The 12 Best Hikes in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park – otherwise known as ‘Pàirc Nàiseanta Loch Laomainn is nan Tròisichean’ in ancient Scottish Gaelic – is one of only two national parks in Scotland. This 1,865km2 area is steeped in history, and culture, and is filled with mountain ranges that attract around 2.9 million visitors every year to admire this incredible landscape. Its centrepiece – Loch Lomond, provides a home to an abundant array of wildlife with its steep shores covered in oak woodlands that rise majestically to meet the stunning terrain of the Southern Highlands. This mixture of water, woodlands and mountains creates some of the best hiking terrain in the UK, all of it accessible within a day trip from the international city of Glasgow.

Popular hiking terrain within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park can be found in the Arrochar Alps – a mountain range on the Cowal Peninsula near the village of Arrochar. Well-travelled trails allow for quick and easy access in gaining altitude to admire the incredible scenery that this mystical land beholds. Local classics such as Ben Vane, Ben Ìme and ‘The Cobbler’ provide excellent day trips that can be linked via ridges and saddles to tick off numerous peaks. Further east lies the Trossachs – an enchanting land made up of Glens and Lochs with Scottish woodlands that sway back and forth throughout the region. Ben Lomond, Ben Venue and Ben Ledi allow this scenery to be viewed from above creating spectacular hiking vistas. To the north of the park lies the edge of the Tyndrum Hills – a range of mountains offering a truly rugged and wild landscape. Examples include Ben Lui and Beinn a’Chleibh that display terrain often fantasied in a J.R.R Tolkien novel.

However, as enchanting as this land may be, warning must be given of the dangers which await intrepid adventurers. Arduous ascents, deep glens and perilous mountain tops require precise planning to navigate through this ancient land stooped in mystical legends. Above the topography lies the Scottish troposphere; a weather system that can harness the power of the nearby rising air from the Atlantic Ocean to form the most violent weather in a matter of minutes - causing rivers to rise, blizzards to blind and winds that will rip unwary travellers down steep slopes. The mountain Gods rule this terrain and the weather depends on their mood. Respect this land for what it is and always be prepared to face tough conditions.

Throughout this guidebook you will notice the mountains classified as a Graham, Corbett, or Munro. Here’s the local lowdown on what these terms mean:

A Graham is defined as a mountain between the height of 609.6m – 762.0m with a minimum prominence or drop of 150m. This is the general requirement to be named a mountain in the British Isles.

A Corbett is a Scottish mountain between the height of 762m and 914.4m with a drop of 152m. Corbett’s are named after John Rooke Corbett who originally listed all 221 Corbett summits.

A Munro is a Scottish mountain over the height of 914.4m in which Scotland is home to 282 Munros. These peaks are named after Sir Hugo Munro – a British mountaineer who originally listed them all.