Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s most magical regions – wild rolling landscapes of beautiful lochs, forested hills, and quaint villages. This guide covers all the best things to see and do in the area including epic hikes, cosy cafes and remote wild swim spots. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your time in this breathtaking corner of the Highlands.
There are regular flights into Edinburgh and Glasgow from national and international destinations, both cities are around an hour’s drive from the national park.
I highly recommend renting a car as you will need it to access the majority of hikes, sights and lochs.
I would say a long weekend is the perfect amount of time to explore the region, we visited for 3 full days and it was ideal.
There are plenty of small hotels and self-catering cottages in and around the region, popular base locations include Luss, Balloch and Balmaha. We actually stayed just outside the national park in the Leckie Treehouses – they are gorgeous, secluded and only a short drive from everything there is to see and do.
Scotland is a year-round destination as long as you have the right gear. Personally I recommend visiting outside of the peak summer months to avoid the midges, or if you do go then to make sure you are prepared with plenty of repellent. We visited in May and lucked out with the weather!
No matter what time of year you come, be ready for all weather eventualities. Raincoats and warm layers are a must.
Costs reflect typical UK travel prices, so they aren’t cheap. You can save cash by staying in self-catering accommodation and prepping your own food.
Scotland is an incredible hiking destination and covered with well-marked trails. In this particular national park I recommend adding these three routes to your hit list:
4km & 350m elevation gain.
A moderately difficult, short but satisfying hike, with a steep ascent up to a rocky peak overlooking Loch Katrine and Loch Achray. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular, some of the best we experienced during our time there.
Trail Map: Here.
4.5km & 180m elevation gain.
A fairly easy hike to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Loch Lomond. If you want to avoid crowds, this is a much quieter alternative to the famous neighbouring Conic Hill.
Trail Map: Here
12.5km and 950m elevation gain.
If you want to bag one of Scotland's iconic Munros - this challenging hike conquers the most southerly one in the country, with beautiful views pretty much the entire way up.
Trail Map: Here
Just outside the small town of Callander you will find the Trossachs Woollen Mill. Stop by to meet their friendly and fluffy highland cattle, who you can even feed some fresh veggies for £1 (take cash!) which guarantees a special close encounter. They are absolutely adorable!
This remote cafe can only be accessed when you have driven into the depths of the National Park, but it is totally worth the journey. It was by far the most scenic food spot we visited! With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stunning Loch Katrine, it is the perfect place for brunch, lunch or just a coffee and a slice of cake.
You can’t visit Scotland without stopping by a castle! While Loch Lomond hasn’t got as many as other regions in the country, it is still home to some iconic historic buildings which are well worth a visit. Add these three to your hit list:
Inveraray Castle
Buchanan Castle
Balloch Castle
I would also highly recommend visiting Stirling Castle if you’re driving past on your way over from Edinburgh as it is one of the country’s largest and most important castles, and is truly awe-inspiring!
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is an incredible wild swimming destination with an abundance of locations where you can take a refreshing dip, including lochs and waterfalls. These are my personal favourites:
Loch Arklet. The perfect place for a secluded swim, you’ll likely have the whole loch to yourself.
Loch Lubnaig. An iconic swim spot in a scenic and sheltered loch, stop by The Cabin for a post-swim sweet treat.
Milarrochy Bay. A sheltered cove on Loch Lomond with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Falls of Falloch
Bracklinn Falls
Inversnaid Falls
All three of these have gorgeous natural pools you can swim in, with the Falls of Falloch being the most popular and Inversnaid Falls still remaining more of a hidden gem.
If you want to level up your cold plunging, I recommend booking into Hot Tottie Sauna in Luss. This 10-person sauna has incredible views. It is located right on the shores of Loch Lomond, so you can alternate between steamy sauna sessions and refreshing dips in the loch or neighbouring river.
Safe travels
Zanna x
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