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Gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Great Britain. It stretches from the bustling town of Balloch to Ardlui, a tiny hamlet 39 km (24 miles) to the north.
At its southern end, islands litter the water and lowland meadows edge the shores. As you head north, the lake narrows considerably, eventually entering a deep ravine gouged out by glaciers and closely flanked by steep-sided mountains.
Numerous scenic viewpoints offer dramatic panoramas, and forest trails and mountain paths provide excellent walking and mountain biking routes. Cruises, kayaking, wind surfing and canoeing get you out onto the water and onto the quiet islands.
The lake and the surrounding mountains, wooded glens and quiet lochs of an area known as The Trossachs are protected by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, which is easily accessible from Glasgow. The main road connecting the city to the west coast winds along the lake's western shore and there are a number of small and attractive villages overlooking the water.
Luss is one of the prettiest of these, its main street lined with attractive cottages, teahouses, cafés and art or souvenir shops. The Clan Museum is set in a 17th-century croft house on the lakeshore and tells the story of the local Highland clans throughout history.
Farther on is the quiet village of Tarbet, which is surrounded by mountain scenery on all sides and makes an excellent base for hiking, mountain biking or leisurely walking. If you wish to get out into the wilds of the park, to the west of Tarbet a group of mountains known as the Arrochar Alps offers hiking for all skill levels, along with magnificent scenery.
Much of the eastern shore of the lake is inaccessible by road, making it a very tranquil area to explore. It’s connected to the villages on the western shore by seasonal ferries, although you can also get there by tackling the long-distance West Highland Way walking path.
The trail traces the eastern shore of the lake and is ideal for a less strenuous hike. Winding through oak woods and moorland, it passes waterfalls with views of the lake en route. Also on the eastern shore is the vast Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, where you can take gentle walks and scenic drives.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Loch Lomond
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Loch Lomond, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Loch Lomond
- Glasgow 29 kilometers away
- Loch Awe 50 kilometers away
- The Highlands 59 kilometers away
- Oban 70 kilometers away
- Isle of Jura 72 kilometers away
- Glencoe 81 kilometers away
- Edinburgh 89 kilometers away
- Fort William 95 kilometers away
- Isle of Islay 105 kilometers away
- St Andrews 119 kilometers away
- The Cairngorms 133 kilometers away
- Loch Ness 147 kilometers away
- Inverness 166 kilometers away
- Isle of Skye 183 kilometers away
- Speyside 184 kilometers away
- The Lake District 199 kilometers away
- Liverpool 309 kilometers away
- York 321 kilometers away
- Stratford-upon-Avon 466 kilometers away
Photos of Loch Lomond
Accommodation choices for Loch Lomond
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Loch Lomond. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Loch Lomond Arms
Loch Lomond
Ideas for experiencing Loch Lomond
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Loch Lomond, and which use the best local guides.
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Champagne seaplane tour over the Trossachs Champagne seaplane tour over the Trossachs
Champagne seaplane tour over the Trossachs
Get an aerial view of the Highland scenery around Loch Lomond on a 40-minute seaplane tour of the region. Take in the Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond and parts of the west Highlands.
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