Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, GBR
A vast landscape of hills and mountains, lush valleys, mist-shrouded lochs, and shady woodland trails, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park makes an easy rural retreat from Scotland’s biggest city. Located just north of Glasgow, the park also serves as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
The dramatic focal point of the park is Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest lake and one famously preserved in a traditional song for its “bonnie banks.” Around the lake, the Trossachs form a band of forested hilltops and grassy peaks. The best way to explore is on foot, via a wide network of hiking trails that includes the popular West Highland Way. Other popular activities include birdwatching, fishing, and sailing on the park’s many lochs and rivers.
A guided tour from Glasgow or Edinburgh can get you into the heart of the park quickly and let you focus on the views rather than driving. Many tours add on visits to scotch distilleries and other nearby attractions.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Overnight camping is permitted in the park. Be sure to pack out all your trash.
Ticks are present in some parts of the park, so be sure to wear insect repellent in summer.
If visiting with dogs, keep them under control, especially around livestock and wildlife.
There are public toilets around the park. Some incur a small fee, so bring loose change.
The park is a 35-minute drive from Glasgow. Via public transit, take a train from Glasgow Queen Street Station directly to Balloch, the park’s main hub; the journey takes around 50 minutes. The Citylink bus route from Glasgow to Fort William/Skye stops at Balloch and other locations, and the bus to Oban/Campbeltown also services the park.
The best time to visit is spring, summer, or early fall, when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. During the rest of the year, plan for typically cold and wet conditions and shorter days, with the sun setting before 4pm.
Balloch has a good selection of eateries, including the Italian restaurant Cucina, which stays open late, and Balloch House, a traditional Scottish pub where you can eat in front of a cozy fireplace. Venachar Lochside serves classic, locally sourced Scottish dishes on the shores of Loch Venachar.
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