10 Amazing Loch Cruises

Cruise Loch Lomond boat arriving at Rowardennan

I’ve chosen ten amazing loch cruises and water bus services to feature in this guide. They are superb experiences either as a scenic way to get somewhere or a circular cruise. In addition, we are featuring two lochs, Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine, both with long cruise traditions.

To accompany this guide, we also have a timetable of the various services in operation. As always, do check before planning a trip, book your tickets in advance and feel free to ask any of the operators any questions you may have. I have travelled on all these services and can vouch that they are all excellent. You may also like our guide to some of the best views from the water.

Rob Roy III arriving at Stronachlachar

Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar

Departs Trossachs Pier with Loch Katrine

Bring your bike on-board a cruise to Stronachlachar (bike hire at Trossachs Pier). You’ll sail past Brenachoile Point, where an episode of Outlander was filmed, hear stories of the Trossachs, including the legend of Rob Roy MacGregor, who was born at the loch. As you approach Stronachlachar Pier, you will see Royal Cottage built for Queen Victoria’s visit to Loch Katrine.

Cycle back to Trossachs Pier along the 14-mile smooth road alongside Loch Katrine.

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Island Discovery Tour

Departs Balloch with Sweeney’s Cruise Co. 

A two-hour cruise that takes you through the ‘Narrows’, the thin stretch of water between a cluster of islands close to the western shores of Loch Lomond. You’ll also sail past Ross Dhu House, home to the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club and the pretty hamlet of Aldochlay with its cute cottages. Finally, you will see Luss from the water, one of the prettiest in Scotland.

Ben Lomond Hike & Rambler

Departs Tarbet with Cruise Loch Lomond

A great way to approach and climb Ben Lomond. You could arrive by train at Arrochar and Tarbet station. The cruise from Tarbet to Rowardennan arrives at the Youth Hostel with the opportunity to climb Scotland’s most southerly Munro, grab a drink at Rowardennan Hotel and head back to Tarbet. A great day out and a good way to access Ben Lomond.

Inchcailloch Ferry from Balmaha

Inchcailloch Ferry (from Balmaha)

Departs from Balmaha Boatyard

Inchcailloch Island is beautiful, an unspoilt island part of the National Nature Reserve. There are two scenic and enjoyable ways to visit. The first is via the on-demand ferry service from Balmaha Boatyard. The wooden boat will take you to the north of the island on a short but scenic crossing through Balmaha Bay and return a collection time with you. The island is incredible, and you can often see deer on the island. There is a viewpoint, ancient burial site and sandy beach.

Inchcailloch Ferry (from Luss)

Departs Luss with Cruise Loch Lomond

A more extended cruise from Luss takes you close to several other Loch Lomond islands before arriving on Inchcailloch Island at Port Bawn, the sandy beach at the southern end of the islands.

Inversnaid Hotel and Arklet Falls

Inversnaid Explorer

Departs Tarbet with Cruise Loch Lomond

There is plenty to enjoy on foot at Inversnaid, including a walk along the West Highland Way towards Rob Roy’s Grave, a chance to see Arklet Falls, and walk the RSPB trail. If you take your bike, you could cycle the 4.5 miles to Stronachlachar to see Loch Katrine.

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Experience Cruise

Departs Balloch with Sweeney’s Cruise Co. 

The proximity of Sweeney’s Cruises base by the River Leven allows you to take a train to Balloch and then jump on a boat to cruise on Loch Lomond. This popular one hour cruise departs frequently and sails towards Inchmurrin, Loch Lomond’s largest island. You will get excellent views of Ben Lomond, described with commentary by TV Historian Neil Oliver. There are longer and evening cruises available from Sweeney’s Cruise Co. at Balloch, as well as a Loch Lomond Shores departure.

Luss to Balmaha Waterbus

Two services from Sweeney’s Cruise Co.  & Cruise Loch Lomond

Luss and Balmaha are two of the highlights of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Taking a water bus between them not only allows you to see both in a day, but the cruise between them is stunning, sailing past the islands and getting great views of Ben Lomond.

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Brenachoile Point, Loch Katrine

Circular Cruise on Loch Katrine

Departs Trossachs Pier with Loch Katrine

There are frequent 45-minute and one-hour cruises to Brenachoile Point where an episode of Outlander was filmed, hear stories of the Trossachs, including the legend of Rob Roy MacGregor, who was born at the loch. You will also hear about Sir Walter Scott, whose Lady of the Lake poem of 1810 put the Trossachs on the map, which became the birthplace of Scottish Tourism. You may get lucky and see an Osprey flying overhead or fishing from the loch if you’re really lucky.

Rob Roy’s Cave, Loch Lomond

Rob Roy Discovery

Departs Tarbet with Cruise Loch Lomond

The cruise crosses the loch from Tarbet to Inversnaid. As you get closer to Inversnaid, you will see the magnificent Arklet Falls to the right of the large Inversnaid Hotel. You’ll pass some islands at the northern end of the loch and learn about the different clans. You’ll also discover the story of notorious outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor and see the cave where he hid.

Plan Your Visit 

If you plan to visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, consider ordering our book ‘101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs’, a photo guidebook of things to do and places to explore. Click here to purchase. 

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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