10 Stunning Walks in Loch Lomond & Trossachs

Lace up your boots and head out for a walk! From short strolls to challenging climbs, there are walks suitable for all abilities in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

Below you will find 10 of our favourite walking routes in Lock Lomond & Trossachs National Park, along with the appropriate map to guide you along and the route to download, so you can plan your walk with confidence!

There are two options of map; OS Explorer has a scale of 1:25 000 and OS Landranger has a scale of 1:50 000. OS Explorer is more zoomed in and offers greater detail and information, but the OS Landranger covers a greater area.

If you’re planning you’re own route, but you’re not sure which map you need, then check out our Ordnance Survey online map finder here!

1. Balmaha Millennium Forest Path

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Terrain: Forest
  • Distance: 2.10 km | Approx. Time: 0:45 hours

You’ll need your binoculars for this mile-long route through the forest as there’s lots of wildlife to be spotted, including crossbills, siskins and goldcrests, as well as beech trees and the nation’s only large native conifer. Allow yourself around 45 minutes to complete this walk as there are some steep sections along the way.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL38: Loch Lomond South / OS Landranger 56: Loch Lomond & Inveraray

You can download the route for this walk here.

2. Ben Arthur “The Cobbler”

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Terrain: Mountain
  • Distance: 10.65 km | Approx. Time: 4:40 hours

If you’ve got a head for heights, this iconic mountain route is a must-complete during your stay in Loch Lomond. Ascending 3200 feet, you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views over Loch Long. Although not given Munro status, Ben Arthur is considered one of Scotland’s most popular peaks.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL39: Loch Lomond North / OS Landranger 56: Loch Lomond & Inveraray        

You can download the route for this walk here.

3. Cashel Forest Walk

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Terrain: Forest, Hill
  • Distance: 4.10 km | Approx. Time: 1:25 hours

For the best scenic views of Loch Lomond, you’ll need to be prepared to climb – but that doesn’t mean you have to be an advanced walker. At three miles long, The Red Loop covers a fairly short distance, albeit with a steep uphill walk. With stunning views along the entire route though, you can’t complain.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL39: Loch Lomond North / OS Landranger 56: Loch Lomond & Inveraray

You can download the route for this walk here.

4. The Aber Trail

  • Grade: Easy
  • Terrain: Open
  • Distance: 5.09 km | Approx. Time: 1:25 hours

There’s plenty to see on The Aber Trail which starts at Millennium Hall and ends at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. From alder and ash trees to buzzards, wood warblers and tree pipits, it’s the ideal route for nature-lovers.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL38: Loch Lomond South / OS Landranger 56: Loch Lomond & Inveraray

You can download the route for this walk here.

5. Callander Crags

  • Grade: Difficult
  • Terrain: Forest, Hill
  • Distance: 3.89 km | Approx. Time: 1:35 hours

This strenuous route covers just over two miles of paths with beautiful woodland, some rough rock sections and uneven steps – the views from the top of the crags make it well worth it though. It is advisable to bring sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing. You may also find a bottle of water helpful as you’ll be climbing for around 90 minutes.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL46: The Trossachs / OS Landranger 57: Stirling & The Trossachs

You can download the route for this walk here.

6. Ben A’an Hill Path

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Terrain: Hill
  • Distance: 3.7 km | Approx. Time: 1:45 hours

This short 3.7-kilometre hill walk takes you through forest paths before leading you to the top of one of Scotland’s most popular smaller hills. You’ll be well rewarded for your two hours’ walking with stunning views over Loch Katrine and the surrounding countryside. Stop off at one of the nearby cafes at the Trossachs Pier for well-deserved tea and cake afterwards.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL46: The Trossachs / OS Landranger 57: Stirling & The Trossachs

You can download the route for this walk here.

7. Ben Lomond

  • Grade: Easy
  • Terrain: Mountain
  • Distance: 6.3 km | Approx. Time: 3:40 hours

With gentle terrain and little navigation required, Ben Lomond is one of the easiest Munros – in fact, it’s so popular with walkers that it’s one of Scotland’s most-climbed hills, second to Ben Nevis. If you’re looking for a more peaceful stroll, there are several alternative routes to try which are less populated, such as the Ptarmigan route which offers a fine descent.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL38: Loch Lomond South / OS Landranger 56: Loch Lomond & Inveraray

You can download the route for this walk here.

8. Loch Ard Forest Circular Walk

  • Grade: Easy
  • Terrain: Forest
  • Distance: 5.7km | Approx. Time: 1:40 hours

Loch Ard Forest is part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and stretches from just north of Drymen almost to the banks of Loch Katrine. There is a variety of landscapes, wildlife, flora and fauna and is managed by the Forestry Commission. Within the forest there are various other routes that can be explored on foot or bike. Aberfoyle is where this route starts; the village sits on the infant River Forth.

The attractive main street is well served with individual shops, cafes, and restaurants. Learn more about the area at the Trossachs Discovery Centre and the Scottish Wool Centre which is also located in the village. The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre just a couple of miles up the road offers arguably the most spectacular views in the area, a fantastic play area, and a wildlife station with CCTV viewing of ospreys, blue tits and many more species.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL46: The Trossachs / OS Landranger 57: Stirling & The Trossachs

You can download the route for this walk here.

9. Loch Katrine

  • Grade: Moderate (Due to Length)
  • Terrain: Lake
  • Distance: 21.0km | Approx. 6:15 hours

Loch Katrine is a freshwater loch in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The loch is 8.1miles long and 0.62 miles wide at the widest point and is a key water source for the city of Glasgow. To start the walk, you will need to book with Loch Katrine Cruises and purchase a ticket to Stronachlachar pier. There you can depart the boat and walk back along the shore road; the road is private offering a secluded and peaceful walk back. If you book the Sir Walter Scott Steamship, you will be able to look down into the engine room.

This route can also be cycled; Loch Katrine Cruises also offer you to book your bike on board. If walking or cycling is not your thing, then you can simply just book a return journey on the boat and take in the beautiful views. Please note the ferry is only available in the summer and winter months at weekends: check the Loch Katrine Cruises website for full details.

Maps to purchase for this route (centered between two map sheets): OS Explorer OL46: The Trossachs / OS Explorer OL39: Loch Lomond North and OS Landranger 56: Loch Lomond & Inveraray / OS Landranger 57: Stirling & The Trossachs

You can download the route for this walk here.

10. Ben Ledi Circular Walk

  • Grade: Challenging
  • Terrain: Mountain
  • Distance: 9.8km | Approx. Time: 4:10 hours

Ben Ledi is a mountain that sits at 879 m high and is classified as a Corbett; a Corbett is a Scottish hill between 2500 and 2999 feet high with a drop of at least 500 feet (152.4m) on all sides. Ben Ledi sits beside Loch Lubnaig and makes an excellent viewpoint. The area is famous for its expansive lochs which include Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond. Callender is the closest town, situated on the River Teith, and the town serves as the eastern gateway to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL46: The Trossachs / OS Landranger 57: Stirling & The Trossachs

You can download the route for this walk here.

Got everything you need for your walk? From walking boots, to waterproofs, to fleeces and rucksacks, here at Go Outdoors we have everything you need to make the most out of your walk! Take a look at our full walking range now.

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