National park · United Kingdom
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National ParkPàirc Nàiseanta Loch Laomainn is nan Tròisichean
There is no entrance fee: park at Balloch or Rowardennan and walk — Ben Lomond (5 h return) or the West Loch Lomond cycle path. Drive the A82 only before 9:00 or after 18:00 in Jul–Aug.There is no entrance fee: park at Balloch or Rowardennan and walk — Ben Lomond (5 h return) or the West Loch Lomond cycle path. Drive the A82 only before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM in Jul–Aug.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,865 km² (720 sq mi)720 sq mi (1,865 km²)
approximate
Established
2002
Best months
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
At a glance
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Area
- 1,865 km² (720 sq mi)720 sq mi (1,865 km²)
- About 1,865 km², Scotland's first national park (check the current figure with the park authority).
- Established
- 2002
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Glasgow
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs became Scotland's first national park in 2002, after decades of fragmented planning control, and it is the only one of the country's two national parks within day-trip range of Glasgow. It is not one landscape but four: the fjord-like loch itself, broad and island-dotted in the south where the glacier met softer sandstone and narrow and deep in the north; the Trossachs glens around Loch Katrine, protected from development since 1859 because the loch supplies Glasgow's water; the Argyll Forest and Arrochar Alps west of the loch, holding five Munros; and Breadalbane in the north around Crianlarich and Killin. There is no gate and no entrance fee, so the decision is not whether to go but where to spend the day — the loch shore by train from Glasgow, a Munro from Rowardennan or Callander, or the Trossachs by steamer and closed north-shore road. The park sits at the same latitude as Labrador: the hills are low but the weather is not, and the A82 west bank is the single biggest hazard most visitors meet.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2002.
Size and age
1,865 km² (720 sq mi)720 sq mi (1,865 km²) · national park since 2002
About 1,865 km², Scotland's first national park (check the current figure with the park authority).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Glasgow.
Why go
- Scotland's first national park, 45 minutes from Glasgow by train to Balloch — no car needed for the south end.
- Ben Lomond (974 m) is the most southerly Munro and a straightforward half-day climb from Rowardennan.
- The West Highland Way crosses the park for about 60 km (37 mi) along the east shore of Loch Lomond.The West Highland Way crosses the park for about 37 mi (60 km) along the east shore of Loch Lomond.
- Loch Katrine, the Trossachs glens and the Arrochar Alps give Highland scenery without the drive to the Highlands.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanShort days, ice on the tops, many services shut
- FebCold, wet; snow possible on Ben Lomond
- MarMilder; still snow and ice above 600 m
- AprDry spells, quiet trails, snow patches on summits
- MayLong days, midges not yet at peak
- JunLongest daylight; busiest weekends
- JulSchool holidays, A82 congestion, midges
- AugPeak crowds and peak midges
- SepFewer people, early autumn colour, midges fading
- OctAutumn colour on the loch shores; shorter days
- NovGrey and wet; many boat services stop
- DecVery short days, ice, limited transport
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red deer on the high moorsOct–Apr · Most visible in the colder months when they come lower. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Golden eagle and other raptorsMar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Beavers on Loch LomondApr–Sep · Reintroduced in 2023; best chance at dusk, from a distance. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Red-necked wallabies on InchconnachanAll year · On the island since the 1940s; the island is private, so sightings are from the water only. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| MidgesJun–Aug · Worst on still, damp evenings near the shore; repellent and a head net help. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Autumn colourSep–Oct · Comes early; the light drops behind the hills by mid-afternoon. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Glasgow
Train from Queen Street (low level) to Balloch, every 30 min; then local bus or bike to the loch shore.
50 min
Open the page →
From Glasgow
Citylink coach from Buchanan Station up the A82 west bank via Luss to Tarbet; some continue to Ardlui and Crianlarich.
1–1.5 h
Open the page →
From Edinburgh
Coach or train via Stirling, then bus to Callander for the Trossachs side.
2–2.5 h
From London
Caledonian Sleeper to Crianlarich or Fort William, joining the West Highland Line near Dumbarton.
Overnight
From By car
M8 west from Glasgow, cross the Clyde on the Erskine Bridge, then A82 north to Balloch and the loch. From Edinburgh, head for Stirling and branch to Callander or Drymen.
45 min from Glasgow
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Loch Lomond south | Broad, island-dotted water; Balloch, Luss, Balmaha and the Lomond Shores shopping centre. | Open; car parks and boat services. |
| Loch Lomond east shore | Rowardennan, the Ben Lomond trail and the West Highland Way along the steep bank. | Open; road ends at Rowardennan. |
| The Trossachs | Loch Katrine, Loch Achray and the glens around Callander and Aberfoyle. | Open; steamer and cycle hire at Trossachs Pier. |
| Argyll Forest and the Arrochar Alps | Forested mountains west of Loch Lomond including five Munros; Benmore Botanic Gardens near Dunoon. | Open; ferry to Dunoon for the Cowal side. |
| Breadalbane | Northern area around Crianlarich, Killin and Lochearnhead; Ben More and the Falls of Dochart. | Open; A85 and A84 roads. |
Sketch map
- 1Balloch · Town≈56.002, -4.583Map ↗
- 2Luss · Village≈56.101, -4.639Map ↗
- 3Balmaha · Village≈56.085, -4.539Map ↗
- 4Rowardennan · Trail≈56.152, -4.638Map ↗
- 5Ben Lomond summit · Summit≈56.190, -4.633Map ↗
- 6Tarbet · Ranger station≈56.203, -4.713Map ↗
- 7Inversnaid · Sleep≈56.244, -4.686Map ↗
- 8Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine · Gate≈56.234, -4.429Map ↗
- 9Callander · Town≈56.244, -4.215Map ↗
- 10Crianlarich · Ranger station≈56.392, -4.617Map ↗
- 11Ben More · Summit≈56.386, -4.539Map ↗
- 12Killin and Falls of Dochart · Village≈56.467, -4.318Map ↗
Take the points offline
12 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions for orientation only; the park spans about 1,865 km² from Balloch to Killin.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | No charge to enter the national park or to walk its trails. |
| Car parking, Balloch or Rowardennan | GBP 0–5 (≈ US$0–7) | car per day | 2026 estimate; some car parks are free, others charge by the hour or day (check signs on arrival). |
| Loch Lomond water bus, Tarbet to Rowardennan | GBP 8–15 (≈ US$11–20) | person one way | 2026 estimate; summer only (check). |
| Loch Katrine steamer, Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar | GBP 12–20 (≈ US$16–30) | person return | 2026 estimate; seasonal timetable (check). |
| Fishing permit (salmon, trout, coarse fish) | GBP 10–40 (≈ US$14–55) | person per day | 2026 estimate; rules vary by loch and by beat — arrange through your accommodation or the local angling association. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Fishing permit permit or guide
Camping in the camping management zone permit or guide
Loch Katrine catchment no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- £8–15≈ US$11–20
- £12–20≈ US$16–30
- £10–40≈ US$14–55
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority before you go.
Park rules
- Wild camping
- Legal in most of Scotland, but banned along both banks of Loch Lomond and in the Trossachs unless you hold a free camping permit in season (check dates).
- Campfires
- Not allowed in the camping management zone; use a stove.
- Litter
- Carry it out. Overflowing bins and left rubbish are why the camping byelaws exist.
- Dogs
- Keep them under control around livestock and ground-nesting birds, and pick up after them.
- Fishing
- Permit required for salmon, trout and coarse fish; rules differ by loch.
- Drones
- Check with the park authority before flying; restrictions apply over busy loch shores and near wildlife (check).check
Where to stay
In the park
Balloch
Train station, hostels, hotels and the Lomond Shores centre; the easiest car-free base.
In the park
Luss and Balmaha
Village B&Bs and inns on the loch shore; book early in summer.
In the park
Rowardennan
Youth hostel and small accommodation at the foot of Ben Lomond.
In the park
Callander
Trossachs base with pubs, B&Bs and buses from Stirling.
In the park
Inversnaid
Bunkhouse on the West Highland Way's hardest section.
Near the park
Glasgow
Full range of hotels, 45 min by train from Balloch.
Safety
Weather change on the hills medium
A82 road traffic high
Getting lost in mist medium
Cold water and rough lochs high
Ice and slippery scree medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The West Loch Lomond cycle path from Balloch to Tarbet is traffic-free and mostly level, suitable for bikes, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- Lomond Shores at Balloch has level paths, parking and toilets.
- Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi and the Crianlarich Munros are steep and rough; not suitable for limited mobility.
- Loch Katrine steamers and some Loch Lomond water buses can take wheelchairs — ask when booking (check).
Visiting lightly
- Use the train to Balloch and the water buses rather than adding a car to the A82.
- Follow the camping byelaws: a free permit and a stove instead of a fire keeps the byelaws from spreading.
- Buy food and fuel in Balloch, Luss, Balmaha or Callander so the villages keep the income from the park.
- Keep to paths on the Munros; erosion on Ben Lomond's tourist path is a long-running repair job.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park?
Nothing. There is no entrance fee and no gate — the park is open land crossed by public roads and rights of way. You pay only for car parks (roughly £0–5 a day, 2026 estimate), boat and steamer tickets, and fishing permits.
What are the best hikes in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park?
Ben Lomond from Rowardennan (974 m, 4.5–6 h return) is the classic. Easier: Conic Hill from Balmaha (2–3 h) and the West Loch Lomond cycle path. Harder: Ben Ledi above Callander and the Crianlarich Munros, including Ben More at 1,174 m.
When is the best time to visit Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park?
May, June, September and October. May and June give the longest daylight; September and October bring fewer people and early autumn colour. July and August are the busiest and midge-heavy, and January and February have very short days with ice on the tops.
Do I need a car?
For the south end, no: trains run every 30 minutes from Glasgow to Balloch, and buses and water buses reach Luss, Balmaha, Tarbet and Rowardennan in summer. For the Trossachs, Argyll Forest and Breadalbane, a car or a bike makes the day far easier — buses are sparse.
Can I wild camp in the park?
In most of Scotland yes, but along both banks of Loch Lomond and in the Trossachs you need a free camping permit in season, and campfires are banned there. Outside those zones, camp away from roads and buildings, leave no trace and carry out all rubbish.
Is Ben Lomond suitable for beginners?
It is a long walk rather than a technical climb, but it is 974 m with 3 hours of ascent and exposed ground near the top. Good footwear, waterproofs, water and a check of the mountain weather forecast are essential; turn back if cloud closes in.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialLoch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority
- officialWest Highland Way — official route
- officialMountain Weather Information Service — Scottish forecasts
- secondaryWikipedia — Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, revision 5315063 (CC BY-SA 4.0)