At 23 miles in length, Loch Lomond is the largest area of fresh water in the British Isles and has 38 named islands, the largest, Inchmurrin, being named after St. Mirrin who founded an early Christian church on the island. The yew trees on Inchlongaig were planted by King Robert the Bruce and recently the remains of ancient loch dwellings - crannogs - were found off Inchcailloch. Vikings pulled their long boats overland from Arrochar on Loch Long to Tarbet on Loch Lomond's western shore, on their way to pillage the surrounding area before departing to the sea by way of the River Leven to the south of the loch.

Today, visitors can cruise the loch from Tarbet, Balloch or Balmaha or visit the charming villages along its shores including Luss, a conservation village. Across the loch at Balmaha, where the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park sits under the dominant Ben Lomond - the most southerly 'Munro' (mountain over 3000 ft) in Scotland - the visitor centre explores the area's wildlife resources and geology.

The River Leven, excellent for salmon and trout, winds its way through Balloch with its colourful pleasure craft and popular Castle and Country Park. Balloch is also home to Loch Lomond Shores where visitors can find out more about the National Park, participate in activities on and around the Loch, discover the Legend of the Loch and even do some shopping. The river then flows through Alexandria, home of the Antartex Village Visitor Centre and Loch Lomond Galleries, on its way to the Clyde.

Dumbarton Castle stands on an ancient and strategically important site at the mouth of the river, high up on a volcanic outcrop. It was the centre of the capital of the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde and is thought to date back to Roman times. The towns of Dumbarton and Clydebank, further up the Clyde, are excellent shopping destinations and have a wide range of leisure facilities.

The River Clyde is world famous for shipbuilding and the Denny Tank Museum in Dumbarton houses the oldest working ship model experiment tank in the world.

Helensburgh stands at the mouth of the Gare Loch with superb views towards Dunoon and the Holy Loch. This handsome town dates back to the 18th century, and is named after Helen, wife of the local landowner, Sir Ivor Colquhoun. Most of the upper town was built by wealthy Glasgow merchants and the Hill House, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, is a fine example of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh's distinctive and innovative design.

Across the Gare Loch lies the peaceful and fertile Rosneath Peninsula, commonly known as 'The Green Isle'. Linn Botanic Gardens, in the grounds of an Italienate mansion, are not to be missed. While Garelochhead itself offers superb views down the lochs and its attendant hills.

Suggested Itinerary

Combine the well signposted Clyde Sea Lochs Trail (A814) with the West Loch Lomondside road (A82), to make an ideal circular tour. Starting in Glasgow, take the A82 to Clydebank (shopping) and on to Dumbarton (13 miles - Castle, Scottish Maritime Museum, Overtoun Estate Country Park). Continue on the A82 to Balloch on the southern shores of Loch Lomond (6 miles - National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Loch Cruises). Either take the A811 to the quieter, eastern shores of the loch, or continue on the A82 through Luss (Thistle Bagpipe Works) and Inverbeg (Inverbeg Galleries) to Tarbet (16 miles - loch cruises). Then take the A83 to Arrochar (2 miles) where signs for the Clyde Sea Lochs Trail can be picked up. Travel south on the A814 along the shores of Loch Long to Garelochhead (10 miles), then take the B872 around the villages of the Rosneath Peninsula (10 miles - Linn Botanical Gardens). Double back to the A814 and travel south through Rhu and Helensburgh 7 miles - Hill House), and back to the A82 at Dumbarton.

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