Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on the small town of Balloch on the southern tip of Loch Lomond. The town straddles the River Leven where it exits the loch. The name has Gaelic origins and means a pass. Population is about 6,000.

Information on Balloch

Ben Lomond in winter viewed from Balloch

Hiking group on route between Balloch and Helensburgh

Balloch Castle

Cruise boat on Loch Lomond approaching Balloch

Balloch is very popular with visitors principally because it is a main centre for boat trips on the loch. There is a  a railway station providing a direct link with Glasgow plus a good road link via the A82.

Activities connected with Balloch include:

• Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycle Way  which provides a 20 mile link to Glasgow.
• Hiking
• The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path which links the loch shore to Tarbet.
• Guided canoe trips.
• Pony trekking.
• Boating. There is a large marina here.

For the less active (or during adverse weather) there is the Loch Lomond Shores Centre. Here can be found a large shopping mall.

Historic paddle steamer, Maid of the Loch

Balloch also provides accommodation for visitors plus many pubs and eateries. The locale can be very busy and noisy at peak periods.

More information

For more information on sightseeing, lochs and Scotland in general refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.