Accommodation near Loch Lomond, B&B and Cottages (original) (raw)

This page provides lists of holiday accommodation at and near to Loch Lomond and describes the lochside road from Balloch in the south end of the Loch, up the west side to Ardlui and on the east side from Drymen to Rowardennan. Loch Lomond is considered by some to be the jewel of the national park lochs, but it's worth looking around the rest of the National Park to decide what you want to see and do before deciding where your 'base' is to be.

Accommodation around and near to Loch Lomond

Accommodation can be found near Loch Lomond in most villages, mainly on the east side and at Balloch but also to a lesser degree on the west side.

Loch Lomond below the Ben
In a hollow gouged from the rock by the action of glaciers, loch Lomond stretches from its broader southern end at Balloch to Ardlui, some twenty-one miles to the northwest. Made famous by the song "the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond" it's one of the many attractions of the national park.

The Lomond aquariumpanorama over loch Lomondthe lomond ferry pier for trips over the loch

The loch's southern end is dotted with some thirty-eight of Lochlomond's famed Islands boasting castles, burial grounds and ancient crannogs. It's at its widest at the southern end and it is here that you find the bulk though by no means the best of the visitor attractions. You can see a photo of the Loch and its islands taken from the south at Duncryne hill at Gartocharn - once the home of Tommy Weir, the walker and TV personality.

Straddling the Highland boundary fault between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland, Loch Lomond creates a variety of scenery. The west shore is followed by the Dumbarton to Crianlarich trunk road. On the east side, a narrow road from Drymen (north-east of Balloch), follows the east shore through Balmaha to Rowardennan but stops there. Inversnaid, further up the loch can only be reached by a long detour via Aberfoyle or by Lomond ferry services.

Self Catering Accommodation near Loch Lomond
Auchenheglish Cottages and Lodges..........DETAILS Loch lomond .... Auchenheglish Lodges comprises of four luxury waterfront cottages situated directly on the "Bonnie Banks" and 3 lodges located within 12 acres of grounds on the exclusive Arden estate. These self-catering properties provide quality self-catering accommodation for a perfect holiday at Loch Lomand in Scotland Taobh-an-Allt - a Self-catering cottage .............. DETAILS Tarbet, Lomond side. Self-catering cottage for 4-7. Historic cottage, built 1745, on the shores of Loch Lomond. Beautifully furnished throughout, including romantic en-suite bedroom with four-poster. Kitchen with all facilities, secret playroom for children, gardens with stream, parking for 2 cars. Ideal walking, water sports, & sightseeing.
Cruises on Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine
SS Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine - +44 (0)1877 332000 The Steamship Sir Walter Scott has been sailing Loch Katrine for over 100 years, providing the opportunity to experience a bygone age which inspired the poet Sir Walter Scott . Breathtaking scenery unfolds as the grand old steamer sails serenely on Glasgow's water supply! The gentle rhythm and almost inaudible sound of the bio-fuel powered steam-engine gives you an unforgettable experience. For the more energetic you can hire a bicycle to cycle the length of the loch on the north shore and bikes may be hired at the Trossachs pier. There so much to see and do at Loch Katrine. It's a great day out for the whole family.Web: www.lochkatrine.com
Cruise Loch Lomond +44 (0)1301 702356 The 'Tarbet Explorer' leaves Inversnaid on the western shore of Loch Lomond for Tarbet where you can disembark & spend time ashore for a meal and a look around. Cruises offer exciting options for experiencing the spectacular & dramatic beauty of Loch Lomond passing Inversnaid, the West Highland Way and Rob Roy's cave.Web: www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk
Sweeney's Cruises Loch Lomond +44 (0)1389 752 376 Sweeney's has been operating cruises on Loch Lomond for over 100 years. We now operate 5 passenger boats: Astina, Silver Marlin, Lomond Duchess, Lomond Sunrise and Glen Falloch. 2 of these boats are available for private charter. On board - our qualified, friendly crew give live commentary and every assistance to disabled persons. Written commentaries are available on-board in 8 different languages. Web: www.sweeney.uk.com
Loch Lomond Leisure Scotland Ltd 0333 577 0715 Operating on Loch Lomond since 2001; we offer a wide range of boat tour and activity packages Luxury Speedboat Trips, Boat Tours on Loch Lomond , Boat Hire and Boat Charter , Stag and Hen Party Activities , Corporate Entertainment , Special Occasion Packages , Wedding Boats , Golf Transfer by Speedboat.Web: www.lochlomond-scotland.com

East shore of Lomond

The east shore of the loch is fortunate in having many sheltered bays which makes it popular with Lomond's watersport enthusiasts, but this also makes the narrow east shore road one of the more congested parts with parking difficult at peak periods.

Note:

South west of Loch Lomond

Southwest of Loch Lomond you will find rolling hills which slope down to the sea lochs and seaside resorts of the Clyde coast, places like Helensburgh and Rhu. Further to the west you find the long sea lochs and the rugged mountains more typical of the northern highlands. Loch Long with Arrochar and the fabulous "Arrochar Alps" being typical examples.
To the east you find the beautiful centre of the Trossachs with a variety of lochs - smaller than Lomond but just as beautiful, each with its own unique attractions, and Callander with its variety of shops, pubs, eating places and probably the biggest selection of accommodation in the 'Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park'. In the north east you come to Balquhidder, the home of Rob Roy MacGregor and finally to the north, the lands of the Campbells, MacNabs, and Stewarts by Lochs Earn, Dochart and Tay.

the Maid of the Loch at south end of Loch Lomond

Drive around the south & west shores

Balloch, southern gateway to Loch Lomond

Balloch is busy, has lots of interest and things to do, although it is perhaps not the most beautiful place on the shores of Loch Lomond! Here the river Leven exits the loch and you will find the largest of the many marinas as well as watersports, Lomond trips on motor launches and Balloch Castle.
The railway line from Glasgow terminates here although most trippers now come by road. You'll even find the old Loch Lomond paddle steamer 'Maid of the Loch ' tied up at Balloch pier where it has served as a floating restaurant for some years.

Balloch Castle country park contains the 1808 castle built for Buchanan of Ardoch and also the small remains of the 13c Balloch castle and is open to the public.

Balloch Visitor Information

Balloch Accommodation near Loch Lomond HERE

Luss - 'the High Road' at Loch Lomond

Over to the west of Balloch the A82 heads north west up locln lomond past the Cameron House Hotel and its resort with marina etc. If you have the time to explore, in the hills above the hotel are the remains of an Iron age hillfort and a little further west, the 'Lang Cairn', a neolithic chambered tomb over 200 yd long. It's about 5000 years old and contained 20 burials.
Continuing northwestwards, turn right to Duck Bay Marina with its bars, nightclubs etc, and after a while some good vistas over loch Lomond are seen. Back up to the main road and at Arden the road to Helensburgh via Glen Fruin heads off into the hills on the left. It was near here in Glenfruin that the Colquhoun Clan was massacred by the MacGregors in 1603.

About 1 mile past Arden the road crosses the Water of Fruin. Rossdu house is now off to the right near the lochside and nearby are the remains of the Castle of Rossdhu and the Chapel of Rossdhu. Further on on the right is Bandry point and Bay.

Aerial photo of Luss looking southThe main road north passes up the west bank of the Loch passing the Thistle bagpipe works.
At Luss there is a car park from whence you can wander through the lovely old village with its old church, have a cup of tea, and take a sail from the pier at the lochside. To the south of the pier a path leads to the Church of St MacKessog which was built to commemorate Sir James Colquhoun and four others who drowned in lomond in 1873. Some interesting grave slabs can be found here, two 'cross slabs' probably dating from the 8th or 9th c.

Luss Visitor Information

Tarbet, Loch Lomond

The road to the west here leads from Tarbet to Arrochar on Loch Long via Glen Douglas, one of the highest roads in the area.

The loch narrows considerably here as the road continues up Lomond to Tarbet. About a mile after inverbeg is Rubha Mor (the Great Point) then several little bays best accessed by water. Firkin Point and Rubha Dubh (Dark point) follow shortly and in the hills above Stuckgowan are the ruins of a village, Clachan Dubh (Black village) which was wiped out by the plague in medieaval times.

Views of Ben Lomond are now seen over the loch most of the way to Tarbet.

At Tarbet, the west fork from the lochside road takes you over the short pass to Arrochar, Inverary and Scotland's west coast.

Visitor Information

Tarbet self-catering Accommodation:

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cobblerArrochar (on Loch Long 1 mile west of Tarbet )

The top end of Loch Long was used as a torpedo testing range and the admiralty pier still remains on the west side of the Loch at the foot of the old 'rest and be thankful' road over to Inverary. The torpedo testing was finally stopped after a torpedo of the type used here exploded unexpectedly on land at another testing range.
Loch Long is a popular diving venu with a number of interesting wrecks to explore.

Arrochar makes an excellent base for exploring the ' Arrochar Alps ' which include Ben Arthur, seen in the above photograph, usually known as 'the Cobbler' and famous for its rugged and interesting skyline.

The West Highland railway also crosses the pass here before continuing up Loch Lomond side and on to Crianlarich.

Ben Lomand towers majestically over the Loch The Train can be boarded at Tarbet Station .

Visitor Information

Inveruglas

The east fork from Tarbet leads up the lochside and on to Inveruglas where you can see some wonderful views down the loch and over the now narrow Loch Lomond to Inversnaid.

a view to Ben LomondFrom the lochside car park a lomond ferry will take you over the loch to Inversnaid and Rob Roy's cave, or down to Rowardennan and Inverbeg. You can also see the parallel pipes which carry water from Loch Sloy to the power station by the road. Loch Sloy was once the gathering place of the Clan MacFarlane and 'Loch Sloy' was their war-cry.

For walkers, the best access to Ven Vane is obtained about 700 yards south of the car park.

In the bay is Inveruglas island upon which lie the remains of a castle, once the stronghold of the MacFarlanes, this is one of the many castles in Scotland which Cromwell burned to the ground.

On to Ardlui, north of Loch Lomond

The loch is now little over half a mile wide and on the left of the road you can see an early attempt at conservation where the railway viaduct was built of local stone and with castellated piers to match the residences of the local gentry.
Hidden among the trees on 'Isle I Vow', the little island out in the loch are the remains of a castle built by another chief of the MacFarlane clan in the 16th c to replace that burned by Cromwell. It was occupied until the mid 19th century!
The road continues to reach Ardlui and Inverarnan

Looking over Loch Lomond, to the south side of the hotel you see a magnificent waterfall on the high slopes over the loch. The west highland way passes up the shore on the opposite side but no bridge was ever provided due to a dispute with the Colquhounes of Luss. The only way over is by ferry from the pier at the marina or by the bridge 4 miles north of Ardluinear Ardlui with its ferry to the west highland way.

Ardlui Visitor Information

Loch Lomond's East shore

Balmaha

Aerial pohoto of Balmaha - looking north)A left turn at Drymen takes you to Balamaha, about 4 miles away on the shore of Loch Lomond. Balmaha is I suppose the eastern pleasure boating centre of Loch Lomond nestling in a sheltered bay, permanently populated by pretty pleasure craft. Quiet in winter, impossible to park in summer, it's a popular stop for walkers and climbers on their way to the West Highland Way or Ben Lomond.

A popular walk along the Loch Lomond shore leads eventually to the old steamer pier. The island seen offshore and reached by ferry is 'Inchcailloch'.
The island boasts an ancient burial ground of the MacGregor Clan.

Visitor Information

A couple of miles up the road is Milarrochy bay, a wooded area with a shingle beach. A little further up is a sailing club - the 'Canoe Club', then a Caravan club park and the Forest Enterprise camp site at Strathcashel point. Offshore in Loch Lomond are the remains of an ancient 'Crannog' or man made island.

Balmaha Bed and Breakfast near Loch Lomond

Passfoot Bed & Breakfast - 01360 870324 - Muddy boots welcome & Free
Bay Cottage - 01360 870346 - A beautiful B&B overlooking Loch
Mar Achlais - Milton of Buchanan, Balmaha, G63 0JE.Tel: 01360 870300.
Balmaha House, Balmaha, Loch Lomond, G63 0JQ. Tel: 01360 870218..
Loch Lomond Cottages, Balmaha, G63 0JQ. Tel: 01360 870 357..
Milarrochy Cottage B&B, Milarrochy Bay, Balmaha, G63 0AL. Tel: not available till Sept 2012.

Rowardennan

at RowardennanSome 6 miles up the road is Rowardennan, on the Lomond shore and among the trees. Rowardennan boasts a lovely beach.
The small steamer pier here is still used by pleasure boats taking visitors on Loch Lomond and round some of the islands.

The West Highland way continues here all the way up Loch Lomond via Inversnaid and ultimately to Fort William via Rannoch Moor.
Most walkers intending to tackle Ben Lomond start their attempt here at Rowardennan and ascend by the 'tourist route' which starts at the car park, climbs up through the wooded lower slopes before following the long shoulder northwards to the peak. A circular, but harder route returns over a small hillnamed 'Tarmigan' which lies to the south of ben Lomond.

The road stops here and unless tackling the West Highland Way or Ben Lomond, the only way out is to re-trace your steps.

Car Park space here is limited especially in peak season.

Rowardennan, Loch Lomond - Bed and Breakfast

Rowardennan Hotel - 01360 870273 - Quality B&B on the West Highland Way
Anchorage Cottage - Rowardennan, Loch Lomond. Tel: 01360 870394
Blairvockie Farm B&b, Rowardennan Road, Tel: 01360 870242 Mob: 07765595958.
Coille Mhor, Rowardennan Road, Tel: 01360 870302.
The Shepherds House , 2 Forestry Cottages, Rowardennan, Tel: 01360 870105

Rowardennan - Self Catering

Loch Lomond Chalet, Rowardennan, Loch Lomond 01506 203 433 Mob: 0775 178 2781.
Bonny Banks Lodges Self-catering, Rowardennan, Loch Lomond 07786 367 736.
Lodge 30, Loch Lomond Rowardennan, Loch Lomond 0774 5035732.
Loch Dubh Cottage, Rowardennan, Loch Lomond: telephone 01506 845353,info@lomondcottage.com
Sandwood Lodge Rowardennan Lodges, Loch Lomond 0131 4469181.
Lomond Lodge 15 Rowardennan Lodges, Rowardennan 01236 754075. Mobile: 07801 978 349.
Loch Lomond View Chalet, Rowardennan 01360 870273.

Other places to visit from Loch Lomond

Before deciding where to holiday, take a look at other parts of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park:

Ferries and cruises on Loch Lomond

The following ferries operate on the loch, mostly on a seasonal basis.

Rowardennan ferries (Cruise Loch Lomond Ltd - 01301 702356) Dep Tarbet Arr Rowardennan 1000hrs 1045hrs 1600hrs 1645hrs Dep Rowardennan Ret Tarbet 1045hrs 1130hrs 1645hrs 1730hrs Inversnaid Ferries (Cruise Loch Lomond Ltd - 01301 702356) Dep Tarbet Arr Inversnaid 1130hrs 1200hrs 1345hrs 1415hrs 1345hrs 1630hrs Dep Inversnaid Arr Tarbet 1045hrs 1230hrs 1415hrs 1445hrs 1630hrs 1700hrs

Try a cruise on Loch Katrine on the SS Sir Walter Scott - the 100 year old steamer. Two smaller cruisers also operate.

The Loch Lomond Song

Short audio . . Full length audio

Lyrics of Loch Lomond song.

By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes, Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond Where me and my true love were ever wont to gae, On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.

Chorus

O ye’ll tak’ the high road and I’ll tak’ the low road, And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye. But me and my true love will never meet again, On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.

‘Twas there that we parted in yon shady glen, On the steep, steep side o’ Ben Lomond. Where in deep purple hue, the hieland hills we view, And the moon comin’ out in the gloamin’.

The wee birdies sing and the wild flowers spring, And in sunshine the waters are sleeping: But the broken heart, it kens nae second spring again, Tho’ the waefu’ may cease from their greeting.

More on Loch Lomond from 'espacetoplaces blog'

Loch Lomond Holiday Blog

And the song is sung throughout the land by every Scotsman who has lived since that song was written. It is inspirational and brings a tear to the driest eyes. But what does Loch Lomond really represent? What is it about this wonderful Loch that has caused songs to written about it, and for it to be the meeting place of lovers who were torn apart?

The area around Loch Lomond istruly beautiful. With the pure waters of the loch and the breathtaking hills bordering it, this fantastic area attracts many tourists from all over the world. There is plenty to provide for all needs and tastes, whether you arrive for a few days, a family holiday, or even just for a day visit, .

Loch Lomond Geography

In an area of severe glaciation (erosion of the land by a glacier), Loch Lomond has some of the most magnificent scenery in Britain. The Loch itself is around 21 miles long and 450ft deep at the deepest point, and has a 'variable number' of some 30 small islands, mostly at the southern end. Most of these islands are natural, but some have been proven to be Crannogs - artificial islands made in prehistoric periods as secure residences.

To the east of Loch Lomond is the magnificent towering shape of Ben Lomond, Scotland's most climbed - and often eroded - mountain. This enormous mass of rock overshadows the surrounding area and has an excellent engineered footpath most of the way to the top. The loch is also surrounded by a multitude of other hills and mountains, including 'Tarmachan' which can provide an alternative descent, and all of which provide an excellent opportunity for walking and climbing.

Watersports

The Loch is most often used as a base for many different types of water sports in spite of the imposition of speed limits inthe most popular areas, and there are several different centres where you can find almost any water sport. The activities range from sailing and canoeing, to the more adventurous sports like water-skiing and diving.

Other Activities

Loch Lomond Shores is on the southernmost tip of Loch Lomond, reached by taking the Balloch cut off on the A82. It has shopping areas, food and visual complex, complete with a Jenners store amongst other retailers. An aquarium has taken over the impressive Dumkinnon Tower building which resembles an ancient tower house. You'll also find restaurants and coffee shops at the Loch Lomond Shores Complex with views of the loch, Ben Lomond and the old paddle steamer 'Maid of the loch' which awaits refurbishment.

For those who prefer to stay dry, there are other challenging things you can do which will keep you out of the water. For example, the Loch Lomond Golf Club is situated on the south-west shore of the loch, with another club just opened on the opposite bank called The Carrick. Both are excellent courses, and provide 18 holes of scenic golf in beautiful surroundings.

The West Highland Way, a long distance footpath goes all the way down the west side of Scotland, passes by the banks of the loch, where you can pick it up and follow it to either end. Also, the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path runs down the west side of the loch from Arrochar and Tarbert Railway station to Balloch Railway station at the south end.

Villages by the Loch

The village of Balloch lies near the railway station at the south end of the loch. Although it does boast a train station, it is still a very small village which has kept its homely and welcoming charm despite the influx of tourists. Balloch Castle Country Park offers many recreational facilities, lochside walks, a walled garden and visitor centre. Balloch is also noted for the colourful marina near the bridge over the River Leven.

On the western shore is the picture postcard village of Luss which was home to Scottish Television's High Road soap and a conservation village, which in summer is ablaze with floral colour. The Luss church is a popular wedding venue - much to the disgust of the congregation who often resent being 'used' as a 'filmset' for weddings.

On to Tarbet, whose name comes from the Gaelic 'place of portage' - quite appropriate, given that the Vikings hauled their longships from Arrochar on its sealoch 'Loch Long' in order to 'rape and pillage' the villages aroung Loch Lomond.

Further still and you pass ardlui before entering GlenFalloch on the way to Crianlarich and the northwest highland centres of Oban and Fort William.

Balloch (Loch Lomond) B&B Accommodation

Cloudside B&b - Overton Road, Alexandria, by Balloch, G83 0LJ.Tel: +44 (0)1389 601588..
Glenfern House - 2 Drumkinnon Road, Balloch, G83 8SX.Tel: +44(0) 1389 750098..
Sheildaig Farm - Upper Stoney Mollen Road, Balloch, G83 8QY.Tel: +44 (0)1389 752459..
Valhalla B&b - 14 Tullichewan Road, Alexandria by Balloch, G83 8SN.Tel: +44 (0)1389 605851.
Alba Bed And Breakfast, 1 Alba Apartments, By Balloch, G83 8LY. Tel: +44 (0) 1389 758755..
Albannach, 274 Main Street, Alexandria, By Balloch, G83 0NU. Tel: +44(0)1389 603345..
Argyll Lodge - Re-open May2011, 16 Luss Road, Balloch, G83 0RH . Tel: +44(0) 1389 759020..
Ballagan Farm Bed & Breakfast, Ballagan Farm, Balloch, Loch Lomond, G83 8LY. Tel: +44 (0)1389 750092.
Ben Rhydding, 3 Ritchie Ave, Cardross, by Balloch, G82 5LL. Tel: +44 (0) 1389 841659..
Casa Mia B&b, Balloch Road, Balloch, G83 8SS. Tel: +44 (0) 01389 758247..
Dumbain Farm, Balloch, Loch Lomond, G83 8DS. Tel: +44 (0)1389 752263.
Glyndale, 6 McKenzie Drive, Balloch, G83 8HL. Tel: +44 (0)1389 758238..
Milhall, Old Luss Road, Balloch, G83 8QP. Tel: +44(0) 1389 605639..
Oakvale, Drymen Road, Balloch, G83 8JY. Tel: +44 (0)1389 751615.
Palombos Of Balloch, 40 Balloch Road, Balloch, G83 8LE. Tel: +44 (0)1389 753501..
Restil, Riverside, Balloch, G83 8LF. Tel: +44(0) 1389 753105..
Station Cottages, Balloch Road, Balloch, G83 8SS. Tel: +44 (0)1389 750759..
The Old School House, Gartocharn Balloch, Gartocharn, By Balloch, G83 8SB. Tel: +44 (0)1389 830373.
Tir-na-nog Guest House, Balloch Road, Balloch, G83. Tel: +44(0) 1389 604935

Self Catering Accommodation at Loch Lomond

Riverside Court Apartment 2/6 Riverside Court, Balloch 07880 555753.
Alba Apartments 1 Alba Apartments, By Balloch 01389758755.
Lomond Woods Holiday Park Old Luss Road, Balloch 01389 755000.
Barnhill Estate Barnhill House, Milton Brae, Dumbarton, by Balloch 01389 761318.
Blairhosh Cottage Blairhosh, By Balloch 01389 758267.
Albion House 11 Round Riding Road, Dumbarton, near Balloch 01438 869554.
Rv Scotland 1 Drumkinnon Road, Balloch 07918 142090.
Loch Lomond Lets 3 Alba Apartments, Stirling Road, Balloch 0141 942 3399.
The Garden Apartment Pier Road, Balloch, Loch Lomond 07890 730566.
Station Cottages Self Catering Balloch Road, Balloch, Loch Lomond 01389 750759.
The Old Smiddy, Haldane Terrace, Balloch, Loch Lomond Tel:01389 750767. Mobile: 07719 401608
Auchendennan Farm Cottage, Arden, Loch Lomond. info@loch-lomond-accommodation.co.uk, phone: 01389 710 000
Lomond Fairways – sleeps 8. Drumkinnon Estate, 5 Inchcruin, Balloch. Tel: 07855 769338. Email: janescott67@yahoo.com

See also Loch Lomond - See the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and take a cruise with one of the many cruise providers

The Trossachs Scotland The Trossachs and things to see and do

Bed and Breakfast in Callander Homepage