Loch Lomond, Helenburgh and West Dunbartonshire is an
area of dramatic contrasts.
From the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, the famous
loch which fall within the boundaries of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
National Park, to Helensburgh’s elegant promenades and the shipping
heritage of the Clyde, celebrated throughout West Dunbartonshire, there
is quite literally something to please every visitor.
Here's a few suggestions for things to see and do in Loch Lomond, Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire:
Pleasure Cruises
The ultimate way to relax and soak up the scenery. Savour
Loch Lomond from Balmaha, Balloch, Tarbet or Luss, or
the Clyde, from Helensburgh and Kilcreggan.
Watersports
Loch Lomond offers a variety of activities from water-skiing
to sailing, which is also hugely popular on the Gare
Loch and Firth of Clyde.
Golf
Fine courses welcome the visitor at Alexandria, Cardross,
Dumbarton, Helensburgh and two at Clydebank, with wonderful
views over the Clyde.
Fishing
Choose from freshwater fishing on Loch Lomond and the
River Leven or a spot of sea angling on the Gareloch
or Loch Long.
Indoor leisure
Sports facilities are available at the modern leisure
centres in Clydebank, Dumbarton, Helensburgh and Alexandria.
Shopping - Great shopping opportunities are on offer
at Clydebank, Dumbarton and Helensburgh, or why not
pick up a bargain at the retail factory outlets in Alexandria.
Loch Lomond, Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire Loch
Lomond, Arrochymore Point, Balmaha
ALEXANDRIA
(pop. 4,000) Large bustling town, close to
Loch Lomond, well known for its large craft outlets and
discount factory retailers where bargains can be had.
ARDLUI(pop. 50) At
the Northern tip of Loch Lomond dominated by Ben Vorlich, this beautiful
village has a colourful marina.
ARROCHAR (pop.
800) Resting beneath the
magnificent Arrochar Alps at the head of Loch Long, this attractive
village is a popular gathering place for mountaineers.
BALLOCH (pop.
4,000) Large,
bustling town at the Southern extreme of Loch Lomond. Balloch offers
the opportunity to sail on the Loch or visit its castle grounds.
BALMAHA & ROWARDENNAN (pop.
70) On the quieter Eastern shore of Loch Lomond,
Balmaha looks out from its sheltered harbour to wooded islands, while
the unspoilt tiny hamlet of Rowardennan marks the end of the East
loch side road.
Dalmuir Park, Clydebank
CARDROSS (pop.
2,000) Historic village where King Robert the
Bruce died. Nearby Ardmore Point is rich in waders and sea-birds.
CLYDEBANK (pop.
46,000) Famed for its shipbuilding history,
and ideally located just 15 minutes from both Glasgow and Loch
Lomond, this bustling town boasts excellent shopping and leisure
facilities.
COVE & KILCREGGAN
(pop. 1,000) Delightful villages on the wooded
Rosneath Peninsula, around which the sea is always the attraction
for numerous fleets of pleasure craft.
DRYMEN (pop.
800) Gateway to the unspoilt Eastern shore
of Loch Lomond, this attractive village with its handsome
square spans the Endrick Water and is a favourite resting
place on the West Highland Way.
DUMBARTON (pop.
23,000) Dominated by its fortress castle,
set high above the waters of the River Clyde since the town
was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, Dumbarton
is now a busy commercial town.
DUNTOCHER (pop.
4,000) Village nestling at the foot of the
Kilpatrick Hills. Remains of the Roman Antonine Wall can still
be seen here today.
GARELOCHHEAD (pop.
1,000) At the tip of the Gare Loch, this
small village provides beautiful prospects down the Loch and
its attendant hills.
GARTOCHARN (pop.
250) Situated on the Southern shore of
Loch Lomond, nearby Duncryne Hill provides a quite outstanding
panoramic view of the Loch.
Helensburgh
HELENSBURGH
(pop. 15,000) Broad streets sweeping down towards
the sea, fine architecture and gardens embellish the environs
of Helensburgh, as it basks at the entrance to the Gare Loch.
LUSS & INVERBEG (pop.
200)
Two attractive communities nestling on the sandy Western shores
of Loch Lomond. Luss is best known as the filming location of
the television series "High Road".
OLD KILPATRICK
& BOWLING (pop. 4,000) Nestling at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills,
these peaceful villages provide a gateway to the soon to be restored
Forth & Clyde Canal.
RHU (pop. 2,000) Popular with yachtsmen, this small village
with its pier faces the Gare Loch and Roseneath Peninsula.
TARBET (pop. 100) Here the routes from North and South branch
West to Argyll. Ringed by craggy peaks, this is a fine place from
which to explore the clear waters of Loch Lomond.
