West Highland Way (Balmaha to Rowardennan)

The West Highland Way section from Balmaha to Rowardennan covers 12 km of the most beautiful lochside terrain in Scotland, hugging the eastern shore of Loch Lomond through native oak and birch woodland with occasional sandy beaches. The route weaves between mature broadleaf forest and conifer plantation, the underlying schist bedrock creating the distinctive grey colouring that characterises the Highlands. Ben Lomond rises directly above to the east, its slopes dropping steeply toward the dark water, while islands appear and recede as the path progresses north. The 298 metres of climbing is spread across undulating terrain rather than any single ascent, and the path is well-maintained throughout. Balmaha at the start has good parking and facilities, while the Rowardennan Hotel at the finish welcomes walkers.

This is an outstanding dog friendly walk with high off-lead potential through the woodland sections, where low livestock risk and enclosed paths give dogs genuine freedom. The loch offers numerous beach access points where dogs can swim in cold, clear water — the gradual sandy entries make this safe and inviting. The sensory experience is complete: damp woodland scent, the mineral smell of loch water, the sound of small waves on shingle, and the changing texture of sand, root and stone underfoot. The route can be walked as a point-to-point with a car shuttle or water taxi, or as an out-and-back from either end. The Rowardennan Hotel is dog-friendly and provides a strong finish point with views across the water.