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Things to do in Balloch

Our most recommended things to do in Balloch

Loch Lomond: Scottish Highlands Sightseeing Cruise

1. Loch Lomond: Scottish Highlands Sightseeing Cruise

Depart from Balloch village and set sail beyond the stately homes of historic Scottish industrialists within view of Ben Lomond, Scotland's most southerly Munro. Continue towards Inchmurrin Island, the largest inland island in Great Britain and home to the ruins of the 12th century Lennox Castle. Learn the history and legend of Loch Lomond and the surrounding areas while enjoying some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Enjoy a cruise commentary by famed historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver, best known from BBC's "Coast" and "A History of Scotland." 

Loch Lomond: Island Discovery 2-Hour Cruise

2. Loch Lomond: Island Discovery 2-Hour Cruise

Discover the legends and secrets of the islands of Loch Lomond on this cruise from Alexandria. Learn the history and the legends of Loch Lomond and the surrounding areas, while enjoying some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Hop aboard the spacious and comfortable boat that Balloch Village Ferry Landing. Have plenty of space for indoor and outdoor viewing with opened and closed deck space, and full bar facilities where you can purchase a drink. Begin you circular cruise which passes the world-famous Loch Lomond Golf Club. Explore the middle island of Loch Lomond, sail through an area known to locals as "The Narrows", and continue onwards to the village of Luss. Listen to cruise commentary by famed historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver, best known from BBC's "Coast" and "A History of Scotland." Return to your starting point at the end of your journey.

Loch Lomond: Sea Life Entrance Ticket

3. Loch Lomond: Sea Life Entrance Ticket

Get up close to over 1,500 creatures and find out what it feels like to touch a starfish and other creatures living in the interactive rock pool. Visit the playful family of otters Lily, Pickle and Cub, then journey through the tropical ocean tunnel and come face-to-face with blacktip sharks and other critters of the sea. Explore the Lochs of Scotland and see some of the amazing creatures that can be found in the native waters. Look out for the rare albino dogfish. Experience the deep loch tank which opened in March 2016 and is home to native species of shark and rays that can be found in UK waters. The big-bellied sea horses’ long tail contributes to their claim as one of the world’s largest seahorse species. Reaching up to lengths of 30 centimeters, the amazing big-bellied seahorse has a long, curly, grasping tail. Visit the bay of rays and meet the only cow nose rays in Scotland! Then, visit the blacktip reef sharks in the big ocean tank. Blacktips are among the most popular sharks inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans due to their preference of shallow, inshore waters.

From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces and Jacobites Tour

4. From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces and Jacobites Tour

Step into the story and witness the scenic landscapes and ruins from the TV show "Outlander" on this day trip from Edinburgh. Travel in a spacious and climate-controlled coach and see slights light like the village of Cranesmuir and the Tuilyies Standing Stones. Depart Edinburgh and journey northwest to Midhope Castle (April 1 to September 24), site of Lallybroch Castle in the time travel TV series "Outlander." Stop in the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow and enjoy a photo stop at Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison in "Outlander"). Continue to the 14th-century country pile of Callandar House, where ties to Rome's northern frontier in Europe at the Antonine Wall have been traced. Follow the footsteps of Claire and Jamie to Falkland, Outlander's Inverness.  See streets that were used as filming locations in Outlander, including where Claire sees Jamie's ghost. Move on to the Royal Burgh of Culross to discover a tiny 17th-centuryvillage nestled on the coast of Fife.  Pass by the gardens at Culross that were featured in "Outlander" as Claire's herb garden, as was the mercat cross (market cross) from Cranesmuir Village. Saunter along the cobblestone streets and see the quaint Biscuit Café. Stopping for photos at Tuilyies Standing Stones (time permitting). End the day at South Queensferry for beautiful views over the Forth and photos of the Forth Rail Bridges. Please note: Midhope Castle will be closed from December 23rd to Spring 2023.

Luss: Loch Lomond Paddleboard Hire

5. Luss: Loch Lomond Paddleboard Hire

Discover Scottish nature and the islands around Loch Lomond by stand up paddleboard. Enjoy an outdoor adventure, with the option to choose from a 2 or 4-hour paddleboarding experience. Look out for the plentiful local wildlife as you glide across the water.  Meet in Luss, where an experienced instructor will give you a brief introduction to stand up paddleboarding on land. Paddle out onto the loch and be immersed in the beautiful landscape. Stop at nearby islands such as Inchconnachan and explore the Narrows, considered the jewel of Loch Lomond.

Loch Lomond: Kayak Hire

6. Loch Lomond: Kayak Hire

Paddle across the calm waters of Loch Lomond to discover the beautiful scenery of mountains and islands. Enjoy an activity perfect for beginners through to experts. Meet your instructor in Luss and start with an on-land lesson to ensure you get most from your experience. Kayak on to the loch and head towards the nearby islands. Explore the Narrows, and stop for a walk on the island of Inchconnachan as you keep a look out for local wildlife. Choose from a 2 or 4-hour hire period to suit your schedule and enjoy a fun outdoor adventure.

Loch Lomond: Evening Cruise

7. Loch Lomond: Evening Cruise

There is perhaps no sight more spectacular than the sun setting on Loch Lomond and this cruise affords you the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Hop aboard for this magical way to end any day.  Depart from Balloch village and set sail beyond the stately homes of historic Scottish industrialists, all within view of Ben Lomond, Scotland's most southerly Munro. From there, continue towards the world-famous Ross Dhu House and Loch Lomond Golf course, past Inchmurrin Island, the largest inland island in Great Britain and home to the ruins of the 12th-century Lennox Castle. Learn the history and the legend of Loch Lomond and the surrounding areas, while enjoying some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Enjoy cruise commentary by famed historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver, best known from BBC's "Coast" and "A History of Scotland." The luxurious and smooth passenger boats offer excellent viewing, opened and closed deck space and full bar facilities.  

From Balloch: Glencoe & Scottish Highlands & Waterfall Walk

8. From Balloch: Glencoe & Scottish Highlands & Waterfall Walk

You’ll be starting your Glencoe and Scottish Highlands day tour from Balloch at the very bottom of the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. You’re adventure begins by travelling north along the western shore of Loch Lomond, taking in amazing views looking out over Loch Lomond and hearing some of the local tales about the Loch’s history, including how the Vikings visited and colonised here over 1000 years ago. As you travel further north, you’ll eventually reach the Scottish Highlands, here, you’ll notice a drastic change in the landscape as you discover many of Scotland's mountains, glens and streams. You’ll see some ancient Caledonian Pine forests, a reminder of the habitat that once covered the majority of Scotland. Not long after this, we’ll get you out for a lovely short walk along a section of the West Highland Way, where you’ll hear tales about the Battle of Dail Righ, where its rumoured King Robert the Bruce was ambushed. On the walk, you’ll see the small lochan where it’s believed that King Robert threw his sword, to lighten the load as he tried to escape. You’ll continue north towards Glencoe where at the very head of the Glen, like a rugged old soldier guarding his post, you’ll lay eyes upon “The Buachaille”. You’ll now find yourself in one of the most eye wateringly beautiful locations in the whole of Scotland, surrounded by this ancient mountain landscape, you’ll be able to feel the history and the sense of overwhelming awe that makes filmmakers the world over wish to film here, showcasing Glencoe in many famous movies and T.V shows such as Outlander, Harry Potter, Braveheart, Highlander, Rob Roy, Monty Python and most recently in Netflix’s Outlaw King. After lunch, you’re next highland location is to visit some beautiful waterfalls, you’ll get out for another short hike in the rugged landscape where there’s also a chance to see some secretive Red Squirrels, as an endangered species, and very rare to find, our location gives us a good chance to spot them as we walk through the forestry. From the roar of waterfalls, you’ll now enjoy the tranquil scenic surroundings of Rannoch Moor, this ancient land may be one of the last remaining true wilderness spots left in Europe and contrasts the fabulous mountainous scenery all around it with it’s deep peat bogs and heather moorland stretching for miles around. Around this area we’ll be staying alert as this is quite often a very good location for spotting Red Deer, Scotland’s largest land mammal, cameras at the ready as we try to track them down. From here you’ll travel south back towards Loch Lomond for one final stop to enjoy the delights of Scotland’s largest freshwater Loch and get in some more breath-taking scenery before arriving back to Balloch to end your wonderful day tour exploring Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands. This Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Tour may be explored in reverse

From Balloch: Loch Lomond National Park Tour with 2 Walks

9. From Balloch: Loch Lomond National Park Tour with 2 Walks

Spend a day exploring the wonderful region of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond on a guided trip. Experience the magical landscape with 2 hikes and breathtaking views, encountering Highland cattle, and stopping in the village of Luss. Begin on the eastern side of Loch Lomond, hiking around the water’s edge. Climb up the rolling green hills to experience breathtaking views of where the Scottish Highlands meet the Lowlands. Look out for the nature reserve Inchcailloch among the islands on the Loch.  Depart from Loch Lomond and travel through the Trossachs National Park, watching in awe as the landscape around you transforms into clusters of wooded glens and braes.  Go on your second hike of the day in this natural paradise. Meet the cute and friendly roaming inhabitants of the park, fluffy Highland cattle, and keep your eyes peeled for some of Scotland’s finest wildlife, like red deer, red squirrels, and even the golden eagle. After your hike, take a spectacular drive to the northern section of the Trossachs. Find your way to picturesque waterfalls and feel like you’ve entered into the world of the fairies. Make your last stop of the day in the historic village of Luss. Learn about the history of this place once invaded by the Vikings, before climbing up to one last viewpoint over the Trossachs National Park to say goodbye.

From Glasgow: Whisky and Loch Lomond Full-Day Tour

10. From Glasgow: Whisky and Loch Lomond Full-Day Tour

Meet your guide in Glasgow and travel the short distance towards Loch Lomond, one of the largest lochs in Scotland. Stop on the southern shore of the loch, where you can choose to join a 1-hour boat cruise and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and castles. Those who wish to remain on dry land can admire the stunning landscape from the shore. The next stop is in the picturesque conservation village of Luss. Walk around the center and take photos of quaint cottages, or stroll along a little beach on the bank of Loch Lomond and admire the view of Ben Lomond. There will be plenty of time for you to enjoy lunch here. After a day filled with mountain air, lochs, and forests, travel back to Glasgow’s Clydeside Whisky Distillery. Located in the famous Queen’s Dock, this state-of-the-art distillery brings the production of single malt back to the city. Take a tour and see how this whiskey is distilled from grain to glass. If you’re not a whiskey fan, your guide can drop you off at Buchanan Bus Station earlier, so you can explore the city’s vibrant bars and music venues.

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What people are saying about Balloch

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,075 reviews

I really enjoyed this outlander day trip and highly recommend it for outlander fans or anyone with an interest in medieval through 18th century buildings and history. Neil was our tour guide and driver, he was knowledgeable, funny, personable, professional and a fantastic driver. The whole tour was perfectly organized and executed with lots of stops where food and restrooms were available. We were comfortable and relaxed the entire day with ample time at each stop for exploring and photos. We ate at bessy’s cafe in Culross and recommend their delicious soups and coffees. I have amazing pictures and memories of the many castles and villages we stopped at on this tour, and learned so much interesting history from our guide Neil! Thanks so much

This was the best day of our trip. Gillian was so amazing and the best tour guide we've ever had. She knew so much not only about outlander but also about the history of scotland. I learned so many new things today and it was so much fun. The locations we went to all had connections with outlander and scenes were filmed there. It was so nice to see all of it. Can't recommend this tour enough (with Gillian as the guide ofc) !!!!!

It was great fun! There were explanations and you could buy snacks and drinks when on the cruise. A very cool way to see the are around Loch Lomond we strongly recommended it.

Excellent communication and speedy set up on arrival. Was a beautiful day and was lovely to have a few hours freedom kayaking on the loch, the views were spectacular

Thank you Martin our tour guide. We enjoyed the tour!