Please note that, although this hiking tour as a whole is classed as ‘Gentle’, it includes some more demanding sections. With the exception of the longer first day from Milngavie, we have kept the daily distances quite short, but the undulating and more rugged hikes along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond can still feel more tiring and challenging than our standard gentle tours.
Day 1 Arrival in Milngavie
From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Milngavie.
Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen
12.5 Miles / 21 Km 5-7 Hrs 980 ft / 300 MetresToday’s longer hike is the perfect “muscle loosener” with peaceful woodland hikes, gentle farmland trails and wooded hills. Within minutes of leaving the town of Milngavie in the Glasgow suburbs, you find yourself as if by magic in the fabulous Scottish countryside. After passing Craigallian Loch, with its surprise views of the surrounding mountains, you soon get your first tantalising views of the Highlands ahead of you. You even have the chance to visit the famous Glengoyne whisky distillery – a wee dram will give you plenty of fuel for the hikes ahead!
Day 3 Drymen to Balmaha
7.5 Miles / 12 Km 3-5 Hrs 1210 ft / 370 MetresEnjoy this wonderful hike to the edge of the Highlands. Wide tracks climb gently through Garabhan Forest before you cross some open moorland. The hike up to the shoulder of Conic Hill (300m) is the first real climb of this hiking tour – but the amazing views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding landscape make every step worthwhile. A steep descent brings you quickly to the loch-shore hamlet of Balmaha with its busy boating activities in the summer.
Day 4 Balmaha to Rowardennan
7.5 Miles / 12 Km 3-5 Hrs 820 ft / 250 MetresThis is the first of several sections that follow close to the lakeshore as you walk along the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond. Pass by sandy beaches, wooded islands, and hidden coves, where you can take a break and dip your feet in the water. The day finishes at Rowardennan, a small but captivating village nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most climbed mountain and its most southerly Munro (mountains over 3,000 ft).
Day 5 Rowardennan to Inversnaid
7.5 Miles / 12 Km 4-5 Hrs 1150 ft / 350 MetresExperience one of the most challenging but also rewarding sections of the trail, as you traverse the remote, and sometimes rugged, east shore of Loch Lomond. You face some steeper climbs and descents, as well as some rough and rocky terrain. But you are rewarded with spectacular views of the loch and its islands, as well as waterfalls, streams, and the tranquil forest. Inversnaid is an isolated, small hamlet beside the Arklet Falls, where you can rest and recharge.
Day 6 Inversnaid to Inverarnan
7.5 Miles / 12 Km 4-5 Hrs 980 ft / 300 MetresToday’s section of the trail is similar to the previous hike, but a little less demanding. You still encounter some ups and downs, as well as some boggy and muddy areas. But you’ll also enjoy some beaches and fine lake views, as well as passing Rob Roy’s Cave and the Doune Byre Bothy. You end your day in Inverarnan at the northern end of Loch Lomond, a charming village with a historic ‘drovers inn’ that promises refreshments after your hike.
Day 7 Departure from Inverarnan
There are regular bus and train services from Inverarnan to Glasgow and onwards to Edinburgh. Full details provided upon booking.
