Britain's largest lake by surface area, set in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with islands, shoreline walks and boat cruises from Balloch. The Trossachs add Loch Katrine and Callander.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park lies about 110 km west of Edinburgh, and the trip is a long day with several connections. Independent travellers take a ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street (about 55 minutes), cross the city to Glasgow Central on foot or by taxi, then take the Balloch train (about 45 minutes). The total is about 2h15 each way, with fares around £20 to £28 return. Small-group guided tours run daily in season from Edinburgh, including Rabbie's and Highland Explorer, and usually combine the loch, the Trossachs and Stirling over 10 to 12 hours. Driving takes about 1h30 via the M8 and A82.
Loch Lomond is Britain's largest lake by surface area, and Balloch at its southern end is the main gateway. Loch Lomond Shores has a boardwalk, shops and the departure point for boat cruises, and a one-hour cruise past the wooded islands is the main activity. Balloch Castle Country Park, a short walk away, has lawns and viewpoints over the loch. Further into the park, the Trossachs include Loch Katrine and the town of Callander, and guided tours cover these areas by coach. Visitors who prefer more walking can follow lochside paths, though the day is better spent on a single area than on trying to see everything.
A workable independent plan is to reach Balloch by 10:30, take a cruise (about one hour), walk the Shores boardwalk and Balloch Castle Country Park, and eat lunch at the Shores before returning to Edinburgh in the early evening. May to September gives the best weather and the fullest cruise timetable, while the west of Scotland is wet in any season, so waterproofs are sensible. Loch cruises cost about £15 to £20 for adults. Independent travel costs roughly £50 to £75 per person, and guided tours about £60 to £85. Visitors short on time may find a guided tour easier than three train legs.
| Distance | 110 km west of Edinburgh |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2h15 by train via Glasgow, or a 10-12 hour guided tour |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch G83 8QL |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train via Glasgow
- Cost
- About £20-£28 (~$27-$38) return
- Frequency
- Several per hour to Glasgow; Balloch trains about every 30 min
- Mode
- Guided day tour
- Cost
- About £60-£85 (~$80-$114)
- Frequency
- Daily in season
- Mode
- Car
- Cost
- About 1h30 via the M8 and A82
- Frequency
- Any time
Location
Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch G83 8QL
55.9985, -4.5800 View on map
Highlights
- Boat cruise on Britain's largest lake by surface area
- Loch Lomond Shores boardwalk and waterfront
- Balloch Castle Country Park viewpoints
- Loch Katrine and Callander in the Trossachs
- Guided tours combining the loch with Stirling
Tips for visiting
- Plan the Glasgow Queen Street to Central transfer carefully, since it is a walk or short taxi ride.
- Consider a small-group guided tour such as Rabbie's to avoid the three-leg train journey.
- Check cruise times at Loch Lomond Shores before choosing a train.
- Bring waterproofs, as weather changes fast on the loch.
- Eat at Loch Lomond Shores for convenience between the cruise and the train.
When to visit
May to September has the fullest cruise timetable and longest days. Start early, since the journey eats a large part of the day.
Accessibility
Loch Lomond Shores and the boardwalk are level and accessible. Boat boarding and woodland paths in Balloch Castle Country Park may involve steps and slopes.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Loch Lomond from Edinburgh?
About 2h15 by train via Glasgow, or about 1h30 by car. Guided tours take 10 to 12 hours round trip.
Is a guided tour better than the train?
A tour covers more of the park, including the Trossachs, with transfers included. Independent travel is cheaper but involves three train legs.
How much is the loch cruise?
About £15 to £20 for adults for a one-hour sailing from Balloch.
Can visitors see the whole park in a day?
No. A day suits one area, such as Balloch and the cruise, or a guided circuit of the main viewpoints.