Holiday homes & rentals in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

One of the largest lochs in Scotland, Loch Lomond is famous for its breathtaking setting and multitude of outdoor activities. Of the many attractions Loch Lomond boasts, its boating and water sports activities are a highlight for visitors.

Bridging the gap between the famous Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is ideally situated for exploring. When you choose the homely comfort of a Loch Lomond holiday cottage, you can access the area’s wealth of outdoor activities whilst being within reach of other Scottish cities and attractions.

Getting to your Loch Lomond accommodation

Due to its countryside locale, Loch Lomond is easiest to approach by car. If coming from the south, the best route is through Glasgow city, then taking the A82 which takes you on a scenic drive approaching Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The southern end of the loch is reachable from Glasgow city centre by car in around 40 minutes and from Glasgow International Airport in around 25 minutes.

Alternatively, Balloch, a town at the south shores of Loch Lomond, can be reached by train in around 50 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street station. Trains run frequently, but car lettings are highly recommended here, both for reaching Loch Lomond and exploring the area around it.

What to eat on your Loch Lomond holiday

In the Loch Lomond area, visitors can experience a mix of fine dining and traditional Scottish dishes. Look for haggis, a savoury pudding made from various sheep products, or black pudding, a blood sausage native to the British Isles and a favourite among Scots. At the markets, you'll also have a wealth of delicious local produce sourced from Loch Lomond and other areas of Scotland, including fresh fish and seafood and top-quality Highland beef and lamb.

When you're in Loch Lomond, you'll notice the significance of scotch whisky, which is also deeply embedded in Scottish culture. Visitors can experience this integral part of Scottish tradition at most restaurants, or more directly by visiting one of the distilleries in the Loch Lomond area. Easily accessible from Loch Lomond holiday cottages, the Auchentoshan Distillery offers tours, demonstrations of the scotch-making process, and tastings. Glengoyne Whiskey Distillery also offers tours, including whisky and chocolate pairing tours.

What weather to expect in Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond boasts a pleasant climate in the summer months with the average temperature in July and August being 16°C. Late summer is the prime time for visitors interested in water sports on the loch as the highest water temperature average is 15°C in August and September.

Loch Lomond’s sights and attractions

Visitors can embark on many outstanding walks, both along the shores of the loch and in the surrounding hills. Set within a National Park, Loch Lomond is also the perfect location for woodland adventurers too. For those interested in climbing Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond holiday homes towards the northern edges of the loch would be best. This would also place visitors closer to the lower reaches of the Highlands for more walking opportunities from your Loch Lomond holiday home.

The main appeal of the loch is its openness to all forms of water sports. Companies along the loch offer canoe hire and row and pedal boat hire for holidaymakers to experience the loch first-hand. For those desiring a more hands-off approach, cruises of the loch departing from Balloch are also available. During July and August holidaymakers can enjoy sunset or daytime cruises that allow visitors to explore the loch’s many islands. For those focused on water sports and cruises, one of the Loch Lomond holiday lettings situated close to Balloch would be ideal.

For budding golfers there are two golf courses to make use of: the Loch Lomond Golf Club and the Carrick to add a bit of variety for visitors. The Carrick is around a 10-minute drive from Balloch along the western coast of the loch. The Loch Lomond Golf Club is around a 15-minute drive from Balloch, also on the western coast of the loch and is located near the pretty village of Luss.

Cultural attractions and museums

Easily accessible from the Loch Lomond area, Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, offers even more insight into Scottish history, art, and culture. The city boasts 11 different museums that are free to enter. Among these are the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), the most popular modern art gallery in Scotland; and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which features 22 galleries focusing on art, the environment, ancient Egypt, and more. If you don't mind paying admission, Glasgow also features nine other world-class museums worth seeing.

Stirling is another interesting city for learning about Scottish history and culture. Located on the edge of the Loch Lomond region, Stirling is easy to reach from Loch Lomond. See Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most popular and important historical monuments, and one of its biggest castles. The 12th-century structure encapsulates Scotland's rich history and was often inhabited by Scottish royal families. Also worth seeing in Stirling are the Wallace Monument and the Church of the Holy Rude. The Wallace Monument is an impressive tower commemorating William Wallace, who counts among Scotland's famous historical figures. Inside, visitors can learn more about Wallace's life and enjoy great views of the surrounding area from the top of the tower. The Church of the Holy Rude, one of Scotland's oldest churches, boasts stunning stained glass and a historic churchyard.

Hiking and stargazing in Loch Lomond

For unbelievable views over the beautiful Scottish landscapes of Loch Lomond, go hiking or climbing in the hills and peaks surrounding the lake. A particularly unique viewpoint is Inchcailloch Summit, set on Inchcailloch Island in the centre of Loch Lomond. From here, travellers can take in wonderful panoramas of the region. Visitors to Loch Lomond should also check out the nearby dark sky areas, which are free from urban light pollution and perfect for stargazing. Look forward to seeing more than ten times as many stars as you could see in the city!

Attractions for the entire family in Loch-Lomond-and-the-Trossachs National Park

Dochart Falls

Killin is home to the Dochart Falls at the western end of Loch Tay. Stand on the village's stone bridge as the white waters tumble beneath you.

Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine has inspired writers and poets and was a favourite of Queen Victoria's. Take a trip on the steamship to experience Loch-Lomond-and-the-Trossachs National Park at its best.

Bracklinn Falls Bridge and Callander Craig

The walk from Callander to Bracklinn takes you through a forested area to the waterfalls, a local beauty spot. The walk is 5 km and can be experienced in an afternoon.

Hill House

Designed by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Hill House is open to the public and is one of Mackintosh's masterpieces of design.

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

See over 35 birds of prey including owls and a golden eagle at the Bird of Prey Centre on the southern banks of Loch Lomond.

Frequently Asked Questions