Loch Lomond East Shore: What Balmaha, Rowardennan and Sallochy Are Each Good For

Rowardennan serves as the starting point for climbing Ben Lomond and provides watersports, camping, and hostel accommodation.

Situated 12 miles north of Balmaha on the narrow A83 road, Rowardennan is set in a more rugged landscape. It is the recognised trailhead for Ben Lomond, which reaches 974 metres (3,196 feet) and is classified as a Munro. The hike usually takes between 5 and 7 hours for the round trip and requires good footwear, weatherproof clothing, and ample water. The path includes steep and rocky sections and is clearly marked from the youth hostel area.

The Rowardennan Youth Hostel features dormitory and private rooms and runs a seasonal café from April to October. Nearby, the Rowardennan campsite provides basic pitches for tents but no electric hook-ups or showers. The shoreline here is popular for kayaking and canoeing due to its quieter, less developed waterside. A pay-and-display car park is located close to the hostel.

From April through October, a ferry connects Rowardennan with Balmaha and Sallochy, giving an alternative to the often busy A83. Ferry fares generally range from £10 to £15 one way.

Additional information on Rowardennan’s accommodation and walking routes can be found at Rowardennan and the Rowardennan Youth Hostel.

Sallochy is prized for its woodland campsite managed by the National Trust for Scotland, ideal for visitors seeking a quiet, natural setting with limited facilities.

Located approximately halfway between Balmaha and Rowardennan, Sallochy is less accessible by car. The nearest parking lies about a 15-minute walk from the campsite entrance at Sallochy Bridge. The site is set within mature oak and birch woodland beside the loch shore and operates on a first-come, first-served basis from April to September.

The campsite attracts walkers, cyclists, and kayakers who value its peacefulness. There are no shops or cafés nearby, so visitors must bring all necessary food and supplies. Facilities include toilets, fresh water taps, and waste disposal points, but there are no showers or electric hook-ups. Sallochy is also a convenient overnight stop for those walking the West Highland Way or undertaking multi-day trips around Loch Lomond.

Learn more about Sallochy campsite and camping rules at Loch Lomond camping.

Travel between these points is possible by car, seasonal ferry from April to October, or on foot via the West Highland Way and other trails.

The A83 road connects Balmaha and Rowardennan directly, with a driving time of about 30 minutes under normal conditions. The road is narrow and can become congested during busy periods, so early arrival is recommended. Sallochy is not directly reachable by car but is accessed via a footpath from the nearby Sallochy Bridge on the A83.

The ferry service operates daily during the main season, linking Balmaha, Sallochy, and Rowardennan. One-way fares typically cost between £10 and £15. This ferry provides a scenic alternative to driving and allows passengers to avoid traffic on the single-track road.

For walkers, the West Highland Way passes through all three locations. The trail between Balmaha and Rowardennan measures about 12 miles, with Sallochy roughly in the middle. The route includes varied terrain: woodland, loch shore, and open moorland.

For more on the ferry schedule and walking routes, see West Highland Way in a Weekend.

The east shore provides a selection of walks from gentle lakeside routes to challenging mountain hikes, suitable for a range of abilities and time commitments.

Conic Hill, accessed from Balmaha, is a popular 3.5-mile (5.6 km) round trip walk that usually takes between 2 and 3 hours. The path is well maintained and signposted, with a steady ascent to a summit offering panoramic views of Loch Lomond’s islands and hills.

For more experienced walkers, the Ben Lomond climb from Rowardennan is a demanding 974-metre ascent. Hikers should plan for 5 to 7 hours to complete the return journey, as the terrain is steep and rugged in parts. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so preparation is essential.

The West Highland Way section between Balmaha and Rowardennan covers around 12 miles (19 km), passing through Sallochy. The route includes forest trails, shoreline, and open moorland, often used by multi-day walkers. Overnight accommodation options along this stretch include Sallochy campsite and Rowardennan Youth Hostel.

Further walking details are available at Conic Hill or Ben Lomond: Which Climb Suits the Day You Have.

Balmaha provides the most comprehensive visitor facilities on the east shore. The Loch Lomond Shores Visitor Centre on East Bay Road is open daily from 9am to 5pm (April to October) and includes public toilets, a café, information points, and a pay-and-display car park. The village also has a convenience shop and the Oak Tree Inn pub, making it suitable for day visitors and families.

Rowardennan has a youth hostel with dormitory and private rooms, and a seasonal café open April to October. There are public toilets and a pay-and-display car park near the hostel. The hostel recommends advance booking in summer due to demand. The nearby campsite provides basic facilities with toilets and water but no showers or electric hook-ups.

Sallochy campsite has limited amenities: toilets, potable water, and waste disposal. It is open from April to September on a first-come, first-served basis and has no shops or cafés nearby, so visitors must bring their own provisions. There are no electric hook-ups or showers on site.

See more about facilities at each location at Loch Lomond camping and Rowardennan Youth Hostel.

Arriving early or late in the day helps avoid peak crowds at Balmaha and Rowardennan, while camping at Sallochy or staying midweek at Rowardennan Youth Hostel features quieter options.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on the east shore. Local outfitters such as Loch Lomond Watersports in Balmaha rent equipment and provide safety guidance, making watersports accessible for beginners. Carrying a packed lunch and plenty of water is essential for long hikes like Ben Lomond, as facilities on the trail are absent.

Parking spaces in Balmaha and Rowardennan fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Using public transport or the seasonal ferry can reduce parking difficulties and add variety to your route. Ferry trips also offer scenic views not visible from the road.

For guided tours, options like the Loch Lomond Scottish Highlands Full Day Sightseeing Tour and the Lochside Wonders Scenic Trip of Trossachs National Park provide structured excursions.

Additional practical advice about getting around is at Getting Around Loch Lomond Without a Car.

Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is the best period to visit, with milder weather, longer daylight, and full operation of ferry and boat services.

Warmer months bring more reliable weather for hiking and watersports, and the majority of visitor facilities, such as the Loch Lomond Shores Visitor Centre, Rowardennan café, and Sallochy campsite, operate fully during this time. Midges can be an issue from late May through August, especially near water and in the evenings.

Winter months see fewer visitors, with many services closed or reduced, but also offer quieter trails and the possibility of snow on Ben Lomond. Always check opening hours and weather forecasts if planning a winter trip, as some routes may be hazardous or inaccessible.

For detailed weather expectations, see Loch Lomond Weather: What to Expect Each Season.

Hiking and kayaking along the east shore are generally safe when proper precautions are taken, including checking weather conditions, wearing suitable gear, and carrying essential supplies.

Ben Lomond’s summit can be subject to sudden weather changes, including fog, strong winds, and rain. Walkers should carry waterproof clothing, sufficient water, and a map or GPS device. The ascent is steep and rocky in places, requiring good footwear.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on the loch; calm days with little wind are best. Local hire companies provide safety instructions and equipment such as life jackets. It is advisable to inform someone of your plans before heading out on the water and to keep close to the shore if unfamiliar with the area.

On busy weekends, trails and parking areas can become crowded, so early starts reduce risk of accidents or delays. Carrying a mobile phone with good coverage is recommended for emergencies.

For more detailed safety advice on kayaking, see Loch Lomond Kayaking and Paddleboarding.

Accommodation includes the Rowardennan Youth Hostel, small campsites like Sallochy, and self-catering or B&B options in Balmaha and nearby villages.

Rowardennan Youth Hostel has dormitory and private rooms, open mainly from April to October. Booking in advance is advised during summer months. Sallochy campsite is available on a first-come, first-served basis from April to September.

Balmaha has a handful of guesthouses and self-catering cottages suitable for families and walkers. For more variety, nearby Drymen village (20 minutes’ drive south) has hotels, inns, and B&Bs.

See accommodation details at West Highland Way Accommodation Around Drymen and Balmaha and Balmaha.

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