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The banks of Loch Lomond are indeed ‘bonnie' and whilst there is plenty of peaceful seclusion to be found here, this is an area delightfully abundant in activities for all the family.
On the water
From lazy cruising to high octane thrills, Loch Lomond offers a plethora of activities for novice and expert alike. Sailing, fishing, skiing or kayaking, however you spend your time on the water, it's sure to be memorable. You could even try a sea plane - weather permitting!
Loch Lomond is the largest body of freshwater in mainland Britain. It has been used by generations of Scots and visitors for boating, water skiing, bathing and other less active pleasures such as picnicking or just enjoying the unique atmosphere and scenery. Boat Loch Lomond is an excellent informational website about everything to do with being on the water (registration, bye laws, fishing tackle, weather etc) - www.boatlochlomond.com
There are a number of boat excursions and ferries on Loch Lomond. Most ferries have bike racks and are dog friendly. From Luss and Inverbeg, it can be fun to explore the quieter, less accessible eastern shore. Ferry operators operate schedules and reliable ferry services from the north end, stopping at Tarbet, Inveruglas, Inversnaid, Inverbeg and Rowardennan. Southern services include services between Rowardennan, Luss, Balmaha and Inchailloch. (www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk)
The quickest way to travel around Loch Lomond side is by water, and based in Luss is Loch Lomond Leisure Scotland who provides a speedboat water taxi service between any point on Loch Lomond. Boat tours and boat hire are also available. (see www.lochlomond-scotland.com )
Canoeing & Kayaking: Canoe hire and guided canoe trips available from April to October from The Beaches at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch - www.canyouexperience.com
Waterskiing: Lessons available from Balloch - www.lochlomondwaterskiclub.co.uk
Wakeboarding: Lessons available from Inverbeg - www.lochlomondwakeboard.com
Fishing
Game and Coarse angling is available by permit on Loch Lomond and its tributaries. Sea Fishing is available on Loch Long at Arrochar, less than 30 minutes drive from Inverbeg/Luss.
Loch Lomond is a renowned salmon, sea trout and pike fishery. Boats can be hired on a daily basis from Balloch and Balmaha.
River fishing for salmon and sea trout is also available on the River Fruin, a spate river flowing into the Loch, to the south of Luss, the River Leven flowing out of the Loch to the sea at Dumbarton and the River Endrick, flowing into the east of the Loch at Balmaha. Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association (LLAIA) permits are available locally and further information can be sourced at www.lochlomondangling.com.
Walking & Climbing
Pull on your boots and head outdoors - there's a wealth of walking and climbing around Loch Lomond, from pleasant strolls to the West Highland Way, as well as many challenging mountain ascents.
From Luss and Inverbeg Holiday Park, there are numerous options for serious walkers and mountain climbers to those wishing to enjoy a gentle country stroll through woodland or a breezy coastal walk. Being situated in the heart of the National Park, there are many organised walking festivals and events throughout the year. Guided walks can also be arranged and are an excellent way to enjoy a good walk while learning about the flora and fauna of the Park.
Loch Lomond is 24 miles in length and is 600ft deep at its deepest point. There are approximately 38 islands, some of them inhabited. There is some debate about the number of islands on Loch Lomond, as there are varying arguments as to what constitutes an island. Some of the islands are "crannogs" - man made islands dating from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Luss is an ideal base from which to explore the island of Inchailloch, which can be visited in the summer months by the ferry service. Once on the island, there are two walking routes, each taking between 30 and 45 minutes. The Low Path, a gentle woodland walk with a few slopes, and the Summit Path, a more strenuous path with steep climb. It is a good idea to pick up the booklet, "A walking guide to Inchailloch" before you head to the island as it provides an excellent guide to the walks, history and wildlife.
The Luss Heritage Trail is an hour long, easy walk starting at the carpark in Luss. The walk explores the village, the river paths and boasts stunning views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding countryside.
To climb Ben Lomond, why not take the summer ferry from Inverbeg to Rowardennan. From there, Ben Lomond is a mere 3196ft (917m) high and is the most popular of the Munros. The Cobbler, also known as Ben Arthur, has the most distinctive outline of any mountain in the Southern Highlands and makes a fantastic short day out. This is a popular mountain with a path on the way up, which has been improved in recent years.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Whether it is a leisurely cycle or more challenging mountain biking experience, there are plenty of options for all abilities nearby.
Inverbeg Holiday Park is situated on the West Loch Lomond Cycle path. This is a 16.5 mile route between Balloch and Tarbet, with only three short stretches on minor roads. This makes cycling safe for families, who can head north to Tarbet or south to Luss. If it's too much to cycle back, you can be picked up and taken home by the 4Bs bike bus, which runs between Balloch and Tarbet throughout the summer months.
There are miles of mountain bike paths in the nearby Argyll Forrest Park for families and hard core mountain bikers. It is even possible to take the summer ferry across the loch and experience the quiet tracks on Loch Lomond's western banks.
For a strenuous and hilly challenge, the Ardgarten Mountain trail is a 20 mile circuit. The start begins either at the Ardgarten Visitor Centre or the Rest and be Thankful. This is a wild, rugged and remote circuit of the Ardgarten Peninsula, offering excellent views of the Clyde, and surrounding mountains.
Outdoor enthusiasts
The great outdoors is there to be enjoyed, so please remember to be careful, be prepared (the weather can change very quickly), be respectful of the wildlife and environment, and be familiar with the by laws of the National Park.
Golf
The Scottish Open has been played on the banks of Loch Lomond for over a decade, and with such a world class club on our doorstep, not to mention the many other excellent courses in the area, golf is rarely far from minds of many visitors.
Sightseeing & Shopping
Historic Luss is a gem of a village and found fame a few years ago with television's Take the High Road. A little further along the A82 lies Loch Lomond Shores - a one stop destination for shopping, eating, loch cruises, national park services and kids fun with a miniature train and aquarium amongst the many attractions.
Within around an hour's drive of Inverbeg there's also the breathtaking beauty of Glencoe and Lochaber; the sparkling lochs, forested mountains, and fairytale castles of Argyll; the romantic and historic Trossachs; and Scotland's largest city, the incomparable Glasgow awash with culture, entertainment and designer shopping. Mysterious Loch Ness and vibrant Edinburgh are also popular day trips.
And for a real flavour of the ‘uisge beatha' take in a distillery or two - both Auchentoshan and Glengoyne are within easy reach.
Eating & Drinking
The Inverbeg Inn boasts Mr. C's Fish and Whisky Bar. Just a short walk from Inverbeg Holiday Park, the award winning restaurant celebrates two things that Scotland is famous for, fresh fish and fantastic whisky.
The Coach House in Luss is a great place for a light lunch and offers home made food. Duck Bay Marina offers contemporary style and Cameron House excels at fine dining. Seafood aficionados will savour the fresh produce of The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar at Cairndow. The Cruin Bar and Restaurant boasts a great reputation matched by its excellent views of Loch Lomond. And if you appreciate authenticity, spooky goings on and live music try the famed, historic and quite unique Drovers Inn at Inverarnan.
These are just a few of the things to do and places to visit during your stay. If you are looking to arrange a particular experience during your holiday please just ask our friendly staff - we'll be happy to advise.