What to see and do at Loch Lomond Hideaways
We've teamed up with See Loch Lomond to let you know about some of the incredible highlights of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. All of the places listed below are within easy reach of your cabin. Read more about them at the links.
Drymen Square
Tom Weir Statue, Balmaha
Nearby Villages
We're close to the small village of Croftamie, just within the National Park. A few miles away is Drymen, a lively village on the West Highland Way, with a thriving local community. Check the Drymen website's events page as there is often something going on, such as Piping on the Square in summer. Drymen also has some delightful pubs and cafes.
From Drymen, it's just four miles to Balmaha, one of the main attractions of Loch Lomond. On warm days head there early as it gets busy. St Mocha Coffee roasts coffee on-site and produces ice cream, and it is part of the Oak Tree Inn, a popular pub and restaurant located next door.
By the pretty bay is a statue of Scotland's much-loved mountaineer and TV presenter Tom Weir. Take a ferry from Balmaha Boatyard for the short trip to Inchcailloch Island, a beautiful unspoilt island, part of a Nature Reserve.
Inchcailloch Island
Climb Ben Lomond
Climb Ben Lomond
It's another seven miles onto Rowadennan, the starting point for a climb up Scotland's most southerly Munro Ben Lomond. Again remember to go early as the car park fills quickly. Stock up at Drymen or Balamha for anything that you need for climbing the mountain. At the top, there are incredible views stretching as far as Ben Nevis.
Gartocharn
Just a few miles from the Hideaways is the RSPB Reserve at Gartocharn. On the reserve, you may be lucky enough to see an Osprey. Nearby Aber Shore is a flat and manageable path (although take wellies for the first section if it's been raining recently).
A short climb up Duncryne Hill (known locally as 'The Dumpling') provides magnificent views up Loch Lomond.
The Dumpling, Gartocharn
RSPB Reserve at Aber Shore
Balloch
Balloch is home to Loch Lomond Shores, which has some shops, cafes and leisure options. The Sea Life Centre is a good option on a wet weather day. Nearby is the Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomond's last serving paddle steamer, where volunteers are working hard to restore the steamer to get her back sailing.
Sweeney's Cruises run circular tours, with commentary by TV presenter Neil Oliver. Also, in Balloch, there is a Country Park, the only one in the National Park.
West Loch Lomond
The A82 runs close to the western shores of Loch Lomond. Visit the beautiful loch side conservation village of Luss.
Luss, Loch Lomond
Three Lochs Forest Drive, The Trossachs
Aberfoyle
We are ideally positioned for easy access to both Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The gateway to the Trossachs is Aberfoyle village, which has had something of a resurgence in recent years. Its Main Street has a series of beautiful, colourful local shops.
The Trossachs
Drive over the dramatic Dukes Pass, but take a detour on the well-signed Three Lochs Forest Drive; you won't be disappointed. There is a small toll for driving through it, but there is beautiful scenery.
Ben A'an
As you drive past Loch Achray, you can see the distinctive domed shape of Ben A'an, one of the most popular hill climbs locally. Our advice is to go early as the small car park fills quickly. It's a steep but short climb (around an hour) to the summit, where the views are dramatic.
Loch Katrine
View from Ben A’an
Loch Katrine
Sir Walter Scott, Scotland's famous writer, put the Trossachs and Loch Katrine on the map with his poem Lady of the Lake in 1810. A blockbuster of its day, this was responsible for the birthplace of Scottish tourism. Loch Katrine is the water supply for much of Glasgow and Central Scotland, and you can sail on it in one of the cruise boats.
Trossachs Trail
The 40-mile Trossachs Trail has been revitalised this year, with a new website and road signs. Highlights of the Trail include Doune Castle (where Outlander was filmed), the town of Callander and Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park.
Walking
The West Highland Way is now one of the most popular hikes in the world. The route comes close to us; you can enjoy short sections of it. Alternatively, you could walk the Great Trossachs Path from Callander to Inversnaid. There are more details about the long-distance routes and shorter walks on the See Loch Lomond website.
Cycling
NCN7 Lochs and Glens Way goes through the National Park and is very close to the Hideaways at Croftamie. It is easy to pick up NCN7 and cycle to Balloch, Drymen or Aberfoyle. There are some other excellent cycle routes nearby. Our nearest Bike Hire is in Aberfoyle.
Cycling at Croftamie
West Highland Way path, Conic Hill
On the Water
Lochs Ard and Chon in the Trossachs are excellent for launching kayaks and canoes or Milarrochy on Loch Lomond, you can hire water craft from Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch. You can jump on a cruise boat at Luss, Tarbet and Balloch.
NEED MORE IDEAS?
Check See Loch Lomond’s 101 Things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs guide.
We love hearing from our guests how they've spent their days. But, there is so much to do, and we warn you now you'll want to come back! Message See Loch Lomond, and they'll be happy to help or ask Katrina for any other local tips and recommendations.