Date spot in Loch Lomond and the Vale
A cruise with Sweeney's
Sail from the river in the middle of Balloch out onto the loch and round the wooded islands, with a skipper telling the stories as you go.
Balloch Road, by the River Leven, Balloch
Address: Sweeney's Cruises, Riverside, Balloch G83 8SS- Activity
- Mid-price
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Outdoors
- Romantic
Why it's a good date: The easiest way to see the loch properly without a boat of your own. The evening cruise is the romantic one, there's a ferry to Luss if you'd rather make a day of it, and well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard.
Photo: Stephen Armstrong, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Loch Lomond and the Vale guide
Balloch Pier and the Maid of the Loch
Pier Road, Balloch
Address: The Pier, Pier Road, Balloch G83 8QX- Culture
- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
Walk out to Balloch Pier to see the Maid of the Loch, the last paddle steamer built in Britain, up on the old steam slipway while volunteers bring her back to life.
Why it's a good date: A grand old ship with the loch and Ben Lomond behind her, and a bit of history to talk about on the walk. She's closed while the restoration work goes on and usually opens at weekends from spring, so check before you go if you want to climb aboard.
Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
SEA LIFE Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch
Address: Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch G83 8QL- Activity
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
See the otters, rays and reef fish at the aquarium in Drumkinnon Tower, walking under the water in its tunnel, then step out onto the shore at Loch Lomond Shores.
Why it's a good date: A wet-weather plan that still feels like a day at the loch. Book online, go later in the afternoon when it's quieter, and walk down to the water afterwards if the rain stops.
Photo: MSeses, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Duncryne Hill
Gartocharn, off the A811, five miles east of Balloch
Address: Duncryne Hill, Gartocharn, Alexandria G83 8FP- Outdoors
- Free
- Romantic
Climb the little wooded hill outside Gartocharn that locals call the Dumpling, for a view up the length of the loch and over its islands.
Why it's a good date: Twenty minutes up for a view that punches well above its height, which makes it perfect for sunset. It's short but steep and can be muddy, so wear proper shoes.
Photo: Lairich Rig, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
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