Scotland, UK: Loch Lomond National Park a complete guide
Planning your trip
I'd highly recommend on many accounts to plan ahead. Loch Lomond National Park is of the beaten track, so unless you are an avid walker I'd suggest plan at least 4-6 weeks in advance to avoid paying more than you need for your visit.
When to go and how long
I'll be honest here....... There is a BIG chance it'll be grey and you'll get rain regardless of the time of year you are visiting. I.e. I went in the middle of July and got hail as I was climbing up a Munro!!! You are in Scotland after all - I'm not sure it's known for it's SUNshine. Pack your rain coat!
May-September - Spring to Summer.
Your best bet at good weather, and very long days! (only a few hours of darkness, so plenty of hours for activities)
October-November - Autumn
One of my favourites. The trees are changing and offering the most spectacular scenes you'll ever see.
December-April - The Winter Months
The shortest days, but the cosiest too. I wouldn't ever tell anyone not too visit Loch Lomond in the winter. It can be just as nice, and even snowy! Planning is key here, ie. you don't want to get snowed in (or maybe you do ;))
How long should you visit?
Again this ones up to you and how lucky you are with your time. I'd always suggest 48 hours is a good start and enough to really embrace the park, if you do have more time, a week would be even better!
The weather
Getting there
You'll likely be coming from one of Scotland's bigger cities - Glasgow or Edinburgh. Both within 40-60 minutes of the vast National Park. I'd highly recommend having your own car for your visit of the park, this will give you flexibility as well as ability to actually see the park rather than just from a buses window or just the small town you may get dropped in.I'd suggest hiring a car via Booking.com or Rental Cars, and collecting this in the city in which you are in or arrive from. Often I found when I visited the park I'd be with friends which made hiring a car a lot cheaper as you could split the bill.
If you find that hiring a car is just not an option, I'd suggest a train will be the most efficient, and this will get you to the start of the loch it self.
Alternatively if you decide you do want to walk..... You actually can - it's called the West Highland Way!! Join a track from just outside of Glasgow and heads right up through the park and ends 154km north in the middle of Scottish Highlands.
Where best to stay
What to do
This is where it gets fun. And typically how you figure out where you want to stay and how far you are comfortable driving about.. The park is 220miles aka 350km at it's widest point... And the roads are windy! So do keep this in mind when you make your plan.
Want to become a 'Munro Bagger'?
Hiking in the National Park:
Mosey around the rest of the park?
What else to do?
What to eat and drink
What we all really care about... In terms of preparing for your holiday and trip to the National Park, make sure you know what type of trip you want and know where you will get your food. There is not big supermarkets or convenience stores everywhere. So please do make the most of them when you see them or prepare before you arrive. The closest supermarket to Loch Lomond National Park coming from Edinburgh / Glasgow will be Aldi in Alexandria.
When it comes to eating out in the Park, there are plenty of spots around, and some of my favourites have been:
I hope this introduction to Loch Lomond National Park helps set you up for an amazing trip(s)!
ENJOY!
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