Loch Lomond is an absolute must for anyone with a campervan, caravan or motorhome. We planned to travel the full way around Loch Lomond in the first week of 2022, but after a couple of days it became apparent that we needed more time. West Lomond had so much to offer that we decided to spend the whole trip around Firkin Point, Luss, Loch Sloy and Inveruglas to properly do them justice.
The combination of getting extremely lucky with the weather, the absence of midges and the beauty of Loch Lomond makes this one of our favourite campervan trips in the UK.
Firkin Point
As Scottish wild camping byelaws offer more flexibility than the English equivalents we wanted to take advantage of this freedom and spend some nights away from hardstanding pitches and electrical hook up. Firkin point offers an excellent middle ground between wild camping and a campsite. Located on the west bank of Loch Lomond, Firkin Point is a car park with designated spaces for overnight stay. Right on the shore of the loch and in the shadow of Ben Lomond, it’s a beautiful place to spend an evening or two. There is a toilet block but its worth noting it’s only open from the 1st of April. Firkin Point is generally a quiet place to stop but expect some background noise from the A82.
Between the 1st of March and the 30th of September seasonal camping byelaws are in place. This means that to stay over in any of the designated camping zones, you’ll need to buy a permit. Permits are only £4 per night, can be purchased up to 4 weeks in advance and allow stays for up to 3 nights in a single area. You can purchase your permit here. Permits are in place to protect the national park from over crowding but it also gives you confidence you’ll get a spot!
TL;DR
- Address: A82, Arrochar G83 7DL.
- Number of Spaces: 5 Designated motorhome/campervan pitches.
- Price: £4 per night in peak season, free otherwise.
- Toilets: Yes, but only from April.
- Electric Hook Up: No
- Showers: No
- Noise: Some background traffic noise.
- Recommend: Yes. Waking up 10m from the waters edge is something special.
Firkin Point Walks
Past the picnic benches on the edge of the water there is a level path travelling both north and south. On the first night we went south (right as you look at the water) for a couple of miles and found a hotel/pub called The Inn on Loch Lomond for a drink. The walk has some breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and expansive water. Although the majority of the walk is offset from the road, the final 500m or so is alongside. At just over 4 miles in total, this easy Loch Lomond Walk should take between 1.5 and 2 hours. If you’re in the mood for a longer walk (around 10 miles total) you can keep walking south to Luss, although the majority of this will be alongside the A82.
As we visited in the winter we had the full choice of the parking spots. This meant that we were able to park parallel to the Loch and enjoy amazing views from side door in the morning. After breakfast in front of Ben Lomond, we walked north for around 3 miles on the second day. Slightly more roadside but equally great views. After an hour or so of level walking you’ll reach Tarbet. We found a hotel with a bar but not a lot else.
Both directions offer an easy walk around some beautiful shoreline surrounded by mountains. An ideal start to a Loch Lomond Trip.
Luss
The next day we drove south for a few miles to Luss; a very popular village with plenty to see. We didn’t really have a plan so we parked in the Luss Filling Station car park and went for a wander. We walked through the village and found ourselves at the Parish Church. Situated behind is a historic pilgrimage trail dedicated to St. Kessog, one of Scotland’s first Christian martyrs.
Although home to only 250 people, Luss receives around 750,000 visitors each year.
After an enjoyable walk around the trail, we continued walking to the Luss Pier. This offered spectacular views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains – definitely worth a look. On the way back through the village we stopped at some gift shops but more importantly the Loch Lomond Arms. A lovely hotel and pub with a log burning fire.
The last place of note on our trip to Luss was the ‘Village Shop’. Situated on the edge of the car park it had a great selection of food, drink and camping supplies. We picked up a bottle of Ben Lomond Gin for far cheaper than the gift shop prices. It didn’t last long.
Loch Lomond Holiday Park
The next leg of our journey was spent at Loch Lomond Holiday Park. We tend to avoid places with ’holiday park’ in the title as they tend to conjure images of waterslides and play parks. But this one was different. Right on the shoreline of the Loch; the views were brilliant. Although the motorhome/campervan pitches were located at the top of the hill, the setting was still exactly what we wanted. After a couple days wild camping, if you can call it that, we were thankful for EHU, hot showers and toilets. On site is a little shop in the reception and a room with a pool table. Unfortunately there’s no pubs or restaurant’s in walking distance but we had a fridge full of food and drink so that didn’t bother us.
Loch Sloy Dam and Inveruglas Walk
Distance: 7.5 Miles Total Walk Time: Approx 4 Hours Number of Pubs: 0 Total Ascent (way there): 1306ft Difficulty: Moderate (All uphill on the way to the Dam) Highlights: The views from the dam are amazing
Linear Loch Sloy Dam Walk
There’s not much needed in the sense of directions for this one. Its a linear walk along more or less the same path, but although that doesn’t sound interesting its one of our favourite walks to date. Nevertheless starting at the campsite, take a right at the entrance. You’ll walk alongside the road for a few minutes before reaching what looks like a building site entrance. Although this looks closed off there is a public right of way path all of the way up to the dam starting here.
Once you’re on this path you’re pretty much set all the way up to the Dam. There are a number of offshoot routes to your left as you’re heading up but if in doubt keep right and follow the tarmac path up. The walk is mostly a steady upwards incline so make sure you’ve brought enough water and take regular breaks if needed.
Throughout the walk you’ll be flanked by mountain ranges which make for amazing views. After just over an hour you’ll start to see the dam emerge ahead of you. The path curves around to the left in front of the dam and you find yourself at a tunnel through the mountain. Once through the tunnel you’ll emerge at the edge of Loch Sloy, if you walk out onto the dam bridge you have spectacular views wherever you look. On your left is the expansive water of the hydro-electric reservoir and your right a valley through the mountains. The bridge might not be suitable for people with fear of heights however, although safely walled everything feels very high up and exposed.
The dam itself was built to feed the Hydro-electric plant you’ll see later, the largest in the UK. Originally commissioned in 1950, you can’t help but be amazed at the Engineering and scale. Loch Sloy Dam is 56m high and 357m long.
Once you’re done with the views from the top you’re just following the same path in reverse to get back down.
Inveruglas Pyramid Walk
Once you reach the works entrance on the road at the bottom, take a left (away from the campsite) if you want to visit the Inveruglas pyramid. Walking alongside the road for half a mile you’ll pass the hydroelectric plant on your left before reaching the Inveruglas visitor centre. There are toilets and a car park if needed.
Walking past the car park you’ll start to see an odd looking structure emerge. This is the Inveruglas pyramid or The An Ceann Mor to give it it’s proper name. Built as part of the Scottish Scenic routes project if offers panoramic views of Loch Lomond. A fantastic place to have a break after your walk.
We spent a long time at the top admiring the views and watching the sun go down, i’d recommend it to anyone.
