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Date spot in Loch Lomond and the Vale

Duncryne Hill

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.

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

Gartocharn, off the A811, five miles east of Balloch

Duncryne Hill, Gartocharn, Alexandria G83 8FP
  • Outdoors
  • Free
  • Romantic

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)

More from our Loch Lomond and the Vale guide

  • 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)

  • The sandy beach at Port Bawn on Inchcailloch, looking out over the calm loch to low wooded islands

    Inchcailloch

    Ferry from Balmaha Boatyard, east shore

    Balmaha Boatyard, Balmaha, Glasgow G63 0JQ
    • Trip
    • Outdoors
    • 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.

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    Photo: William Starkey, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)

  • The sandy beach at Luss curving round to trees, with blue water and hills under a bright sky

    Luss village and beach

    Luss, on the west shore off the A82

    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.

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    Photo: Josie Campbell, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)

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

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