Visiting Loch Lomond

[2000lightyearsaway123]

I hope this is ok to post here. If not ignore me!

I am planning a trip to Loch Lomond area, staying in Arrocher over Easter weekend 2023. 2 adults and 2 dogs with a car. I was wondering if anyone could advise any must sees or must dos? We will be there for 2.5ish full days. Also the best locations to to for a chilly dip.

Also any recommendations of where to book for a nice Easter dinner. We have a car and don't really drink so happy to drive somewhere. Extra points for dog friendly.

Luss is dog friendly and most of the cafes or restaurants there will accept well behaved dogs. I think the Lomond Arms hotel does. You should also visit Lomond shores for things to do. Go on a Sunday as the market is usually on then.

It's a great drive over to The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar if the road is open over Rest and Be Thankful.

It's fun to get the boat (or hire a rowing boat if you like) from Balmaha to Inchcailloch island, you can then walk across to the other side of the island where there's a small beach where you can swim (and a campsite too if you fancy!), and it has a hill you can walk to the top of.

the George Hotel in Inveraray would be good for Easter meal (about 40 mins drive from Arrochar). most people dip around Duck Bay/Luss on this side of the Loch (you do need to be careful as some parts of Loch Lomond get incredibly deep incredibly quickly - check out satellite maps).

if you want to walk/hill walk then there are loads of options and some of them (like Conic Hill) aren't that high but still give amazing views.

I'd second the Lomond Arms - was there for a wedding a few years ago and it's a lovely spot.

You could climb The Cobbler and have a drink in Arthur's Bothy after if you're in Arrochar.

There are passenger boats that do various routes around the Loch. They are like water busses really. I recommend the Luss to Balmaha one, which also lets you get off at Inchcailloch island as a PP suggested. If you set off in the morning you can make a day trip of it as a round trip. The boats also have refreshments available onboard, and the captain gives a running commentary of the islands that you pass.

I want to go to Scotland now ☺️

The rest and be thankful is a good place to roll your eggs down the hill.

I'd go to Inveraray and have lunch at the loch fyne oyster bar.

For young DCs Inveraray jail is fun.

If you're a downton fan you can visit the castle they used.

On the loch there are a few places you can get boats. Be careful going in the water, it gets very deep very quickly and I wouldn't take my eyes off even confident young swimmers.

Luss is mobbed on nice days so don't bother if you don't like crowds.

Loch Lomond shores is just a shopping centre. You can do that anywhere.

Beyond Inveraray there's Crarae Gardens if that's your thing. They are nice and not too big for DCs to walk around.

I'd be inclined to do a loop round Argyll and come back via the Dunoon ferry which has amazing views rather than the main Loch Lomond road. It's a nightmare and so busy in the holiday. Take great care driving.

I stay in loch lomond.
Lots of lovely places to visit.
Balloch : lots of lovely pubs and eating places as well as boat tours around loch lomond qlso boasts lomond and trossachs famous balloch park and castle the views at the castle are breathtaking.
The duck bay hotel and marina is also ideal for spectacular views as well as the cameron house hotel resort which is also spectacular for the scenery and for the sea plane ( which you would have to book online i have no idea the price range as i have never been on it , it flies over my house umpteen times a day in season and tours the whole of loch lomond up to glasgow )
Luss and then onto drymen are also spectacular places and both tranquil picturesque villages.

If you can head up further to the drovers hotel you wont be disappointed.
Enjoy 😉

Thanks for your great suggestions and tips everyone. Very excited about this trip and enjoying planning.