Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Scotland. It is home to great Loch Lomond walking routes and trails, stunning lochs including Loch Lomond itself, and so many gorgeous Scottish landscapes just waiting to be discovered.
I recently spent three months living in various parts of Scotland including Edinburgh and Glasgow, but my favourite place was just outside of this national park. We got lucky with the weather meaning I got out and explored many of the best walking routes that Loch Lomond has to offer.
The thing that shocked me the most? Just how mountainous Scotland can be. After 6 years of living in Vancouver, I’d forgotten just how good walking in the UK can be.
As a nature lover and active traveller, I’ve always been drawn to the rugged beauty of Scotland’s mountains and hills. The stunning views that I experienced while walking in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park were up there with some of the best.
From the picturesque villages and tranquil lochs to the rugged peaks and dramatic valleys, the park is full of natural beauty and things to do.
Below, I’m sharing with you some of the best Loch Lomond walking routes.
From easy walks to strenuous hikes up Munros, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has something for everyone. Put on your walking boots and get ready to explore some of the most stunning landscapes that Scotland has to offer on these Loch Lomond walking trails.
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About Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is located in central Scotland, just a short distance from Glasgow.
The park is named after Scotland’s largest loch, Loch Lomond, which is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including forests, mountains, and rolling hills.
The Trossachs, which is often referred to as the Highlands in miniature, is an area of woodlands, lochs, and glens.
Together, these areas form Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park which is full of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, fishing, and watersports. Inside the park, there are also some super cute villages, plenty of great restaurants and, of course, some whisky distilleries
Check out this guide for the best things to do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
How to get to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Getting to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is relatively easy, whether you’re travelling from Glasgow or Edinburgh or further afield.
Driving to Loch Lomond
To drive from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond takes around 1.5 – 2 hours and from Glasgow to Loch Lomond takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
If you’re coming from London, the drive is around 7-8 hours but can vary greatly depending on the traffic. From Manchester, expect your drive to Loch Lomond to take around 4.5 hours.
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
By public transport
For those who prefer public transport, the best option is to take a train to Glasgow, which is well-connected to other parts of the UK.
A great option for this, if you’re coming from London, is the Caledonian Sleeper Train which leaves London at night, arriving in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or further north, the following morning. I’ve ridden the Caledonian Sleeper twice now and it’s one of my favourite ways to get to Scotland from the south!
Book your Caledonian Sleeper train tickets here
From Glasgow, you can take the Glasgow-Balloch train or the Glasgow-Oban/Fort William train to reach Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park depending on exactly which part of the park you’re looking to explore.
You can book trains online in advance by using TheTrainline.com which makes it super easy to plan your journey ahead of time!
Or, if you decide to rent a car, I use sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
Flying to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
If you’re flying into Scotland, Glasgow Airport is the nearest airport to Loch Lomond though Edinburgh’s main airport tends to have better flight connections internationally and more options domestically too.
Skyscanner is what I usually use to find cheap flights.
Neither city is that far from Loch Lomond and you can can rent a car or take a taxi to reach the national park.
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
Guided tours of Loch Lomond
Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that visits Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. There are plenty of small group tours available from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Below, I’ve picked out some of th best that leave from either Edinburgh and Glasgow so you can choose depending one where you were staying before.
Guided tours to Loch Lomond from Glasgow:
Guided tours to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh:
How to get around Loch Lomond
The easiest way to get around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is by car as bus connections can be few and far between. If you’re sticking to the mains towns and villages in Loch Lomond National Park then buses should work for you, but if you wish to hike and cycle then a car will be far better.
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
What to know before going on a walk in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
In addition to checking the weather for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, there are several other things you should know before attempting the walk:
- Always practice leave no trace ethics and pack out anything you take with you.
- Stick to pre-existing trails to avoid eroding the landscape
- Always pack layers and waterproofs – this is Scotland after all!
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Make sure you walk with your 10 essentials.
Navigating while on the trail: You can find this hike on AllTrails which is my usual go-to for planning my hikes, navigating, checking trail conditions and, if hiking solo, making sure others know I’m safe. The OS Map app is one of the best hiking apps for trails in the UK and is just like having hundreds of OS maps in your pocket!
What to pack for these Loch Lomond walks
What to pack for this hike depends on what season you’re hiking in.
- Check out my day hike packing list here.
- If you’re hiking in summer you should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, water and bug spray as well as everything in the 10 essentials for hiking list.
- Here is what to wear hiking in hot weather
- Check out this post on the best leggings for hiking or what to wear hiking in summer for more details and my gear recommendations.
- If you’re hiking in winter after the snow has started falling you’ll need microspikes at the very least. If there is a lot of snow you will probably need snowshoes.
- You should also take plenty of layers including a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are also necessary as well as a good backpack to keep everything in.
- You should also pack water and some snacks too to keep you going as they’re part of the 10 essentials for hiking!
- Planning a hiking date? Check out what to wear on a hiking date but still look cool.
17 of the best Loch Lomond walking routes
1. Inchcailloch
Soft white sands, a chance for a wild swim, and a mini mountain await walkers on the magical island of Inchailloch in the middle of Loch Lomond.
This is a fun option if you’re looking for easy walks Loch Lomond National Park has to offer.
At less than a mile long, with a superb lookout point, ancient ruins, and an abundance of flora and fauna, Inchcailloch Island can be reached by a two-minute ferry ride from Balmaha.
Once you’re there, a gentle walk leads across the island to Port Bawn (Port Bán), where a well-deserved swim awaits before heading back to the ferry and Balmaha.
- Distance: 2.9 km
- Duration: 1- 1.5 hours
- Elevation: 146 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- AllTrails+ map
2. Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe
This magical walk through Aberfoyle is steeped in mystery and is a fun Loch Lomond walking route for families.
On this walk in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, you’ll go through beautiful native woodland, open countryside, and alongside rivers.
The highlight of this walk is reaching the top of Doon Hill which is the doorway to an underground Fairy Queen’s palace.
Legend has it that Reverend Robert Kirk’s spirit was trapped in this palace after revealing secrets about the fairy folk in 1691. There are plenty of surprises that await you here!
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Elevation: 125 m
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- AllTrails+ map
3. Conic Hill walk
Perfect for those short on time or hiking in Scotland with children in tow, Conic Hill is an easy walk in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs which rewards walkers with superb views across Loch Lomond.
Most should allow 1-2 hours to complete this walk which is one of the iconic Loch Lomond trails.
On a walk to the top of Conic Hill, you’ll follow a well-marked road through ancient woodland. As you get closer to the summit, you’ll find steps on the trail to help you with the final climb.
This hill is part of the West Highland Way (see below) and so you’ll see signs for that as you walk this trail.
At the end of your walk at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, snag a table at Oak Tree Inn, just across from the car park for a well-deserved pint at this cute lakeside pub.
- Distance: 4 km
- Elevation: 316 m
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- AllTrails+ map
4. Ben A’an
Ben A’an is a small but popular mountain hike in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
At 454 meters high, Ben A’an offers a relatively easy walk and the views at the end are seriously impressive as you look down onto Loch Katrine. It’s one of the best walks around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
The hiking trail to Ben Aan starts at the car park on the A821 road and takes around 2 hours to complete.
You’ll begin by hiking through some woodland before tackling the stone steps up. to the summit.
Combine walking Ben A’an with a visit to Loch Katrine for a fun day out in the Loch Lomond area.
- Distance: 3.7 km
- Elevation: 348 m
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate
- AllTrails+ map
5. Callander Crags and Bracklinn Falls Bridge
One of the best things to do in Callander is to head out to the Brackllin Falls Bridge. This easy walk can also be combined with the Callander Crags trail which is worth doing and together these walks are up there on my list of the best walks near Loch Lomond.
These trails take you through woodland and up to the high crags above the village, winding through the forest and coming out to some beautiful views.
It’s easy to combine Callander Crags with a walk to Bracklinn Falls or to do each walk separately.
Callander Crags
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Elevation: 281 m
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate
- AllTrails+ map
Bracklin Falls
- Distance: 6km
- Elevation: 240 m
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- AllTrails+ map
6. Loch Ard Circular
At the centre of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, Loch Ard offers a range of hiking trails that can be as short or long as you decide.
One of the most popular is the Loch Ard Loop walk along the shores of the loch, past Rob Roy’s Cave and even past Duke Murdoch’s Castle.
- Distance: 12.7 km
- Elevation: 308 m
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- AllTrails+ map
7. The Glen Ogle Trail
Hiking the Glen Ogle Trail is a fantastic way to experience the Scottish Highlands and enjoy a walk in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
This trail is fairly gentle with just a few steeper sections and takes you over disused railway tracks, an old military road and over the stunning Glen Ogle viaduct with awesome views of Loch Earn.
From dense forest walks to strolls across old stone bridges, the trail is varied and will keep people entertained.
- Distance: 11 km
- Elevation: 375 m
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- AllTrails+ map
8. Strone Hill
Strone Hill is one of the best walking routes in Loch Lomond, offering spectacular views over the Firth of Clyde and its sea lochs.
On a clear day, you’ll get views of Arran, the Arrochar Alps, and even Glasgow in the distance.
The route starts at Graham’s Point Heritage Park and takes you on a mix of surfaced paths, cycleways and trails which can get muddy.
As you hike you’ll get to check out views of Dunselma Castle and the recently restored Blairmore Pier on Loch Long too.
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Elevation: 488 m
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- AllTrails+ map
9. Ben Ledi
Ben Ledi, also known as Callander’s mountain since it is easily seen from the centre of this cute town, is a popular mountain walk in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
It’s an easy-to-navigate trail with views pretty much the entire way before you tackle a few false summits and make it to the top. From there, you can choose to loop down to the trailhead via Stank Glen, or head back the way you came, retracing your steps.
From the top, you can see Ben Lomond, as well as plenty of other hilltops and lochs.
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: 750 m
- Duration: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
10. Stuc a Chroin
Stuc a’ Chroin is a mountain located in the southern part of the Scottish Highlands not too far from Callander or the Ben Ledi trailhead.
At a height of 975 m, this mountain gets Munro status and those that hike this challenging route of ups and downs are worth the effort when you make it to the top for the beautiful views.
You can hike to Stuc a’ Chroin via Ben Each, or via Ben Vorlich with the latter being very strenuous and involving a scramble.
- Distance: 13 km
- Elevation: 1,110 m
- Duration: 5-7 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
11. Ben Vorlich
There are two Ben Vorlich’s one in the Trossachs and Loch Lomond and another in the Arrochar Alps. This one refers to the walk in the Trossachs!
The Ben Vorlich in the Trossachs stands at 985 meters high and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The hiking trail to the Munro of Ben Vorlich starts at Loch Earn and involves a gradual ascent with some steep sections towards the summit, making it a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Once at the summit, you’ll get panoramic views of Loch Earn and the surrounding mountains.
For a challenging day hike in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, combine Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin and tick off two Munros in 1!
- Distance: 13.7 km
- Elevation: 1,048 m
- Duration: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
12. Ben Vane
Although Ben Vane only just makes the cut to be classified as a Scottish Munro, getting to the top of this rugged peak is a spectacular hike in Loch Lomond.
Near the Arrochar Alps, you’ll get stunning views from the summit of Ben Vane. This route is a difficult walk in Loch Lomond, with several false summits before you reach the top. There’s also a scramble just before the summit.
The hike begins in Inveruglas and it’s the perfect place to stop in after your walk in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs since there’s a great pub here for a pint and some food!
- Distance: 11 km
- Elevation: 966 m
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
13. Ben More
Ben More, standing proud at 1,174 metres, is the tallest of Loch Lomond’s Munros and is often considered more challenging than Ben Lomond.
The terrain is pretty rocky underfoot making it challenging to hike in parts. It’s also steep for most of the trail, but navigation is generally easy. The trail also gets super boggy so you’ll want some decent hiking boots.
If you persevere and make it up to the top then you’ll get rewarded with the stunning views that await you.
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Elevation: 949 m
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
14. Ben Venue
Although its name may translate to ‘miniature mountain’ in Scottish Gaelic, Ben Venue is anything but small.
This peak looms over Loch Achray and Loch Katrine and offers superb views. It also stands as one of the classic peaks of the Trossachs.
As one of the most popular ‘Grahams’ in Scotland, rising between 2,000 ft and 2,500 ft above sea level, Ben Venue is a must-do for any keen hiker visiting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ben Venue is steeped in local history and myth. The Pass of the Cattle, an ancient trail used by Highland cattle thieves as they fled with large herds of cows, can be found to the north of the summit, close to the shore of Loch Katrine.
Sir Walter Scott, the famous poet, described Ben Venue as “fragments of an earlier world” in his narrative poem The Lady of the Lake and so hiking up Ben Venue is like taking a step back in time, to a world where history and myth were intertwined and nature was both revered and feared.
- Distance: 14 km
- Elevation: 703 m
- Duration: 5+ hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
15. Ben Lomond
Hiking Ben Lomond is an unforgettable experience and one of the best walks in the Trossachs and Loch Lomond hiking routes.
I hiked Ben Lomond via the Ptarmigan path with friends, coming down the mountain track I can say it was one of my favourite walks in Loch Lomond for the views! Personally, I recommend doing this as it’s a more scenic route.
At 974m high, Ben Lomond is one of Scotland’s most popular peaks and many people’s first Munro and is one of the best hikes Loch Lomond has for you to try.
At the top, you’ll get amazing views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains. We were even able to see Ben Nevis from the summit!
The Ben Lomond hike takes you through woodlands, heather moors, and rocky outcrops and you’ll get seriously impressive views pretty much the entire way over. The views over Loch Lomond were so beautiful!
- Distance: 12.4 km
- Elevation: 961 m
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
16. The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is a 155 km long-distance hiking trail that runs from Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Its the ultimate route for hiking Loch Lomond since you’ll walk. the entire length of the loch.
The trail passes through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe.
The trail is usually completed in 6-9 days, depending on the hiker and it’s a well-marked trail with a mix of easy and challenging terrain.
Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of Scotland’s countryside, pretty villages, and historic landmarks.
The West Highland Way is one of the most popular hiking routes in Scotland and a must-do for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Scotland on foot.
- Distance: 155 km
- Elevation: 3,565 m
- Duration: 6-9 days
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
17. Rob Roy Way
From Drymen to Pitlochry, the Rob Roy Way is a 128 km route follows paths used by the notorious outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.
This long-distance Scottish backpacking route, passes Loch Tay, with Ben Lawers, Ben Ledi, and several other lochs. You’ll hike through forests, over rivers, and through small towns and villages on one of the longest walks Loch Lomond has to offer.
While this route takes most people 6-8 days, you can adjust it depending on your own fitness levels and the time you have.
- Distance: 128 km
- Elevation: 4,191 m
- Duration: 6-8 days
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
FAQs about the best walks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
How long does it take to walk around Loch Lomond?
It would take a long time to walk around Loch Lomond and most of the walk wouldn’t be very pretty as it goes alongside a busy road. The best part is in the village of Luss or, check out some of the walks and hikes that make up Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in this post.
What is the most beautiful town in Loch Lomond?
While Balloch is the biggest, I think the prettiest town in Loch Lomond is the village of Luss.
Is Loch Lomond free to entry?
Yes, all National Parks in the UK are free so there’s no charge to enjoy the best best walks Loch Lomond has to offer.
Why is Loch Lomond so famous?
Loch Lomond is the biggest lake in the UK and has songs, poems and art based on it.
Is Loch Lomond parking free?
Most parking for Loch Lomond is pay parking and you will find signs in the car parks displaying how much you need to pay. There’s usually an hourly rate as well as a day rate.
Final thoughts on the best Loch Lomond walking routes
There are so many awesome Loch Lomond walking routes in this beautiful national park.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through beautiful woodland or a challenging climb up a mountain, the park has something for everyone. From the iconic West Highland Way to the unique Glen Ogle Trail, each route offers something different and there are so many options for Loch Lomond hikes.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just getting started, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Also, be sure to check out this guide to Cairngorms National Park things to do if you’re exploring more UK National Parks as well as these Cairngorms walking routes.
Last Updated on August 25, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.