A guide to Loch Lomond

Useful Facts and Information for
Visitors to Loch Lomond

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About loch Lomond

Ben Lomond stands guard high above Loch Lomond which is the centrepeice of the first Scottish National Park. The loch is the largest freshwater body in the UK with a surface area of about 70 Km². From north to south Loch Lomond measures about 22.5 miles. The widest part is about 4.5 miles is near the southern end.

Watersports on Loch Lomond

Lock Lomond is probably the one of the last large expanses of water in the UK where no charges are made for water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and boating. Loch Lomond offers plenty variety for these sports, mainly in the southern end where width and the multitude of small islands provide additional interest and opportunity to do some 'Lomond exploration'.

Fishing Loch Lomond

Species to be found in the Loch are trout, salmon, pike, Perch, Roach, Ruffe. Dace and Powan.
Loch Lomond game fishing seasons are:

• Salmon from 11th February to 31st October
• Sea Trout from 1st April to 31st October.
• Brown Trout from 15th March to 6th October
• A permit is required for all game fishing on loch Lomond.
• Legal methods of fishing Fly / Spin / Bait (inc.shrimp)
• Sunday fishing on Loch Lomond is not permitted

Cycling the Loch!

There are many quiet roads in the area which are ideally explored by bicycle and often carry little motor traffic. The east shore road to Rowardennan is probably best avoided is it is narrow and very busy in visitor seasons. You can also follow the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path from Balloch to Tarbet.

Walking the Loch!

There are many level walks on good surfaces around most parts of the loch, but worthy of a special mention is the Loch Lomond section of the West Highland Way which follows the east shore all the way to the top of the loch where Lonond's narrow waater may be crossed by ferry at Ardlui Hotel. ( 01301 704243 , Ardleish to Ardlui, April,September & October 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. May, June, July and August 9.00am to 8.00 p.m ).

Ben Lomond is a popular hill walk starting at Rowardennan and normally takes about 5-6 hours for the average walker. From the slopes of Ben Lomond extensive views to the loch are on offer as well as vast panoramas over huge tracts of the highlands.

Another popular walk to Doune Hill (734M) begins near Luss on the west shore.

Shopping at Loch Lomond

The main shopping area is at the south end centred at the 'Lomond Shores' complex. Here you will find the main tourist information centre alongside a great selection of shops:

Jenners, Loch Lomond Jewellers, Hawkshead, Catherine Kinloch, Ponden Mill, Misty Glen, Bear Feet, Thorntons, Julian Graves, Loch Lomond News, Flower Perfect and Whittard of Chelsea.

A little way south of the loch is Alexandria, where an old distillery warehouse complex was once operated as a sheepskin clothing retail outlet by Antartex. It now has the title 'Antartex Village' and combines of Scottish crafts, quality woollens, sheepskin and leather goods. There are a number of brand name shops, including the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, The Golf Company, Spirit of Scotland Whisky Shop, Antartex Sheepskins. Coffee shop.

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