Loch Lomond has a certain kind of magic in winter. Frosty paths, snow-dusted hills, and crisp winter skies can make the loch look even more dramatic, while quieter trails let you enjoy the best walks around Loch Lomond. It’s also a lovely excuse to slow down and spend some quality time together. Take an easy stroll beside the water, wander through frosty woodland or head for the hills in search of a panoramic view. From gentle lochside paths to more challenging mountain walks, you can easily find a route to suit your day.
And when you’ve had enough of the cold, nothing beats warming up afterwards. Head back to Loch Lomond Waterfront in Balmaha, where you can put your feet up and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. If you’re planning a winter break for two, our Romantic Breaks offer makes it easy to turn a day exploring Loch Lomond into a cosy escape. Spend the day wandering through winter scenery, then return to your lodge, sink into the hot tub and watch the evening draw in.
So, lace up your boots and wrap up warm. Let’s take a look at some of the best walks around Loch Lomond as a fun date idea during your trip to Scotland.
The best Loch Lomond walks for couples to enjoy together
Balmaha to Millarochy Bay
Best for: a romantic lochside walk
Prefer easy walks in Loch Lomond? Balmaha to Millarochy Bay is a great choice. It follows the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. You’ll travel through woodland, along the water and past quiet little bays, with views across the loch and towards the surrounding hills. The route also forms part of the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance trails.
Better still, it’s easy to reach from Loch Lomond Waterfront. The resort sits just outside Balmaha, with the village around a five-minute walk away, so you can leave your car behind. From Balmaha, the walk begins near the National Park Visitor Centre and follows the shoreline toward Millarochy Bay.
Allow around 1½ to 2 hours for the return walk, depending on your pace and how often you wish to pause. The route is considered relatively easy, but winter conditions can make the paths muddy and slippery, with some uneven sections along the way. We highly recommend bringing sturdy walking boots so you don’t get caught out.
Stop by the water to take in the views and enjoy having a quiet stretch of the loch to yourselves. Keep your camera handy too – the combination of winter light, woodland and mountain scenery makes for some beautiful photographs. Once you’ve returned, head back to your Lodge, sink into the hot tub and settle in for a cosy evening together.
Millennium Forest Trail and Craigie Fort
Best for: a relaxed winter stroll
If you want to see some beautiful Loch Lomond scenery without committing to a long hike, try the Millennium Forest Trail and Craigie Fort route. The circular route starts in Balmaha and takes you through woodland, along the lochshore and up to Craigie Fort, where you’ll be rewarded with lovely views across Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond.
This forest walk in Loch Lomond is 2.1km (1¼ miles) and the National Park suggests allowing around 45 minutes. You’ll probably want to give yourselves a little longer if you’re keen to take your time at the viewpoint. The trail is graded moderate, mainly because the surface varies, with rocky sections and uneven steps. There are also two road crossings, so take extra care in winter when surfaces can be wet or slippery.
Getting to the start is particularly easy if you’re staying at Loch Lomond Waterfront. The trail begins at the car park beside the National Park Visitor Centre in Balmaha, which is around a five-minute walk or two-minute drive from the resort.
The first section of this circular walk around Loch Lomond takes you through peaceful woodland before the path climbs towards Craigie Fort. The climb is short but can be steep in places, so take your time and enjoy the changing scenery as you head uphill. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with lovely views across Loch Lomond, with Ben Lomond standing proudly in the distance. The remains of the ancient fort also add an interesting historical touch to the walk.
From Craigie Fort, the trail descends towards the loch, where the scenery opens up once again. Take a moment to enjoy the shoreline, soak up the views, and keep an eye out for birds and wildlife among the trees. The route then loops back towards Balmaha. It’s a highly popular choice if you’re looking for circular walks around Loch Lomond that combine woodland, wildlife and beautiful lochside scenery.
Conic Hill
Best for: couples who want a view
If you’re both happy to put in a little more effort for an unforgettable view, Conic Hill is one of the best hikes in Loch Lomond. Rising to 361 metres above Balmaha, the hill sits on the Highland Boundary Fault and offers some of the best views over Loch Lomond and its islands. As you climb higher, you can also see Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps which makes for an impressive backdrop on a clear day.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Loch Lomond Waterfront is how close you are to Conic Hill. The walk starts in Balmaha, just minutes from the resort.
The walk from Balmaha is relatively short, but it’s certainly not flat. The path climbs steadily and gets steeper in places, so plan enough time to take it at a comfortable pace. The good news is that you don’t have to reach the summit to enjoy the scenery. Views start opening up as you climb, so there are plenty of places to pause and catch your breath.
At the top, the view really makes the climb worthwhile. Look out across the islands scattered across Loch Lomond, with the water stretching towards the surrounding hills. On a clear winter day, you may see snow on the higher peaks, while the low winter sun can cast beautiful light across the loch. If you time your walk for later in the day, you could even watch the landscape change as the sun begins to set, but just remember that winter daylight hours are limited.
Check the conditions before you go
Conic Hill might not be the longest hiking trail in Loch Lomond, but winter can make the route much more challenging. Ice, snow, wet ground, and strong winds can affect conditions underfoot, and snow can make navigation more difficult. The National Park recommends checking the mountain weather forecast beforehand. It’s worth checking the National Park’s latest access information before setting off for any temporary diversions or changes.
A romantic walk around Luss
Best for: couples looking for a gentle walk with village charm
Take a trip to Luss, one of the prettiest villages on Loch Lomond’s western shore. With its rows of traditional cottages, winding streets and peaceful position beside the water, it’s a lovely place to slow down and explore together. The village has a long history, and many of the cottages you see today date from the 18th and 19th centuries, when they housed workers from the local mills and slate quarries.
On the hunt for short walks in Loch Lomond? Start with the Lochside Path. It’s an easy route that takes you through the village to Luss Pier and along the loch’s edge. From the shoreline, you can look across the water towards Ben Lomond and Loch Lomond’s islands, making plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs.
If you fancy going a little further on your walk around Luss, several routes let you see more of the village and its surrounding countryside. The Riverside Path is a good next step if you want something easy but a little longer than the lochside stroll. It takes around 30 minutes and follows the banks of Luss Water, passing through open meadows where sheep graze. The path is flat and even, making it a relaxed, scenic walk.
Alternatively, try the Luss Heritage Walk. Lasting around one hour, this route brings together the village, riverside, and surrounding countryside into a longer circuit. Along the way, you’ll get a closer look at the historic village and its traditional cottages before heading out into the surrounding landscape. Some sections are steep and include steps, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
You can also add the Luss Glebe Loop to your walk. Where the lochside, riverside and heritage paths meet behind Luss Church, the route crosses a bridge and loops around Luss Glebe, taking you through ancient oak woodland and back towards the loch shore.
Ben Lomond
Best for: experienced walkers
If you fancy something more adventurous, hiking Ben Lomond is hard to beat. At 974 metres (3,193 ft), it’s Scotland’s southernmost Munro and one of the most famous mountains overlooking Loch Lomond.
The main route starts at Rowardennan and covers around 13km (8 miles) there and back, usually taking approximately 4-6 hours. The path begins through woodland before climbing onto open hillside, with steeper sections as you near the summit. As you climb higher, the views become increasingly impressive, with Loch Lomond stretching out below you. On a clear day, you may be able to see as far as Ochils, Ben Nevis and even islands such as Arran and Mull.
Ben Lomond walks are highly challenging, especially in winter. Conditions can change quickly, and higher sections of the route can be icy and exposed. The National Trust for Scotland grades the main summit route as hard, so it suits more experienced walkers. Before you set off, check the mountain forecast and daylight hours. Make sure you have suitable waterproof and warm clothing, sturdy footwear and navigation equipment. If snow and ice are present, additional winter skills and equipment may be required. The Ptarmigan Ridge route is particularly demanding during the colder months and should only be attempted by those with the appropriate experience and equipment.
Check the National Trust for Scotland’s latest Ben Lomond walking information before you visit for current route details and safety advice.
Ready to book your winter walking holiday?
After a day exploring the best walks around Loch Lomond, there’s nowhere better to return to than Loch Lomond Waterfront. From peaceful walks and beautiful loch views to cosy accommodation, it’s easy to see why a stay here can be one of the romantic things to do in Scotland. With scenic trails right on your doorstep and 18 acres of woodland and grounds to explore, you can spend your days walking or simply enjoying some quiet time together beside the loch.
Settle into one of our Luxury Lodges or Chalets with a private hot tub, or choose a cosy Waterfront Cabin if you’d prefer to be right by the water. If glamping is more your thing, our Shepherd Huts allow you to be at one with nature. We’ve also added a few thoughtful extras to make your walking break feel that bit more special. Stay in a romantic lodge or chalet, and you’ll find fluffy robes, slippers and a chilled bottle of bubbly waiting for you. Choose a Waterfront Cabin or Shepherd’s Hut, and you’ll also receive a free wilderness sauna session as part of our romantic offer.
After a day spent in the Highlands’ fresh air, there’s no better feeling than coming back somewhere warm and cosy. Book a full escape with a stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront, where you can slow down and enjoy some well-deserved time together. Discover our Romantic Retreats offer and start planning your getaway.
FAQs
Some of the best walks around Loch Lomond include routes around Balmaha, the Millennium Forest Trail and Craigie Fort, Luss, Conic Hill and the more challenging Ben Lomond. There are options for different abilities,.
Yes. Loch Lomond has plenty of scenic routes that are ideal for couples, particularly woodland trails, lochside paths and viewpoints around Balmaha and Luss. Winter can be especially atmospheric, with crisp mornings and quieter trails.
Ben Lomond is a challenging mountain walk rather than a gentle beginner’s stroll. The summit route is graded hard, and winter conditions can make the climb considerably more demanding. If you’re inexperienced with mountain walking, consider one of the area’s easier trails instead.
What you need will depend on the route and season. However, comfortable walking boots, waterproof clothing, warm layers, water and a fully charged phone are useful essentials. For longer or higher-level walks, take appropriate navigation equipment and check the weather forecast before leaving.
Staying close to the loch makes it easy to spend your days exploring the area’s walking routes and return somewhere comfortable afterwards. Loch Lomond Waterfront offers a range of accommodation for visitors looking to combine scenic walks with a relaxing stay by the loch.
