’s not a natural sanctuary or wildlife habitat; it’s an old Clyde-built ship that you can visit!
Better yet, join one of the loch cruises aboard this paddle steamer and tour Lomond and the Trossachs in style. This attraction is practically maid for you!
SEA Life Loch Lomond Aquarium
Right next to Loch Lomond, you can find the most diverse sea life at the SEA Life Loch Lomond Aquarium, a centre that gives incredible walks through spacious exhibits for a multitude of beautiful sea creatures.
With facilities that let you and your kids interact with some of the tamer wildlife, Sea Life Loch is a one-of-a-kind place that you should definitely dedicate a few hours to.
Tom Weir Statue
A more recent addition to the attractions of Loch Lomond, the Tom Weir statue is perfectly positioned to take a picture.
Celebrating the icon’s 100th birthday, this statue now draws crowds to this national park to honour the legacy of his excellent shows like Weir’s Way.
Enjoy a visit to the Tom Weir State while on your holiday at Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park, and Scotland.
Tee Off At Loch Lomond’s Golf Courses
Scotland is synonymous with golf, there’s no doubt about it. At Loch Lomond you can enjoy several amazing golf courses that show off the gorgeous views of the Trossachs national Park. There are three superb golf clubs close to the national park’s southern entrance, Loch Lomond Golf Club, Carrick Golf Club, and Cameron House Golf Course.
Golf lovers consider teeing off on the immaculate grounds of these golf clubs the real start to their holiday, their personal sanctuary from street and strife. If you are an avid player, then this may be exactly the respite that you’re looking for!
Each club offers a round at various rates, with the summer season costing the most for non-club members. Pay a visit during the shoulder season, and you’ll be able to play without breaking the bank.
Tree Zone Aerial Adventure Course
When it comes to Loch Lomond activities, the Tree Zone Aerial Adventure Course is the perfect option for both adults and children. If you’ve never been to an aerial adventure course, then you’re in for a treat! Climb across hanging platforms, fly across zip wires, and walk across a tight rope while up to 10 – 20 feet in the air.
While many of you may be reading this with white knuckles and sweaty palms, you can rest assured that this Aerial Adventure Course has safety as its number one priority. You’re tied into a harness, which makes the gaps that look down to the ground slightly less terrifying. Slightly.
If you’re looking for things to do in Loch Lomond or just fun Loch Lomond tourist attractions, then this aerial adventure zone is the place for you!
Other Things To Do in Central & West Scotland
- Things to do in Balmaha
- Things to do in Biggar
- Things to do in Drymen
- Things to do in Dunblane
- Things to do in Falkirk
- Things to do in Grangemouth
- Things to do in Lochearnhead
- Things to do in Stirling
