Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

Introducing Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

Scotland's first national park was created in 2002 with the aim of protecting two of Scotland's heaviest visited areas. The park is effectively two distinct neighbouring areas, with the Trossachs most easily accessed from Stirling and the western half centred on giant Loch Lomond, on Glasgow's northern doorstep.

Loch Lomond is a lake of two halves. The busy A82 runs along its western edge, and a huge influx of day-trippers descend on Balloch and the nearby lakeshores. The more isolated eastern shore is better territory for exploration. The road only runs as far as Rowardennan; beyond there the West Highland Way follows the shore through beautiful woodland. In general, the whole area is more sedate in spring or autumn, which are good times to visit.

The lake, Britain's largest, was formed by the action of glaciers, and lay at the junction of the three ancient Scottish kingdoms of Strathclyde, Dalriada and Pictland. Standing guard over the loch is Ben Lomond (974m) on the east coast.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009