Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

Take the high road (or the low road) from the western central belt and you're sure to arrive on the shores of Loch Lomond.

Within Scotland's first national park, Loch Lomond is the UK's largest freshwater expanse and one of its most picturesque. The Park extends into the Trossachs where you'll find wild glens, sparkling lochs and the pretty towns of Callander and Aberfoyle, which are useful bases for walkers to this area.

For walkers there are many options and for all abilities. Take a waymarked walk through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, climb lofty Ben Lomond or Ben Arthur (the Cobbler) or walk sections of Scotland's oldest long distance route, the West Highland Way.

Moderate Walks

As you would expect in Scotland's first National Park, this area offers many gentle walks through remarkably beautiful landscapes that have a rich flora and fauna. Footpaths run beside lochs, whose glassy waters reflect mountains and wooded shores, and along rivers and streams with waterfalls and rock features. Many routes are signposted, especially around villages and in Queen Elizabeth and Argyll forest parks. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs area has always been popular for day visits from the nearby centres of population, like Glasgow and Stirling, and as a centre for short, relaxing breaks.

Loch shores and riverbanks provide the setting for many of the best walks in the area, for example along the river Leny in Callander or beside Loch Katrine or Loch Venachar. The well prepared tracks of the West Highland Way and the Lochs and Glens national cycle route can also be used for good short outings, just going as far as you feel like. If in doubt, ask locally and you will be directed to walks in local beauty spots, like the circuit round Callander Craig and Bracklinn Falls above Callander. Wherever you go there is plenty to keep your interest, such as Rob Roy's grave at Balquidder and the cave on Loch Lomond where he hid from his pursuers.

Longer Walks

The enchanting mix of lochs, woods, mountains and villages found in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the area's accessibility means it is ideal for year-round rambling, whatever your fitness level. Circuits can be found through all types of scenery, while the good public transport system provides many opportunities for linear walks. The unpolluted air allows lichens to grow profusely on trees and rocks and the varied habitats support a wide range of animals and birds. Many of the best walks go through glens between the mountains.

One of main attractions of the area is the number of picturesque lochs and there are many delightful walks around them. Although roads follow some of the shores, the opposite side almost invariably contains an alternative walking route through partly wooded countryside with views to the surrounding mountains. The West Highland Way follows the wild east shore of Loch Lomond, Britain's largest body of freshwater. Loch Katrine and Loch Venachar in the heart of the rugged Trossachs are other good examples.

Long Distance Routes

Hill Mountain Walks

The first hills that many Scots climb are in this area, partly as it is so close to the towns and cities of central Scotland, but also because they are drawn to the unrivalled scenery. From Ben Lomond, Scotland's most southerly Munro, there are views over wooded lochs, with patchwork fields to the south and ranks of mountains in the north. From other peaks you can gaze down sea lochs or look into the heart of the Highlands. And, although many of Scotland's most popular summits are around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, there are still quiet hills to escape to and plenty of wildlife to see.

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