Loch Lomond, between Lowlands and Highlands

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Great Britain by surface area and one of the best loved in Scotland. About 39 kilometres long, it lies less than an hour from Glasgow, right on the border between the Lowlands and the Highlands: the southern part is broad and dotted with wooded islands, the northern part narrow and hemmed in by mountains. Celebrated in one of Scotland's most famous folk songs, it is the heart of Scotland's first national park.

History

The loch lies along the Highland Boundary Fault, the great geological fault that separates the Lowlands from the Highlands: it can be clearly seen from above, where a line of islands marks the fracture. For centuries its shores were clan territory, home to the Colquhouns of Luss and the MacGregors. In 1671 Rob Roy MacGregor was born at nearby Glengyle, the famous outlaw and cattle dealer made famous by Walter Scott's novel, who according to tradition hid in a cave on the eastern shore.

In the 19th century the railway and steamers arrived, and the loch became the favourite day-trip destination for Glasgow's citizens. The song The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond, published in the mid-19th century, made it known around the world. In 2002 Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park was created, the first in Scotland.

What to see

Balloch and Loch Lomond Shores

At the southern end, Balloch is the gateway to the loch, with the station, Balloch Castle Country Park and Loch Lomond Shores, with shops, the Sea Life aquarium and the pier from which cruises depart.

Luss

On the west shore, Luss is one of the prettiest villages in Scotland, with flower-covered stone cottages built for slate quarry workers, an ancient church and a beach on the loch with views of Ben Lomond. It was the set of the Scottish television series Take the High Road.

The islands

The loch has about thirty islands. Inchmurrin is the largest, Inchcailloch has a woodland trail and an ancient burial ground, and on Inchconnachan a small colony of wallabies, brought here in the 1940s, has lived for decades. They can be reached by boats from Balmaha and Luss.

The mountains and paths

On the east shore, Ben Lomond (974 metres) is the most southerly of Scotland's mountains over 3,000 feet, with a well-marked path from Rowardennan. A shorter climb is Conic Hill, above Balmaha, on the line of the fault: in an hour you get a spectacular view of the islands. The West Highland Way, Scotland's most famous long-distance trail, runs along the east shore.

Practical information

The loch can be visited all year round. Cruises leave from Balloch, Luss, Tarbet and Balmaha, with fewer sailings in winter. On summer weekends the A82 and the car parks at Luss fill up. Camping is regulated: in some areas of the park you need a permit.

Getting there

• By train: from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch in about 45 minutes; the West Highland Line stops at Arrochar and Tarbet, in the north.
• By car: along the A82 from Glasgow.
• By air: Glasgow Airport is about 30 minutes away.

Nearby

• The Trossachs, with Loch Katrine and the steamship Sir Walter Scott.
• Glasgow, with Kelvingrove and the Burrell Collection.
• Glencoe and Ben Nevis; see Glencoe and Ben Nevis.

Tips

• How long: a day, two to climb Ben Lomond.
• When to go: May to September; in autumn the woods are splendid.
• A tip: climb Conic Hill in the late afternoon: from the top, the line of islands strung along the fault is a sight to behold.

Loch Lomond on the map

Nearby