The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

There are 21 Munros (mountains higher than 3,000 feet), 19 Corbetts (mountains between 2,500 and 3,000 feet), 22 larger lochs, 50 rivers and two forest parks in the National Park. With all these natural features the park attracts many outdoor enthusiasts every year. Popular outdoor activities include walking, cycling, mountaineering, water sports, golf, horse riding, wildlife viewing and many more. The mountain areas such as the Arrochar Alps attract many visitors to participate in mountaineering no matter which season. Several visitor information centres and facilities help enjoying the stay in the Park and offer loads of information. If you want to know what activities the National Park offers please have a look here.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is controlled by the National Park Authorities. The Park Authorities are responsible for three core activities: Conservation, visitor experience and rural development.  Conservation is necessary to ensure that the natural heritage including land and water resources is managed in a sustainable way. The second core activity is promoting the National Park as a sustainable tourism destination. Rural development, the third core activity, ensures that the Park has a local distinctiveness and the quality of live for the local communities improves. In order to make sure that the park stays clean and all visitors and locals enjoy staying in the National Park there is an outdoor access code by the Park Authorities.

The marine and coastal environment is home to many different species. Loch Lomond and many other lochs and rivers have a large number of fish perfect for a great angling experience. Loch Long and Loch Goil are sea water lochs where you can find seals and even porpoises. Not only the lochs are interesting for wildlife spotting. Throughout the whole park many different bird species including bird of prey can be seen. The capercaillie is one of the iconic animals in the National Park and fascinates many visitors. Other wildlife in the Park includes deer, squirrels, badgers, hedgehogs, bats and many more.

For those who are interested in the history of the National Park there are many towns and villages with historical buildings. From loch cruises on a paddle steamer to shopping, the National Park offers a large number of activities. The town of Stirling is nearby the National Park and has many interesting attractions such as the Old Town Jail, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. In the park there are many other attractions waiting for you to visit. One of the most popular attractions in the heart of the Trossachs is the SS Walter Scott: A paddle streamer on Loch Katrine. Experience the traditional Scottish hospitality and enjoy Scotland’s famous drink, the whisky, by visiting a distillery such as the Glengoyne Disitillery or from one of the bars on the whisky lovers trail. The Park has a good range of quality accommodations such as hotels, bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodations. Please have a look here to find the right place to stay for you.

Throughout the whole year the local communities in the National Park organise events for the whole family. This includes guided walks, festivals, markets, concerts and of course the Highland Games. No matter which season, there is always something interesting to see and to do in Scotland’s first National Park.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park can be reached easily from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling from the south or Fort William and Oban from the north. About 50% of the inhabitants in Scotland live less than an hour away from the Park by car. For the website of the National Park Authorities please click here.