Loch Lomond NNR - Visiting the reserve

Visit Loch Lomond to experience a magical blend of highland and lowland scenery.

 

 

 

Getting here

For visitors

The Endrick Mouth area managed by NatureScot is an amazing wetland, but the ground conditions make it difficult to access. There are no visitor facilities in this area of the reserve.

We recommend you visit the RSPB Loch Lomond section of the reserve, where there is a visitor centre, facilities and options for walking. From here you can access the wetlands and shoreline for views across Loch Lomond. Or take a boat trip across to Inchcailloch Island for a woodland walk.

Map

Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve
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For the island of Inchcailloch you can catch a ferry from Balmaha (www.balmahaboatyard.co.uk) on the east shore. RSPB Loch Lomond is 2 km east of Gartocharn on the A811 (for opening times check www.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond). The nearest station is at Balloch from where you can catch buses to Gartocharn and Balmaha.

 

Seasonal highlights

April to September are best for woodland wildlife, fishing ospreys and rich wetland habitats. Come between autumn and spring for wintering geese and other waterfowl.

Spring

Listen for the songs of many visiting birds, newly returned from their winter in Africa. You might even spot an osprey or a colourful redstart. 

Summer

In summer the rich wetlands of the Endrick Mouth are alive with flowering colour and buzzing insects. You’ll have a good chance of spotting osprey as they fish around the Endrick Mouth. Keep your eyes open for sand martins, house martins, swallows and swifts hoovering up insects across the wetlands. And look out for bats at dusk.

Autumn

Autumn at Loch Lomond is marked by the sight and haunting cries of geese arriving from Greenland and Iceland. You’ll see Greenland white-fronted, greylag and pink-footed geese. You might also spot wigeon, teal, goldeneye, shoveller and whooper swans that winter on the reserve.

Winter

With winter wildfowl numbers at their peak, this is the ideal time to visit the Endrick Mouth at sunrise or sunset. Experience the spectacular sight of thousands of geese leaving or coming in to roost on the reserve. With the magnificent expanse of Loch Lomond as the backdrop, it’s perfect for a crisp, invigorating winter walk.