Things to do in Balloch

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." 

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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

Experience the magic of the standing stones and castles of the Highlands on a true Scottish day trip from Balloch. Drive through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and walk in Inveraray Castle. Spot seals in Loch Fyne and see standing stones over 5,000 years old. Meet your friendly guide and group at the visitor's center and get ready for your adventure into the heart of Scotland. Relax on a beautiful drive along the western shore of Loch Lomond, stopping at viewing points to admire the serene scenery of the Trossachs National Park. Travel onwards towards Argyll and enter the Gothic Inveraray Castle, learning about the Wars of Scottish Independence and seeing rifles used against the Jacobite soldiers. Roam around the castle's 16-acres of wonderful gardens and soak in the aroma of flowers in the air. Leave the castle and keep an eye out for swimming seals as you travel along the shoreline of Loch Fyne, one of the deepest Scottish sea lochs. Get out of the car for a walk to view the largest finding of cup and ring marked rocks in the country. Thought to be ancient prehistoric art, try to unravel the mystery behind the creation of these patterns and learn about Dunadd Fort, the birthplace of Scotland. Pretend you're Claire from Outlander as you discover a collection of monolithic standing stones, stone circles, and burial cairns believed to be over 5,000 years old. You won't find anything as special as this in Scotland. Take time to explore the picturesque ruins of Kilchurn Castle next, a former fortress on the banks of Loch Awe. Watch for signs of thunderous clouds in the sky, as rumor has it that this historic castle was destroyed by lightning. Escape into the grounds for a short walk around the old stone walls. Depart from Kilchurn and venture further into the Highlands towards the mountainous Trossachs region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Finish your unforgettable day trip by enjoying the most magnificent landscapes on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Encompass a visit to Stirling Castle, Glencoyne Distillery, and the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond all in a bus tour from Balloch. Immerse yourself in Scottish history, flavors, and nature all while learning about the country's long and rich history from your local guide. Sit back and relax on your bus ride to your first stop: Stirling Castle — one of the most historic castles in Scotland. Besieged by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746 during the Jacobite Uprising, the castle has connections to Mary Queen of Scots and swapped hands between the Scots and the English during the Wars of Independence. Walk through the castle's historic walls and learn all about what makes it so significant. Then stretch your legs on a short hike in the iconic and dramatic Highlands of Scotland. Explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and hear all about the Highland boundary fault line and how this dramatic landscape was created millions of years ago. Listen as your guide shares stories of history, legends, wildlife, and explains why this area of Scotland is such a special location. Next, quench your thirst with the “water of life” and head to Glengoyne Distillery where you have the freedom to enjoy a guided Whisky distillery tour and see how Scotch whisky is produced. You can even sample a wee dram or two before heading back to Balloch.