49 Reasons To Head To Loch Lomond And The Trossachs Immediately
Deep waters, wild glens, and crisp, fresh air. *Packs bags, grabs car keys.*
1. Loch Lomond is, of course, the star attraction.
Milarrochy bay.
2. Its crystal clear waters are the perfect place to dip your toes.
Only in summer though, obviously.
3. But there are plenty of other lochs to explore as well.
Like Loch Ard, with waters so still that you can lean over and just gaze at your reflection.
4. And Loch Katrine.
This stunning loch is home to several islands, including Ellen's Isle (An t-Eilean Molach in Gaelic, meaning "the shingly isle").
5. Not to mention Loch Lubnaig.
This frosty loch is usually too cold for paddling, but well worth a visit nonetheless.
6. You can escape to one of the park's secluded islands.
Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond.
7. Inchmurrin Island has its own bar.
But Inchconnachan Island has wallabies living on it.
8. You'll meet charming locals.
Like these friendly Highland cows.
9. And see majestic ospreys, peregrines, eagles, and buzzards overhead...
There's a fantastic Bird of Prey Trail you can follow.
10. ...and fluffy ducks enjoying the scenery.
11. You can climb one of the awesome mountains.
Reach the summit of Ben Lomond for cracking views.
12. Or clamber up Beinn Artair/Ben Arthur.
Known as "The Cobbler" (due to the the distinctive shape of the summit).
13. You shouldn't miss the magnificent Ben Venue either.
Amazing views guaranteed.
14. Or the "Arrochar Alps".
Hello awesomeness.
15. If you don't feel like climbing a mountain, you can always visit stunning waterfalls.
Like the majestic Falls of Falloch.
16. The Falls of Dochart are truly unforgettable.
17. And Bracklinn Falls are a photographer's dream.
18. The Trossachs are a super romantic place for a stroll.
You can watch the sun set over the mountains.
19. Where you can gaze at its reflection on the Lake of Menteith.
20. The park is a pretty awesome place to watch the stars.
Minimal light pollution = maximum star gazing.
21. It's also a great place for a bike ride.
Stronachlachar, Loch Katrine.
22. Or a sail.
You can hire boats on Loch Lomond.
23. Don't worry if you don't want to row your own boat.
You can always enjoy a leisurely cruise along Loch Katrine aboard the Sir Walter Scott steamship, which runs from the end of March till the start of October.
24. If you prefer to stay on dry land, why not try a spot of golf?
25. You can also try your hand at waterskiing or wakeboarding.
26. Or, for maximum excitement, head to Loch Ard.
You can canoe, kayak, mountain bike, or even play on an inflatable iceberg on Loch Ard at Go Country.
27. If you want a calmer break there are lots of really lovely things to do.
Like explore the incredible Benmore Botanic Garden.
28. Or hire a golf buggy and tour the bonny banks of Loch Katrine.
29. Like history? The national park has some incredible ruins to investigate.
30. Or if you prefer your architecture a little more structurally complete, you can always visit a castle.
31. The national park has inspired countless poets and artists.
William Wordsworth wrote his famous work "To a Highland Girl" after being inspired by the beauty of Inversnaid. If you want to know about other artists and poets, check out this handy Art and Literature trail guide.
32. It's also got its fair share of unusual mythology and supernatural stories.
Just outside the village of Aberfoyle is a strange conical hill known as the "Fairy Knowe", said to be the haunt of fairies and otherworldly creatures.
33. Check out the super spooky Drovers Inn.
If ghosts tickle your fancy then head to this pub on the banks of Loch Lomond where guests report ghostly occurrences on a regular basis.
34. All this exploring will make you hungry, so it's lucky that there are lots of cracking places to eat.
Don't miss the quirky Wee Blether Tearoom in Kinlochard: A family run café on the banks of Loch Ard with a delicious breakfast and lunch menu.
35. The Wee Blether Tearoom serves the best toasties ever made.
36. Or head to the beautiful Inversnaid Bunkhouse, an old church converted into a restaurant and hostel.
Their hearty fare is perfect if you just walked miles along the famous West Highland Way.
37. You can also try some homemade ice cream at St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha.
38. No visit is complete without one of their sundaes.
39. If you fancy splashing the cash head to the Mhor Hotel in Balquhidder for a delicious lunch or dinner.
You'll want to take photos of every dish.
40. Or, if you like your dinner and wine with a view, head to the Shore House Inn in Lochgoilhead.
41. You'll probably want to spend more than a day here, so it's handy there are lots of places to lay your head.
The first option is to pitch a tent, though be sure to check out the National Park's guide to camping here before you do.
42. Or if you prefer a roof and four solid walls, put your feet up and relax at the luxurious Cameron House.
43. Wondering how to get to the park? You can always take a seaplane.
It's a pretty impressive way to travel. You can also get a train, a bus, cycle or drive, but what's cooler than a freakin' seaplane?
44. Whether you visit in winter...
Maol Mor.
45. ...spring...
Arrochar, Loch Long and Ben Lomond.
46. ...summer...
Inveruglas.
47. ...or autumn...
Balmaha.
48. ...one thing's for sure:
49. You'll never want to leave.
Ben Lomond.