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Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park [1]] straddles the two regions of the Scottish Highlands and the Central Belt of Scotland, one of the four homelands of the United Kingdom.

[edit] Understand

The Park is divided into four distinct areas: Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Argyll Forest [2], and the Breadalbane [3]. It is locate NW of Glasgow with train access at Balloch, Arrochar/Tarbet, Ardlui and Crainlarich.

[edit] History

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park became fully operational on 19 July 2002 and was officially opened by Princess Anne on 24 July 2002.

[edit] Landscape

The National Park encompasses around 720 sq miles (1,865 sq km) of land including the Loch Lomond area as well as The Trossachs region.

[edit] Flora and fauna

[edit] Climate

[edit] Get in

There are three national park visitor centers:

• National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, ☎ +44 (0) 845 3454978 (gatewaycentreinfo@lochlomond-trossachs.org). A state-of-the-art interpretation centre exploring the nature, geology and social history of the National Park  edit
• National Park Centre, Balmaha, In the pretty village of Balmaha, East Loch Lomond, ☎ +44 (0) 1389 722100. A stop-off point for walkers on the West Highland Way, local produce and top-up supplies  edit
• National Park Centre, Luss, ☎ +44 (0) 1389 722120. Find out about Loch Lomond's islands, the conservation village of Luss, and local walks like the village paths and Luss Glen  edit

The following communities are within the National Park boundaries:

Aberfoyle, Arrochar/Tarbet, Balloch, Balquhidder, Callander, Inversnaid, Kinlochard, Lochearnhead, Lochgoilhead, Luss, Kilmun, Port of Menteith, Rowardennan, Stronaclachar, Tyndrum

The following communities are located nearby:

Doune, Dunoon, Dumbarton, Helensburgh, Inveraray, Milngavie

[edit] By train

• Balloch at the South of Loch Lomond has trains from Glasgow Queen Street low level, taking about 50 minutes, with generally two trains per hour.

• Garelochhead, Arrochar/Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich, Tyndrum are all on the West Highland Line, which has around three trains per day from Glasgow Queen Street main level to Oban and Fort William.

[edit] By bus

• The A82 road up the shore of Loch Lomond is used by the Citylink buses (3 per day)from Glasgow to Fort William.

• Citylink buses from Glasgow to Campbeltown go up Loch Lomond as far as Tarbet and then pass Arrochar and Cairndow on the way to Inveraray.

• Citylink buses from Edinburgh via Stirling to Fort William pass Callander and Crianlarich.

[edit] Fees/Permits

No permit is required to enter the park or explore on foot, by bicycle or by road. Permits may be required for fishing, or some boat use.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

• Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, (From Glasgow follow signs on M8 for Aberfoyle. From Stirling/Callander follow A81 to Aberfoyle via Dukes Pass), [4].  edit
• Breadalbane Folklore Centre, overlooks The Falls of Dochart at the western end of Killin (easily reached from Aberfeldy and Kenmore (via the A827 along the shores of Loch Tay), and from Crianlarich and Lochearnhead (via the A85 and A827)). April to OCtober 10:00AM - 5:00PM. discover the story of Scotland's 'High Country' Adult £2.75, Child (5-16) £1.80.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Hike the West Highland Way, [5]. the West Highland Way walking path journeys through some of the finest scenery that Scotland has to offer. Traveling from Glasgow (Milngavie) to Fort William, it crosses the National Park and runs the length of the eastern shore of Loch Lomond.  edit
• Bike the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path, [6]. This is a 16.5 mile route between Balloch and Tarbet  edit
• Do go Fishing, [7].  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Lake of Menteith Hotel (Lake Hotel), The Lake of Menteith Hotel Port of Menteith Perthshire Scotland FK8 3RA (From either Edinburgh or Glasgow follow the motorway to Stirling. At Stirling come off at junction 10 signposted for Callander and The Trossachs (A84). Take this road for approximately 4 miles and take a left fork to Aberfoyle and Port of Menteith etc (A873). Once on this road follow it through Thornhill towards Aberfoyle for approx 9 miles and you will reach The Port of Menteith. Once in the village take your first left onto the B8034 and we are approx 200 yds on the right.), ☎ 01877 385258, [8]. In The Trossachs National Park yet easily accessible, being an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh and twenty minutes from both Loch Lomond and the ancient City of Stirling. You drive through some remarkable Scottish scenery and upon reaching Port of Menteith, the Lake unfolds before you with the hotel nestling lakeside.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Lake of Menteith Hotel (Lake Hotel), The Lake of Menteith Hotel Port of Menteith Perthshire Scotland FK8 3RA (From either Edinburgh or Glasgow follow the motorway to Stirling. At Stirling come off at junction 10 signposted for Callander and The Trossachs (A84). Take this road for approximately 4 miles and take a left fork to Aberfoyle and Port of Menteith etc (A873). Once on this road follow it through Thornhill towards Aberfoyle for approx 9 miles and you will reach The Port of Menteith. Once in the village take your first left onto the B8034 and we are approx 200 yds on the right.), ☎ 01877 385258, [9]. In The Trossachs National Park yet easily accessible, being an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh and twenty minutes from both Loch Lomond and the ancient City of Stirling. You drive through some remarkable Scottish scenery and upon reaching Port of Menteith, the Lake unfolds before you with the hotel nestling lakeside.  edit

[edit] Lodging

[edit] Camping

[edit] Backcountry

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out