Loch Lomond Tours

Explore Scotland's most famous loch, celebrated in "The Bonnie Banks", one of the world's best-loved songs. Our small-group tours take you to Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch, where shimmering waters meet rugged mountains. You’ll even get to see where Rob Roy once roamed, and the country's first National Park, which showcases Scotland at its most beautiful.

What our customers say about our Loch Lomond tours

Why visit Loch Lomond?

Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest freshwater loch by surface area, stretching 24 miles long and 5 miles wide at its broadest point. Over 30 islands dot the water, framed by mountains that mark where the Lowlands meet the Highlands, it’s made famous by the song "The Bonnie Banks". Written by a Jacobite soldier awaiting execution, the lyrics, "O ye'll tak' the high road, and I'll tak' the low road.", speak of taking the "low road" (the road of death) while his spirit returns to Scotland before his living companion.

The loch sits at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first National Park, established in 2002. The combination of accessibility and wilderness made it a favourite of 19th-century Romantic poets and painters. Sir Walter Scott set scenes here. Wordsworth wandered its shores. Queen Victoria visited, bringing royal approval to what locals already knew: this place is special.

But it's not just natural beauty that draws visitors. This is Rob Roy MacGregor's homeland, where Scotland's most famous outlaw once roamed. The legendary folk hero knew every glen and hiding place in the vicinity. Today, you can walk the same banks, hear his stories, and understand why this landscape created such a character.

Who was Rob Roy MacGregor?

Rob Roy MacGregor, born in 1671, was part Robin Hood, part cattle rustler, and an entirely Scottish legend. He started as a cattle dealer and drover, borrowing money from the Duke of Montrose to expand his business. When his chief herdsman absconded with the funds, Rob Roy couldn't repay the debt. The Duke seized his lands and cattle. Rob Roy's wife and children were evicted in winter. From that point, Rob Roy dedicated himself to making the Duke's life difficult.

He rustled cattle, offered protection, and operated outside the law whilst maintaining a reputation for fairness and honour amongst common folk. He'd steal from the rich but help the poor. He'd raid Duke of Montrose's lands but leave small farmers alone.

This Robin Hood quality made him a folk hero rather than a simple criminal. But the government declared him an outlaw. Soldiers hunted him. Yet he moved freely through Loch Lomond's glens and mountains, knowing every hiding place, every sympathetic household. He fought in the Jacobite Uprising of 1715, was captured multiple times, and escaped each time through cunning or help from supporters.

Rob Roy died peacefully in his bed in 1734, having lived to see his lands partially restored and his reputation secured. Legend says he was so strong he could tie a sporran (that's a traditional Scottish belt pouch) behind his back without unbuckling it first. Whether that's true or just another tall tale, it tells you something about how the Scots remember him.

His story inspired Sir Walter Scott's 1817 novel "Rob Roy", cementing his place in Scottish mythology. Today, his grave in Balquhidder and his former lands around Loch Lomond draw visitors wanting to walk where Scotland's favourite outlaw once roamed.

What's included on a Loch Lomond tour?

Our Loch Lomond tours combine Scotland's most famous loch with stunning castles, picturesque villages, and breathtaking Highland scenery. Departing from Edinburgh and Glasgow in small groups of maximum 16 passengers, here's what you can experience:

• Loch Lomond itself: Scotland's largest loch by surface area, framed by majestic mountains. See over 30 islands dotting the water, views of Ben Lomond, one of Scotland's most climbed Munros, and picturesque villages like Luss, Balmaha, and Aberfoyle on the lochside.

• The Trossachs National Park: Scotland's first National Park, often called "The Highlands in Miniature" with 22 lochs, including Loch Katrine, inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's poetry. Experience ancient forests, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, rugged peaks, forest-filled glens, and shimmering waters.

• Rob Roy MacGregor's homeland: Visit the legendary outlaw's hiding places throughout the glens. Hear stories of clan battles, cattle rustling, and Highland justice, and take routes where Rob Roy evaded capture from government forces.

• Historic castles: Within our castle tours you’ll get to see Stirling Castle, the "Key to Scotland" perched on volcanic rock, Doune Castle, featured in Monty Python and Outlander, Inveraray Castle and its 18th-century town on Loch Fyne, and Kilchurn Castle ruins on Loch Awe.

• Scottish Landmarks: Visit landmarks such as The Kelpies Monument, Scotland's largest equine sculptures, as well as other sites of pivotal battles in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

• Highland tours and landscapes: See the Arrochar Alps with steep-sided mountains, Rannoch Moor's remote wilderness, Glencoe's dramatic valley, and coastal villages and working harbours including Oban and Inveraray.

Our tours range from single-day adventures to multi-day journeys that combine Loch Lomond with the Scottish Islands. Whether you want to focus on the loch itself or use it as part of a broader Highland exploration, we offer options from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Take a look at our Scotland tours for more adventures.

Can I take a boat cruise on Loch Lomond?

You can, and you should if you've got the time. From the water, you understand why this loch inspired so much poetry. Mountains reflect in calm waters. Islands dot the surface like stepping stones. The scale of the place becomes clear in a way it never quite does from the shore.

Our Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Boat Cruise tour from Glasgow includes an optional hour-long cruise as part of the itinerary. The boat typically departs from Balloch or another accessible point on the loch, cruising past islands whilst commentary fills you in on local wildlife, history, and the legends that cling to these waters like morning mist.

Even if your tour doesn't include a cruise, free time at Loch Lomond often allows you to book one independently. Your driver-guide knows the options and can advise on timings that work with the day's itinerary.

What activities can I do at Loch Lomond?

There's more to Loch Lomond than standing about admiring the view (though that's worth doing too). The National Park offers activities for all energy levels, from gentle strolls to proper mountain hikes.

Walking and hiking: The West Highland Way, Scotland's first official long-distance footpath, runs along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. You don't need to commit to the whole 96-mile route. Walk a section, get a feel for it, and decide whether you want to return to tackle more. Trails range from gentle lochside wanders to challenging climbs up Ben Lomond. That's one of Scotland's most popular Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet), and the views from the summit explain why people continue to climb it.

Cycling: Loch Katrine features a traffic-free cycle path along its shores. No dodging cars, just you and the scenery. Perfect for families or anyone who prefers cycling without the stress. Our Scottish Highlands Sail, Bike or Trail Experience includes bike hire as an option, letting you explore at your own pace.

Getting on the water: You can rent kayaks or canoes at various points around the loch. Stand-up paddleboarding has become popular on calmer days; however, we recommend checking the weather first. For something more traditional, the vintage steamship Sir Walter Scott has carried passengers across Loch Katrine since 1900. She's a proper working steamship, not a replica, and still runs on her original steam engine.

Whisky tasting: Glengoyne Distillery sits at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill, producing Highland whisky right on the Highland Line. That means they're technically in the Lowlands but making Highland whisky, which sounds confusing until you taste it. Deanston Distillery operates in a converted 200-year-old cotton mill, proving Scots have always been resourceful with their buildings. Both offer tours and tastings. Our Discover Malt Whisky tour visits distilleries in the Loch Lomond area. Take a look at our Whisky tours for more options.

Village exploration: Luss demands leisurely wandering. Its slate-roofed cottages and rose gardens look like they've been lifted from a postcard, except this one's real. Balmaha offers access to Loch Lomond's islands. Aberfoyle serves as the gateway to the Trossachs and has enough cafes and shops to occupy a pleasant hour.

Most of our Loch Lomond tours include free time for you to choose your activities, whether that's hiking, cruising, visiting distilleries, or simply finding a bench with a view and a good cup of tea.

What wildlife can I see at Loch Lomond?

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is home to some of Scotland's most spectacular wildlife. The mix of ancient woodlands, open moorland, and freshwater lochs creates habitats for species you'll rarely see elsewhere in Britain:

• Red squirrels dart through the Scots pine forests, ear tufts twitching. They're easier to spot here than in most of Britain, where grey squirrels have taken over.

• Golden eagles patrol the skies above the higher peaks. Spotting one requires patience and a bit of luck, but your driver-guide knows the likely areas. Watching a golden eagle soar against Highland skies is the sort of moment that stays with you.

• Ospreys fish in the lochs, plunging talons-first to snatch fish from the water. They were extinct in Scotland by 1916, shot by gamekeepers and egg collectors. Their comeback is one of conservation's success stories.

• Red deer roam the glens and mountains. Scotland's largest land mammal, stags can weigh over 190kg with impressive antlers that grow back every year. You'll often see them in the early morning or late evening when they come down from the higher ground to feed.

Your driver-guide keeps a lookout for wildlife throughout the journey and knows the best spots for watching. Bring binoculars if you've got them. Even a modest pair improves the experience. For dedicated wildlife experiences, explore our Scotland wildlife tours.

Where do Loch Lomond tours depart from?

Our Loch Lomond tours depart from Edinburgh and Glasgow, making it easy to experience Scotland's most famous loch from either of Scotland's major cities:

• Loch Lomond tours from Edinburgh: Edinburgh offers five tours to Loch Lomond, each showcasing different aspects of the National Park. The Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies day tour is our most popular, combining the loch with Scotland's most important fortress and modern sculptures celebrating the country's industrial history.

• Loch Lomond tours from Glasgow: Glasgow's proximity to Loch Lomond (just 30 miles away) makes it the perfect base for exploring the National Park. We offer three tours from Scotland's largest city.

Learn more about our Departure Points here.

How long do I need at Loch Lomond?

That depends on what you want to experience:

• Half day: Perfect for seeing the loch's highlights, visiting one village, and enjoying the mountain views

• Full day: Allows time for a boat cruise, castle visit, and exploring multiple areas of the National Park

• Multi-day: Combines Loch Lomond with other Scottish destinations like the islands, Glencoe, or whisky country

Our day tours typically spend 1-2 hours at Loch Lomond itself, balanced with other destinations like Stirling Castle, the Trossachs, or Highland villages. This gives you enough time to appreciate the bonnie banks without feeling rushed, whilst still experiencing the broader region.

Why tour Loch Lomond with us?

Small groups make all the difference. With a maximum of 16 passengers, you'll travel in comfortable mini coaches that can navigate the narrow roads around the loch that big buses can't access. Our driver-guides are storytellers who bring Rob Roy's legends, Scottish history, and local knowledge to life.

We're also committed to responsible travel. By supporting local businesses, taking scenic routes, and limiting group sizes, we help preserve Loch Lomond's beauty whilst ensuring authentic experiences. For every tonne of carbon we use, we donate £10 to environmental and community projects.

Have any questions or need any help? Take a look at our FAQs or contact us; our team would love to hear from you!

Why you should book Rabbie's Loch Lomond tour