The famous Loch Lomond is a renowned spot for various forms of recreation. You can enjoy its splendid scenery in many ways – from a boat, on foot or by taking a bike ride along the bonnie banks.
BALLOCH – BALMAHA – ROWARDENNAN – TARBET – LUSS – BALLOCH
The proposed tour combines cycling and hiking activities. There are plenty of remarkable places to discover on the route, exposing the fascinating history and the unique nature of the region.
Recommended websites for making your trip safe and comfortable are sustrans.org.uk and lochlomond-trossachs.org. For more inspiration, you can also reach out for the indispensable cyclist guidebook Bike Scotland; Book 1 by Fergal MacEarlan.
Today, you have approximately 38 miles to ride and a few extra miles to walk. There is a ferry crossing on your route as well.
Start from Balloch train station in the morning (08:00–09:00 is ideal). Follow the National Cycle Network Route 7 to Drymen and then B837 to Balmaha (1.5 hours from Balloch). You are now on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. There are many things to do in the pretty village of Balmaha. Here, you have a chance to admire some of the most spectacular landscapes of the national park. You have travelled 14 miles already, so take a break from biking and explore the area on foot.
Visit the islet of Inchcailloch, one of the hidden gems of Loch Lomond. You will quickly get there from the local pier in Balmaha (find more information about Inchcailloch here). Afterwards, you can climb the Conic Hill (361 meters) for outstanding views of the loch and its surroundings. This popular hike starts from the National Park Visitor Centre; it takes around two hours to complete. Alternatively, the shorter Millenium Forest Trail will lead you to Craigie Fort, another magnificent viewpoint.
Allow at least 4-5 hours to fully appreciate the attractions and to savour the refreshments offered in Balmaha. Bike north another 7 miles to reach Rowardennan (one hour from Balmaha) – that is the place to catch the afternoon ferry to Tarbet; you are encouraged to take a bike aboard. Relax again and admire the glorious views of the loch and Ben Lomond towering in the distance. In Tarbet (45 minutes by boat from Rowardennan), join the West Loch Lomond cycling path and head south 17miles to Balloch. It may take 2-3 hours to complete this section, depending on your sightseeing preferences along the way.
It is worth making a stop in Luss, one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland. Here, take a stroll around its charming streets and cottages, or enjoy another fabulous view over the loch from the tiny pier. Proceed to Balloch to complete the tour in the evening hours.
Useful tips:
- It is a full-day trip, appropriate for the summer months only.
- With this option, the trip requires a ferry crossing from Rowardennan to Tarbet. In recent years, the boat from Rowardennan Youth Hostel Jetty was departing at 16:45. It is a seasonal connection only; check Cruise Loch Lomond for current timetables and other information, buy your ticket in advance.
/2021/
