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Date spot in Loch Lomond and the Vale

Ben Lomond

Climb Scotland's most southerly Munro on the tourist path from Rowardennan: a long, steady pull with the whole loch laid out below you at the top.

A grassy path on Ben Lomond's upper slopes, with Loch Lomond and its islands stretched out far below under a blue sky

Rowardennan, at the end of the east shore road from Balmaha

Rowardennan car park, Rowardennan, Glasgow G63 0AR
  • Outdoors
  • Free
  • Active

Why it's a good date: A big day you'll talk about for years, and well within reach if you're both used to walking. Give it most of the day, take water, food and layers, and pick a clear one: the top is often in cloud.

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Photo: Unforgiven75, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)

More from our Loch Lomond and the Vale guide

  • The twin peaks of Dumbarton Rock and its castle beyond small boats moored on the River Leven

    Dumbarton Castle

    Castle Road, Dumbarton

    Castle Road, Dumbarton G82 1JJ
    • Culture
    • Outdoors

    Climb the long flights of steps up Dumbarton Rock, an old volcanic plug where the Leven meets the Clyde, to the batteries and the summit of White Tower Crag.

    Why it's a good date: There's been a stronghold on this rock for well over a thousand years, and the view from the top runs from the Clyde to Ben Lomond. Book ahead, and save your legs for all those steps.

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

  • The Hill House's pale harled wall and iron railings beneath the mesh of its protective box, against a blue sky

    The Hill House

    Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh

    Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh G84 9AJ
    • Culture
    • Rain-proof ☔

    See the house Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed for the publisher Walter Blackie, down to the furniture and light fittings, then walk the high walkways of the see-through box built to let it dry out.

    Why it's a good date: You get Mackintosh's rooms and a look over the roof to the Clyde, which nobody will be able to do once the box comes down. It's a steep walk up from the station, so take a taxi if it's wet, and check the season before you go.

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    Photo: Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)

  • Sugar Boat

    Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh

    30 Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh G84 8AQ
    • Restaurant
    • Rain-proof ☔
    • Foodie
    • Cosy

    Book a table at the relaxed bistro on Colquhoun Square for seasonal plates of local produce, or drop in during the day for coffee and a scone.

    Why it's a good date: Easy-going but properly good, so it suits a lazy lunch or a dinner that feels like an occasion. It's named after the sugar ship that ran aground in the Clyde in the 1970s, which gives you something to look out for on the way.

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

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