Balloch

By some called the gateway to Loch Lomond it is situated at the Southern end of the Loch and divided by the River Leven that runs from the Loch to the river Clyde. Transport to and from Balloch is plentiful and varied from the Railway Station, which runs to Glasgow with connections to Helensburgh and the West Highland Line. There is a bus service to and from most if not all local destinations. There is also the Glasgow Loch Lomond cycle route, which allows you to cycle along the banks of the river Leven, river Clyde and the Forth & Clyde Canal and as a bonus you get to visit some great towns and villages.

On the East side of the river there is Loch Lomond Shores, visitor centre which is changing the face of Balloch. The new visitor Centre has an Imax cinema, superb viewing gallery and visitor attractions. Next to the visitor Centre there a range of shops and restaurants to suit all tastes with car parking for hundreds of visitor's vehicles. Adjacent to the center is the Gateway Centre which contains all the information and tools you need to discover Scotland's first National Park - Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.

For the tourist there are a number of good quality hotels and guest house's and restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. There is also the local tourist office the staff are always ready to help with enquiries. Balloch Park which is on the West side of the River Leven with its very own castle is certainly worth a visit with spectacular views from the castle over the Loch and some great walks through the park and along the banks of the Loch. At the castle there is a local information office and a small tearoom. For the day tripper traveling by car opposite the entrance to the park is a large public car park and local supermarket for all your essential's. The local shops and amenities are a two minute walk away from the car park.

The Park Authority public slipway for the boating enthusiast at Balloch is staffed to assist with advice boat registration and offers details of Park Authority By-laws, it has car parking for vehicles and trailers. The Maid of The Loch paddle steamer almost totally refurbished is berthed nearby and will be sailing the loch again in the very near future. Balloch is certainly worth a visit now and it can only get better.