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Discovering Loch Lomond’s Islands and the Luss Hills.

Kayaking on Loch Lomond

For several decades from the 1980s onward I was a hill-walker bagging Munros, Scottish islands, and rock climbing. After I’d finished them I turned my attention to Loch Lomond as I’d passed it every time I’d motored along the A82 up the West Coast.

Autumn On Loch Lomond

As I didn’t own a boat I had no idea what this inland archipelago was like:  23 separate and individual tree covered lumps of rock. Some boasted ruined castles, a fallow deer herd, wallabies, occasional ospreys,eagles and buzzards, the odd seal and cormorants. I bought two inflatable kayaks for around £30 each ( still under £100 each if you go on Amazon and two life jackets/buoyancy aids.) By this time I was slightly jaded with hill-walking and fancied a change.

I discovered most of the time kayaking, even in light rain or thick mist is much drier than hill-walking. I’ve only capsized three times in 20 years. Kayaking between loch lomond’s islands is a magical experience. The main thing to avoid is windy conditions and waves.

Islands in the Sun, Loch Lomond

You can go out in mist, light rain, or zero wind…. all conditions that cut down boat traffic on the loch, and in every season. In summer I’ve camped out on some of the islands with friends in pre National Park days when Lady Arran’s summer house was still standing on one of the islands. Obviously if you capsize, unless you can Eskimo roll upright again, you will have to swim to the nearest land mass, island or mainland, using your kayak as a float but as I say if you buy a stable kayak this will not happen often as it’s not white water kayaking. But something to always bear in mind so pack the relevant safety gear just in case.

Ben Lomond on November

For the last 20 years I’ve had a great time exploring these wonderful islands so I thought I would pass on the knowledge for anyone interested. Laybys/ car parks exist at Aldochlay, just down from Luss, Luss itself, Balmaha, and the A82 just past Ardlui, for exploring the River Falloch, The Geal Loch, and Doune bothy. I prefer buying single kayaks as I sometimes solo kayak but also handy if one capsizes and your friend does not so he/she can assist rescue while still remaining afloat. Inflatable paddleboards and dinghys can also be used to explore the loch and islands though not as fast as kayaks for covering distance. You should be able to swim confidently before taking up this sport and it’s also preferable to kayak with a friend or two for general safety.

The Luss Hills

The Luss Hills, stretching from Helensburgh to Arrochar sit above the loch and reward the effort to climb them, being far quieter than most Munros these days. It is still a smashing, often overlooked area, to the hordes travelling further north but very handy for the Central Belt and Glasgow.

Bob Law, December, 2024

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