What’s on Loch Lomond

If you are looking for water-based activities, then Loch Lomond has it all. At  Portnellan Farm you can enjoy a speedboat tour or get closer to the water on a paddle board or in a kayak – in a location which boasts one of the best views in the world!

For more leisurely time on the water, book a spot on a cruise.  You can also Cruise Loch Katrine on the beautiful little steamship Sir Walter Scott or experience the magnificent scenery of the Firth of Clyde, its islands and sea lochs on the world’s only sea-going paddle steamer P.S. Waverley. 

Fishing is a lovely way to get to know the natural beauty of this place.

And if you want something a bit more adrenaline-fuelled like axe throwing, then you can do that too with Loch Ard Adventure Centre on nearby Loch Ard.

Exploring the Trossachs

When you book Ballat Smithy Cottage, you’re coming to stay in one of the best places to get out and explore. There are walks to suit everyone, high or low level, long or short, easy or strenuous. Walk by the banks of the Endrick Water or Aber Shore on Loch Lomond, or explore miles of trails in the Queen Elizabeth Forest . Many sections of the West Highland Way and the John Muir Way coast to coast route are easily reached. The Three Lochs Way, with its spectacular views, is close by, and the lovely Rob Roy Way begins near here in Drymen.

For hillwalkers there are ‘easy’ hills such as Ben An, to more difficult such as Ben Lomond, The Cobbler or the mountains of Perthshire. Walk Highlands has comprehensive information.

This is also a great place to climb on two wheels and take to the road. The cottage has a secure storage area for bikes, with facilities for washing down muddy bikes or boots, or bikes can be hired in Aberfoyle. There are numerous very good routes in the Queen Elizabeth Forest, around Callander and from Drymen to Balloch and Aberfoyle.

If you’d rather take to four legs, then there are several British Horse Society and TRSS Approved Trekking and Riding Centres within travelling distance of the cottage. We can recommend Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, just outside Balloch.

Discover Scotland’s Wildlife

Do you dream of spotting a red squirrel? Or of seeing golden eagles soar over your head? This is all possible here. There are several Scottish Wildlife Trust and RSPB reserves in the area. Loch Lomond is internationally important with many rare species. For example, you might find kingfishers on the Endrick, ospreys on Loch Lomond and the Lake of Menteith and ptarmigan on the high tops. Red squirrels can be seen at Aberfoyle, and increasingly in other places too. If you’re lucky you might even see eagles, pine marten and otters. The garden here at Ballat Smithy Cottage is a haven for birds and our guests enjoy watching them at the feeders. Our latest, very exciting, visitor is a barn owl!

Golfing and sports near Loch Lomond

There are the world-famous Championship courses at St. Andrews and Gleneagles, and many smaller local courses, for example at Aberfoyle, Balfron, Buchanan, Strathendrick, Callander, Stirling.

Further afield you can visit the lovely links golf courses at Crail. These are highly recommended.

For something a bit more speedy, you could have a go on four wheels at Knockhill Motorsports. Live out your dreams of being Super Mario on their karts, or James Bond in a supercar. This is a must-visit for every petrolhead!

History, art & culture

Central Scotland is steeped in history going back all the way to the dinosaurs! At nearby Victoria Park in Glasgow, you can visit a fossilized forest that last grew over 300 million years ago. More recently, Scotland’s history has included everything from Robert Burns to Rob Roy and Charles Rennie Mackintosh to the Adam brothers. Visit Edinburgh and Stirling Castles and numerous National Trust properties; Glasgow and Edinburgh museums and art galleries; or enjoy music festivals, theatres and concerts.

Anything else?

There are still plenty of things to do near Loch Lomond to keep you coming back for more! 

Visit https://www.seelochlomond.co.uk/ for lots more ideas.