The Best Hikes in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Comprised of the enormous Loch Lomond and the wild area knowns as the Trossachs, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a place with views that will take your breath away, no matter where you walk and what you see. To get the most out of the area, there are many satisfying hikes that can be taken by people of all ability levels. Whether you prefer a casual stroll around the lakeside or an intense hike that will push your limits, you will find both and everything in-between at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Here are the top hikes that you shouldn't miss while exploring this beautiful part of Scotland.

01 of 10

Conic Hill

This short and popular hike of moderate difficulty rewards you with panoramic views over Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond, and surrounding islands. It takes around two hours there and back (which could change easily depending on your ability level and tenacity). The hiking route follows a steep marked road through ancient woodland—the ground gets a little uneven as you get closer to the summit and there are steps to aid you along the route. This hike is the final section of the West Highland Way, which you may have heard of before, so you will also see signs for that route towards the beginning of your hike. You will start your hike from Conic Hill car park, where you can also find Oak Tree Inn to relax in after, as well as nearby Perch Café Restaurant.

Address

Conic Hill, Stirling G63 0AQ, UK

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02 of 10

Glen Ogle Trail

Glen Ogle Viaduct — Sonya Kate Wilson/ Getty

This wild and meandering route, which offers hikers a mix of gentle and moderate climbs, is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the best of the Scottish highlands. Its views and landscape are quintessential highlands; exactly what most of us picture when we think of the Scottish highlands. Beginning in the village of Lochearnhead, the hike takes around three to four hours total and takes you across varied terrain, including dense forest walks, strolls across old stone bridges, and even follows some sections of the old Callander and Oban Railway. Near the beginning of the Glen Ogle Trail, you will cross the impressive Glen Ogle Viaduct and enjoy views back over Lochearnhead. The trail is waymarked and leads you back to the village where you can enjoy a meal at one of the charming local pubs.

Address

Glenogle, Crianlarich FK21 8SZ, UK

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03 of 10

Loch Ard Forest

At the centre of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, the majestic Loch Ard offers its visitors a number of varied hikes that can easily be extended into Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. One of the most popular is the gentle Lorch Ard loop, which takes you right around the shore of the loch in around two hours, starting at Milton Car Park. It takes approximately two hours to complete, but you may finish it more quickly or choose to take your time along the way to take in the scenery. The dense Loch Ard forest of conifer and oak trees extends around the edge of the loch, making this a walk with a plethora of wildlife to spot, including deer, woodpeckers, otters, and water voles. On a good day, you may spy one of each.

Address

LOCH ARD FOREST, Stirling FK8, UK

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04 of 10

Balmaha Millennium Forest Path

View of Loch Lomond from Balmaha trail — 13threephotography/ Getty

Starting in the village of Balmaha and taking you on a relaxed hike through three thousand acres of dense forest, the Balmaha Forest Path is ideal for anyone based near Loch Lomond wanting to explore more of the national park. The trail approaches Craigie Fort, offering spectacular loch views from the top, and descends via a mountain path on the edge of Loch Lomond. This hike can be completed in under an hour and ends back at Balmaha, making it ideal for families or people with pets.

Address

Balmaha, Glasgow G63, UK

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Continue to 5 of 10 below.

05 of 10

Callander Crags

This moderately challenging yet short hike takes around two hours starting from the village of Callander and taking you through woodland before traversing the crag tops. For a relatively quick walk, the views over Callender and the Trossachs National Park are jaw-dropping, making this a particularly popular route to take for anyone who doesn't have much time to spend in the area. It’s also popular for its convenient detours to Bracklinn Falls and Jubilee Cairn for anyone looking to extend their walk with waymarked trails.

Address

Callander FK17 8EQ, UK

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06 of 10

Ben Lomond

A popular day trip from Glasgow, around thirty thousand people climb Scotland’s southernmost mountain each year and appreciate the panoramic views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding islands. It takes around four hours to climb and descend Ben Lomond following a well-trodden trail to the summit. There are two possible routes to take: the red route, which is the most popular, and the orange route, which is more challenging. If you choose to take the orange route, you will need to traverse some wet and slippery areas—but the views are more varied. Many people choose to take one route up and one route down. If you are attempting the climb in winter, having footwear suitable for snow and ice is essential.

Address

Ben Lomond, Stirling FK8 3TR, UK

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07 of 10

River Eachaig & Massan Circuit

River Eachaig flowing through Benmore — Scott O'Neill/Getty

This route is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy sweeping views of Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond without any steep climbs. The scenic two-hour hike starts at Benmore Botanical Garden and follows the banks of Rivers Massan and Eachaig, crossing them via iron footbridges. Taking the old roads and woodland paths is a tranquil and picturesque experience that ends back at the park.

Address

River Eachaig, United Kingdom

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08 of 10

Loch Katrine

This serene 13km-long freshwater loch and islands have inspired everyone from Sir Walter Scott, who penned "The Lady of the Lake" after visiting, to Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth. Queen Victoria herself even sailed up Loch Katrine in 1869, something you can emulate yourself on the William Scott steamship. Many people love to hike to one end of the loch and take the boat back, getting the best of both worlds and seeing the incredible views from both land and water. The hike starts or ends at Trossachs Pier or Stronachlachar depending on whether you want to begin your walk in the east or west. It will take four to six hours to complete.

Address

Loch Katrine, United Kingdom

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Continue to 9 of 10 below.

09 of 10

Rob Roy Way

This historic walk is associated with the notorious Rob Roy MacGregor, a famous figure in Scottish folklore. The signposted trail starts near Loch Lomond and takes you through the Trossachs National Park passing Venachar, Lubnaig and Earn Lochs, as well as the Falls of Dochart and Leny. You will hike through forests, over rivers, and through settlements before finishing in the Perthshire town of Pitlochry. As the trail typically takes six to eight days, you will find convenient accommodation and places to stop for food along the route making it easy to break up. It’s also permissible to wild camp in Scotland as long as campers are responsible.

10 of 10

Ben More

This is one of the more intense hiking options, as it is steep for most of the trail, but it does have a well-maintained path to the top. Ben More is the sixteenth highest mountain in Scotland and takes around eight hours to complete. Often regarded as its twin, Stob Binnein sits next to it, providing the perfect extension for people who enjoy a challenge. The hike up Ben More begins at Ben More Farm or Loch Lubhair car park and offers views of the full Trossachs National Park, including many of the mountain ranges of the southern highlands.

Address

Ben More, Crianlarich FK20 8QS, UK

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