Pretty Loch Lomond Villages

Luss

Loch Lomond Villages

Welcome to our Top 10 list of the prettiest villages in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and it's as controversial as we get! Have your say in the comments below if you agree or disagree with the choices and their rankings. I am sure we can all agree that there are some beautiful villages in National Park.

Ardentinny

No. 10 - Ardentinny

With its long sandy beach, there is much to love about this village on the banks of Loch Long. Arrochar is in Cowal, and the local community has produced a helpful map and guide, including local history, which you will find on an information board by the shoreline, with leaflets to take away.

I recommend a visit to Glenfinnart Walled Garden. Read our guide to Ardentinny and also Cowal Peninsula Highlights.

 

Lochgoilhead

No. 9 - Lochgoilhead

The dramatic Fjord style Loch Goil provides a dramatic backdrop for the village at the head of the loch. Another cute village that is well worth a visit. Having made the interesting road journey, there is so much to do around Loch Goil, and I especially recommend a trip to nearby Cormonachan Woodlands.

 

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Aberfoyle

No. 8 - Aberfoyle

Here’s a place on the up, Aberfoyle is a beautiful village and gateway to the Trossachs. The shops on Main Street with their hand-painted signs have helped renew the village. Read more about the Main Street Shops and our general Aberfoyle guide.

 

No. 7 - Gartocharn

Spread along the A811 that cuts through the village Gartocharn features The Dumpling (Duncryne Hill), a hill with excellent views over Loch Lomond. The Memorial Hall is the start of the walk to Aber Shore. Also in the village, France Farm opens each Friday, selling fruit and vegetables.

Close to Gartocharn is one of the RSPB reserves in Loch Lomond, there is also Ross Priory, which dates back to 1693 and is now owned by Strathclyde University.

 

Falls of Dochart, Killin

No. 6 - Killin

The beautiful village of Killin, by the edge of the National Park with the dramatic Falls of Dochart flowing through the village. There is also a picturesque walk to Loch Tay.

 

Blairmore Pier

No. 5 - Blairmore

Blairmore is an award-winning village, beautifully kept thanks to its small but committed residents. The Victorian pier is now restored and looked after by a not for profit trust. The gardens across from it have been thoughtfully created to give a varied and innovative use for the open space on the hill overlooking Loch Long. The gallery features an excellent coffee shop. A highlight is when the Waverley Steamship calls at the pier.

 

Drymen

No. 4 - Drymen

At the heart of the village is Drymen Square, looked after by the local trust on behalf of the community and with special mention for Drymen in Bloom who keep the village looking so good. The pubs, hotels and many B&B’s welcome walkers of the West Highland Way. This is the most popular choice to spend a first night on a long-distance walk.

Back to the square and this is the start of another long-distance walk, the Rob Roy Way. The outlaw’s sister was the first landlady of The Clachan, Scotland’s oldest licensed pub. This is the highest-ranking village on our Top 10 that isn’t loch side. You can get a good view of Loch Lomond in the distance though from the viewpoint which is opposite the Buchanan Arms Hotel. Read more in our guide to Drymen.

 

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No. 3 - Luss

The much-visited conservation village on the western banks of Loch Lomond is picture-postcard perfect. Walk down to the loch past the beautiful cottages and find Luss Pier. There is access to Loch Lomond from cruises to speed boats here, plus beaches to either side.

Luss is a beautiful village, and could easily have made the top spot in our Top 10.

 

St Fillans

No. 2 - St Fillans

This is a gorgeous village on the banks of Loch Earn, on the very edge of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. A very pretty village that is well worth a visit, find out more about St Fillans in our guide, also a great walk there and the BLiSS Trail that links St Fillans with nearby Strathyre, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead.

 

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. 

Balmaha Bay

No.1 - Balmaha

Stand on the edge of the loch, at the natural and pretty bay of this village and you’ll be looking out across to Inchcailloch Island. Turn around and there’s Conic Hill. Climb Conic to get the perfect panoramic view of the bay, the loch, the islands and of course Ben Lomond. Don’t forget to get a selfie with the much-loved Tom Weir Statue.

There’s a real holiday spirit here, lots to see and do, in what we have ranked Balmaha as the prettiest village in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.

 

Tom Weir Statue, Balmaha

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.