Balloch on Loch Lomond

Balloch on Loch Lomond

Balloch lies on Loch Lomond and offers several distinct reasons to visit: Balloch Castle Country Park, the Loch Lomond Highland Games, the history of the paddle steamer Maid of the Loch, and activities centred on nature and the water. The park is on the south-east shore of the loch, at the northern edge of Balloch. If you are considering Balloch for your stay, the Games in July, an interest in maritime history, or the range of wildlife and water activities may shape your plans.

The park, the Games and getting there

The Loch Lomond Highland Games take place every July in Balloch Castle Country Park. If you want to combine your stay with this recurring event, July is the relevant month; check the specific event date before you travel. Balloch bus station is directly opposite the park’s southern main entrance. Camping, overnight parking and alcohol consumption are not allowed in the park. When planning, this information answers two different questions: July narrows down the event date, while the bus station provides a point of reference for the park’s location.

The history of the Maid of the Loch

The Maid of the Loch is the last paddle steamer built in Britain and the only surviving example of an “up and down” ship in the United Kingdom. These two classifications describe different aspects of its history: the first concerns its construction, while the second concerns the preservation of a type of vessel. The steamer was reassembled at Balloch Slipway and launched on Loch Lomond on 5 March 1953. For Balloch’s maritime history, both the site of its reconstruction and the exact date of its launch are specific points of reference. Anyone interested in historic ships can connect the steamer’s national significance with its history in Balloch.

Nature activities with different focuses

The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is home to more than 30 birds of prey and owls from 26 species. The Discovery Trail shares information about the birds and local wildlife. At Loch Lomond Shores, there is an information trail about red squirrels, with 15 signs around the headland. The nature activities have different focuses: the Discovery Trail combines information about birds with local wildlife, while the trail draws attention to red squirrels.

Cruises, the Waterbus and kayaking

From Balloch, Sweeney Cruise Co offers the “Experience Cruise”, “Island Discovery” and “Evening Cruise”. The company also operates daily scheduled cruises and ferry services on Loch Lomond. If you are planning a particular trip, check the timetable in advance so you can plan your day around the connection you want. From Balloch, you can combine the Waterbus to and from Luss with cycling on the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path. This option combines a journey on the water with cycling, making it different from a single cruise. Kayaking is offered at Loch Lomond Shores through Loch Lomond Leisure—another activity on the water.

Discover more destinations: Alexandria, Gartocharn, Clydebank, Dumbarton

Return to the main travel overview: West Dunbartonshire.