Loch Lomond - Facilities & Information

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Information

 

Dates:  8th March - 31st October 2010

Tel:  01389 850 226

 

Summer Season - March to end of October
Reception opening times: 3pm - 11pm (Later arrivals, please call the hostel to discuss).
The hostel is closed between 10.30am and 3pm daily for cleaning.
NB: Loch Lomond is not a 24 hour Hostel. The hostel front door closes at 12 midnight, there is no entry possible after this time unless by prior arrangement.

 

During the Months of November and February reception is only open for check in  between the hours of 5pm and 9pm. The hostel front door closes at 11pm daily, during these two months.

 

Weddings & functions: viewings by appointment only

 

Please note that we do not accept stag or hen parties at any of our hostels.

 

Local Attractions

 

Inversnaid
Situated on the east side of Loch Lomond, the property extends to 2173ha and includes the summit of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro
Rowardennan, By Drymen G63 0AR
Visit Website
 

Clydebank Museum
Home to exhibitions about Clydebank and its people
Garshake Road, Dumbarton G82 3PU
Visit Website 
 
Dumbarton Castle
Historic fortifications on and around a plug of volcanic rock
Visit Website

 

Geilston Garden
Developed over 200 hundred years ago, a testimony to good landscape design
Cardross, Dumbarton G82 5HD
Visit Website

 

Glenarn
A private garden largely created and originally made famous for its collection of species rhododendrons by the Gibson family
Glenarn Road, Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LL
Visit Website

 

Hill House
The Hill House is considered to be Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest domestic creation. Upper Colquhoun Street Helensburgh G84 9AJ
Visit Website

 

Knowetop Community Farm
Based at the top of Castlehill in Dumbarton, the farm is a favourite attraction for families, volunteers, tourists and animal lovers alike
113 Castlehill Rd, Castlehill, Dumbarton G82 5AT
Visit Website

 

Linn Botanic Gardens
The gardens are a designed landscape of the late 20th century. They straddle an old sea cliff which is broken by the gully of the Meikle burn with its waterfalls
Cove, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire G84 0NR
Visit Website

 

Loch Lomond
Scotland's largest inland loch, and one of its most popular
Visit Website

 

Loch Lomond Highland Games
Held mid July at Balloch
Visit Website

 

Loch Lomond Shores
Shopping centre and visitor attraction at the south end of Loch Lomond
Visit Website

 

Loch Lomond Seaplanes
Seaplane trips from Loch Lomond and scheduled flights from the River Clyde
Visit Website

 

Maid of the Loch
Paddle steamer undergoing restoration on Loch Lomond
Visit Website

 

Scottish Maritime Museum
Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, Dumbarton
Visit Website

 

Sweeney's Cruises
Enjoy Loch Lomond in all its seasonal beauty in style and comfort. Balloch, Alexandria, G83 8SS
Visit Website

 


Eating & Drinking

 

La Scarpetta
Balloch Road, Balloch, Alexandria, G83 8SS
Tel: 01389 758247
Visit Website

 

Maid of the Loch
Loch Lomond Steamship Company
The Pier, Pier Road, Balloch G83 8QX
Tel: 01389 711865
Visit Website

 

The Lomond Park Hotel
Balloch Rd, Balloch, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, G83 8SR, 01389 752494

 

The Ben Lomond Restaurant
Venue and Craft Shop. Tarbet
By Arrochar, G83 7DA
Visit Website

 

The Coach House
Coffee Shop and Loch Lomond Trading Co.
Loch Lomond
Visit Website

 

The Ettrick
159 Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick
Visit Website

 

Knockderry House Hotel
204 Shore Road, Cove, G84 0NX
Visit Website

 

Loch Lomond Castle Bar and Restaurant
Quality bar and restaurant overlooking Loch Lomond
Arden, Argyll, G83 8RB
Visit Website

 

MacGillivray's Scottish Gifts and Coffee Shop
89 W Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 8BB
Visit Website

 

The Tullie Inn
Balloch Road, Balloch, G83 8SW
Visit Website

Groups

Loch LomondShores

Scotland’s most spectacular visitor destination combining the beautiful environment with an outstanding mixture of leisure and shopping experiences overlooking the majesty of Loch Lomond at Balloch

Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, G83 8QL

Tel: 01389 751 035

Visit Website

 

Can You Experience

A wide range of outdoor activities suitable for groups of all interests and abilities.

Loch Lomond Shores Visitor Centre, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire ,G83 8QL

Tel: 01389 756 251

Visit Website

 

Sweeney’s Cruises

A family-run business which has been operating boats on Loch Lomond for over 100 years.

Balloch, Dunbartonshire, G83 8SS

Tel:  01389 752 376

Visit Website

 

Loch LomondAquarium 

Prepare for astonishing close views of everything from humble starfish to mighty sharks.

SEA LIFE, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, G83 8QL

Tel: 01389 721 500

Visit Website

Active & Adventure

Cycling

 

Easy Routes

 

Glasgow to Loch Lomond
View Route

 

Glasgow to Falkirk Wheel
View Route

 

The Trossachs
View Route

 

 

Hilly Routes

 

Loch Lomond to Aberfoyle
View Route

 

The Trossachs
View Route

 

Loch Tay
View Route

 

 

Also:

  • Golf
  • Fishing
  • Sailing
  • Sea canoeing
  • wind-surfing
  • kayaking
  • water skiing
  • Horse riding

Visit Website

 

Walkers

Achray Water Bridge
This forest walk takes you through an area of regenerating native woodland
Distance: 3.7km/2.3miles, Duration:2hrs
View Route

 

Allt a' Cham-ruidhe
A gentle walk, which is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance: 2km/1.25miles, Duration: 1hr, Height Gain: 15 metres/49.5 feet
View Route

 

Ben A'an, Loch Katrine & the Trossachs
This short walk displays breathtaking views out over the Trossachs National Park
Distance: 3.2km/2miles, Duration: 1 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 454 metres/1498 feet
View Route

 

Ben Ledi
One of the best viewpoints in the area
Distance: 8km/5miles, Duration: 4hrs, Height Gain: 760 metres/2508 feet
View Route

 

Ben Lomond
This circular walk climbs Ben Lomond, the most southerly of the Munros
Distance: 11km/6.9miles, Duration: 5hrs, Height Gain: 1000 metres/3300 feet
View Route

 

Ben Lui
This walk climbs one of Scotlands highest and most spectacular mountains.
Distance: 21 km/13 miles, Duration: 7hrs, Height Gain: 1050 metres/3465 feet
View Route

 

Ben Vane from Inveruglas
This walk starts at the tourist car park on the A82 by Sloy Power Station
Distance: 12km/7.5miles, Duration: 6hrs, Height Gain: 950 metres/3135 feet
View Route

 

Ben Venue
This Ben Venue walk involves heading west until joining the path at Gleann Riabhach
Distance: 14km/8.75miles, Duration: 6hrs
View Route

 

Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin
On the southern edge of the Highlands
Distance: 13km/8.1miles, Duration: 6 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 1140 metres/3762 feet
View Route

 

Ben Vorlich from Ardlui
This walk ascends one Munro, Ben Vorlich
Distance: 10km/6.25miles, Duration: 5 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 1150 metres/3795 feet
View Route

 

Callander Crags & Bracklinn Falls
A dramatic and exhilarating walk starting in the centre of Callander
Distance: 6.5km/4miles, Duration: 2 1/2hrs
View Route

 

Callander to Strathyre
A long, but flat walk along a disused railway
Distance: 13.5km/8.4miles, Duration: 5hrs
View Route

 

Conic Hill from Balmaha
A short/steep climb from Balmaha to Conic Hill with wonderful views over Loch Lomond
Distance: 3 km/1.8 miles, Duration: 2hrs 30 mins Height Gain: 350 metres/1155 feet
View Route

 

Creag Noran Viewpoint
The walk takes you through a regenerating native woodland
Distance: 0.8km/0.5miles, Duration: 1/2 hour
View Route

 

Creag an Tuirc, Balquhidder
A short but extremely rewarding walk from secluded Balquidder
Distance: 4km/2.5miles, Duration: 2hrs
View Route

 

Creag na H-Lolaire
This walk is part of The Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance: 4.4km/2.75miles, Duration: 1 3/4hrs
View Route

 

Cruach Tairbeirt Walks
An undulating woodland walk which offers excellent views
Distance: 7.5km/4.7miles, Duration: 3hrs, Height Gain: 450 metres/1485 feet
View Route

 

Drymen to Balmaha
This section of the West Highland Way is an excellent intro to the National Park
Distance: 13km/8.1miles, Duration: 5hrs, Height Gain: 350 metres/1155 feet
View Route

 

Duncryne Hill, East Lomondside
From the top of the hill the main focal point is no other than the beautiful Loch Lomond
Distance: 1km/0.6 miles, Duration: 15 mins Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet 
View Route

 

Glen Finglas Dam Walk
This short walk leads to a viewpoint over Glen Finglas Dam
Distance: 2.5kms/1.6miles, Duration: 1 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
View Route

 

Glen Loin Footpath: Arrochar to Inveruglas
This walk offers stunning views of the surrounding highest peaks
Distance: 17km/10.6miles, Duration: 3hrs, Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet
View Route

 

Green Sound Trail
This walk takes you along the shore of Loch Drunkie
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles, Duration: 1 3/4hrs
View Route

 

Helensburgh Upland Way
A short ramble through woods and along forest tracks with extensive views
Distance: 3km/1.9miles, Duration: 1 1/2hrs
View Route

 

Inverarnan to Loch Lomond
This walk follows the line of the West Highland Way through woodland
Distance: 9.5km/5.9miles, Duration: 3 1/2hrs
View Route

 

Loch Achray
This walk is part of The Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles, Duration: 1hr
View Route

 

Loch Ard Forest from Aberfoyle
A pleasant walk from Milton to Couligartan returning along the scenic shores of Loch Ard
Distance: 17km/11 miles, Duration: 5hrs, Height Gain: 170 metres/560 feet 
View Route

 

Loch Venachar, near Callander
This walk follows forest tracks high above Loch Venachar with spectacular views
Distance: 6.5km/4miles, Duration: 2 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 140 metres/462 feet
View Route

 

Meall nan Tarmachan (Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park)
One of the most commonly climbed hills in the southern Highlands
Distance: 7km/4.4miles, Duration: 3hrs, Height Gain: 550 metres/49.5 feet
View Route

 

Pass of Leny
A short and in places, strenuous walk high above the Pass of Leny and Falls of Leny
Distance: 3.25km/2.03miles, Duration: 2hrs, Height Gain: 164 metres/541.2 feet
View Route

 

Pine Ridge
This walk is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive and offers fine views
Distance: 1.2km/0.75miles, Duration: 1/2hr
View Route

Red Sound Trail
A gentle walk, which is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance: 1.8km/1.1miles, Duration: 1 hour
View Route

 

The Rob Roy Way
A weeks walk from Drymen to the Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry
Distance: 148km/92.5 miles, Duration: 7 days, Height Gain: 500 metres/1650 feet
View Route

 

Stoneymollan Trail, Balloch
An exhilarating walk from Cardross on the Firth of Clyde to Balloch on Loch Lomondside
Distance: 7.5km/4.7miles, Duration: 3 1/2hrs
View Route

 

The Cobbler
Although not a Munro, The Cobbler is a hill not to be missed
Distance: 9km/5.6 miles, Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 890 metres/2937 feet
View Route

 

The Greenock Cut Walk
This level walk has great views of the Clyde, Loch Lomond, Cowal and Greenock
Distance:10.5km/5.5miles, Duration: 4hrs,  Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet
View Route

 

Through the Whangie!
This is a pleasant short walk to a hidden gash in rocks, known as The Whangie
Distance: 4km/2.5 miles, Duration: 1 1/2hrs, Height Gain: 155 metres/511.5 feet
View Route

 

West Achray
Enjoy the diversity of Achray Forest as the trail leads you through native woodland
Distance: 5.5km/3.4miles, Duration: 2 1/2hrs

 

West Highland Way
Scotland's original long distance path running from Glasgow to Fort William
Distance: 152km/95 miles, Duration: 7-10 days, Height Gain: 800 metres/2650 feet
View Route

 

West Highland Way Rambler
Here's a walk with a difference along one of the UK's most popular long distance routes
Distance: 14.4km/9miles, Duration: 4hrs, Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
View Route

 

Disclaimer: All walking routes are hosted on external sites, therefore SYHA can hold no responsibility towards their accuracy. SYHA would also like to acknowledge the British Mountaineering Council Participation Statement: "The BMC recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions".

Wildlife

Warblers, flycatchers, redstarts, greylag geese, buzzards, peregrines, falcons, ospreys, capercaillies , golden eagles and deer.

 

Inversnaid RSPB Reserve
This beautiful reserves lies on the edge of Loch Lomond
Visit Website
 

Loch Lomond NNR
Famous for its beautiful wooded shores and islands. The reserve embraces five of the loch's islands, each supporting rich, mature oak woodland
Visit Website

 

Linn Botanic Gardens
The gardens are a designed landscape of the late 20th century. They straddle an old sea cliff which is broken by the gully of the Meikle burn with its waterfalls
Cove, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire G84 0NR
Visit Website


 

 

 

 


Staff Recommendations

Hostel Assistant

 

"Being situated close to the banks of Loch Lomond, the largest surface area of fresh water in the UK, means that there is a wealth of activities for you to try, including water skiing, fishing, nature trails and cycling!"

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