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Date spot in Loch Lomond and the Vale

Balloch Pier and the Maid of the Loch

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.

The paddle steamer Maid of the Loch out of the water on the Balloch slipway, part painted, under a blue sky

Pier Road, Balloch

The Pier, Pier Road, Balloch G83 8QX
  • Culture
  • Outdoors
  • Free

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.

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Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)

More from our Loch Lomond and the Vale guide

  • Drumkinnon Tower, a round stone building, beside the water at Loch Lomond Shores, with a boardwalk in front

    SEA LIFE Loch Lomond

    Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch

    Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch G83 8QL
    • Activity
    • Rain-proof ☔

    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.

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    Photo: MSeses, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)

  • Duncryne Hill, a small rounded hill covered in bare trees, rising above a rough grassy field under a blue sky

    Duncryne Hill

    Gartocharn, off the A811, five miles east of Balloch

    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.

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    Photo: Lairich Rig, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)

  • A path climbing the grassy, heather-covered ridge of Conic Hill, with brown moorland hills behind under a bright sky

    Conic Hill

    Balmaha car park, east shore of the loch

    Balmaha car park, Balmaha, Glasgow G63 0JQ
    • Outdoors
    • Free
    • Active

    Follow the West Highland Way up from Balmaha to the ridge of Conic Hill, which sits right on the Highland Boundary Fault, with the islands lined up below you.

    Why it's a good date: A proper hill walk that fits into an afternoon, with one of the best views of the loch at the top. Come back down to Balmaha for a pint and something to eat at the Oak Tree Inn.

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    Photo: Bill Kasman, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)

From our guide to date ideas in Loch Lomond and the Vale

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