Dog-Friendly Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park brings Highland scenery within easy reach of Glasgow and central Scotland. Britain's largest inland loch, dramatic mountains, and romantic landscapes create excellent dog-friendly adventures. This accessible gateway to the Highlands offers everything from gentle lochside strolls to challenging mountain climbs.

Loch Lomond and Trossachs Overview

The Area

Geography:

• Scotland's first national park
• Loch Lomond (largest loch by surface area)
• The Trossachs (romantic landscapes)
• Ben Lomond and other mountains
• Multiple lochs
• 720 square miles

Character:

• Gateway to Highlands
• Accessible from Glasgow (45 minutes)
• Mix of gentle and challenging terrain
• Year-round appeal
• "Scotland in miniature"

Why Dogs Love It

• Loch swimming opportunities
• Varied terrain
• Space and freedom
• Highland character without remoteness
• Year-round access

Key Areas

Loch Lomond West Shore

The Popular Side:

• Balloch (southern gateway)
• Luss (pretty conservation village)
• Tarbet
• A82 road access

Character:

• More developed
• Better facilities
• Busier
• Good public transport

Loch Lomond East Shore

The Quiet Side:

• Balmaha
• Rowardennan
• West Highland Way route
• Road ends at Rowardennan

Character:

• Quieter
• More remote feeling
• Better for walking
• Ben Lomond access

The Trossachs

Romantic Landscapes:

• Loch Katrine
• Aberfoyle
• Callander (gateway town)
• Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

Character:

• Classic Scottish scenery
• Sir Walter Scott connections
• Varied walking
• Beautiful lochs

Northern Park

Wild Country:

• Crianlarich
• Tyndrum
• Glen Falloch
• West Highland Way continues

Character:

• More Highland
• Less busy
• Serious mountains
• Transit area to Highlands proper

Recommended Walks

Easy Walks

Luss Village and Shore: Pretty village. Loch shore access. Easy walking. Good facilities.

Balmaha to Milarrochy Bay: Lochside walking. About 3 miles. Beautiful views. Easy terrain.

Loch Katrine: SS Sir Walter Scott boat trip. Lakeside walking. Various options.

Balloch Country Park: Castle grounds. Loch access. Good facilities. Easy for all.

Moderate Walks

Conic Hill: From Balmaha. Highland boundary fault. About 3 miles return. Outstanding views. Moderate climb.

Ben A'an: Above Loch Katrine. Small mountain (461m). Popular. Dramatic views. About 2.5 miles return.

Loch Ard Forest: Various trails. Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Good dog walking.

Challenging Walks

Ben Lomond: The southernmost Munro. 974m. Full day. Proper mountain conditions. Fit dogs only.

West Highland Way sections: Various stages through park. Day sections rewarding.

Ben Venue: Above Loch Katrine. 727m. Demanding but rewarding.

Loch Activities

Swimming

Dog Swimming Opportunities:

Loch Lomond: Multiple access points for dog swimming:

• Milarrochy Bay
• Balmaha area
• Luss area
• Various beach areas

Loch Katrine: Some shore access for swimming.

Other Lochs: Multiple lochs throughout park offer swimming.

Considerations:

• Water can be cold
• Some areas busy in summer
• Supervise always
• Check conditions

Boat Trips

Loch Lomond: Various cruise options. Many welcome dogs.

Loch Katrine: SS Sir Walter Scott steamship. Dogs welcome on deck.

Check Policies: Confirm dog welcome before booking.

Ben Lomond

The Mountain

Significance: Southernmost Munro (Scottish mountain over 3,000ft/914m).

The Walk:

• About 7 miles round trip
• 974m summit
• Full day
• Proper mountain equipment needed

Dogs on Ben Lomond

Considerations:

• Fit dogs only
• Rocky terrain
• Exposed sections
• Weather can change rapidly
• Livestock in lower sections (lambing season leads)

Not For: Elderly dogs, unfit dogs, dogs with joint problems, brachycephalic breeds.

West Highland Way

Through the Park

The Famous Trail: 96-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William passes through the national park.

Sections in Park:

• Drymen to Rowardennan (Loch Lomond east shore)
• Rowardennan to Inverarnan (continuing north)

Dogs Welcome: Excellent walking. Day sections very rewarding.

See our Long Distance Trails guide.

Towns and Villages

Callander

Gateway Town:

• Good facilities
• Shops and restaurants
• Trossachs access
• Accommodation variety

Aberfoyle

Trossachs Village:

• David Marshall Lodge nearby
• Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
• Good walking access

Luss

Pretty Village:

• Conservation village
• Loch Lomond shore
• Popular (can be busy)
• Good facilities

Balmaha

East Shore Base:

• Conic Hill access
• West Highland Way
• Quieter than west shore
• Good walking

Accommodation

Where to Stay

Callander: Most facilities. Good base for Trossachs.

Aberfoyle: Forest access. Quieter than Callander.

Luss/Balloch Area: Loch Lomond access. More developed.

Balmaha Area: East shore. Quieter. Better for walking.

For accommodation, see our Scotland Cottages guide.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring

Highlights:

• Longer days
• Quieter than summer
• Waterfalls impressive
• Lambing (dogs on leads near livestock)

Summer

Highlights:

• Best weather usually
• Long days
• Full facilities
• Swimming weather

Note: Popular areas busy, especially weekends.

Autumn

Highlights:

• Beautiful colours
• Quieter
• Good walking weather often
• Atmospheric

Winter

Highlights:

• Dramatic scenery
• Very quiet
• Snow on mountains possible
• Challenging but rewarding

Cautions:

• Mountains require winter skills
• Short days
• Some facilities closed

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Park Pubs

Notable Options:

• Various in Callander
• Aberfoyle options
• Loch-side pubs
• Village pubs throughout

Character: Scottish hospitality. Dog-welcoming. Good food.

Practical Information

Getting There

From Glasgow: 45 minutes to Balloch. Easy access.

From Edinburgh: About 1 hour to Callander.

Public Transport: Trains to Balloch. Buses to various points.

Getting Around

Car useful for exploring. Some areas accessible by bus.

Best Time

Year-round appeal. Summer for weather. Autumn for colours. Winter for drama.

Combining with Highlands

Gateway to More

Loch Lomond and Trossachs connects to:

• Scottish Highlands proper (continuing north)
• Glasgow (easy access)
• Stirling and Edinburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Loch Lomond and Trossachs dog-friendly?

Very. Excellent walking, swimming in lochs, Scottish welcome. Some restrictions near livestock.

Can dogs swim in Loch Lomond?

Yes, at various access points. Milarrochy Bay, Balmaha area, and others. Water is cold.

Is Ben Lomond suitable for dogs?

For fit dogs only. Proper mountain - 974m, rocky terrain, weather exposure. Not for all dogs.

How far is Loch Lomond from Glasgow?

About 45 minutes to Balloch (southern tip).

Best area to stay?

Callander for Trossachs. Balmaha for east Loch Lomond. Luss area for west shore.

Is it busy?

West shore and popular spots can be busy summer weekends. East shore quieter. Off-season quieter throughout.

Highland Gateway Awaits

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs brings Scottish Highland character within easy reach. Britain's largest loch, accessible mountains, and romantic landscapes create excellent dog-friendly adventures with the convenience of good facilities.

Luke explores Loch Lomond and The Trossachs with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that loch swimming, Conic Hill views, and the accessible Highland scenery make this national park a favourite.