Complete walks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs with this walking guide
Walks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland's most beautiful walking destinations, with a wonderful mix of mountains, lochs, woodland and picturesque villages. From the spectacular views across Loch Lomond from Conic Hill to the challenging ascent of Ben Lomond and the waterfalls and woodland around Callander, there are walks to suit a variety of abilities. The area is also rich in natural beauty and history, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
Conic Hill
Conic Hill is one of the most popular viewpoints in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, rising above the village of Balmaha on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. This rewarding climb follows a section of the famous West Highland Way, passing through the woodland of Balmaha Plantation before reaching the open grassy slopes and summit. Although relatively short, the ascent is steep in places and well worth the effort.
From the top there are wonderful panoramic views across Loch Lomond and its many islands, with Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps providing a spectacular backdrop. Conic Hill also sits on the Highland Boundary Fault, the geological divide between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. After your walk, you can enjoy refreshments in Balmaha or take a ferry across to Inchcailloch Island to explore its peaceful woodland trails.
Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond is one of Scotland's best-known mountains and a popular Munro, standing at 974 metres above the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The mountain attracts walkers throughout the year, with a well-established path climbing from Rowardennan through woodland and then onto the open mountainside. The ascent is challenging, but the route is a classic Highland mountain walk and a great introduction to Munro climbing.
The summit rewards walkers with magnificent views across Loch Lomond, its islands and the surrounding mountains of the national park. On clear days the panorama is particularly impressive, stretching across the Highlands and towards the southern Lowlands. Rowardennan is also a lovely place to explore in its own right, with the West Highland Way passing along the loch shore and further walking opportunities towards Inversnaid and the beautiful Inversnaid Falls.
Bracklinn Falls and Callander Crags
This attractive walk near Callander combines the dramatic scenery of Bracklinn Falls with woodland trails and fine views from Callander Crags. The waterfalls are formed by the Keltie Water as it tumbles through a steep-sided rocky gorge, with the impressive Bracklinn Falls Bridge providing a particularly good vantage point. The surrounding woodland makes this a lovely spot to visit throughout the seasons, especially when autumn colours brighten the trees.
The walk also takes in Callander Crags, a wooded hillside overlooking the town, where open rocky areas provide excellent views across the surrounding Stirlingshire countryside. Look out for the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Cairn, originally built in 1897 to commemorate the monarch's Diamond Jubilee. Callander itself is a charming Highland gateway town, with plenty of places to stop for refreshments after exploring the falls and surrounding countryside.
For more walks in the area see the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Walks page.
