Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is at the edge of the Highlands, across the borders of Argyllshire, Dunbartonshire and Perthshire. It is centred on Loch Lomond, which divides Dunbartonshrie to the west from Stirlingshire to the east, and includes several ranges of hills. Within the hills to the east of the loch are the Trossachs, a famous glen, and the hills surrounding it loosely known as the Trossachs area.
The park is the fourth largest in the British Isles, with a total area of 720 square miles) and a boundary of some 217.5 mile (350.0 km) in length. It includes 21 Munros (including Ben Lomond, Ben Lui, Beinn Challuim and Ben More, and both of the munros called 'Ben Vorlich': Ben Vorlich, Perthshire and Ben Vorlich, Dunbartonshire. Nineteen of the lesser hills are 'Corbetts'. The national park contains two forest parks (Queen Elizabeth, and Argyll) and 57 designated special nature conservation sites. The park is customarily split into four sections: Breadalbane, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, and Argyll Forest Park.
Some 15,600 people live within the park.
Sights
The park consists of many mountains and lochs, and the principal attractions are scenery, walking, and wildlife.
For walkers seeking a challenge, the West Highland Way passes through the park, while the mountains of Ben Lomond, and The Cobbler in the Arrochar Alps attract most hikers. Less intrepid visitors can detour from the A82 to view the Falls of Dochart.
There is a national park visitor centre at the southern end of Loch Lomond, called Loch Lomond Shores, which includes a visitor information centre at the most popular gateway to the park, as well as an aquarium, shops and restaurants.
On Loch Katrine, visitors can travel on the historic steamship SS Sir Walter Scott, while cruises on Loch Lomond can be taken from Tarbet, Argyll and Bute and Balloch; there is also an extensive water taxi service between most lochside communities.
Towns and villages within the park
Towns and villages within the park include:
County | Towns and villages |
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Argyllshire | Ardentinny, Carrick Castle, Kilmun, Lochgoilhead, Succoth, Strone |
Dunbartonshire | Ardlui, Arrochar, Balloch, Croftamie, Tarbet, Gartocharn, Luss, |
Perthshire | Aberfoyle, Balquhidder, Brig o' Turk, Callander, Crianlarich, Gartmore, Killin, Kilmahog, Lochearnhead, Port of Menteith, St Fillans, Strathyre, Tyndrum |
Stirlingshire | Balmaha, Drymen |
Dunbartonshire | Croftamie |
Munros within the Park
The munros, which is to say mountains over 3000 feet within the park are:
Ben More | 3,852 feet | Crianlarich Hills |
Stob Binnein | 3,842 feet | Crianlarich Hills |
Ben Lui | 3,707 feet | Tyndrum Hills |
Cruach Ardrain | 3432 feet | Crianlarich Hills |
Ben Oss | 3,376 feet | Tyndrum Hills |
Ben Challum | 3,363 feet | Mamlorn Hills |
Beinn Ìme | 3,317 feet | Arrochar Alps |
An Caisteal | 3,264 feet | Crianlarich Hills |
Ben Vorlich, Perthshire | 3,232 feet | Crieff and Loch Earn Hills |
Beinn Dubhchraig | 3,209 feet | Tyndrum Hills |
Stuc a' Chroin | 3,199 feet | Crieff and Loch Earn Hills |
Ben Lomond | 3,195 feet | Arrochar Alps |
Meall Glas | 3,146 feet | Mamlorn Hills |
Beinn Tulaichean | 3,104 feet | Crianlarich Hills |
Ben Vorlich | 3,094 feet | Arrochar Alps |
Beinn a' Chroin | 3,084 feet | Crianlarich Hills |
Beinn Chabhair | 3,061 feet | Crianlarich Hills |
Beinn Narnain | 3,038 feet | Arrochar Alps |
Sgiath Chuil | 3,022 feet | Mamlorn Hills |
Beinn a' Chleibh | 3,005 feet | Tyndrum Hills |
Ben Vane | 3,004 feet | Arrochar Alps |
There are 21 munros in the National Park and 16 of them are within Breadalbane. Ben Lomond remains the most popular munro of them all to be climbed.
Outside links
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Loch Lomond and the Trossachs) |
- Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Official Website
- Wild Lomond - Wildlife in the National Park
- The Trossachs - Information and places to visit
National Parks of the United Kingdom |
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Brecon Beacons • Cairngorms • Dartmoor • Exmoor • Lake District • Loch Lomond and the Trossachs • New Forest • North York Moors • Northumberland • Peak District • Pembrokeshire Coast • Snowdonia • South Downs • Yorkshire Dales |