Paddleboarding Loch Lomond: Best Spots & Tips

Scotland's Loch Lomond sits within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. It serves as the largest freshwater body in mainland Britain. Paddlers find plenty of room here, from sheltered areas near islands to wider open sections.

Nearby smaller lochs offer calmer waters and different views.

Key Spots for Paddleboarding

Loch Lomond draws many paddlers with its mix of conditions.

• Luss — A village on the western shore provides easy access and views. It gets busy in summer with boats and ferries nearby.
• Balmaha — On the eastern side, this spot has a boat ramp and free parking. It leads to islands quickly.
• Milarrochy Bay — Close to Balmaha, it offers a beach and facilities for a relaxed start.
• Aldochlay — A sheltered western shore area good for reaching islands.
• Ardlui — At the northern end, this quiet marina suits peaceful paddles along the upper loch.

For quieter options nearby:

• Loch Katrine → In the Trossachs, it features still waters and forest surroundings.
• Loch Ard → Forests line this loch, creating scenic routes and chances to see birds or deer.

These areas come from reports by the National Park Authority and local paddlers.

Launch Points and Access

Paddleboards launch easily almost anywhere with shallow entry. Popular sites include beaches at Luss, Balmaha, and Milarrochy Bay. Parking varies—some spots charge, others remain free.

Scotland's outdoor access code allows responsible entry to most waters.

On Loch Lomond, byelaws require buoyancy aids. Rangers check compliance.

Safety on the Water

Conditions shift fast on these lochs. Wind builds waves quickly, especially on open parts of Loch Lomond.

• Always check forecasts and avoid strong winds.
• Stay away from offshore breezes that push you outward.
• Wear a buoyancy aid at all times.
• Paddle with someone else when you can.
• Start in calm areas to build skills.

Water stays cold year-round, peaking around 18°C in summer. Cold shock affects even strong swimmers.

The National Park and Water Safety Scotland provide these guidelines.

What to See Nearby

From the board, islands like Inchcailloch offer stops for walks or picnics. Ben Lomond rises for those who hike after paddling.

Wildlife appears often—ducks, geese, deer along shores, and sometimes osprey fishing.

Boards for These Waters

All-round inflatable boards work well here. They handle calm lochs and light chop.

For stability on wider Loch Lomond, try the Loco Motion Air inflatable paddle board. It suits various paddler sizes.

Touring models like the Loco Scout Air fit longer trips on open water.

Check our full range of inflatable stand-up paddle boards for options that pack easily for trips to these spots.

Add a reliable leash from our accessories collection.

Paddleboarding these Scottish lochs brings close views of hills, islands, and wildlife. Plan ahead, follow safety rules, and respect the surroundings for a good day on the water.