By some called the gateway to Loch
Lomond it is situated at the Southern end of the Loch and divided
by the River Leven that runs from the Loch to the river Clyde.
Transport to and from Balloch is plentiful and varied from the
Railway Station, which runs to Glasgow with connections to Helensburgh
and the West Highland Line. There is a bus service to and from
most if not all local destinations. There is also the Glasgow
Loch Lomond cycle route, which allows you to cycle along the
banks of the river Leven, river Clyde and the Forth & Clyde
Canal and as a bonus you get to visit some great towns and villages.
On the East side of the river there is Loch
Lomond Shores , visitor centre which is changing the face
of Balloch. The new visitor Centre has an Imax cinema, superb
viewing gallery and visitor attractions.
Next to the visitor Centre there a range of shops and restaurants
to suit all tastes with car parking for hundreds of visitor's
vehicles.
Adjacent to the center is the Gateway Centre which contains
all the information and tools you need to discover Scotland's
first National Park - Loch
Lomond & The Trossachs.
For the tourist there are a number of good quality
hotels and guest house's and restaurants to suit all tastes
and pockets. There is also the local tourist office the staff
are always ready to help with enquiries. Balloch Park which
is on the West side of the River Leven with its very own castle
is certainly worth a visit with spectacular views from the castle
over the Loch and some great walks through the park and along
the banks of the Loch. At the castle there is a local information
office and a small tearoom. For the day tripper traveling by
car opposite the entrance to the park is a large public car
park and local supermarket for all your essential's. The local
shops and amenities are a two minute walk away from the car
park.
The Park Authority public slipway for the boating
enthusiast at Balloch is staffed to assist with advice boat
registration and offers details of Park Authority By-laws, it
has car parking for vehicles and trailers. The Maid
of the Loch paddle steamer almost totally refurbished is
berthed nearby and will be sailing the loch again in the very
near future. Balloch is certainly worth a visit now and it can
only get better.
