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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Strathclyde Scotland > Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Welcome to Scotland’s first National Park—a massive area of 720 square miles that effectively serves as the “gateway” to the Highlands. It is located just north of Glasgow and covers several counties, including Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute, Perthshire, and Stirling. The main hub is Balloch, with the postcode G83 8QL.

What to Expect and Enjoy
The park is famous for its “Bonnie Banks,” high mountains (Munros), and 22 different lochs. It’s a place of massive contrasts where the Lowlands meet the Highlands.

  • The Lochs: Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain. You can take scenic boat cruises from Balloch, Luss, or Tarbet to see the many islands dotted across the water.
  • The Trossachs: Often called “The Highlands in Miniature,” this area is full of wooded glens and smaller, mystical lochs like Loch Katrine, where you can ride a historic steamship.
  • The Villages: Luss is a must-see—it is widely considered one of the prettiest villages in Scotland with its neat sandstone cottages and flower-filled gardens.
  • Stunning Drives: For those who love a scenic drive, the Duke’s Pass between Aberfoyle and Loch Katrine offers some of the most dramatic hairpin bends and forest views in the country.

Best For and Time Spent
This is a giant playground for everyone. Whether you are a hardcore hiker, a family with a pram, or a couple looking for a romantic viewpoint, there is a corner for you.

  • Duration: You could spend anything from 2 hours for a quick loch-side walk to several days exploring the different glens and mountains.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Parking: In popular hubs like Balloch or Luss, parking can be expensive and fills up very early on sunny days. If you’re heading deeper into the Trossachs, look for forestry car parks which are often cheaper or sometimes free.
  • Food & Drink: You’ll find everything from luxury loch-side hotels to tiny hidden tearooms. Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch is a great base with plenty of family restaurants and a department store.
  • Season: The park is open all year round. It’s usually busiest in the summer months, but many people think it’s even better in late autumn when the trees turn gold and orange.

More Places Nearby

Clyde Valley Family Park TRNSMT Festival 2026 Dumbarton Castle The Time Capsule Go Ape Aberfoyle Braehead Leisure Complex Innoflate Cumbernauld Flip Out Glasgow Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life Strathclyde Country Park Luss Largs Ayr Inveraray Isle of Arran Lunderston Bay Balloch Castle Country Park Topgolf Glasgow Adventure Planet Paisley Argyll Adventure Days Out in Strathclyde M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park Glasgow Science Centre Heads of Ayr Farm Park Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre Ayr Racecourse Lagoon Leisure Centre Waterfront Leisure Complex Hamilton Water Palace Riverside Museum (Glasgow Transport Museum) New Lanark World Heritage Site Kelburn Castle & Country Centre Falls of Leny Rob Roy’s Grave Loch Lomond SEA LIFE Aquarium Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre Culzean Castle and Country Park Inveraray Castle Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park Kilmory Castle (Lochgilphead) Bowmore Distillery Jura Distillery Ardbeg Distillery Oban Distillery Lochranza Distillery (Isle of Arran) Blair Drummond Safari Park
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