There are so many day-trips to do in the National Park here are a few:
Balmaha and East Loch Lomond
It’s about 30 minutes drive to Balmaha, from here you can walk up conic hill for the classic view of the loch islands, marking out the Highland boundary fault, you can take the short ferry to Inchcailloch where the famous white deer live and take a walk around through the ancient woodland, you can walk up part of the west Highland Way alongside the Loch or even take a ferry to Luss on the other side of the Loch.
Lake of Menteith and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
Inchmaholm Island is in Scotland’s only ‘lake’ The Lake of Menteith (all the others are lochs) Historic environment Scotland runs ferries to the island where there is an ancient priory and a wonderful tranquil atmosphere. If you carry on to Aberfoyle there are numerous cafes and up the hill the Lodge at Queen Elizabeth Forest park is a great place for walks and has a ‘Go Ape’ aerial adventure course. It’s just over the Duke’s Pass to Loch Katrine.
Loch Katrine and Ben A’an
Loch Katrine is the romantic settling for a paddle-steamer trip on the Sir Walter Scott You can rent bikes and cycle round the loch on the traffic free road to the fantastic Stronlaclachar café, and then take the Steam-ship back to the car park. If you are still feeling energetic Ben A’an is a small hill with big character and an incredible view of Loch Katrine.
RSPB Loch Lomond and the Dumpling
RSPB Loch Lomond is on the south shores of Loch Lomond and has walks and an incredible array of wildlife. As much of the wildlife is hard to spot, it’s best to get a guided tour so contact the reserve to find out when these are happening. Afterwards you can walk up the tiny hidden gem, Dumpling Hill in Gartocharn which is just a 15 minute walk but has the best view of Loch Lomond from the top.
Callander and Bracklin Falls
Callander is a great base to explore the Trossachs. The best place to start the Callander Crags and Braklinn Falls round walk is in the car-park in the village (the ones part-way up the hill get very busy) because then you can finish at the Mhor Bread café for some of their classic pastries and cakes. On the way to Callander is the Blair Drummond Safari Park which is rather popular with younger visitors!
