Date spot in Loch Lomond and the Vale
Balloch Castle Country Park
Wander the old estate above the foot of the loch, through the walled garden and the wooded Fairy Glen to the lawn in front of the castle.
Balloch Road, Balloch, five minutes from the station
Address: Balloch Castle Country Park, Balloch Road, Balloch G83 8SY- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
Why it's a good date: The lawn by the castle has one of the loveliest views down the loch, and it costs nothing. The house itself isn't open, but the grounds are there all year, so bring a flask and find a bench.
Photo: Lairich Rig, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Loch Lomond and the Vale guide
A cruise with Sweeney's
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
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.
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)
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)
