Loch Lomond

Who doesn't burst into song when they hear the words 'Loch Lomond'! A must-do day trip destination from Glasgow, this beautiful lake is perhaps only beaten in fame by Loch Ness.

Take a drive around the leafy western shore, and notice how the northern stretches of Loch Lomond morph from lowland to more stark highland landscapes, overlooked by the lofty 974 m (3,195 ft) heights of Ben Lomond.

Around 30 islands dot the lake, and boating enthusiasts take to the water on weekends in kayaks, speedboats and windsurfers. On the southern shore you'll find the Loch Lomond Shores complex, with an aquarium, shops, and restaurants.

Practical Info

Measuring 35 km long and 8 km wide (22 miles by 5 miles), mainland Britain's largest lake is 32 km (20 miles) northwest of Glasgow, just a 40-minute drive.

The lake is protected by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first national park. The main villages around the lake are Balloch, Dumbarton, Tarbet and Helensburgh. You can get here by organized tour, bus or train.