Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

The Highland Boundary Fault runs straight across Loch Lomond, and you can see it: the southern end is broad, shallow and dotted with low wooded islands, while north of Rowardennan the loch narrows into a deep trench between steep sides. That geological line is the reason the park works as an introduction to the Highlands - it is 45 minutes from Glasgow and the landscape changes within a few miles. Ben Lomond, at 974 metres, is the most climbed hill here and gives the standard view down the length of the water. East of the loch lie the Trossachs proper, a smaller-scale country of oak woods, Loch Katrine and Loch Achray, with the steamship Sir Walter Scott still working Katrine in season. The West Highland Way follows the eastern shore on its way north.

What you actually see

• Loch Lomond's islands - wooded islets across the shallow southern basin.
• Ben Lomond - a long day's climb with the loch laid out below.
• Loch Katrine - a quiet reservoir loch worked by a heritage steamship.
• The West Highland Way shore path - the rough eastern bank north of Rowardennan.

When to go

April to June for long light and fewer midges; September and October for autumn colour in the oak woods. Summer weekends bring heavy day-trip traffic from Glasgow to Balloch and Luss. Camping on parts of the shore is restricted by permit between March and September.

Honest expectations

Proximity to Glasgow is the problem as well as the appeal - the A82 west shore is a slow, congested single carriageway in summer with little parking. Luss and Balmaha are packed on fine days. Midges are severe from June to August. The east shore path north of Rowardennan is far rougher and slower than its map distance suggests.

Nearby

Stirling's castle lies east, Glasgow is 45 minutes south and Glencoe two hours north.