Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond - 24 miles Long, the largest loch in Scotland was formed some 10,000 years ago by glacial deposits cutting off its direct connections with the sea.  As you will see from the map, the southern part of the loch is wide and its landscape looks soft and leafy whereas the northern part is narrower and hemmed in by mountainous terrain.

There are several well used high view points which give a very good view of the loch - Duncryne Hill near Gartocharn or Conic Hill near Balmaha.  The very popular long distance walk, the West Highland Way (starting at Milngavie outside  Glasgow and finishing at Fort William) meets the loch at Balmaha.  You can also take a boat trip from Balmaha to the likes of Inchcailloch Island which is one of more than 30 islands on the Loch.  On the island you can enjoy a short walking route and great views of the Loch.  Rowardenen marks the end of the public road on the eastern shore of the Loch, a starting point for many to start the ascent of Ben Lomond (not everyone gets to the top but the views from whatever stage you reach are well worth the effort).  The whole area is steeped in what is now popular history - the Jacobite Rebellion and the forays of Rob Roy MacGregor.

Most travelers know the western shores of the Loch since the main A82 passes to this side.  There are villages famous in different ways and in different times - Tarbet near the top of Loch Long was the place where the Norwegian King Haakon had his army drag 60 ships across the 2 miles or so that separates lochs Lon and Lomond in a murderous rout of the native inhabitants; more recently, the village of Luss is the setting for the fictional village of Glendarroch in the TV's Take the High Road.

Many travellers will also know the village of Balloch at the southern tip of the Loch and has boatyards, moorings and a pier.  Boat trips are available from Balloch.

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