Date spot in Loch Lomond and the Vale
Conic Hill
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.
Balmaha car park, east shore of the loch
Address: Balmaha car park, Balmaha, Glasgow G63 0JQ- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Active
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.
Photo: Bill Kasman, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Loch Lomond and the Vale guide
Inchcailloch
Ferry from Balmaha Boatyard, east shore
Address: Balmaha Boatyard, Balmaha, Glasgow G63 0JQ- Trip
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Best in Spring, Summer
- Romantic
Take the little ferry from the boatyard at Balmaha to the wooded island of Inchcailloch, walk up to its summit, then down to the sandy bay at Port Bawn.
Why it's a good date: A few minutes on a boat and you're on a nature reserve with an old burial ground, bluebells in May and a beach for your picnic. Bring everything you need: there's nothing to buy on the island.
Photo: William Starkey, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Luss village and beach
Luss, on the west shore off the A82
Address: Luss car park, Luss, Alexandria G83 8NZ- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
Wander the conservation village of sandstone and slate cottages, then walk out along the pier for Ben Lomond across the water and down onto the beach.
Why it's a good date: One of the prettiest spots on the loch, and it costs nothing but the parking. Summer weekends get busy, so come early or out of season, and finish with an ice cream on the pier.
Photo: Josie Campbell, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Ben Lomond
Rowardennan, at the end of the east shore road from Balmaha
Address: Rowardennan car park, Rowardennan, Glasgow G63 0AR- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Active
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.
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.
Photo: Unforgiven75, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
