Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Guided Walking

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 1,650ft (500m) 

We’ll wander through nature-rich woodland and open moorland to reach the West Highland Way this morning. And along the way you’ll get to gaze out over Loch Lomond from one of its finest viewpoints atop Conic Hill.  

As we descend to Balmaha we’ll have time to visit the national park’s visitor centre before stepping off land and on to a boat to Inchcailloch island, the ‘isle of the old woman’ in Scottish Gaelic. 

Distance: 9 miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,750ft (540m) 

We’ll set off from the hotel and join the West Highland Way, walking through woodland and over moorland before climbing Conic Hill. The views from the top, reaching out over Loch Lomond and its islands will stop you in your tracks.  

Then following a descent to Balmaha we’ll join the option one group on a boat trip to the wooded island of Inchcailloch.   

Distance: 9 miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,750ft (540m) 

You’ll walk from Rowardennan along the West Highland Way in amongst ancient native woodlands, which are designated a Special Area of Conservation.  If you’re here in spring, you’ll meander past abundant wildflowers with clear views over Loch Lomond for most of the day.  In summer, we might just spot ospreys fishing.   

Our route will take us to a bothy in Rowchoish before we return at a slightly higher level, eventually retracing our steps. 

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) 

Ascent: 3,150ft (960m) 

If you have not yet bagged your first Munro (Scottish hills over 3,000ft/914m), Ben Lomond is one of the best to start with.   

We’ll ascend the relatively steep Ptarmigan ridge path, keeping an ear open for the cackle of red grouse en route. From the summit, we’ll have an unbeatable vantage point taking in not only Loch Lomond and its islands, but also the Clyde estuary, Arran, and other islands and hills to the north. 

Descending on a well-made path we’ll enjoy far reaching views before making our way through restored native woodlands and back to Rowardennan.  

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) 

Ascent: 700ft (220m) 

Starting from the hamlet of Brig o’Turk in the heart of The Trossachs, we’ll trace the peaceful shoreline of Loch Venachar while watching the outline of Ben Ledi on the horizon, often regarded as the southernmost outpost of the Highlands.   

We’ll skirt past Invertrossachs Country House, continuing along the shoreline, through the forest, then down into the bustling town of Callander, once one of the northernmost outposts of the Roman Empire.  

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km) 

Ascent: 2,550ft (780m) 

One of the most celebrated views of the Scottish Highlands is on the cards today. From the shores of Loch Ard you’ll climb up to the ridge of Ben Venue via Ledard Burn and then onwards to its summit.  

In the right conditions you’ll gaze out over the Highlands arrayed to the north and the lowlands falling away to the south. Then we’ll descend into the forested Gleann Riabhach, emerging at the east end of beautiful Loch Katrine. 

Distance: 9 miles (14km) 

Ascent: 2,200ft (660m) 

Spanning 35 miles in total, the Three Lochs Way links three lochs – Loch Lomond, Gare Loch, and Loch Long. You’ll tackle the northern section, one of the most scenic. 

From Loch Sloy hydro-electric power station, built at the end of WWII, we’ll journey south through Glen Loin, emerging at the head of Loch Long. From here we’ll have the chance to ascend Cruach Tairbeirt (415m), gaining fantastic views across Loch Lomond to Ben Lomond and beyond. We’ll finish our day in Tarbet, a small village situated on the shores of Loch Lomond.

Distance: 10 miles (15.5km) 

Ascent: 3,950ft (1,220m) 

If you’re up for a challenge, then you’ll conquer two of the best peaks of the famed Arrochar Alps. We’ll avoid rock climbing, but we’ll take paths that are steep and rough at times. 

From Succoth at the head of Loch Long, we’ll take a strenuous route up into the corrie that sits below the craggy rock pinnacles of The Cobbler (also known as Ben Arthur). Then it’s a steep climb up to the summit ridge where we’ll visit the North Top (note that The Centre Top, a rock pinnacle, is for rock climbers only). 

We’ll head down to the col then back up to the summit of Beinn Narnain, our second Munro of the holiday. On a clear day you’ll be able to watch the sea lochs extending south into the sun and the Highlands all around. From here we’ll retrace our steps briefly, descending by Coire a’ Bhalachain to finish back at the starting point of the walk.