Loch Lomond is a stunning area of Scotland that offers some of the best walking and hiking opportunities in the country. From the iconic Conic Hill to the tranquil Luss Pier, Loch Lomond has something for everyone looking for an enjoyable walk or hike.
Here I will detail 15 of the best walks and hikes in Loch Lomond, including the picturesque Ben Lomond and the historic Balloch Castle Country Park. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging climb, you’ll find something here for you.
So let’s get started and explore some of the best walks Loch Lomond has to offer!
Conic Hill
You’ll love the stunning views from the top of Conic Hill!
Situated on the western side of Loch Lomond, Conic Hill is one of the most popular walks in the area and is regularly featured in lists of Scotland’s top hikes.
With its mix of rolling hills and lush valleys, the route offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photo ops.
You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the loch and the surrounding hills.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to stop for a rest and enjoy the scenery.
There’s also an old stone bridge, which is one of the most photographed spots in the entire area.
The path leads up to the top of Conic Hill, where you can take in the incredible panorama of Scotland’s most beautiful lake.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Conic Hill is an excellent choice.
Ben Lomond
Taking a hike up Ben Lomond offers magnificent views of the majestic landscapes surrounding the loch. It is the most popular mountain in the Loch Lomond area and is accessible from a number of different spots.
The hike itself is fairly steep and will take an average hiker around 3-4 hours at a slow pace, although experienced hikers can manage it in under 2 hours. The trail is well marked and is very scenic, with lots of wildlife, wildflowers, and ancient trees.
At the top of Ben Lomond, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains, and it’s a great place to take a break and admire the beauty of the area. On a clear day, you can even see the distant highlands.
As you descend, you’ll be delighted by the cascading waterfalls and numerous lochs of the area.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, the Ben Lomond hike is a great experience and offers a great opportunity to explore the beauty of Loch Lomond.
Balloch Castle Country Park
Explore the lush greenery of Balloch Castle Country Park, and discover its many winding paths leading through woods and along the shore of the loch.
The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of trails with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
For those looking for a more leisurely stroll, the park’s main path is an easy walk, with plenty of benches and picnic tables along the way.
Alternatively, the park offers more challenging paths, such as the Castle Path, which climbs steeply up the hillside, providing spectacular views of the loch and distant hills.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the park’s breathtaking waterfalls, which can be seen from the higher trails.
With its beautiful scenery and trails for all levels, Balloch Castle Country Park is a great spot for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike.
Luss Pier
Take a stroll along the picturesque Luss Pier to appreciate the breathtaking views of Loch Lomond. The pier provides a stunning panorama, with a backdrop of the rolling hills and majestic mountains of the surrounding area.
The pier is situated on the edge of the village of Luss and is a great place for a leisurely stroll or to take photos of the gorgeous scenery. It has been a popular spot for visitors to Loch Lomond for many years. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun setting over the loch and to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The pier also has a small café that serves light refreshments and snacks, making it an ideal spot to relax and take in all the beauty of the area.
Inversnaid
Nestled among the rugged hills of Loch Lomond, Inversnaid is a small village that offers an array of activities and sights. I’m particularly fond of the walks that can be taken around the area, which offer stunning views of the loch and its surrounding hills.
One of the most popular walks is the Inversnaid to Stronachlachar walk, which is a five mile route that takes in some of the loch’s most beautiful scenery. This walk starts in the village of Inversnaid and follows the loch shoreline before emerging at Stronachlachar.
Along the way, you’ll pass by the famous Inversnaid Falls, a spectacular waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff face. You’ll also get to see the stunning Broich Falls, as well as the iconic Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano that sits atop nearby Ben Lomond.
The views from this walk are simply breathtaking, and it’s an experience that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great way to explore the beauty of Loch Lomond.
Rob Roy Way
Embark on a journey of discovery along the Rob Roy Way, a spectacular route that takes you through the wild and rugged landscapes of Scotland.
Stretching for over 125 miles, the route begins in Drymen in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and takes you through the breathtaking Trossachs to the historic town of Pitlochry.
Along the way, you will traverse more than 3,000 feet of ascent, including summits of Ben Ledi, Ben Vorlich, and Ben Lawers.
The Rob Roy Way is an excellent choice for a hike, with a variety of terrain, from easy paths to more challenging mountain ascents.
You can choose to take the entire route or just part of it, and you’ll find plenty of stunning views and interesting places to explore along the way.
The route is well-marked and easy to follow, and you can even find accommodation and services along the way, so you can make the most of your time.
The West Highland Way
Experience Scotland’s majestic beauty and diverse landscape with a journey along the West Highland Way, a 96-mile trail that takes you from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.
Along this route, you’ll experience some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, from Loch Lomond, the UK’s largest body of freshwater, to the stunning mountain vistas of the Arrochar Alps.
Not only will you be graced with gorgeous views, but you’ll also enjoy the journey through the quaint villages, ancient castles, and historic sites that you’ll pass along the way.
The West Highland Way is a trek for all ages and abilities. You can choose to go at your own pace and explore the many attractions that you’ll come across, or take a guided tour to get the most out of the experience.
On the long journey, you’ll be able to enjoy the pure natural beauty of Scotland’s rugged landscape, as you pass through moors, forests, and wetlands.
The West Highland Way is the perfect way to experience the wonders of Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands.
The Three Lochs Way
Take a breathtaking journey through Scotland’s stunning countryside with the Three Lochs Way, a 32-mile route that takes you from Drymen to Balmaha on the banks of Loch Lomond.
This picturesque path meanders through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, including the Trossachs National Park, the peaks of the Campsie Fells, and the crystalline waters of Loch Ard and Loch Chon.
Along the route, you’ll be able to explore the ruins of 12th-century Lennox Castle, take in the breathtaking views of the Arrochar Alps, and enjoy a picnic by the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond.
With plenty of opportunity for spotting wildlife and vivid wildflowers blooming in the summer months, the Three Lochs Way is an ideal way to experience the beauty of Scotland.
The route is suitable for hikers of all abilities, so you can take your time to appreciate the stunning scenery.
The Three Lochs Way is a great way to experience the beauty of Loch Lomond and its surroundings.
You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and an unforgettable experience.
The Queen’s View
Leaving The Three Lochs Way behind, I set off on a picturesque stroll to The Queen’s View.
Situated on the west shore of Loch Lomond, the viewpoint was named by Queen Victoria during her visit to Scotland in 1873. She was so taken with the beauty of the loch and the surrounding hills that she declared it to be ‘The Queen’s View’.
On a clear day, it is easy to see why she made this declaration. From the summit, one can take in a stunning vista of the loch and the surrounding countryside. The layers of the mountains and the shimmering waters of the loch combine to create a breathtaking view.
The Queen’s View is a wonderful place to take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the loch.
The Arrochar Alps
Discover the majesty of the Arrochar Alps, a stunning mountain range situated just south of Loch Lomond. The rugged peaks of the Arrochar Alps offer some of the best walking and hiking experiences in the area.
The high altitude of the range means that visitors can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area, and the mountain paths are an excellent way to explore the area’s natural beauty.
With a variety of trails to choose from, there is something for every level of experience. From short, easy hikes to more challenging routes, the Arrochar Alps offer a wide range of walking opportunities.
Plus, the stunning scenery of the area makes for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a more strenuous exercise, the Arrochar Alps have something to offer everyone.
So come and explore this breathtaking mountain range and revel in its stunning scenery.
The Cobbler
Enjoy a challenging day hike to the summit of the iconic Cobbler peak, located in the Arrochar Alps.
The Cobbler is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Scotland, due to its distinctive shape and unique setting.
The peak towers above the surrounding landscape, and reaching the summit is a great reward for those who take on the steep and rocky terrain.
The path to the top is steep and strewn with loose stones, so be sure to bring sturdy walking boots and plenty of water.
Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the loch and the surrounding countryside.
The view from the summit is unbeatable, and it’s definitely worth the hard work.
Ben Venue
Climbing Ben Venue, a lesser-known mountain in the Trossachs, is an exhilarating experience that will leave you feeling empowered and awe-struck.
The mountain stands at a height of just over 2,500 feet and is accessible from the nearby village of Aberfoyle. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including Ben Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, and the Trossachs National Park.
On a clear day, the summit provides breathtaking views. The climb itself is steep and challenging, but it’s worth every step as you make your way to the top. The trail is wide, well-marked, and well-maintained, ensuring a safe journey.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view and a sense of accomplishment. Ben Venue is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
Glengoyne Distillery
Situated just outside Glasgow, Glengoyne Distillery produces some of Scotland’s finest whisky in a traditional, old-fashioned way.
Founded in 1833, this distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland, and the whisky it produces has been enjoyed by whisky lovers around the world.
The distillery itself boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and visitors can take a guided tour of the grounds to learn more about the process of whisky-making.
The tour includes a tasting session, where visitors can sample some of Glengoyne’s best offerings.
After the tour, visitors can shop in the gift shop and pick up some local whisky or other items from the distillery.
Glengoyne Distillery is a great place to visit for whisky lovers, offering a fascinating insight into the whisky-making process and an enjoyable experience for all.
The Rest and Be Thankful
Take in the breathtaking views of The Rest and Be Thankful while you explore the stunning countryside of Scotland.
The Rest and Be Thankful is a mountain pass located in the Argyll and Bute region of Scotland. It is situated at the top of the Glen Croe, between the towns of Lochgoilhead and Inveraray.
The pass is surrounded by a rugged landscape of hills and mountains, offering stunning views of the area. The pass follows the course of the old military road built by the Duke of Argyll during the 18th century. This road is now a popular route for hikers and cyclists alike, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, red grouse, and golden eagles, making it a great spot for birdwatchers.
Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, or birdwatcher, The Rest and Be Thankful is a great place to explore the lochs and mountains of Scotland.
Loch Ard Forest Walk
Discover the beauty of Loch Ard Forest Walk as you wander through the woodlands of Loch Lomond. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this tranquil walk, while taking in the wildlife and the stunning views of the loch and Ben Lomond.
This 4km loop trail is ideal for a family day out, or a leisurely stroll, with its gentle incline and flat terrain. The route passes through the forest of conifers, leading you to the tranquil Loch Ard, where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning views.
As you move along the path, you’ll cross several waterfalls, and there’s also the opportunity to spot deer and other wildlife in its natural habitat. The trail then follows a path along the shore of the loch, providing you with a picturesque view of the hills and mountains in the distance. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some seals or herons!
At the end of your walk, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful sunset, so make sure to bring your camera to capture the moment.
Conclusion
I’ve explored some of the best walks in Loch Lomond, from Conic Hill to Glengoyne Distillery.
It’s amazing to see the variety of landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests.
The views are stunning and the experiences are unforgettable.
I’m so glad I took the time to explore Loch Lomond, it’s such a beautiful area.
I’m sure I’ll be back soon to explore the many other walks it has to offer.
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of nature or history.
So, get out there and explore Loch Lomond for yourself – you won’t regret it!