Things to do

Your guide to things to do in and around Glasgow, Loch Lomand and Loch Awe. Choose from urban adventures or idyllic retreats where you can get away from it all or enjoy active outdoor pursuits – either way there are loads of things to do, for all ages…

Glasgow

Voted best UK city break in 2021 by Conde Naste Traveller, Glasgow has so many amazing attractions and places to explore that you’ll never be stuck for things to do. We’ve put together our own guide to Things to do in Glasgow and the best time to visit.

Loch Lomond

There are plenty of things to do on or near to Loch Lomond. You’ll find wild scenery, thrilling history and superb local food and drink at Loch Lomond, which is part of the Loch Lomond And The Trossachs National Park (Scotland’s first National Park).

Home to the largest lake in the UK and miles of forest, and just a stone’s throw away from Scotland’s central belt, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you fancy a peaceful stroll along a loch shore or a wild outdoor adventure.

Active Outdoor Things to Do

Is Loch Lomond safe to swim in? Yes, and you can sail, canoe or paddleboard on it too.

Loch Lomond is a freshwater loch, not a saltwater loch, so it isn’t tidal. This means that there are many activities that can safely take place on or in the water, including open water swimming, as well as paddleboarding, canoeing and boating.

Loch Lomond has many islands that provide sheltered waters, whilst the open expanse of the Loch allows more competent paddlers to enjoy open water conditions. There are a variety of places to launch a paddleboard, kayak or canoe into the Loch, given that they are so easy to put in the water, require very little space and shallow water is not an issue.

Diverse habitats for Scottish wildlife

The rugged but beautiful landscape creates a diverse range of habitats for a variety of Scottish wildlife, including red squirrels, black grouse, golden eagles, osprey, pine marten and otters.

The Loch Lomond Monster

You will have heard of the Loch Ness monster I’m sure, but did you know that Loch Lomond also reputedly has its own monster too? Sightings of a beast resembling a plesiosaur or a large crocodile have been reported on several occasions.

History and heritage

It’s steeped in history and heritage, with ruined castles, charming towns and villages, archaeological discoveries and scenery admired by famous poets in times gone by.

Sir Walter Scott visited the area’s wild little glens and was so enthralled that he wrote his epic poem The Lady of the Lake (1810) about a girl who lived there. The region became a haven for those seeking romantic beauty, with Wordsworth, Coleridge, plus many famous artists also visiting the area.

There’s ancient Luss village, with its stone cottages, and Boturich Castle, built in 1836, which is now the only remaining privately owned Estate within Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

Loch Awe

Loch Awe and the village of Lochawe also have loads of things to do and see for visitors to the region.

Angling and the local wildlife

Loch Awe is a freshwater loch and is full of fish, making it a popular destination for anglers.

A variety of species thrive in the loch including Ferox Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, European Perch, Atlantic Char, Salmon and Sea Trout. The largest Brown Trout caught in the British Isles was an impressive 31lb 12oz, and was caught in Loch Awe in 2002. The two previous British records were also caught in the Loch.

The area is also a haven for wildlife, where you can spot red deer, pine martens, otters and the famous Scottish wildcat.

There are islands within the loch such as Innis Chonnell and Inishail.

Loch Awe is the longest freshwater loch in Scotland, at 25 miles.

Other outdoor pursuits

Can you walk around Loch Awe? Yes. The mountains and glens that surround Loch Awe offer epic walking and cycling opportunities. Discover rivers, waterfalls, moorland and forest as you traverse this hugely diverse landscape.

Loch Awe is also perfect for outdoor – or wild – swimming, which is certainly one of the most bracing things to do whilst you’re here. Easily accessible but unspoilt, the freshwater is beautifully clear. There are plenty of secluded spots and pebbly beaches along the shoreline, giving you easy access to the waters for a swim.

Things to do in the village of Lochawe

The picturesque village of Lochawe is located at the north end of Loch Awe, 3 miles west of Dalmally. As well as the usual local amenities you’d find in any bustling village, there’s no shortage of things to do in and nearby to Lochawe, Argyll and Bute. You could visit St Conan’s Kirk, voted one of the Top 10 buildings in Scotland of the last 100 years in a 2016 poll. Although the Kirk is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Argyll, the surprising size of the building and grounds means that there are days when you can feel like you have the place all to yourself.

Scottish Castles

There are four castles on Loch Awe. They are, from north to south, Kilchurn, Fraoch Eilean, Innisconnel, and Fincharn.

More things to do around Loch Awe

The Wild About Argyll website has 10 Things to Do In and Around Loch Awe, as well as a great guide to food and drink from the region. And, if you’re prepared to travel a little bit further afield, there’s plenty to see and loads of things to do in The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

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