Balmaha is only a 45-minute drive from Scotland’s largest city, but seems worlds apart! Part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, this idyllic hamlet attracts thousands of visitors each year from around the globe.
Walks and Trails
Many of our guests are walkers travelling along the West Highland Way, but just on its own, our part of the route makes for a lovely short walk along the lochside. It takes 5 minutes to walk down to Balmaha Pier. Continuing on, you’ll find sandy beaches, and eventually, Milarrochy Bay. The path is gentle and mostly flat. The Balmaha Millennium Forest Path is another short walk (though with a greater incline). If you’re looking for a hike, Balmaha Bunkhouse is located at the base of Conic Hill. Although there are some challenging parts towards the summit, you can enjoy breath-taking views well before you get to the top.
The islet of Inchcailloch can be reached in less than 10 minutes by boat. You can spend hours wandering through its woodlands and exploring the ancient cemetery and church ruins. There is a small campsite on the southern tip of the island in Port Bawn open between 1st March and 30th September. A ferry runs from the Balmaha Boatyard to the island every day during the summer months.
You can also find Tom Weir’s statue in Balmaha, erected in 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. Tom Weir MBE (1914 – 2006) was best known for presenting the long-running TV show, Weir’s Way, in which Weir travels around Scotland: exploring its landscape, natural history, and meeting its people.
Loch Lomond
If you want to explore the Loch, then Balmaha is your perfect starting point for a wide range of water sports! Paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and wild swimming are among the most popular. Cruises around Loch Lomond departing from Balmaha are available to book here.
Food and Drink
Balmaha is home to the award-winning Oak Tree Inn, where you can enjoy refreshments and a hearty meal. You can also buy local raw honey (wonderfully aromatic!) at the village shop.
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, The Clachan Inn, can be found in the neighbouring village of Drymen. Please note however that The Clachan is extremely popular, so make sure to book your table in advance.
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To find out more, you can go to the Visitor Centre in the village which provides plenty of information on Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and its islands. Souvenirs are available for purchase at the village shop.