Date spot in Loch Lomond and the Vale
Inchcailloch
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.
Ferry from Balmaha Boatyard, east shore
Address: Balmaha Boatyard, Balmaha, Glasgow G63 0JQ- Trip
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Best in Spring, Summer
- Romantic
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)
More from our Loch Lomond and the Vale guide
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)
Dumbarton Castle
Castle Road, Dumbarton
Address: Castle Road, Dumbarton G82 1JJ- Culture
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
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.
Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
