Autumn Looks Good From Here
When autumn arrives at Loch Lomond, the landscape begins to change. Wooded hillsides turn shades of gold, copper and red, waterfalls gather pace after the autumn rain and the loch reflects the changing colours all around it.
It’s also a great time to explore. Pull on your walking boots, head out on the water, look for arriving wildlife or make the most of October with pumpkin picking and some Halloween fun.
Stay at Lomond Woods Holiday Park in Balloch and you’re perfectly placed for it all. Loch Lomond Shores and the banks of the loch are just a short walk away, while the wider Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park is waiting to be explored.
Here are ten of our favourite things to do around Loch Lomond this autumn.
1. Get Up in the Trees at Go Wild Loch Lomond
See the autumn colours from a completely different angle at Go Wild Loch Lomond.
Located in Balloch, the treetop experience takes you high amongst the trees with high ropes, obstacles and zip lines to tackle along the way. For those looking for an extra thrill, its more challenging course also features Scotland’s fastest zipline.
Surrounded by woodland, autumn is a great time to take to the trees as the colours begin to change around you.
With different courses available, check the age and height requirements before booking – then get ready to look down rather than up at the autumn leaves.
2. Climb Conic Hill for a View Worth the Effort
For one of the classic views of Loch Lomond, head to Balmaha and climb Conic Hill.
At 361 metres high, it may not be one of Scotland’s biggest hills, but the views certainly compete with them. The relatively short but fairly steep climb rewards you with sweeping views across Loch Lomond, its islands and the surrounding countryside.
The hill sits directly on the Highland Boundary Fault, and from above you can see the distinctive line of islands stretching across the loch where Highland and Lowland Scotland meet.
Pick a clear autumn day, take your time on the way up and don’t forget the camera.
3. See Loch Lomond’s Autumn Colours from the Water
You can admire Loch Lomond from its shores, but there is something special about seeing it from the water.
From Balloch, Sweeney’s Cruise Co. offers a choice of sightseeing trips across the southern end of the loch, making it an easy addition to a stay at Lomond Woods.
Over at Luss, Cruise Loch Lomond offers another great way to get out on the water. Choose a circular sightseeing cruise from Luss Pier or use one of its services to cross the loch and explore a little further.
Whichever you choose, autumn is a wonderful time to sail. Wrap up warm, sit back and watch the changing colours along the shoreline, with the mountains rising beyond.
4. Watch the Water Tumble at the Falls of Falloch
Autumn rain has its advantages – particularly when you’re visiting a waterfall.
Around 30 feet high, the Falls of Falloch are tucked away in Glen Falloch on the northern side of Loch Lomond. A short walk from the A82 brings you to the falls, where the River Falloch suddenly drops before continuing towards the loch.
After a spell of wet weather, the extra water can make the falls even more impressive, while the surrounding trees add plenty of autumn colour.
It’s an easy stop to add to a drive towards Crianlarich and the northern end of the National Park.
5. Add a Little Halloween Fun at the Loch Lomond Scary Trail
October isn’t just about autumn colours – there’s Halloween to look forward to too.
Every October, the family-friendly Loch Lomond Faerie Trail at Luss receives a spooky makeover to become the Loch Lomond Scary Trail.
Follow the Halloween story through decorated woodland paths, looking out for surprises and completing activities along the way. There’s also a pop-up pumpkin patch at the Farm Park, so you can choose a pumpkin to take home and get that all-important October photo amongst the pumpkins.
It’s an ideal addition to an October school holiday break at Loch Lomond.
6. Wander Through Balloch Castle Country Park
Sometimes one of the best autumn walks is almost on your doorstep.
Close to Lomond Woods, Balloch Castle Country Park offers woodland, open parkland, gardens and paths leading towards the shores of Loch Lomond.
The mature trees bring plenty of seasonal colour, while the paths around the park offer views across the loch and plenty of space for a leisurely wander.
Take the dog, bring a flask or simply head out for an hour and see where the paths lead. It’s an easy way to enjoy the autumn scenery without having to venture far from Balloch.
7. Spend an Autumn Afternoon in Luss
With its pretty streets, lochside setting and mountain views, Luss is always worth a visit – but it looks particularly good framed by autumn colours.
Take a wander through the village before making your way down towards the beach and Luss Pier, where the views stretch out across Loch Lomond towards the hills beyond.
If you fancy seeing a little more, leave the car behind and take to the water. Cruise Loch Lomond operates directly from Luss Pier, with sightseeing cruises as well as sailings across the loch to destinations such as Balmaha and Inchcailloch.
It’s a lovely way to turn a wander around Luss into a full autumn day out.
Back on dry land, stop for coffee or lunch, browse the village shops or simply find a quiet spot beside the water and enjoy the view. Then take a tour at Luss Distillery and enjoy a warming dram or a hot drink in their cafe.
If you’re visiting the Loch Lomond Scary Trail, it’s easy to combine the two as well.
8. Look for Autumn Arrivals at RSPB Loch Lomond
Autumn at Loch Lomond isn’t only about the changing leaves. It’s also a season of change for the area’s wildlife.
At RSPB Loch Lomond near Gartocharn, woodland, wetlands, farmland and the loch itself provide an important home and stopping point for an impressive variety of birds.
One particularly special autumn arrival is the Greenland white-fronted goose. These rare winter visitors return to the Loch Lomond area each year after breeding in Greenland.
Follow the trails, spend some time watching from the viewpoints and remember to look up as well as out – you never quite know what might be flying overhead.
9. Meet the Residents at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
For another wildlife encounter, you don’t have to travel far from Lomond Woods.
Located at Loch Lomond Shores, the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is home to more than 35 birds of prey and owls, with the opportunity to see everything from small owls to a Golden Eagle at close quarters.
The centre combines the chance to see these impressive birds with learning more about conservation and the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds.
Best of all, Loch Lomond Shores is only a short walk from Lomond Woods, so you can leave the car behind.
10. Warm Up with Lunch at The Drovers Inn
After a morning spent exploring in the autumn air, sometimes there’s nothing better than finding a traditional pub, ordering lunch and settling down beside the fire.
Take the A82 north along Loch Lomond to The Drovers Inn at Inverarnan, one of Scotland’s most characterful historic inns. With its dark wood, stone walls and roaring fire, it feels particularly suited to a crisp autumn day.
Stop for a leisurely lunch, something warm to drink or simply a chance to thaw out after a walk before heading back down the loch.
It also pairs perfectly with a visit to the Falls of Falloch, just a little further along the A82, making it an easy way to spend a relaxed autumn day exploring the northern end of Loch Lomond.
