The Best Things To Do In Luss, Loch Lomond
At the heart of the Trossachs National Park lies Loch Lomond, beautiful, sparkling and always atmospheric. And on the pebbly shores of Scotland’s largest freshwater loch are a scattering of small villages and outposts; home to cosy cafes, perfect views and trails through ancient woodlands. One of my favourite villages to visit is Luss, a beautiful conservation community complete with sandy beaches and mountain views.
Scotland’s most southerly National Park, less than two hours’ drive from Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are easy to reach. Luss, situated on the western shore is especially popular; apart from the stunning views there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy – particularly water sports and boat trips around Loch Lomond.
It has a special atmosphere that’s impossible not to love, especially for outdoor lovers; glowing amber sunsets, vast views over the still, reflective water, Ben Lomond in the distance, and trails through the Trossachs forest.
This is my guide to visiting Luss, Loch Lomond.
The best time to visit Luss
When to visit Luss? Well, you know that I love peaceful places, so I’d recommend visiting Luss in the off-seasons when it’s much quieter than the busy summer months. Autumn is our favourite time to visit; crispy golden leaves, bright sunny skies, woolly jumpers and welly boots without the crowds. My mum and I stayed in Luss in November and it was just perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway.
The Glen Striddle Horseshoe
Hike | 3-5 hours | 11km
Loch Lomond has 30 islands dotted across its shimmering length and the best way to see them is from up high. One of the park’s lesser known but incredible walks is the Glen Striddle Horseshoe (or Beinn Dubh), which starts in the village of Luss and follows a fairly steep but manageable track to the summit ridge. After a grassy walk passing through trees, the views appear quickly – the views out onto Loch Lomond and its many islands are breathtaking. Go higher for an incredible panorama of the mountains of Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps to the east and west.
Route: The hike is 11km with a 725m ascent. There are trails in places but I’d suggest using an OS Explorer OL39 (Loch Lomond North) and see a detailed walk description here.
Gear: This is a big day, so wear hillwalking clothes, waterproofs (always when walking in Scotland) warm layers, and sturdy hiking boots. Parts of the descent are usually boggy, so I’d also suggest packing gaiters.
Doune Hill: For a longer walk with similar views, hike up Doune Hill, the highest of the Luss peaks.
Food & Drink: Check out the Village Rest or the Loch Lomond Arms for a pub dinner and drink on your return.
Luss Heritage Trail
Walk | 1 hour | 2.5km
An easy but lovely walk, the Luss Heritage Trail is perfect if you’re looking to stretch your legs and see the prettiest parts of Luss. The trail follows the river and meanders through the ancient woodland; it’s very peaceful and great for nature lovers. You’ll also pass by the stone cottages in the conservation area, and the pier on Loch Lomond which has amazing views over the surrounding mountains.
Route: From the car park head towards the village, away from the loch; turning right at a tiny primary school follow a path up a slope and towards a footbridge. From there, go through a gate and into the woodland, making sure to stay on the main trail by the river. Visit the Glebe and its Celtic-Cross sculpture, and then beautiful Luss Parish Church before reaching the banks of Loch Lomond. You can find a detailed Luss Walk description here.
Gear: This is an easy, mainly flat walk mainly on paths or trails, and trainers or boots would be suitable. But there’s occasionally boggy areas, especially in the woodland, so preferably ones you don’t mind getting a little muddy.
Inchcailloch Island
Loch Lomond Boat Tours | Balmaha
One of the most fun things to do on Loch Lomond is get on the water; it gives a whole new perspective. Escape the villages and feel the wildness of Loch Lomond from the island of Inchcailloch, part of the National Nature Reserve and the most accessible island on the loch.
Getting there: Take a leisurely cruise to Inchcailloch Island and explore at your own pace; Loch Lomond Adventures run regular boat journeys.
Canoe, Cruise or SUP: They also offer boat rides to Balmaha on the eastern shore, where you can hike Conic Hill. Or take to the water on a paddle board or canoe, perfect if you’re looking for an active break.
Luss Parish Church
For over 1,500 years, Luss Parish Church has stood on the banks of Loch Lomond. It’s a beautiful and interesting place, and well worth a walk around the grounds. It’s an active church, so be sure to be respectful when visiting.
Luss General Stores
Books | Luss
I don’t normally include shops, but we picked up great photography books at Luss General Store and loved their focus on selling locally crafted products and social sustainability. Definitely worth a look around.
Luss Beach & Pier
Photography | Luss
If you’re looking to take photographs around Luss, then be sure to visit Luss Pier and the beach. Both have great views across Loch Lomond and are beautiful spots to watch the sun set over Ben Lomond and the surrounding hills.
Coach House Coffee Shop
Café
The Coach House Coffee Shop serves delicious homemade cakes, tea and coffee, all served in a lovely cafe in the heart of Luss. Inside the café is cosy and rustic, with big sofas and a wood burning stove. Serving tempting scones, light meals, hot chocolate and coffee, and and a range of delicious ice-cream.
The Coach House is a bustling place, popular with local people, walkers in muddy boots and travellers stopping on their way around Loch Lomond. We visited in winter and it was the perfect place to warm up after a rather rainy walk around Luss. In summer, when the Coach House is especially busy, we’d suggest getting your food to go; sit by the beach and watch the cruise boats and paddle boarders have fun on the water.
Getting there: Situated in the heart of Luss, head down the main street towards the loch; The Coach House is on your right-hand side. Park for a small charge in the main car park.
Opening times: The Coach House is open every day, from 10am till 5pm.
Where to stay in Luss
The Lodge on Loch Lomond | Outdoorsy Spa Hotel
For a small village, Luss has a great choice of amazing places to stay. If you’re looking for a hotel, then we recommend a stay at the Lodge on Loch Lomond, a hotel with the perfect combination of outdoorsy ethos and relaxing log-burner, spa vibes. Situated on the banks of Loch Lomond, the Lodge has its own private stony beach and an excellent restaurant; watch the sun set behind layers of mountains from your own balcony.
There’s little better in life than sitting watching a sunrise over Loch Lomond, especially with a coffee in hand; or ending the day with a beautiful pink and purple sunset, as the last rays of the day slip slowly into the gently lapping water - and this is the perfect place for both.
Stay: Check out our review of the Lodge of Loch Lomond from our recent stay.
I’m still exploring Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and will be sharing more great places with you soon…
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
