Inchcailloch

Inchcailloch is a 50-hectare wooded island at the south-east end of Loch Lomond, part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. The visit is a short boat trip followed by woodland paths, a hilltop viewpoint and time beside the water at Port Bawn. Make the crossing if you want a quiet, varied half-day rather than another roadside viewpoint. You get nature, history and a big loch panorama in one compact place, but the island is deliberately basic: there is no road, shop or café waiting at the far side.

Land at the north pier and follow the central path through the trees towards Port Bawn. It takes about 20 minutes and is the straightforward way to reach the island's picnic area and shore. The Low Path makes a gentler woodland circuit, with slopes and steps, while the Summit Path climbs more steeply to Tom na Nigheanan, the island's 85-metre high point. The summit section is short, but it is not a flat stroll; allow time for the climb and take care on the steps.

At the top, the view opens north along Loch Lomond towards Ben Lomond and the Highlands, with the loch's wooded islands spread below. Port Bawn gives you a different kind of stop: a jetty, shoreline, picnic tables, barbecue stands and a small campsite. For the best landscape photograph, shoot from the summit with the island canopy in the foreground and the loch and mountains beyond. In spring, bluebells add a particularly good reason to walk slowly through the woods; autumn colour and migrating wildfowl give the island a different character later in the year.

The name is usually explained as “island of the old woman” or “island of the cowled woman”, and its story is linked with St Kentigerna, who is said to have settled here in the early medieval period. The ruined church and burial ground are the island's most important historical stop, with connections to St Kentigerna and Clan MacGregor. They are protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Along the Low Path, farm remains recall the time when people lived and worked here; later tree planting changed the island into the wooded place you see now.

That mix is what makes Inchcailloch worth the boat fare: you are not choosing between a walk, a beach and a heritage site. They are all part of the same small island, and none needs a long expedition once you arrive.

Reach the island by boat from Balmaha or by waterbus from Luss. Services are operator-dependent and seasonal, so check the current sailing arrangements before setting out and leave enough time for the return crossing. There is no parking on the island. Bring your own food and drinking water: the island has compost toilets, but no running water or drinking-water supply, and there is no on-island food service. Picnic tables are first-come, first-served, and there is no refuse collection, so take everything back with you. The landing and paths include steps and slopes, making this a poor fit for anyone who needs step-free access. If you camp at Port Bawn, plan for a basic stay rather than a serviced one, and check for ticks after walking through the woodland.