17 Best Villages In Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is my favourite scenic area in Scotland. I have put a list together of the best villages in Loch Lomond to visit.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are split into four areas, all of which have their own unique character and landscapes.

These areas are called Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Breadalbane and Cowal. In these four areas, there are 17 villages to explore.

Tyndrum, Breadalbane

Tyndrum is a small village which is located five miles north of Crianlarich in Glen Lochy. This is a good village to base yourself for climbing many of Loch Lomond’s Munros.

The popular walking route, The West Highland Way, also passes through Tyndrum. The Scottish Gaelic name for Tyndrum is Taigh an Droma which translates to the house on the ridge. 

South of the village you can find three Munros including Ben Lui, Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig. North of the village is open upland glens which bring thousands of walkers to the area every year to experience the wilderness and beauty.

Also, north of the village the A82 splits into two roads, one that goes to Oban and the other which goes to Fort William via Glencoe. 

Tyndrum is built over a battlefield, back in 1306AD, the Clan MacDougall defeated Robert the Bruce.

Lead mining was popular in the 1740s, plus a small gold rush in the early 1800s, bringing further expansion to the village and a second railway line. 

I usually stop at the Green Welly Shop when I am passing through Tyndrum on the way to Fort William.

Tyndrum Accommodation: Alma Cottage, Glengarry House

Things to do in Tyndrum

• The Green Welly Shop
• The Real Food Cafe
• Tyndrum Gruffalo Trail
• Ben Lui
• Ben Oss
• Binn Dubhchraig
• Country Mumkins At The Artisan Cafe
• West Highland Way

Crianlarich, Breadalbane

Eight miles north of Loch Lomond, in Glen Strathfillan, you will find a village called Crianlarich. In this area, you will be immersed in the rocky highlands, including peaks, rocky outcrops, gullies and glens. 

Crianlarich is a popular place to stop for afternoon tea on the way to Oban, Fort William, Perth or Glasgow. Also, from Crianlarich, you can get off the train and explore the hills and nearby footpaths of Strathfillan and Glen Falloch. 

Ben More is the highest peak in the national park and it is near Crianlarich. Also, nearby you can enjoy a spectacular waterfall which falls into a deep gorge, Falls of Falloch. 

The Falls of Falloch is one of the most famous waterfalls near Glasgow.

Crianlarich Accommodation: Glenardran House, Inverardran House B&B

Things to do in Crianlarich

• Falls of Falloch
• Ben More

Killin, Breadalbane

On the northeast border of the national park, you can find the stunning village of Killin. Killin translates to Cill Fhinn meaning the White or Fair Church in Gaelic.

The village is home to the famous turbulent rapid Falls of Dochart. Make sure you stand on the Bridge of Dochart to catch all the drama of the water whirling through the massive rocky boulders. 

Long ago, the MacNab clan were dominant here, and they have a burial ground on the Inchbuie in the River Dochart. Kinel House was the seat of the McNabs.

Also, in front of the grounds of the house, a well-preserved prehistoric stone circle known as Killin Stone Circle can be seen. 

I visited the ruins of Finlarig Castle are located to the east of the village between Killin and Loch Tay. The area around the castle is very peaceful, the castle is crumbling away but it gives some character.

Also, you can view the remains of the chapel, a couple of gravestones and the beheading pit. 

Moreover, Killin is located near the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve. Here, you can enjoy nature, wildlife and walking trails. Also, you can bag Munros in the Ben Lawers Range, popular Munros in Perthshire.

Other things to do which are not far from Killin include Tomnadashan Mine and Moirlanicg Longhouse. 

Killin Accommodation: Craiglea Thistle, Capercaillie

Things to do in Killin

• Falls of Dochart
• Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve
• Finlarig Castle
• The Falls of Dochart Inn
• Clan Macnab Burial Grounds

St Fillans, Breadalbane

St Fillans is a picturesque village located in the far east of the national park. Also, St Fillans has stunning views across Loch Earn.

It is believed the Irish missionary, St Fillian arrived in the 8th century and lived on Dundurn Hill. St Fillan is known for joining the Picts and Gaels in Christianity thus paving the way for a united Scotland. 

The introduction of the railway in the 1900s led to St Fillans becoming a popular loch side resort. Also, you can complete the steep Dundurn Hill walk from St Fillans which is the site of the Pictish fort as well as the cell of St Fillan. 

St Fillan Accommodation: The Sheiling, Midsommar Cottage

Things to do in St Fillans

• Dundurn Hill
• Loch Earn

Lochearnhead, Breadalbane 

Lochearnhead is located on the freshwater loch, Loch Earn. The Scottish Gaelic name for Lochearnhead is Ceann Loch Eireann.  

Loch Earn is popular for water activities including sailing, water skiing, wake-boarding and canoeing. Ben Vorlich is a pyramid-shaped Munro (reaching 985 metres) which sits above the southern shores of Loch Earn.

Near the southwest corner of Loch Earn, the remains of a crannog, an ancient loch dwelling from over two thousand years ago, can be found. 

Lochearnhead Accommodation: Lochearnhead Hotel, Mansewood Country House

Things to do in Lochearnhead

• Loch Earn
• Ben Vorlich 
• Stuc a’Chroin
• Glen Ogle

Balquhidder, Loch Lomond

Balquhidder is a village and a glen, located west of the A84, between Strathyre and Lochearnhead. The village lies at the head of Loch Voil.

A neolithic burial chamber cairn lies to the east of the village and a prehistoric stone circle called the Piudrac Stone is nearby. Also, the Scottish Gaelic name translation is Both Chuidir or Both Phuidir which means the hit of ‘Cuidir’. 

Rob Roy MacGregor, the Scottish hero, is buried in Balquhidder Kirkyard. Rob Roy died in his house back in December 1734.

Also, Balquhidder Glen is home to the national park’s most remote landscapes, where there is immense tranquillity. 

Many scenic walking routes pass through Balquhidder including Rob Roy Way, Kirton Glen and Creag an Tuirc.

Also, there are also a number of paths leading out into the surrounding mountains including the Munros – Ben More, Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean. 

Balquhidder Accommodation: The Loveshack Lodge

Things to do in Balquhidder

• Loch Voil
• Rob Roy Way
• Ben Ore
• Cruach Ardrain
• Beinn Tulaichean
• Balquhidder Church Ruins

Callander, Trossachs

Callander is a popular first stop off in the national park for those who are coming from Stirling. Also, Callander is one of the most prettiest and best villages in Loch Lomond.

The small town lies on the south of the Highland Boundary Fault, which is where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. It offers a great first taste for those who are coming to the highlands for the first time. 

Also, Callander has a historical character and the houses are lined up nicely, still following a street plan which was mapped out in 1739.

In Victorian times, Callander became a popular tourist destination for poets and writers who were influenced by the surrounding landscape. Moreover, the village is home to plenty of souvenir shops and tea shops. 

Nearby, you can enjoy many nature trails including the Bracklinn Falls circuit and a walk along the River Keltie. Bracklinn Falls is a famous waterfall to visit for those who are coming from Stirling.

Also, walkers can enjoy the Callander Crags which is a steep walking route with great views across Callander, Loch Venachar, Ben Ledi and beyond. 

Callander Accommodation: Leny Estate, The Lodge House Callander

Things to do in Callander

• Ben Ledi
• Loch Lubhaig
• Bracklinn Falls
• Callander Crags

Port of Menteith, Trossachs

Port of Menteith is located in the southern lowlands of the national park. It is a sharp contrast to the highlands as Port of Menteith is surrounded by farmland, fields and woodland.

The lake is a haven for wildlife, also, it is important for trout fisheries, ospreys during the spring and summer and geese during the autumn and winter. 

The ruined mediaeval priory of idyllic island Inchmahome is located in the centre of the Lake of Menteith and it can be reached by ferry between Easter and October.

Also, cyclists can enjoy the area as there are many cycling routes including Menteith Hills. Moreover, celebrity TV chef Nick Nairn opened a cookery school on the opposite shores of the Lake of Menteith where he runs cookery classes.

Port of Menteith Accommodation: Trossachs Barn & Cabin, Gamekeepers Lodge

Things to do in Port of Menteith

• Lake of Menteith
• Inchmahome Priory

Aberfoyle, Trossachs

Aberfoyle is a small Victorian village which is located on the banks of the River Forth. It is one of the most beautiful and best villages in Loch Lomond.

On the main street, you will find plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants which are enjoyed by many tourists. The small village is located in the spectacular Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

In Aberfoyle, you can visit the Scottish Wool Centre to learn about the production of wool or go to the Aberfoyle Golf Club, which is one of the most scenic golf courses in Scotland.

Also, you can visit the nearby Loch Ard which is a great place for fishing, water sports and hiking trails.

Moreover, you can take a direct route from Aberfoyle to the Trossachs along Duke’s Pass which is regarded as one of the best driving routes in Scotland. 

Aberfoyle Accommodation: Bo Nan Taigh Cottage, Rob Roy Hotel

Things to do in Aberfoyle

• Three Lochs Forest Drive
• Craigmore Viewpoint
• Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
• Go Ape
• Loch Ard
• Ben A’an

Drymen, Loch Lomond

Drymen is a famous village for hikers as it is the starting point for walks including the West Highland Way and Rob Roy Way.

Just outside of Drymen is the castle ruins of Buchanan Castle. Buchanan Castle was a former stronghold of the powerful Grahams of Montrose which dates back to the 17th century. 

Drymen is notable as the centre is shaped around a green. Also, historic buildings including the Clachan Inn and Winnock Hotel overlook it.

Moreover, nearby there are two historic golf courses including Buchanan Castle Golf Course and Strathendrick Golf Course. Interestingly, the actor and comedian Billy Connolly once lived with his wife and two children in Drymen. 

The famous glen called Devil’s Pulpit is only a ten-minute drive away from Drymen. The Devil’s Pulpit includes the steep stone Jacob’s Ladder staircase which leads to bold red rock in a green mossy glen. It is a great unique sighting. 

Additionally, Drymen is a good place to base yourself for visiting Loch Lomond. You can rent bikes to follow the Loch Lomond cycleway.

Drymen Accommodation: Foxglove Cottages, The Buckie at Buchanan

Things to do in Drymen

• Buchanan Castle
• West Highland Way
• Buchanan Castle Golf Course
• Devil’s Pulpit
• Strathendrick Golf Course 
• Rob Roy Way

Balmaha, Loch Lomond

Balmaha is one of the most popular and best villages in Loch Lomond.

Balmaha is a great place to base yourself for exploring Conic Hill, Conic Hill is a famous hill for the fantastic views across Loch Lomond.

Also, from Balmaha, you can go to the Island of Inchcailloch and stay at the campsite which is located on the island for a night. The water bus services run from Balmaha to Inchailloch and to Luss.

The name Balmaha derives from the Scottish Gaelic Bealach Mo-Cha which translates to ‘the pass of Saint Mo-Cha’. 

Balmaha Accommodation: Oak Tree Inn, Birchwood Guest Lodge

Things to do in Balmaha

• Conic Hill

Balloch, Loch Lomond

Balloch in Scottish Gaelic roughly translates to bal which means village or hamlet. Thus, Balloch roughly translates to the village on the loch, i.e the nearby Loch Lomond.

Balloch is an easily accessible town from Glasgow, and the village contains plenty of gift shops, cafes and bars. When I lived in Glasgow Balloch was a great place to go to spend half a day.

At the eastern end of the village, you can explore Balloch Country Park. In Balloch Country Park there is an old castle which was last occupied in 1390.

Now, the gothic style castle stands in a commanding position overlooking the loch. As well as the buildings you can explore the open parkland, walled gardens and tree avenues.

At Balloch House, you can walk along the shore of Loch Lomond and take in the wonderful views across the loch, surrounding hills and mountains.

Also, long-distance walking routes including the John Muir Way and Three Lochs Way pass through the village. In addition, there are long distance cycling routes to follow. 

Balloch Accommodation: Lomond Woods Holiday Park, Gowanlea Guest House

Things to do in Balloch

• Balloch Country Park
• Walk along the Loch Lomond shores
• Maid of the Loch 
• John Muir Way
• Three Lochs Way

Luss, Loch Lomond

The pretty town of Luss is located in the heart of the national park on the western shores of Loch Lomond, just 9 miles north of Balloch and 10 miles south of Tarbet.

This village has been around since mediaeval times, however much of the village standing today was created for house workers in the 18th and 19th centuries who worked in nearby slate quarries. 

There are plenty of walking opportunities near Luss. One of the longer hikes includes going up the Glen Striddle Horseshoe (or Beinn Dubh).

From the peak of 725 metres, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the islands and the Arrochar Alps. Alternatively, you can hike up Doune Hill where the peak stands at 734 metres tall. 

The most popular photographs of Luss show stunning flowers that are on display in the neat rows of cottages. I find that the village of Luss is beautiful and atmospheric.

There are cost cafes scattered through the village and great forest walks. The Luss Heritage Trail is a nice short walk which will take you through the pretty village and into the surrounding woodland. 

From Luss, you can catch a water bus to other locations on the loch including Balloch, Inchcailloch and Balmaha. You can view Luss from a completely different perspective on the islands in Loch Lomond. 

One of the most important things to do in Luss is to stand on the pier at Loch Lomond and take in the view of the impressive Ben Lomond towering over the loch.

Also, I have recently visited the nice long beach at Luss which is perfect for relaxing when the sun is out. 

Luss Accommodation: Roselea Cottage, Alderdale B&B

Things to do in Luss

• Luss Faerie Trail

Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Tarbet is a small village located on the west shores of Loch Lomond and to the east of the village, you can find Loch Long. I drive through Tarbet on the way to Oban and it is near the Arrochar Alps starting points.

Back in 1236, it is believed that Vikings raided the villages on Loch Lomond by passing through the valet where Tarbet is located.

The name Tarbet comes from the Scottish Gaelic name ‘isthmus’ which means a small strip of land separating two larger pieces. 

Tarbet is one of the best villages in Loch Lomond. Also, Tarbet links up two popular walking routes – Cowal Way and Three Lochs Way.

Moreover, one of the most scenic train journey routes in the world – the West Highland Line passes through here. Additionally, popular cruise routes around Loch Lomond leave from the pier in Tarbet. 

Tarbet Accommodation: Shore House, The Tarbet Hotel

Things to do in Tarbet

• Cowal Way
• Three Lochs Way
• Firkin Point Viewpoint

Arrochar, Cowal

Arrochar is located high in the Arrochar Alps on the banks of Loch Long. The small settlement has a long interesting history with ruling from the barons of Arrochar and the chiefs of the MacFarlane Clan.

Also, Arrochar was a target for Viking raiders who dragged their boats to Tarbet to attack the unprotected areas surrounding Loch Lomond.

Arrochar and the surrounding area are popular with mountaineers. There is accommodation, places to eat and drink and a convenience shop in Arrochar.

Argyll Forest Park includes the amazing Arrochar Alps which offers the best Munros and Corbetts to climb.

The most popular ones are the Cobbler and Ben Ime. Other mountains include Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)corbet, Ben Vane and Ben Narnain.

Also, there are several shorter, more moderate walks laid out by the Forestry Commission.

Argyll Forest Park was established in 1935 and is one of Britain’s oldest forest parks. The forest park stretches from the ‘Holy Loch’ to the Arrochar Alps.

Loch Long is a highlight for those who enjoy water sports or diving. Also, kayaking in the wilderness is a popular option for tourists.

Boat hire is available from local providers in Arrochar. 

Arrochar Accommodation: Gleann Fia House, Beechwood

Things to do in Arrochar

• Loch Long
• The Cobbler
• Beinn Ime
• Beinn Narnain
• Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint

Lochgoilhead, Cowal 

Lochgoilhead is a small village located on the northern tip of Loch Goil. Loch Goil is one of the three lochs in the Cowal Peninsula and it runs into Loch Long.

Also, Lochgoilhead translates to Scottish Gaelic as Ceann Loch Goibhle. In the 1750s steamers arrived at Lochgoilhead via the Clyde estuary.

Nearby is 15th century Carrick Castle (privately owned) which is a tower house of classic Scottish design and was once a hunting lodge of James IV.

Moreover, there are many popular walking routes in the area including Cowal Way and the Donich Circular. 

Also, the village and surrounding areas are a haven for wildlife, with their deep basins, shallow sills and sheltered shores.

If you travel around the loch you will see seals and porpoises, sea birds like guillemots and gannets or go rock pooling to find crabs. 

Lochgoilhead Accommodation: Feaugh Cottage, Hollybank Cottage

Things to do in Lochgoilhead

• Loch Goil

Kilmun, Cowal 

Kilmun is a historic village located on the shores of the Holy Loch, just north of Dunoon.

It is believed that the first settlement in Kilmun was in 3500 BC. The Scottish Gaelic translation for Kilmun is known as Cill Mhunna.

The remains of the 12th-century church can still be seen today. Clan Campbell made Kilmun their spiritual home and Campbell chiefs have been buried at Kilmun.

Also, a private chapel was built which evolved into the Kilmun Mausoleum which you can visit today. 

Just north of the village, you can visit one of the park’s hidden gems, Puck’s Glen. Puck’s Glen is a beautiful gorge walk with enchanting waterfalls, mosses and ferns.

Also, you can follow one of the few Forestry Commission Scotland Trails. Moreover, you can go further north and visit Benmore Botanic Garden, which includes 120 acres of spectacular gardens set in the mountainous landscape. 

Kilmun Accommodation: Pier Cottage, Nursery Cottage

Things to do in Kilmun

• Holy Loch
• Pucks Glen
• Benmore Botanic Garden

Final Note

There are so many small beautiful settlements in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The villages are in prime locations surrounded by stunning lochs and spectacular mountain ranges.

Also, there is so much to do from scenic drives to hiking Munros and viewing waterfalls. This guide provides a list of villages in clockwise order. 

For people that are more adventurous, you can try a high ropes course, water rafting or water skiing.

Moreover, for people who enjoy walking, there are excellent long walking routes.

Also, there are shorter walking routes and cycling routes which stop through all of the gorgeous settlements. There you are, the top 17 villages to visit or stay at in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

There are many great places to stay in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. I have great recommendations for spas, chalets and glamping pods.