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Trains to Loch Lomond
Explore Scotland's biggest National Park with LNER
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Loch Lomond is a large freshwater lake in Scotland and is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain. Loch Lomond is located in the Scottish Highlands around 23 miles north of Glasgow. It is most famous for its natural beauty with over 30 islands surrounded by hills and mountains, and has attracted many artists, photographers and nature lovers.
Loch Lomond has several historical ties with castle ruins and ancient sites within its surroundings, and once being home to Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace.
Where is Loch Lomond?
Loch Lomond is located in the Scottish Highlands between the rolling hills of the Highlands and the mountains of the Lowlands. It is part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and stretches roughly 24 miles from Balloch in the south to Ardlui in the north.
.Loch Lomond is around 23 miles northwest of Glasgow, 25 miles from Stirling and 70 miles from Edinburgh; making it accessible from several major Scottish cities.
What is the nearest train station to Loch Lomond?
There are three railway stations surrounding Loch Lomond Balloch, Arrochar & Tarbet, and Ardlui. Each station is located at a different point on the lake depending on where you want to visit. They are accessible on a ScotRail train which can be booked on the LNER website or app. The nearest major train station to Loch Lomond is Glasgow Central Station or Glasgow Queen Street Station. Glasgow Central Station is reachable on the LNER line and Glasgow Queen Street is only a short walk away. Both stations service parts of Loch Lomond.
How to Get from Glasgow to Loch Lomond by Train
Glasgow Central Station can be reached on LNER lines directly from London and Durham. From here you can get another train to Arrochar & Tarbet station, located centrally on the lake. Or a short walk away is Glasgow Queen Street Station where you can get to both Balloch and Ardlui Stations.
The train to Balloch is direct and takes one hour. Ardlui Station is the most northern train station on the lake and takes around one hour and 50 minutes on either a direct train or with a change at Dalmuir.
From Glasgow Central Station you can get a direct train to Arrochar & Tarbet or an indirect train via Dalmuir; both take around one hour 30 minutes.
How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond by Train
Edinburgh Waverly station is more accessible on LNER routes and can be reached directly from several major cities including London, Newcastle, York and Peterborough. From Edinburgh, you can get a direct train to either Glasgow Central Station or Glasgow Queen Street Station on ScotRail which can be booked on the LNER website or app.
Once you have reached Glasgow you can get an onward train to one of the three stations on the lake Balloch, Arrochar & Tarbet, or Ardlui.
Things to do in Loch Lomond
There is so much to see and do in Loch Lomond. If you like the outdoors there are countless hiking trails around the lake and surrounding mountains, or go looking for wildlife in the nature reserves and see if you can spot any red deer, otters or eagles. There are several waterfalls including Falls of Fallock and The Devil’s Pulpit or visit the local villages and country parks.
If you prefer a more historical or relaxing holiday why not visit the ruins of Balloch Castle or the Inveruglas Pyramid, an architectural viewpoint offering incredible views of the loch. There are many local restaurants, cafes and pubs in nearby villages for you to enjoy locally sourced food. Or visit the Loch Lomond distillery to learn how they produce their whisky.
Top tips for visiting Loch Lomond
If you want to visit the Lock Lomond Faerie Trail, perfect for younger children to explore the magical woodland you will need to book tickets in advance.
Wear appropriate clothing, Scottish weather is unpredictable so plan for all weather conditions while taking into consideration the types of activities you will want to do.
If you plan on fishing on the lake you will need a permit which can be bought from a local newsagent, post office or fishing tackle shop.
Be sure to book your accommodation as early as possible as Loch Lomond is a popular destination and can get crowded in peak months.
Be respectful of the environment, Loch Lomond is a national park and the wildlife should be respected. Take all your litter with you, respect the designated baths and avoid lighting fires outside of the designated areas.
