Inspire Me!

Loch Lomond

Start at Balloch VisitScotland Information Centre in the centre of Balloch, which has free maps and guides of the National Park. Take a cruise around the southern section of Loch Lomond with Sweeney's Cruises passing some of Loch Lomond’s most magnificent country manors . Explore the hidden gardens and extensive grounds of Balloch Castle Country Park, which offers beautiful views over Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond Shores lies at the bottom of Loch Lomond boasting great views over the loch. There are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants onsite as well as Loch Lomond Sealife Aquarium, bicycle and canoe hire (April to October), and a charming woodland trail behind the Gateway Centre.

The famously twee conservation village of Luss lies eight miles from Balloch along the A82. It’s the film location for Scottish soap 'High Road' with lots of gift shops, tearooms and river/lochside walks. Three miles north of Luss, Firkin Point is the perfect stopping point for photographs, or a picnic, with views north and south over Loch Lomond and flat lochside paths. 

Loch Lomond & Breadalbane

From Luss, head west through Arrochar on the A83, then take the A815 to Strachur and visit the Strachur Smiddy (4). Then south along the A815 through Coylet to Benmore Botanic Garden (5). Head back along the A815 and rejoin the A83. At Tarbet, Cruise Loch Lomond offer boat trips which cover the mountainous northern sections of Loch Lomond.  During the summer months they also offer trips across to Inversnaid and Rowardennan on the more remote eastern shores of Loch Lomond where walkers can join the long distance walking route - the West Highland Way. After Tarbet join the A82 to Crianlarich and then take the A85 east until the A827 turn off for Killin, visiting the Breadalbane Folklore Centre and the Innes Bhuidhe Ancient Monument (6).

The Trossachs

Return along the A827 and rejoin the A85 towards Lochearnhead then take the A84 towards Strathyre, turn off to Balquhidder at Kingshouse and visit Rob Roy MacGregor's Grave (7). Return to the A84 to Strathyre, turning onto the A821 to Loch Katrine (8). Continue south along the A821 to Aberfoyle and visit the Scottish Wool Centre and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (9).

Take the A81 to Port of Menteith and visit the Inchmahome Priory (10), then continue on the A81 to Callander, a bustling, colourful holiday town where the tour concludes. Visit the Rob Roy & Trossachs Visitor Centre and the Hamilton Toy Collection (11).