Balmaha, Loch Lomond
Balmaha, United Kingdom
A small lakeside village on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, with a pier, boat trips to the islands and a short climb up Conic Hill for wide views. Come on a weekday in summer, as the car park fills up at weekends.
Balmaha lies on the east shore of Loch Lomond in the Stirling council area, at the foot of Conic Hill. It is a popular day-trip destination from Glasgow and lies about 30 kilometres along the West Highland Way from Milngavie. The Gaelic name derives from Bealach Mo-Cha and means "pass of St Mo-Cha"; this refers to Saint Kentigerna, patron saint of the parish, who is commemorated on Inchcailloch. The climate is oceanic with plenty of rain, so pack waterproof clothing.
From the harbour, boats run to the island of Inchcailloch and on trips around the loch; the ferry service is operated by the boatyard Macfarlane and Son, which has existed for more than 150 years. Conic Hill is 361 metres high and lies on the Highland Boundary Fault. From the summit the view stretches across Loch Lomond. Allow a few hours for the ascent.
- Nearest town
- Balmaha, United Kingdom
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 56.0790, -4.5330
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Milarrochy Bay Camping And Caravanning Club SiteMotorhome stopover3 km from Balmaha, Loch LomondTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Cashel Camping & Caravan Park Forest HolidaysCampsite5 km from Balmaha, Loch LomondTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Drymen CampingCampsite7 km from Balmaha, Loch LomondTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Sallochy Campsite - Woodland CampingCampsite7 km from Balmaha, Loch LomondTentsDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Luss Caravan & Camp SiteCampsite7 km from Balmaha, Loch LomondTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Inverbeg Holiday ParkCampsite11 km from Balmaha, Loch LomondTentsCaravansDrinking waterDogs allowed
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Balmaha, Loch Lomond?
Balmaha, Loch Lomond is in Balmaha, United Kingdom, at GPS 56.0790, -4.5330. It is about 7 km from Luss.
Can you camp near Balmaha, Loch Lomond?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wild Camp (3 Tents), about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Balmaha, Loch Lomond?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rest and Be Thankful (26 km), Stirling Castle (37 km), Inveraray Castle (38 km) and Kilmartin Glen (59 km).
When is the best time to visit Balmaha, Loch Lomond?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)