Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of freshwater in the whole of the UK. The Loch measures 23 miles long, 5 miles wide, and is Scotland’s third deepest Loch at 636-feet deep. Half of Loch Lomond is located in the Scottish Lowlands; the other half is located in the Scottish Highlands. This is why Loch Lomond is known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’.

In 1999, Loch Lomond and the surrounding area were given the honor of becoming Scotland’s first National Park; Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. 

Here are some of my highlights of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park:

Loch Lomond Cruise

One of the best ways to explore Loch Lomond is on a boat. With lots of different boat trips to choose from, we decided to choose the Experience Cruise by Sweeney’s Cruise. The reason we choose this boat trip over all the overs, was because it was the most convenient for us.

The Experience Cruise departs from Balloch and takes you onto the Southernmost point of Loch Lomond. On the 1 hour cruise, you have a tour guide that provides you with very informative information about the history of Loch Lomond, why it’s called the gateway to the Highlands, and much more.

For more information on Sweeny’s Cruise; their timetable, different cruise packages they offer, and prices, please check out their website: Sweeny’s Cruise.

Conic Hill

If you enjoy doing a bit of hiking and you want to see some great views of Loch Lomond from above, then Conic Hill is a great choice of a walk for you. Conic Hill is part of the West Highland Way but also a very popular walk in the area for day trips. The walk in a 2.5-mile hike on a well-worn track. It will take you around 2 to 3 hours to complete, providing you with magnificent views of the Loch. The walk starts from Balmaha and parking is free in the Visitor Centre car park.

Check out the link for a step by step route up and down Conic Hill with a map to follow: Conic Hill Walk.

Arrochar

Arrochar is a beautiful little village, located at the head of Loch Long. There is not a lot to do in Arrochar. However, it is still worth visiting. There is a lovely grass area beside the Loch to enjoy a picnic on. We enjoyed ice cream and Alex enjoyed flying his drone over Loch Long. If you are feeling peckish, there is a cafe in the village centre.

 

Rest and Be Thankful

Rest and Be Thankful is a monument at a viewpoint on the A83. The viewpoint is 245m above sea level and it divides Glen Kinglas from Glen Croe, providing fantastic views down both valleys.

The words, ‘REST & BE THANKFUL’ are inscribed on a stone near the junction of the A83 and the B828, placed there by soldiers who built the original military road in 1753, now referred to as the Drovers’ road. The original stone fell into ruin and was replaced by a commemorative stone at the same site. The reason the soldiers gave it this name due to the climb out of Glen Croe. The climb is so long and steep at the end that it was traditional for travelers to rest at the top, and be thankful for having reached the highest point.

Luss

Luss is a very picturesque village, located on the west bank of Loch Lomond. On the waterfront, there is a lovely pier were a few different boat operators run boat trips out onto Loch Lomond. You can enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Loch or go for something a bit more thrilling; a speedboat ride on Loch Lomond. In the village itself, there are lovely gift shops, cafes, and restaurants.