Loch Lomond is Scotland’s largest freshwater loch and nestles in the heart of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. It is a fantastic destination for exploring the great outdoors, getting out on the water and enjoying fantastic leisure attractions. Here is our pick of some of the best things to do on a luxury cottage holiday in the area.
When you are ready to book your perfect place to stay, choose from our handpicked collection of luxury cottages.
No visit to this part of Scotland would really be complete without taking to the water. If you like to be active, try water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking and water-skiing. Or add in some sightseeing on a guided canoeing tour around some of the loch’s islands.
If all that sounds like a little too much effort, use the scheduled water bus service to get around instead. Whether you want to get from A to B, admire the views or simply forget about driving and parking for a while, it’s a great way to travel.
If you prefer, there are sightseeing boat trips including speedboat tours and loch cruises with full commentary.
With lots of cycle paths, places to hire bikes and e-bikes (plus chargers on many routes) and many water buses allowing bikes, this destination is a fantastic place to cycle.
The National Cycle Network Route 7 runs through the heart of the national park and highlights include the Glen Ogle Viaduct on the railway path between Lochearnhead and Killin.
Enjoy tootling along on routes including the Loch Lomond Gateway from Drymen to Balmaha which offers stunning views over the loch. Or try the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path from Balloch to Tarbert along the western shore which takes in the pretty village of Luss.
Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch is a top visitor attraction and leisure complex. A host of indoor and outdoor activities, places to eat and events can all be found in one place. It’s a great day out for shoppers, families and adventurers alike.
Shop in high street stores and boutique shops, eat in one of the cafes or bring your own picnic, walk along the boardwalk and find a spot on the beach to enjoy. There’s even a mini train to help you get around.
If you need to burn off some energy hire a pedal boat, zip-wire your way through the treetops at Treezone, have a go at mini golf or visit the playpark. Meanwhile, animal lovers can visit SEALIFE and the Bird of Prey Centre (see below).
If you like getting close to animals, in particular marine life, SEALIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium is an incredible place to spend a few hours. There are over 1,500 inhabitants that live across seven zones, each with a different theme.
Take an exhilarating walk under the water through the Tropical Ocean Tunnel where you can come eye to eye with creatures including an array of sharks. Or visit the Bay of Rays to meet the playful rays that if you didn’t know better would swear were smiling right at you. Meanwhile, the otter enclosure is home to gorgeous Asian short-clawed otters for a full-on dose of cuteness.
If you fancy getting a little bit more hands on, there’s an Interactive Rockpool Experience where you can stroke a starfish or touch a crab to find out what they feel like.
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre offers a fascinating insight into the world of birds of prey, whilst being recognised for its welfare standards.
Set amongst the trees, the centre is a relaxing place for a day out and you can meet residents including owls, eagles and hawks. There are daily flying shows too, so you can see the birds in action whilst learning more about them from experts.
Or you can book a Hawk & Owl Encounter which is a group activity suitable for visitors aged 12 and over. This experience allows you to get up close with birds for a truly memorable time.
If you like the challenge of climbing mountains, have experience and are fit, how about taking on Ben Lomond, on the eastern shore of the loch? An early start is recommended, and a full day should be allowed, as it takes up to several hours to ascend and descend.
For a short and fairly easy uphill walk, try Duncryne Hill (also known as ‘The Dumpling’) that is 465 feet above sea level and can be climbed in an average time of around 30 minutes.
Or for a longer but still relatively easy walk, head to the village of Balmaha and up Conic Hill. Both routes will reward you with beautiful views of the loch and its islands.
Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve offers woodlands, wetlands and wildlife. One of its partners is the RSPB that monitors an array of birds that call this habitat home.
It’s a birdwatcher’s delight with species including geese that spend the winter on the loch, while ospreys can sometimes be seen here in the summer. However, if you simply wish to enjoy a nature walk through the bluebells in spring or enjoy a picnic on the shore in summer, you can.
You can also take a ferry boat to the island of Inchcailloch which is rich in natural and cultural heritage. It’s the perfect place for a tranquil walk in relative wilderness.
Balloch Castle Country Park’s history began in the 19th century as a private estate with the current Balloch Castle country house being built in 1808. The house is part of the scenery at this beautiful park which is superb for a walk and soaking up views across the loch.
There are 200 acres of grounds to explore that include parkland, woodlands and meadows. Meanwhile, formal and ornamental gardens here include a Chinese Garden, Pleasure Grounds, Quarry Pond, Kitchen Garden and a Secret Garden. It’s a wonderful place for families, couples and walks with your dog.
If you have junior school aged children in tow, that adore fairy stories and being outdoors, the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail is bound to be a big hit.
Set in a large section of woodland, this award-winning, family-friendly attraction combines the magic of searching for fairies with plenty of exercise and fresh air. On the trail, which is one mile long, there are fairies, trolls and unicorns to find amongst the trees and clearings.
Younger children and adults tend to enjoy the trail too, while dogs on a lead are also welcome. Should your little ones tire, there is a short cut back to the car park.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
