7 Best Viewpoints In Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is unmatched for beautiful, scenic views and breathtaking, sprawling landscapes, guaranteed to leave you in awe. No matter the time of year, there are plenty of gorgeous spots to visit to get your fill of picturesque and oh-so Instagrammable photos. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the 7 best viewpoints in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, so you can enjoy your countryside getaway to the fullest.
1) Rest And Be Thankful
Located in Arrochar, this viewpoint is only accessible by car. The views are truly spectacular as you wind around the peaks on this iconic road. From this famous Scottish spot, you can see the old valley road, engineered by General Wade during the subjection of Scotland following the Jacobite rebellion. To commemorate the completion of this road, a stone was erected in 1750. You can find this stone near the junction of the A83 and the B828.
For centuries, this spot has been known as Rest and Be Thankful (or simply The Rest), as travellers would use the spot to rest after the steep and gruelling climb up to the top – at 803 feet at its highest point. Over the years, its legend has only grown and has now cemented its spot as one of Loch Lomond’s best views and a spot on our list.
Directions To Rest And Be Thankful
This iconic spot is located along the A83, which leads off the A82 from Glasgow. The route starts at Tarbet with the A82, and stretches on for nearly 100 miles along the A83 where you can admire some of the most breath-taking views in all of Scotland. Only ten miles from Tarbet, you’ll reach the famous pass and experience all the wild beauty it has to offer.
2) Duke’s Pass
Located along the A821 road between Aberfoyle and Brig o’ Tur, the beauty spot is unmissable for those looking to take some spectacular photos and soak up the great Scottish countryside. The pass climbs to a height of 240 metres above sea level. It was originally built by the Duke of Montrose to improve access to his estate in the 19th century. Due to the success and popularity of Sir Walter Scott’s poem ‘The Lady of the Lake’, which was inspired by Loch Katrine, the road was later improved to accommodate tourists that flocked to the area.
There is a carpark near the pass that is free to use, and toilets are available at The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, 1 mile north of Aberfoyle. To reach the pass, we’d recommend you start at The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre and enjoy all the magnificent views that you can admire along the way. This location is also a great place to spot some local wildlife – so keep your eyes peeled for the famous red squirrel!
3) Three Lochs Forest Drive
Experience breath-taking scenery on this 7 miles vehicle route that takes you past three beautiful lochs – Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray. During your scenic drive, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like deer and squirrels, and even some water creatures dotted around the lochs. Please note, this route is closed during winter and reopens in the spring. However, the route is open to pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists all year round. This site has toiletries and parking so you can stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic by the loch. The road itself is suitable for any vehicle, but can get dusty – so be prepared to wash your windscreen after you’re done exploring.
There are several excellent walking trails in this area that are a must for explorers, conquers and bird watchers – you might even catch a glimpse of an osprey on the loch. You can find information on where to start these walks here.
4) The Mirrored Look-Out
Wander off the beaten-path and venture to Loch Voil to experience the iconic, glistening mirror box of Loch Lomond. From here, you can snap a fun picture and admire the views – where two lochs almost meet. Loch Voil and Loch Doine at Balquhidder are usually less crowded, compared to the more popular and well-known parts of Loch Lomond, so with a trip to the Look-Out box, you can enjoy a quiet, reflective walk, privacy and ample parking. From the box, no matter which directions you turn, you’ll see miles of sprawling, beautiful scenery making this hidden gem essential for your trip itinerary.
The mirrored box was designed to reflect the surrounding peaks and countryside, giving the illusion that the box is invisible. You can seat yourself on the bench in the box to get a great view of the lochs and snap a quirky photo for your feed.
Due to its remote location, the only way to reach Loch Voil is by car. If you’re driving from the south then take the A84 to Mhor 84. At Mhor 84 take a left, signposted for the village of Balquhidder. From the village it’s a 5-mile drive to The LookOut at the end of Loch Voil.
5) Devil’s Pulpit
No day in Loch Lomond would be complete without a trip to the famous Devil’s Pulpit. Local folklore says that the spot is named so as the Devil himself once stood here to address his court amidst the red, swirling waters. Other stories state it was named after the type of mushrooms that can sometimes be spotted peeking up from the water – we’ll let you decide which story you’d rather believe!
This iconic waterfall can be accessed easily from Glasgow, and is just outside Loch Lomond and the National Trossachs Park. The waterfalls have rushing rapids that cascade over jagged rocks and into the water below, and is truly a magnificent sight to behold. The falls can be accessed from a steep staircase, so please keep that in mind when planning your trip. The shortest walking route is around 1.5 miles, but a longer, circular walk is possible too, for those looking for a more leisurely stroll through the scenery.
For TV buffs, you may even recognise the spot from Starz ‘Outlander’ in episode one in a scene between our favourite fictional Scotsman, Jamie, and the Sassenach, Claire. The location also appeared in ‘Detective Pikachu’ in 2019.
6) Inveruglas Pyramid
Located on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, this interesting landmark can be found in Inveruglas. Also known as The An Ceann Mor, this viewpoint was originally built as part of the Scottish Scenic Routes Project – which includes the LookOut point – and was the last of four to be built. After 31 steps to the top, you can soak up panoramic views of the surrounding peak with the use of the telescope.
The pyramid can be accessed easily from the visitor centre in Inveruglas and is a short, easy walk.
7) Loch Lubnaig (Faeries Hollow)
Slow life down for a moment, and admire views of Loch Lubnaig and Ben Ledi, as you relax and reflect perfectly nestled in this natural hollow. Otherwise known as Faeries Hollow, this picturesque spot boasts unforgettable views and gives a touch of magic to your Loch Lomond trip. You can find information on directions and walking routes on the Loch Lomond and Trossachs website.
Your Accommodation In Loch Lomond
Cameron House Resort is ideally situated in Loch Lomond for access to all the spectacular viewpoints. Whether you’re a small group, a couple enjoying a weekend away or a family looking for a new adventure, we have everything you need for a fantastic trip in Loch Lomond. We offer luxury rooms, suites and lodges, all designed with your comfort in mind to enjoy a good night’s sleep and an unforgettable experience.
View our options and learn all about the facilities, including golf and spa, on our website.
Looking to explore even more of the iconic Loch Lomond while you stay with us? Check out our guide on conquering a Munro in the area, fun things to do on a Loch Lomond Day trip and wildlife you can spot in the area.