One week's walking holiday in and around Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland
The National Park's landscapes provide an excellent introduction to Scotland: the versatile terrains of the gentle, furtile Lowlands and the big spaces and impressive mountains of the Scottish Highlands.
Walking
Our tours offer relatively easy walking on good paths for those with a good basic level of fitness and an interesting varied itinerary: romantic routes off the beaten track, magnificent Highland scenery, relaxing picnics in idyllic settings, boat cruises on some fo Scotland's beautiful lakes (lochs), island explorations and pubs where you will be served by kilted Highlanders. Most importantly, we want to offer you the best experience of active relaxation and enjoyment of Scotland.
History & culture
Exploring beyond the hills of Loch Lomond we have included a cultural programme of visits: the medieval city of Stirling and its famous castle, Loch Katrine, beautiful backdrop to Walter Scott's legend 'Lady of the Lake' and the 18th century town Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne and its magnificent castle of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of the Campbell Clan. And, of course, a visit to Glengoyne Distillery for a taste of whisky.
A walking day with Walk Wild Loch Lomond
On the way, you can find out as much as you would like about Scottish wildlife, history and nature, about wild goats with spectacular horns, stories of local clans and their warfare or the story behind the coppiced oak forests along the shores of Loch Lomond and the people who lived in these forests not so long ago.
Generally, a day includes about 2-5 hours walking, a relaxing lunch and a delicious picnic and, because water is so much part of the scenery, a boat ride along the way and sometimes even a little island exploration (on Loch Lomond).
Your walking holiday in Scotland includes:
> airport transfers
> booking of recommended local accommodation
> minibus travel
> guide
> picnic lunches
> boat rides
>
Prices
> 6 days walking - £198 per person (5 - 12 participants)
> Short break, 2 days - £89 per person
> Private tour, tailor made itinerary, 1 day - £125 for 2 people
Accommodation Balmaha:
> 1) Guesthouse ' Oak Tree Inn' B&B from £34 per person
> 2) excellent local B&Bs from £25 per person
> 3) Rowardennan Youth Hostel £13 per night
> 4) self catering accommodation for groups/families
Booking: tel 01360 870476 or email info@walkwild.org
Tours 2007
1 Week Walking Holiday/ Hiking Vacation
Easter
7. - 14. April
Spring & Summer
June 16 - 23
June 30 - July 7
August 11 - 18
Sept 8 - 15
Short Break
May 11 - 13, 26 - 28
Walking for women
August 25 - 31
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Walking Tour Programme
Saturday
Arrival and transfer from Glasgow to Loch Lomond
Day 1 - Sunday
West Highland Way & Inchcailloch Island
- A splendid hike on Scotland's famous long path
- Boat to a lovely island: wild deer, birds, 13th century ruin
This walk is an excellent introduction to the Scottish Highlands. A gentle elevation with ever changing views over the hills and a first sense of the wide, expansive landscapes Scotland has to offer. The peak of Conic Hill marks a spectacular geological fault line and offers panoramic views as far as the coast, the Isle of Arran and the Highland mountains. (3 hrs walk, 361 m alt)
After picnic lunch we take a short boat ride from Balmaha across to the romantic island of Inchcailloch where we walk its magic woods and come across ancient history of local clans and hermit saints - and the most wonderful views over the loch. (1 hr walk, 87m alt)
Day 2 - Monday
The Trossachs, Loch Katrine and the shores of Loch Lomond
- See the beautiful 'Trossachs' Forests of Rob Roy
- Sail on the elegant Victorian steamship 'SS Walter Scott'
- Walk in Loch Lomond's romantic and rugged wild country
The lush and dense Trossachs forests, dotted with picturesque lakes, were the home of Scotland's famous Rob Roy who roamed the area to steal from the rich and provide for the poor. Loch Katrine, the biggest of the Trossachs lakes, is set amidst rugged hills and features as the romantic backdrop in Walter Scott's 19th century legends and poems.
The day begins with a drive through this beautiful area to Loch Katrine where you board the 19th century steamship" Sir Walter Scott". Following the 45 minutes sailing to the northern end of the lake is a brief journey to Loch Lomond. After lunch we spend the afternoon walking along the shore past 'Rob Roy's Cave' enjoying magnificent views across the water to the peaks of the southern Highland mountains. (2.5 hrs walk, undulating)
Day 3 - Tuesday
Inveraray Castle, the Highland's Glen Croe and Loch Lomond
- Follow the Viking's path from the sea to Loch Lomond
- Visit the magnificent castle of the chiefs of the Campbell Clan
Loch Lomond - we drive along the high road and the bonny banks of this largest of freshwater stretches in Britain enjoying wide views across to the grandiose heights of Ben Lomond, the most southerly of the 'Munros'.
Tarbert - here we walk up a track which links Loch Lomond with Loch Long and covers the route the Vikings once took to pull their longboats across from the sea loch to explore and raid Loch Lomond! Beautiful views! (2 hrs walk, undulating))
Inveraray - the scenic drive along the shores of Loch Long, the mountainous pass of 'Rest and be Thankful' and the banks of Loch Fyne famous for its oysters is a revelation of the inaccessible and rugged terrain typical of the Highlands.
The magnificent 18th century Inveraray castle of the Duke of Argyll is a masterpiece of Scottish Georgian architecture which is splendidly furnished and contains an interesting selection of trophies, memorabilia, documents and weaponry - and an excellent insight into Scottish history.
Before returning, you can enjoy a stroll in the wonderful parklands and of the castle with its big and ancient trees.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Ben A'an in the Trossachs and Glengoyne Distillery
- Climbing this mini volcano is fun and offers grand views
- Taste a dram of whisky at Glengoyne in the afternoon
This ancient volcanic plug offers surprising views and offers a perfect overview of the area's geography. A great hike, too! (4 hrs walk, 471m alt)
Plus a visit to the traditional Glengoyne Distillery to learn about the art of making (and drinking) whisky and a taste of a 'wee dram'.
Day 5 - Thursday
Stirling Castle, Inchmahome Priory and the Trossachs
- Explore Scotland's finest and historically most important castle
- A boat ride to a beautiful island monastery
Stirling Castle - a stunning location where some of the most dramatic developments in Scottish history took place: the famous and triumphant battles of William Wallace 'Braveheart' and Robert the Bruce and the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots.
Lake of Menteith - one of the most beautiful island monasteries lies from its shore. We take a little ferry to Inchmahome where you can explore the romantic ruin of the Augustine Abbey and discover a few surprises. (perambulation only)
In the afternoon, we take a short walk on open hillside at the foot of the Trossachs near Aberfoyle. (1.5 hrs walk)
Day 6 - Friday
Waterfalls, Wild Goats and Kilts in Glen Falloch (Loch Lomond)
- Spot some feral goats and ancient ruins in wild country
- Catch a boat for a dram in one of Scotland's oldest pubs
This delightful and gentle walk along an old cattle drovers' path takes us past the great Ben Glass waterfall to the rugged hills of Loch Lomond's northern end. Wild goats are roaming these lovely forests of birch -, oak - and hazel trees and ruins of old settlements point to a lively history of the area. There are grand views, particularly when Loch Lomond appears like a discovery. Once at the shore of the loch we signal the ferryman who is to rescue us back to civilization. (4 hrs walk, undulating)
You benefit from a drive along the complete length of Loch Lomond's western shore and you have the opportunity to enjoy a pint or a wee dram in one of Scotland's oldest and most popular pubs, the Drovers' Inn. Here the sight of a Highlander dressed in a kilt is guaranteed!
Day 7 - Saturday
Departure and transfer to Glasgow Airport/ Train Station
or
The Foothills of Ben Lomond
- Scenic, informative history trail on past livelihoods
- Enjoy the views from the walter - a short cruise on Loch Lomond
This walk on the romantic east shore of Loch Lomond is a chance to explore the gentle hillside at the foot of the loch's big mountain, Ben Lomond (974m).
The ancient settlement of Ardess (National Trust of Scotland) dates back to medieval times and reveals traces of a remarkably industrious and industrial past! (3 hrs walk, 350 m alt)
In the afternoon, we take a short cruise round the islands on one of Balmaha's romantic 'mailboats' and enjoy majestic alpine views of the Highlands.
Getting here
Easyjet and Ryanair offer cheap flights from London and Europe to Glasgow and other destinations in Scotland.
Please see our Day Trips page if you would like to combine fewer days for a short break or just visit for one day. We also operate private tours and design an itinerary according to your very own wishes.
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