20 Attractions to Explore Near Balloch Park

Loch Lomond is the largest loch in all of Great Britain as measured by surface area.The loch is surrounded by many hills and also it is known for containing many islands, including Inchmurrin, the largest freshwater island in the British Isles. The total volume of Loch Lomond is 2.6 km3, making it the second largest lake in Great Britain, after Loch Ness, by water volume.

A beautiful national park in Scotland centred on Loch Lomond and the hills and glens of the Trossachs, along with several other ranges of hills. It was the first of the two national parks established by the Scottish Parliament in 2002. The park extends to cover much of the western part of the southern highlands, lying to the north of the Glasgow conurbation, and contains many mountains and lochs.

PS Maid of the Loch is the last paddle steamer built in the United Kingdom. It has operated on Loch Lomond for 29 years and as of 2021 is being restored at Balloch pier. It is open to the public every day Easter to October, and weekends only through the winter. She has a new livery of red, white and black, the funnel now red with a black top.

Balloch Castle Country Park lies on the southeast shores of Loch Lomond, on the northern edge of Balloch, 20 miles north of Glasgow. First recognised as a country park in 1980, it was originally developed in the early 19th century. Both the park and Balloch Castle were built by John Buchanan. Although the house has been periodically used for visitor facilities and council offices, it is now included on the Buildings at Risk Register. Balloch Castle is a category A listed building.

A majestic 19th century mansion house built for John Buchanan of Ardoch. The castle and estate are situated at the southern end of Loch Lomond, within the old Earldom of the Lennox; and the lands were held by the Earls of Lennox from the 11th century to 1652. The estate was designated as a country park in 1980, and since 2002 has been part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is home to over thirty Birds of Prey and Owls, representing twenty-six species including all 5 British Owls. Birds of all sizes, the Little Owl, Kestrels, Buzzards, Hawks, Falcons and Eagles, including “Orla”, our Golden Eagle. The site is a relaxing venue to learn & escape every day life.

The Vale of Leven Pool offers a welcoming public swim facility with main and teaching pools, also offering a variety of lessons and aquatic activities like water aerobics. It comprises a 25-metre, five-lane swimming pool together with a smaller teaching pool, a dance studio which offers a programme of exercise classes, a children's indoor adventure play area, a health and fitness club and a sauna and steam room.

Loch Lomond Seaplanes is an airline based in Scotland. Currently the airline operates tour and charter flights, as well as regular flights around the west coast of Scotland, with a two times a day service from Glasgow to Oban which operates from November to February, and Glasgow to Tobermory, Mull. The seaplane covers around 70 miles on the Discovery flights and approximately 110 miles on the Explorer flights.

Inchmurrin is the largest & most southerly island in Loch Lomond. At 113 ha it is also the largest inland island in the UK. It reaches a height of 89 metres towards the north and is largely wooded. There is an excellent view of the north end of the loch. The island was formerly a deer park of the Dukes of Montrose, who had a hunting lodge built in 1793 and maintained a gamekeeper and his family there.

St. Peter's Seminary is a former Roman Catholic seminary near Cardross, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It has been described by the international architecture conservation organisation DOCOMOMO as a modern "building of world significance. It is one of only 42 post-war buildings in Scotland to be listed at Category A, the highest level of protection for a building of "special architectural or historic interest.

Lords Meadow Leisure Centre is a large facility in a lovely setting with welcoming staff and a friendly atmosphere. Meadows consists of a 25metre, five lane pool and a 12.5 meter learner pool complete with changing village, family cubicles, accessible changing room and school/club changing areas. Designed to be fully accessible and with a wide range of activities available Meadows is the ideal facility for all the family.

Geilston Garden is a property of the National Trust for Scotland, north-west of Cardross, Argyll and Bute. It has many attractive features including the walled garden with herbaceous border providing summer colour, tranquil woodland walks and a large working kitchen garden. The garden is open from April to October daily.

Creinch is an island on the Highland boundary fault in Loch Lomond. As the Gaelic name implies, it is completely covered in ivy draped trees, including some wych elms. In summer it can be difficult to penetrate the interior and in spring, it is carpeted in wild garlic, wild hyacinths and wood anemones.

A majestic bridge which was on the approaching road to Overtoun House, near Dumbarton in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It was a category B-listed structure completed in 1895, based on a design by the landscape architect H. E. Milner.

A beautiful and stunning country house in West Dunbartonshire. Overlooking the town of Dumbarton and the River Clyde. It boasts historic gardens, picnic areas, Victorian architecture and wonderful wildlife. It is now home to a Centre for Hope and Healing, a tearoom serving snacks, hot and cold drinks and homebaked cakes and also it offers some ruraL walks also. This Scottish Baronial architecture is protected as a category A listed building.

Inchoman is a beautiful island and is known for its large sandy beaches, and is low lying, and marshy. The island was once owned by the Colquhouns of Luss, and now owned by Luss Estates. A large two-storey ruin stands at the western point but no record exists of any occupants. There are shingle beaches on either side of the island, meaning that on a sunny day, at least one is sheltered.

Levengrove Park, is located on a dramatic stretch of land where the River Leven meets the estuary of the River Clyde. It offers many play areas for children, making the Dumbarton-based Levengrove an ideal day out for the entire family. It occupies a south facing slope overlooking the Leven to the north and east and the Clyde to the south. The park consists of a formal garden with extensive spring and summer bedding displays, there is also mixed shrub planting, an Arboretum and so more.

Loch Bowie is a small freshwater loch located in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. To the west of the Loch is the former Iron Age Hillfort of Dunbowie Dun, a volcanic plug on the edge of the Kilpatrick Hills plateau, that overlooks the loch at 158 metres. A beautiful location for a short picnic and also there are options for a walk and for fishing.

A majestic castle which was built upon top of a volcanic plug. It has the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. Conquer more than 500 steps to stand atop one of Scotland’s greatest strongholds. The iconic Rock of the Clyde has heritage as breathtaking as its views over the Clyde, Loch Lomond and Argyll.