Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Great Britain by surface area, sits at the gateway to the Highlands and offers visitors a wide variety of ways to explore its islands, waters, and surrounding hills. Stretching over 22 miles and dotted with more than 30 islands, the loch has long been a source of inspiration for poets, musicians, and travelers. The famous Scottish song “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond” was written in the 19th century and continues to echo across the region, often performed at local events and gatherings.

The area is part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, which was the first of its kind in Scotland. Visitors can hike Conic Hill for sweeping views over the loch and its islands, or take a more relaxed route with a boat cruise from Balloch. On Inchcailloch Island, reachable by seasonal ferry, walkers can follow woodland trails that lead to a quiet hilltop burial ground once used by local clans. The island also holds remnants of an ancient church and has been designated a nature reserve due to its rich plant life and bird species.

Villages along the loch, like Luss and Balmaha, offer a blend of local history and daily life. In Luss, stone cottages line narrow streets that have remained largely unchanged for generations. The village has roots dating back to the early Christian era and is home to a small church with a graveyard containing Viking-era stones. Balmaha, on the eastern shore, serves as a starting point for boat tours and the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance trails.