Balloch, Loch Lomond
Balloch Visitor Centre
Visit Balloch, Loch Lomond
Balloch is a gateway to the National Park and this guide features the village's highlights and some helpful information if you are planning a visit. There are two maps below, the first showing Balloch's location at the southern end of Loch Lomond. Below that one is a more detailed map of the village, where you'll notice that everything mentioned in this guide is pretty close together.
Getting To Balloch
Balloch has a train station with frequent links to Glasgow; there is also a bus terminal and plenty of free parking in the town centre and Loch Lomond Shores. The Visit Scotland Information Centre is an excellent place to start your visit.
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.
River Leven
River Leven, Balloch
Sweeney’s Cruises
Long established family business Sweeney’s Cruises run a number of cruises, departing from their main Balloch base and Loch Lomond Shores. Their cruises feature commentary by TV historian Neil Oliver.
Events at Balloch
Formerly The Great Scottish Swim and now Go Swim Loch Lomond is an annual open water swimming tournament for one day in the summer each year at Balloch. The event attracts many entrants for several different races. Another popular event in Balloch is the annual Highland Games.
Balloch Cycle Routes
From Balloch, you can follow a path alongside the west of Loch Lomond up to Tarbet. The West Lomond Cycle Path (Regional Route 40) is 17 miles and mainly off the road, taking you through Luss.
Another cycle route is the National Number 7 that goes through Balloch, having started in Glasgow. Click the link below to read our guide to the next section of the route, between Balloch and Drymen. After Drymen, the National Number 7 goes through Aberfoyle, Callander and Killin before leaving the National Park.
Long Distance Walks
Two of Scotland’s Great Trails go through Balloch. The John Muir Way enters Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park at Balloch, it’s a coast to coast route from Helensburgh to Dunbar, paying tribute to John Muir from Dunbar who emigrated to America and encouraged the establishment of their National Parks. The route is growing in popularity with walkers and cyclists. Another excellent trail is the Three Lochs Way which goes from Balloch to Inveruglas.
Balloch Castle Country Park
You can access the only country park in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs through a gate opposite the bus terminal; you can also get in via the walk alongside River Leven and Loch Lomond. Enjoy the Chinese Garden, Walled Garden and old castle. Read more about a visit to Balloch Castle Country Park at our more comprehensive guide, linked below.
Marketing Services
Video, Photography & Websites
Loch Lomond Shores
There are leisure, food & drink and retail options at Loch Lomond Shores. The biggest shop is Jenners, the Edinburgh department store. Also, at Loch Lomond Shores, there are bikes for hire, a Bird of Prey Centre, Tree Zone climbing adventure, Mini Golf and much more. Regular farmers markets at weekends, with food and drink festivals and other events throughout the year.
Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium
Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium provides a good option for a wet weather day.
Drumkinnon Tower
Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium is in Drumkinnon Tower, make a point of taking the lift to the top. You can access the roof gallery to give you a good view across the loch to the Maid of the Loch and Ben Lomond.
The Maid of the Loch
Follow the path from Loch Lomond Shores, alongside the loch to the Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomond’s last paddle steamer, sadly she’s out of service. A team of dedicated volunteers have been working incredibly hard for many years to preserve and restore her, with the ambition of getting her back sailing. The Maid of the Loch isn't currently open for tours.
Local Photographer
Weddings & Family Photo Shoots
Moss O’ Balloch
You can park at Moss O’ Balloch. There is a playground for children and a skate park. The view below is of Drumkinnon Tower and Loch Lomond Shores.
Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.
Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.