Milarrochy Bay

Milarrochy Bay is a public beach and picnic area on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, with a short walk from the car park to the water, toilets, and wide views across the loch to the hills. The shoreline shifts from sand to large rounded pebbles, and the bay is also a stop on the West Highland Way, about 1.3 miles from Balmaha on the way to Rowardennan.

The reason people remember it is the lone oak standing at the water's edge. It is the kind of place that gives you a proper lochside view without asking you to climb a hill, and the local name Bakey Bay refers to the rounded mounds that appear along the shore.

Swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding are all part of the appeal. The entry is gradual but can be stony, so the water is easier to reach in swim shoes; the loch is cold, and this side of the bay is exposed when the wind gets up. If you are paddling, a breezy day can make another launch a better choice. On warm weekends, the combination of easy road access and popular shoreline walking means it can feel busy.

The oak was a finalist for Scotland's Tree of the Year in 2020, and it is the obvious focal point from the beach. For the classic photograph, include the water around its trunk rather than shooting it against the shore. The base looks most distinctive when high water reaches it, and the west-facing view can catch the evening light.

From Drymen, follow the B837 towards Rowardennan; the entrance is about a mile beyond Balmaha, after a steep and winding section of road. The public car park is unpaved and no-fee, and there are free public toilets including accessible provision. There is no verified public cafe, drinking-water point or EV charger at the bay, so bring food and water rather than relying on the separate campsite nearby.

The public shoreline is the useful access for a swim or a picnic. Check the day's water and wind conditions before going in, and remember that the campsite's shop, toilets and launch facilities are for its guests rather than general bay amenities.