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Enchanting hikes in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Stuart

Enchanting hikes in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Hiking Collection by Alex Foxfield

15

Tours

67:21 h

111 mi

33,950 ft

From the famously bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and the scenic, wooded glens of the Trossachs to the dramatic ridges and panoramic summits of the Southern Highlands, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is home to some enchanting hikes.

This is a romantic landscape, encapsulating everything that makes Scotland so spellbinding. The national park is wonderfully varied: the south is characterised by lowland pastures, forested glens, crumpled hills and the island-studded southern end of Loch Lomond, while the land to the north gets progressively more rugged and mountainous, containing some of the giants of the Southern Highlands.

Within the national park boundaries there are 22 sparkling lochs to explore and 40 mountains above 2,500 feet (762 m) to ascend, 21 of which are Munros. The Queen Elizabeth Country Park has fun for all the family, while the Arrochar Alps, Crianlarich Hills and Tyndrum Hills offer some of the finest mountain walking in Britain.

There is lots of wildlife to see too. Keep a lookout for red deer, the famously-shy red squirrels, black grouse, buzzards and hen harriers. If you get off the beaten track, you might be lucky enough to encounter golden eagles soaring high on the thermals or catch a glimpse of an otter hunting along the loch shores.

This Collection aims to introduce you to the many different characters of this national park. It’s designed to contain something for everyone, from those wanting leisurely low-level ambles through picturesque glens to those looking to tick off some epic Munros. The Tours are arranged in order of difficulty, starting with the easier walks first.

Over the course of these hikes, you’ll stroll around Balloch Castle and Country Park from the beaches of Loch Lomond, marvel at the beauty of the Falls of Dochart and the Falls of Leny; enjoy the Luss Hills on the very cusp of the Highlands; visit the West Highland Way's wonderful Conic Hill; conquer the region’s most spectacular mountain in miniature: Ben A’an; and scale Ben Ledi, one of the Trossach's most romantic peaks.

You’ll take on the most southerly Munro, Ben Lomond; get off the beaten track on the rugged Corbetts of Meall an t-Seallaidh and Creag Mac Ranaich; venture to Beinn Mhòr, the highest peak on the Cowal Peninsula; discover the Cobbler, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains; ascend Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin above beautiful Loch Earn; explore the Crianlarich Hills, home to Britain's loftiest summits south of Tayside; and make it to the top of Ben Lui, perhaps the mightiest mountain in the Southern Highlands.

For the more mountainous hikes, you’ll need plenty of food and water, as well as warm layers, waterproof clothing and supportive hiking footwear.

The national park is easily accessed from Glasgow via train, with stations on the West Highland Line at Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich and Tyndrum. There is plenty of choice when it comes to places to stay, from basic hostels to luxurious hotels.

Also accessible by train from Glasgow, Balloch is a good option for exploring the southern reaches of Loch Lomond. This enchanting village is often referred to as the gateway to the national park. Arrochar is, unsurprisingly, the ideal base for the Arrochar Alps, while Tyndrum is a good shout for the mountains to the north. The bustling town of Callander is a great option for the Trossachs and adventures in the east.

For more information about Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, visit: lochlomond-trossachs.org.

On The Map

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Tours & Highlights

  • Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Balloch Castle and Country Park — Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

    01:24
    3.30 mi
    2.4 mph
    150 ft
    150 ft
    Easy
    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    If you fancy a break from high mountains, rocky ridges and biting winds, this leisurely circuit takes in some lovely scenery and little culture, too.

    

    From the tranquil banks of Loch Lomond, the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain, you cross the bridge and stroll into Balloch Castle and Country

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 01:14
    2.80 mi
    2.3 mph
    225 ft
    225 ft
    Easy
    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This delightful woodland walk packs a lot of punch for its size. With some fantastic views, two waterfalls and plenty of interest along the way, it is a fantastic way to spend an hour or so.

    

    Auchmore is on the south side of the River Dochart and to the east of the village of Killin. Most of this route

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 02:14
    4.85 mi
    2.2 mph
    575 ft
    575 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This relatively easy-going route explores beyond the southern end of Loch Lubnaig, taking in the picturesque Falls of Leny.

    

    You hike through mixed woodland, moorland and farmland to some glorious spots in the shadow of Ben Ledi. The sense of tranquility here is wonderful.

    

    At various points along the route

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 02:19
    4.13 mi
    1.8 mph
    1,125 ft
    1,100 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This fantastic circuit of Ben A’an offers some intermediate hillwalking that is suitable for everyone; something that is often hard to find in the Highlands.

    

    Ben A'an is one of Scotland's finest mountains in miniature, comparible to Lakeland's Catbells in that it is a real family favourite and a must

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 03:22
    6.86 mi
    2.0 mph
    1,200 ft
    1,200 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Directly on the Highland Boundary Fault line, Conic Hill is the ideal introduction to hillwalking for children. It’s accessible and relatively straightforward, but still an adventure, while offering astonishing views of the island-studded southern end of Loch Lomond. You’ll likely have to share the summit

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 04:14
    7.33 mi
    1.7 mph
    2,200 ft
    2,200 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This is a super little hillwalk starting from the lovely village of Luss on Loch Lomond. It follows the grassy skyline above Glen Striddle, taking you to the modest summits of Beinn Dubh and Mid Hill for wonderful views of the island-studded southern reaches of the loch and the neighbouring Arrochar

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 03:50
    6.04 mi
    1.6 mph
    2,325 ft
    2,350 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    A romantic and popular peak in the heart of the Trossachs, the Corbett of Ben Ledi is a superb hill walk. Its position on the Highland Fault Line gives it glorious views to the Central Belt, the Ochils and the Campsie Fells, as well as north to the ridges and peaks of the Southern Highlands.

    

    From the

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 04:39
    8.83 mi
    1.9 mph
    2,075 ft
    2,075 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    At 2,431 feet (741 m), Beinn Mhòr’s is the highest point on the Cowal Peninsula, so it’s no surprise that an astonishing panorama awaits those who make the trek to its summit. It’s not just the views that are sure to make the day a memorable one; the trails here are also much quieter than those found

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 05:47
    12.7 mi
    2.2 mph
    2,850 ft
    2,850 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Getting off the beaten track in the Highlands is easier than most places. This short but challenging route takes you away from the busier trails on the likes of Ben Lomond, Conic Hill and the Cobbler to climb Meall an t-Seallaidh and Creag Mac Ranaich.

    

    Both summits are Corbetts, which are stand-alone

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 04:56
    7.96 mi
    1.6 mph
    3,000 ft
    3,000 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This stenuous, yet beautiful route traverses the most southerly Munro in Scotland: Ben Lomond. It's a glorious little loop that also takes in the subsidiary summit of Ptarmigan and enjoys wonderful views of Loch Lomond.

    

    From the Rowardennan car park on the banks of the loch, you follow the waymarked

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 06:34
    8.07 mi
    1.2 mph
    2,775 ft
    2,775 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

    Although neighbouring Ben More and Stob Binnein have the height advantage, Cruach Ardrain’s complex form is the one that draws the eye on the road into Crianlarich from Tyndrum. Its summit sits in the centre of a beguiling, craggy, Y-shaped massif, right at the heart of the Crianlarich Hills range. Best

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 05:12
    6.98 mi
    1.3 mph
    3,500 ft
    3,500 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    The Cobbler is one of those Scottish mountains that outshines its higher neighbours, shaking off the fact that it misses out on the Munro tables by 100 feet (30 m) and flaunting its dramatic character for all to see. The freakish form of its summit – said to resemble a cobbler leaning over at work

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 06:42
    9.13 mi
    1.4 mph
    3,425 ft
    3,425 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

    Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’ Chroin are two of the most accessible Munros for those travelling north from the Central Belt. They’re often claimed together from Loch Earn in a single outing, which features some enjoyable scrambling terrain on the final ascent of Stuc a’ Chroin.

    

    From the loch, cross to the eastern

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 06:10
    7.49 mi
    1.2 mph
    3,950 ft
    3,950 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Two giants of the Southern Highlands and the highest mountains in Britain south of Ben Lawers, Ben More and Stob Binnein make for worthy objectives. Broad and burly Ben More may be the higher, but Stob Binnein is the more attractive, rising to a graceful peak. There’s no easy way up, every possible route

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • 08:44
    14.2 mi
    1.6 mph
    4,600 ft
    4,625 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Ben Lui is one of Scotland's greatest mountains, a monumental rocky throne when seen from the northeast.

    

    This lengthy, challenging yet spectacular hike takes you to its grand summit, before traversing the neighbouring Munros of Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig. Save it for a long summer day and enjoy.

    

    Start

    by Alex Foxfield

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Questions and Comments

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    15
  • Distance
    111 mi
  • Duration
    67:21 h
  • Elevation
    33,950 ft

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