The largest stretch of fresh water in Britain (23 miles long and up to five miles wide), Loch Lomond is the epitome of Scottish scenic splendour, thanks in large part to the ballad that fondly recalls its “bonnie, bonnie banks”. It is a haven for tourists, being only 20 miles north-west of Glasgow and on one of the main routes north.. Loch Lomond was formed during the Ice Age by the action of glaciers. The loch is surrounded by hills,[11] including Ben Lomond on the eastern shore, which is 974 metres (3,196 ft) in height[2] and the most southerly of the Scottish Munro peaks. [2], At the southern end of the loch near Balloch is a large visitor and shopping complex named Loch Lomond Shores. Loch Lomond earns two records. A minor road extends north as far as Rowardennan, a further 11 km away, however beyond this point no road continues along the eastern shore, although there is road access to Inversnaid via another minor road that comes in from Loch Katrine to the east via the northern shore of Loch Arklet. The annual Great Scottish Swim also attracts thousands of participants and visitors to the local area. [11], As with all land and inland water in Scotland there is a right of responsible access to the loch and its shoreline for those wishing to participate in recreational pursuits such as walking, camping, swimming and canoeing. Its southern shores are about 23 kilometres (14 mi) northwest of the centre of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. Loch Lomond Beach Club was formed July 18, 1968. Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of fresh water in Britain. The historic and scenic village of Luss lies on the western shores of the loch and other settlements include Ardlui, Balmaha, Rowardennan and our very own Alexandria. [1] A number of crannogs, artificial islands used as dwellings for over five millennia,[31] were built at points in the loch. [28], The loch and its surrounding are designated as a national scenic area,[29] one of forty such areas in Scotland, which have been defined so as to identify areas of exceptional scenery and to ensure its protection from inappropriate development. It is approximately 5.6 miles … It is also the largest inland stretch of water in all of Great Britain, and part of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Some 23 miles long and up to 5 miles wide, Loch Lomond boasts 34 islands, sandy beaches and rocky shores making it both a fascinating and fantastic place to visit. Camping is now restricted to designated areas, and campers are required to purchase a permit to camp within these areas between March and October. It takes in a wide variety of landscapes - wild mountain glens, towering giants, … Find all the transport options for your trip from Loch Lomond to Oban right here. [9], The loch contains many islands, including Inchmurrin, the largest fresh-water island in the British Isles. Built on the Clyde in 1953, she operated on Loch Lomond for 29 years. [1] The Romans had a fort within sight of the loch at Drumquhassle. The Scottish dock (Rumex aquaticus), sometimes called the Loch Lomond dock, is in Britain unique to the shores of Loch Lomond, being found mostly on around Balmaha on the western shore of the loch. [39] The association employ water bailiffs to monitor the actions of anglers on the loch and ensure angling is carried out in accordance with permit conditions. [56], On 22 April 1940, a BOAC Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra (Loch Invar, registration G-AFKD) aircraft flying from Perth Airport to Heston Aerodrome in London crashed at Loch Lomond, killing all five passengers and crew. [11], Fly and coarse fishing on Loch Lomond is regulated by the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association (LLAIA), who issue permits to members and visiting anglers. Just donât forget to get the appropriate permits or permissions before you begin. Another golf club, "The Carrick" has opened on the banks of the Loch adjacent to the Loch Lomond Club. The loch stretches for a distance of more than 36 kilometres and the width varies between 1-8 kilometres, giving it a total surface area of 71 kilometres squared. [61] Within this theory, it is possible that the soldier awaiting death may have been writing either to a friend who was allowed to live and return home, or to a lover back in Scotland. [1], The area surrounding the loch later become part of the province of Lennox, which covered much of the area of the later county of Dunbartonshire. The island of Inchconnachan has the unusual distinction of housing the only colony of wallabies outside Australia. Another tale is that during the Jacobite rising of 1745 a soldier on his way back to Scotland during the 1745–46 retreat from England wrote this song. Measuring twenty-seven and a half square miles, Loch Lomond is the largest single inland waterway in Britain. Self Catering Accommodation: Booking Hotline: 0345 268 9797 Loch Lomond Holiday Park. This large expanse of water is interspersed with picturesque and mysterious islands, which boast a wealth of history and the surrounding scenery provides magnificent views in every direction. Loch Lomond and 500 Miles at half time of the Scotland v Norway game [1] Traditionally forming part of the boundary between the counties of Stirlingshire and Dunbartonshire, Loch Lomond is split between the council areas of Stirling, Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire. Its distinctive shape, a wide basin to the south and a narrow glen (valley) to the north, carved by the melting ice of glaciers formed from the last ice age 20,000 – 10,000 years ago. You will cross through pine woods and oak woodland with excellent views over Loch Lomond and Tarbet. Loch Lomond is 23 miles long and up to 4 miles wide.