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.

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

1,865 km²720 sq mi

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 km²720 sq mi; 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 km²720 sq mi · 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 along the east shore of Loch Lomond.The West Highland Way crosses the park for about 37 mi 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

12-month verdict

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

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
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

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

Zones of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
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

Approximate — not for navigation

Approximate positions for orientation only; the park spans about 1,865 km² from Balloch to Killin.

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 ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsHard4.5–6 h returnBen Lomond via the tourist path974 m Munro from Rowardennan; 3 h up, 2 h down. Path is obvious but steep and exposed near the top.

TrailsEasy2–3 h one wayWest Loch Lomond cycle pathAbout 27 km from Balloch to Tarbet on a disused railway trackbed, away from the A82.

ViewpointsModerate2–3 h returnConic Hill from BalmahaShort climb on the West Highland Way with the classic view down Loch Lomond; busy at weekends.

Boat tripsEasyHalf dayLoch Katrine steamer and north shoreSail Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar, then walk or cycle the closed north shore road back.Booking: Book the steamer in summer

CultureEasy2–3 hInchcailloch islandThe only Loch Lomond island open to visitors, by boat from Balmaha; ruined church and camping.

TrailsHard3.5–5 h returnBen Ledi from Callander879 m Corbett; steep but clear trail starting from the A84 north of Callander.

TrailsExpert6–8 hBen More and Stob BinneinThe two highest of seven Munros near Crianlarich; navigation needed in mist.

ViewpointsEasy20 minFalls of Falloch9 m waterfall on the A82 towards Crianlarich, right beside the West Highland Way.

CultureEasy2–3 hBenmore Botanic GardensHimalayan and Chinese species near Dunoon; rhododendrons peak May–June.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

GBP ranges · check

Fees for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
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	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	person one way	2026 estimate; summer only (check).
Loch Katrine steamer, Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar	GBP 12–20	person return	2026 estimate; seasonal timetable (check).
Fishing permit (salmon, trout, coarse fish)	GBP 10–40	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

None. The park is open land with public roads and rights of way.

Fishing permit permit or guide

Buy a day permit locally — accommodation providers and angling associations issue them; do not fish without one.

Camping in the camping management zone permit or guide

Along both banks of Loch Lomond and in the Trossachs, wild camping needs a free permit from the park authority between March and September (check dates).

Loch Katrine catchment no permit

Access is allowed on foot and by bike on the north shore road; the road is closed to visitor traffic.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

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

The park sits at the same latitude as Labrador. Check the mountain weather forecast before setting out and carry waterproofs even in July.

A82 road traffic high

Winding, few overtaking places, tired drivers heading home. Use the West Loch Lomond cycle path instead of the road where you can.

Getting lost in mist medium

Carry a map and compass on Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi and the Crianlarich Munros; phone signal is patchy.

Cold water and rough lochs high

Loch Lomond is deep and cold year-round; the lochs get rough in wind. Wear a buoyancy aid in any small boat.

Ice and slippery scree medium

In winter and early spring, ice axes and crampons may be needed on the tops; falls here escalate quickly.

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