Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Road Trip Guide
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park road trip will introduce wild scenery, interesting local history and fine local food and drink.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is Scotland’s first national park, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts as there is so much lush landscape to explore.
Driving a camper van or car is the best way to complete this route. You can also split it up into many-day trips if that is easier.
There are plenty of beautiful scenic roads in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, some taking you to much quieter areas of the national park.
Loch Lomond is home to 22 lochs so there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and doing other water sports.
The national park is located on the Highland Boundary Fault which makes hillwalking an unforgettable experience.
Also, there are 21 Munros and 19 Corbetts to choose from where you can witness the most magnificent views of forests, lochs, hills and rivers.
Driving
The roads in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are very windy, with plenty of bends and sharp turns. Also, there is a chance you will bump into highland traffic including sheep and cows on the road.
In addition, some roads are single lane and can be difficult to drive in large cars or camper vans. Therefore, it is important to drive carefully and be aware of other drivers on the road.
Driving around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is not an easy one-day trip. I would recommend splitting the trip up into several days or picking your favourite part of Loch Lomond to see and make a weekend out of it.
Camping
You can camp in campsites during the spring, summer and early autumn months. Most campsites and tourist centres close over the winter.
‘Wild Camping’ is allowed in Scotland, however, make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Ben Lomond
Location: Ben Lomond Car Park
First on the list of attractions is one of the most popular Munros in Scotland.
Ben Lomond stands tall at 949 metres. Overall, the walk is 7.5 miles and can take four hours.
There is car parking at Rowardennan which can get quite busy before 9 am. Also there is are toilet facilities and an information building.
Alternatively, if you do not fancy walking the whole route you can get a clear view of the mountain from the metal jetty on the loch shore.
The start of the walk goes through a forest area before following walking on a clear path. Then, at the summit, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views.
On the way back keep an eye out for a modern war memorial sculpture by Doug Cocker of Dundee.
Conic Hill
Location: Conic Hill Car Park
Conic Hill is a smaller hill which rises above Balamha near the south of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Overall, the walk should take approximately two hours.
There is a huge car park in the centre of Balmaha which has an information centre. Conic Hill is one of the many hills near Glasgow and one of the most popular mountains in Scotland.
Before leaving Balmaha make sure you stop and get a selfie by the Statue of Tom Weir who is a famous outdoorsman who helped showcase the great Scottish outdoors.
Finnich Glen
Location: Finnich Glen Car Park
Finnich Glen is also known as the Devil’s Pulpit due to the appearance of red water from the rusted colour sandstone in the steep gorge. The glen is secluded and hard to find.
Also, the steep staircase known as Jacob’s Ladder is definitely not for the faint hearted. However, the atmosphere and views once you get there are spectacular.
This is one of the best-hidden gems in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Finnich Glen is one of the smallest glens in Scotland.
Devil’s Pulpit in Finnich Glen is one of the most popular waterfalls to explore from Glasgow.
Balloch Castle & Country Park
Location: Balloch Castle Country Park
This beautiful country park lies at the southern tip of Loch Lomond. Balloch Castle is a 19th-century castle surrounded by ornamental walled gardens and fantastic nature trails and it is a popular location for cultural events.
Dumbarton Castle
Location: Dumbarton Castle
This castle is located just outside Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Dumbarton. Dumbarton is the ancient capital of Scotland and sits spectacularly on volcanic rock.
Most interestingly, Dumbarton Castle has a long history including Vikings, Mary Queen of Scots and the Scottish Wars of Independence.
Dumbarton Castle has 18th-century artillery fortifications and wonderful views of Ben Lomond. The castle is one of the most significant castles on the west coast of Scotland and also the castle is not far from Glasgow.
St Peter’s Seminary
Location: St Peter’s Seminary
The disowned and abandoned building was once used for training young men to be priests, however, it closed in 1987 due to lack of enrolment. Some parts of the building are unsafe, therefore be careful when you are exploring the building.
The building is easy to find from Cardross Train Station however the road is narrow and overgrown so it is not accessible by car. St Peter’s Seminary is a haven for urban explorers and an excellent example of brutalist architecture.
The grade A listed building is a shell of its former self but is recommended for a look around and it is an excellent spot to get some amazing photographs.
There is an abundance of artistic graffiti. Also, you can get excellent views over the River Clyde and out towards Greenock at the top of the building.
Luss
Location: Old Toll House
Luss is a popular village on the west bank of Loch Lomond with the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. It is a very picturesque village to stop at.
You can enjoy a pint at Loch Lomond arms, walk the Luss Pier or search for the fairies at Loch Lomond Faerie Trail. There are also quaint cottages lined up along the streets and cute little boutiques.
Loch Lomond
The small charming village of Luss overlooks the famous Loch Lomond. The loch has a 153-metre sparkly shoreline, which you can explore by foot or on a wild watery adventure.
In addition, there are several small islands in the loch, which can be explored by Loch Lomond Waterbus ferry services.
Or, alternatively, you can hire a small boat and explore the islands yourself. Inchmurrin Island is the most popular island with a hotel and restaurant reached by an on-demand ferry.
Inveruglas Pyramid
Location: Inveruglas Pyramid
The An Ceann Mor is an interesting pyramid-shaped viewpoint which was built as part of the Scottish Scenic Routes Project.
There are 31 steps to the top where you will be rewarded with scenic panoramic views of Loch Lomond and the beautiful mountainous landscape including Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps.
Visitors can view Loch Sloy Dam from here, which is the largest conventional hydroelectric power plant in the UK.
There is parking close by, picnic benches and a café which is open in the summer months.
Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain & The Cobbler
Location: Succoth Car Park
Here are more Munro peaks to bag for those solo hikers. Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime are part of a close cluster of mountains known as the Arrochar Alps.
These Munro peaks are rocky, rigid and steep in nature. In addition, Beinn Ime is the highest Munro in the Arrochar Alps.
Also, from the top you can see great views of the nearby peak of the Cobbler.
To get there you can park in Succoth car park and walk to the top and back to the care park which takes approximately six hours.
Again, if you are doing a road trip where you do not plan on doing any hiking, this is another great set of peaks to look out for to get amazing photographs.
Another popular walking route for hikers in the Arrochar Alps is Ben Arthur (The Cobbler).
Rest and Be Thankful
Location: Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint
Rest and Be Thankful is an excellent viewpoint on the A83 and sits 803 feet above sea level. At the view point you can view the old valley road which was engineered by General Wade during the Jacobite rebellion.
Also, this is the perfect place to sit back for a bit, and appreciate the panoramic spectacular scenic views of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Beinn an Lochan
Starting Point: Butter Bridge
Across the road towards the west of Beinn Ime you have another lovely peak which is also part of the Arrochar Alps.
Interestingly Beinn an Lochan was one of the first mountain peaks added to the list of Munros, however it was later discovered it is below the 3, 000 feet mark making it a Corbett peak.
This is a shorter hill walk which should only take 4 hours, however it is steep and strenuous.
To start his journey you can park at the large parking lot near Butter Bridge, alternatively you can park in a lay-by on the A83 which is 2 kilometres north of Rest and Be Thankful.
On the way up you will pass the Easan Dubh Falls and you can admire the stunning views of Beinn Ime.
Carrick Castle
Location: Carrick Castle
Carrick Castle is a 12th century castle set on the banks of Loch Goil and provides stunning views and is a great area for lovely walks.
There are picnic tables along with toilet facilities so you can sit back and enjoy the tranquil serenity of the National Park.
Also, you can hire paddle boards and kayaks to take onto the loch. The castle is set in a remote area with very poor access.
Carrick Castle is private and it is not open to the public.
Ardentinny Beach
Location: Ardentinny Beach
After Carrick Castle you will have to drive back up the north and follow the road down to Ardentinny Beach.
The beach is south of Carrick Castle and also overlooks Loch Long. The loch surrounded by the steep mountainous landscape provides the perfect dramatic scenery for any photograph.
It is the scenery like this that makes Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park very special. At the beach, you can walk nature trails and search for wildlife in the small rock pools.
Benmore Botanic Garden
Location: Benmore Botanic Garden
Benmore is a stunningly beautiful place, an absolute jewel in Argylls crown.
Also, there are plenty of paths to explore including some challenging paths with steep stairs and some that are more relaxed and flat.
Visitors can look at the variety of plants and wildlife to look out for. More specifically, you can look out for the rhododendron, Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions and the Golden Gates.
Puck’s Glen, Dunoon
Location: Puck’s Glen
A visit to Puck’s Glen is truly the best way to relax and connect with nature. Following the path over the small bridges and waterfalls should only take an hour to walk around.
The walk through the glen is glorious and the water flowing brings so much life to the gorge. In addition, the atmospheric trail is a magical enchanting experience that is definitely recommended.
Inveraray Castle
Location: Inveraray Castle
Inveraray Castle is a fairy tale Georgian Castle which belongs to the Dukes of Argyll. The castle is located on the shores of Loch Fyne and is one of Scotland’s finest mansions.
Overall, the castle’s exterior is magnificent and pretty stunning. Visitors can admire the well-maintained outdoor garden and wander through the expensive estate.
There is first-class holiday accommodation on site. Furthermore, you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea at the tearoom and munch on some light refreshments.
Also, there is a gift shop which sells a range of Scottish items.
Kilchurn Castle
Location: Kilchurn Castle Viewpoint
Kilchurn Castle ruins belonged to the former Clan Campbell from when it was built in the 15th century until the 16th century. This castle is one of my favourite castles on the west coast of Scotland.
It is best to view the castle from all angles so you can get the view of Ben Cruachan in the background also with the beach and loch in the background too.
Also, this is an excellent opportunity to get dramatic photos of one of the most photographed castle ruins in Scotland.
The castle is easily accessible from the road with a good few car parking spaces that are a short walk away from the castle. Nearby on the A819, you can get a stunning panoramic view of Kilburn Castle from a nice viewpoint.
St Conan’s Kirk
Location: St Conan’s Kirk
St Conan’s Kirk has very unique and interesting architecture. Also, the architecture represents a mixture of styles from several generations from the variety of antiques that is on display.
The Kirk is beautifully stunning from the inside and out. In addition, there is a nice garden with beautiful views across Loch Awe.
St Conan’s Kirk is privately owned and maintained. Also, it is free to enter.
However, you can put a donation towards the upkeep and preservation of the marvellous building.
There are parking spaces on the lay-by outside St Conan’s Kirk. You can probably spend an hour here as there is so much to look at.
Falls of Cruachan
Location: Falls of Cruachan
Again, to view this waterfall you can park at the Falls of Cruachan car park. The walk starts at the Falls of Cruachan Train Station and you walk up a steep path alongside the waterfall.
It can take about an hour to reach the top and it is about 45 minutes before you can see the falls.
Also, you can walk to the hydroelectric plant reservoir and enjoy the view from there. However, be aware that it can be muddy and slippery so be careful while you explore.
Ben Cruachan
Ben Cruachan is one of the many Munros featured in this road trip. The mountain has a peak of 1,126 metres which is the highest peak in Argyll and Bute.
Ben Cruachan is a mighty challenge and is not for the faint hearted, with boggy trails and steep rocky paths.
Also, you can tick Stob Diamh off your list by walking along the ridge that connects them. Overall, the route takes seven to nine hours.
However, you might not be too keen to dive into the deep end and climb one of the highest Munros. That’s alright, Ben Cruachan is a famous peak which will sit perfectly in the background for one of your photographs.
Alternatively, you can walk to Cruachan Dam and admire the views from there. To explore this area you can park at the Falls of Cruachan car park.
Ben Lui
Ben Lui is best known for the circular bowl below the summit and is one of the grandest Munros in the Southern Highlands. The hike starts with a river crossing then through a forest into boggy patches.
The shortest route is from Glen Lochy, enabling a chance to bag two Munros in one go with Ben Lui neighbour Beinn a’Chleibh.
Falls of Falloch
Location: Falls of Falloch
The path from the small car park to Falls of Falloch is not too long, it is the perfect leg stretcher.
Falls of Falloch is a popular waterfall where you will see adventurous people jumping from platforms of rocks at the peak of the waterfall or an expert kayaker attempting the descent.
Recently, the ‘Woven Sound’ was installed which provides a different viewpoint for the falls.
Ben More
Location: Ben More Trail Head
Ben More is a pyramid-shaped highland peak at 3,852 feet with a challenging hiking route.
You can complete the Ben More along with the sister mountain Stob Binnein in one complete hike which will take approximately seven hours. The start of the route zig-zags along a farm track and then opens to the most wonderful views.
The parking for this one is tricky, you can park along the road at Ben More Farm or there is a larger car park half a mile down the road at Loch Lubhair. Overall, this is a challenging but rewarding hike.
Falls of Dochart
Location: Falls of Dochart Car Park
The Falls of Dochart runs under a scenic bridge in the charming village of Killin. You can climb the rocks and admire the misty spray rising from the water as the river crashes into the rocks.
Also, the falls travel past the small island known as the Clan Macnab Burial Grounds. Killin is a beautiful stop with lots to do.
You can relax at the Falls of Dochart Inn, visit Bridge End Gift Shop or grab a coffee from one of the small coffee shops. In addition, there are plenty of walking trails in the area.
Loch Earn
Loch Earn is a long beautiful freshwater lake with stunning natural scenery and wildlife. It is a perfect place for fishing, boating and camping.
The peaceful tranquil spot is great if you get good weather. Also, it is a perfect place to relax for the day.
Ben Vorlich
Starting Point: Ardvorlich
Ben Vorlich is a massive mountain peak standing at 989 metres tall. It is a popular climbing spot for visitors due to the spectacular views of Loch Earn and the surrounding National Park.
There are many trails for all abilities and the paths are well marked and easy to navigate.
For keen Munro baggers, Stuc a’Chroin is a neighbouring peak which is usually bagged along with Ben Vorlich. The route begins at Ardvorlich and there is a steep scramble involved on the ascent of Stuc a’Chroin.
Loch Voil
Location: Balquhidder
Loch Voil is a more isolated loch with limited parking. There is not much tourism here, therefore, there is a higher chance that it will be quiet.
Also, the loch is an excellent stop for kayaking, paddling or swimming.
Loch Voil is part of Rob Roy county and there are a number of historical highlights in remembrance of Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.
Also, nearby the Balquhidder village is the gravestone for Rob Roy.
Also, near the west end of Loch Voil is the art installation known as the lookout which is part of the BLiSS trail.
There are over twenty locations in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park for the BLiSS trail and Loch Voil is one of them. Make sure you check it out.
Loch Lubnaig
Location: Loch Lubnaig Car Park
Loch Lubnaig is a stunning loch located between beautiful mountains, Ben Ledi, Benvane and Ben Vorlich. The loch is a perfect location for kayakers, canoeists, fishing and wild swimming.
Also, there are plenty of picnic areas and places to camp along the banks of the loch.
If you find yourself in the South car park, you can venture to a stunning viewpoint called Sloc-Nan Sithenach, also known as the Faerie Hollow. The Faerie Hollow is one of the first stops on the BLiSS trail.
Ben Ledi
Location: Ben Ledi Car Park
Ben Ledi is a popular walk from the town of Callender and it is one of the highest peaks in the Trossachs region.
Interestingly, Ben Ledi translates from Gaelic meaning ‘Hill of the Long Shoulder’. There is a small parking area over the bridge just off the A84.
The walk will take four hours and at the top of the Corbett, you will get the most amazing views.
Bracklinn Falls
Location: Bracklinn Falls Car Park
Bracklinn Falls is a very popular beauty spot. There was a bridge which was built by Queen Victoria, however, it was destroyed in 2004 due to severe flooding.
Now, there is a new bridge which was built in 2020, however, it has been closed due to structural work.
The path from the car park to Bracklinn Falls provides good views of the falls and the gorge below. Also, the walk can be steep in some areas.
The path crosses back over the Keltie Water at a wide pool known as Scout Pool and returns to the car park by a minor road.
Also, Bracklinn Falls is a popular waterfall for those who are coming from Stirling.
Ben A’an
Location: Ben A’an Car Park
Ben A’an is a fairly steep walk, however, it is definitely doable for everyone. It is one of the smaller hills in the Trossachs and can be done in a two-hour round trip.
Also, it is worth it as the views at the summit are breathtaking and fantastic. There is a car park that you can park in just off the A821.
This is also a great place to go mountain biking, also you can enjoy the atmospheric forests, open moorland, views of crags and a suburb vista of the surrounding landscape at the top.
Loch Katrine
Location: Loch Katrine Visitor Centre
Loch Katrine is a 13km-long freshwater loch in the heart of Loch Lomond. In Gaelic, Loch Katrine translates to ‘Highland Robber’.
Also, you can recreate your own picnic scene at Brenachoile Point which was used as a setting for an episode of Outlander.
You can take a cruise along the loch in one of Scotland’s First steamships, the SS Sir Walter Scott. Going on one of the cruises along Loch Katrine is a perfect way to spend the afternoon.
The steamship was launched in 1899 and still ferries passengers from the Trossachs Pier.
From Loch Katrine, you can walk up a well-marked trail to the top of Primrose Hill where you can get amazing views over the beautiful stretch of water. Also, you will get superb views of the Arrochar Alps.
Loch Ard
Location: Kinlochard Starting Point
Loch Ard boasts the Loch Ard Sculpture Trails offering a perfect way to explore the stunning views of the national park and abundant wildlife.
There are over fifteen miles of tracks to explore, over a variety of terrain to cycle, walk or horse ride, where you can discover sculptures as well as the hidden wildlife in their natural habitats.
Go Country Adventure Park is located on Loch Ard and offers water sports, including hamster ball and kayaking.
Inversnaid Falls
Location: Upper Inversnaid Falls Car Park
Inversnaid is one of the most remote and well hidden waterfalls in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
The waterfall is amazing, loch is lovely, and it is guaranteed to be a quiet spot. Also, the car parking is free and it is an excellent spot for camping.
Final Note
Driving around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one of the most magical drives in Scotland and the United Kingdom. However, you can explore your own country and sit by the banks of Loch Lomond.
There are so many beautiful landscapes, Munros, lochs and waterfalls to explore. Also, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is a great place for adventurous travellers.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a good day trip from Inverness. Rob Roy Way, John Muir Way and the Three Lochs Way are long distance walking trails where you can walk through sections of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.