Inspire Me!
Path to this page:Scotland's first National Park
Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs
Visited and enjoyed by many for its recreational value, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park encompasses around 720 square miles. For two centuries, people have come here to walk, climb, cycle and sail, to breathe fresh clean air and drink in the spectacular views.
Day by day trip details
Loch Lomond
Start on the shores of Loch Lomond at the National Park Gateway Centre in The Old Station Building in Balloch, which has free guides of the National Park. Next door is Sweeney's Cruises, whose one-hour trips covering the southern section of Loch Lomond begin at 11:30am. Explore the hidden gardens and extensive grounds of Balloch Castle Country Park, which offers beautiful views over Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond Shores has a shopping outlet, bicycle and canoe hire (April to October), woodland trails and an aquarium. It also boasts great views over the loch.
The famously twee conservation village of Luss is 15 minutes from Balloch along the A82. Film location for Scottish soap 'High Road', it has gift shops, tearooms and river/lochside walks. Three miles north of Luss, Firkin Point is the perfect stopping point for photographs, or a picnic, with views north and south over Loch Lomond. and a flat lochside path which takes in six miles of the old loch road.
Loch Lomond & Breadalbane
From Luss, head west through Arrochar on the A83, then take the A815 to Strachur and visit the Strachur Smiddy (4). Then south along the A815 through Coylet to Benmore Botanic Garden (5). Head back along the A815 and rejoin the A83. At Tarbet, Cruise Loch Lomond offer boat trips which cover the mountainous northern sections of Loch Lomond. During the summer months they also offer trips across to Inversnaid and Rowardennan on the more remote eastern shores of Loch Lomond where walkers can join the long distance walking route - the West Highland Way. After Tarbet join the A82 to Crianlarich and then take the A85 east until the A827 turn off for Killin, visiting the Breadalbane Folklore Centre and the Innes Bhuidhe Ancient Monument (6).
The Trossachs
Return along the A827 and rejoin the A85 towards Lochearnhead then take the A84 towards Strathyre, turn off to Balquhidder at Kingshouse and visit Rob Roy MacGregor's Grave (7). Return to the A84 to Strathyre, turning onto the A821 to Loch Katrine (8). Continue south along the A821 to Aberfoyle and visit the Scottish Wool Centre and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (9).
Take the A81 to Port of Menteith and visit the Inchmahome Priory (10), then continue on the A81 to Callander, a bustling, colourful holiday town where the tour concludes. Visit the Rob Roy & Trossachs Visitor Centre and the Hamilton Toy Collection (11).
Places on route
Why not stop off at some of the following places of interest along your way?
