Responsible Travel in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Why Responsible Travel Matters in a National Park
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s crown jewels. Its rugged hills, iconic lochs and charming villages are magnets for walkers, cyclists and nature‑lovers alike. As the custodians of some of the area’s most sought‑after holiday homes, we see the wonder in guests’ eyes when they arrive. We also see the impact that visitor numbers can have on a fragile environment and on the communities who make a living here. With that in mind, this post is less about promoting our service and more about helping you enjoy the National Park in a way that preserves its magic for years to come.
Below you’ll find practical suggestions based on guidance from the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority and VisitScotland. They are designed for anyone planning a trip in 2026, whether you stay with The Fairgray Collection or not.
Plan and Prepare Before You Go
A well‑planned trip helps you get the most out of your visit and reduces pressure on the busiest parts of the park. The National Park Authority reminds visitors that trains, buses, bikes and even walking can form part of the journey to popular areas. While many corners of the park require a car, you can reach some spectacular spots on foot or by public transport. If you are travelling from Glasgow or Edinburgh, consider taking the train to Balloch, Arrochar or Crianlarich, then hiring bikes or using local buses to reach your final destination. You might enjoy spectacular views from the West Highland Line and avoid weekend parking queues at the same time.
Booking Accommodation
Accommodation across the National Park can book up quickly, particularly in high season. Early booking means you’ll find the right house in the right location and avoid last‑minute scrambles that lead to lengthy detours. In the National Park’s camping management zones, a permit is required for stays between March and September. Holiday homes are not subject to those rules, but we recommend checking local guidelines if you plan to pitch a tent at any point.
Travel Sustainably
Getting around without a car is not only possible; it can be part of the adventure. VisitScotland suggests choosing slower travel options and exploring quieter parts of the country to ease pressure on popular areas. Staying longer and exploring further afield also spreads visitor spending across a wider region. Here are some ideas:
Use public transport for part of your journey. Regular trains link Glasgow to Balloch and Arrochar, while buses connect Callander, Aberfoyle and Balmaha. Boat services and waterbuses operate on Loch Lomond itself during the summer months.
Cycle or walk the last mile. The park’s cycle paths are improving each year. A short cycle from a railway station to your accommodation cuts emissions and immerses you in the landscape.
Try a waterbus or cruise. Waterbuses run from Balmaha and Luss to various points around the loch. They are a pleasant alternative to crowded roads and a way to see the area from a fresh perspective.
When cars are unavoidable, consider car‑sharing with friends or family. Avoiding multiple journeys reduces congestion in beauty spots and makes life easier for local residents.
Choose the Right Time and Place
Summer weekends can be extremely busy in visitor hotspots such as Balmaha, Luss and Rowardennan. VisitScotland recommends visiting out of season and choosing less busy locations to reduce the impact on the landscape and local communities. Spring and autumn bring wildflowers, golden forests and the chance to experience the loch on crisp, clear days. Winter can be a magical time, too; cosy pubs and frost‑tipped hills provide an entirely different perspective on the area.
The National Park Authority also encourages visitors to explore beyond the familiar trails. Callander, Killin and the Cowal Peninsula have excellent walks, historic sites and local eateries yet see fewer crowds than the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. By spreading your visits geographically, you help support a broader range of businesses and reduce pressure on the most popular villages.
Respect the Landscape and Local Communities
Loch Lomond is more than a holiday destination; it is a living landscape where people work, farm and raise families. VisitScotland’s responsible tourism guidance highlights the importance of supporting local shops, cafés and guides. Buying bread from the village bakery or hiring a local wildlife guide directly benefits the community and ensures that tourism revenue remains within the area.
In rural locations, farms often sit alongside footpaths. Always close gates behind you and keep dogs under close control, especially around livestock and ground‑nesting birds. If a path crosses private land, stay on it and avoid disturbing livestock or crops.
Noise travels easily across lochs and glens. Keeping music and voices down, particularly in the evening, helps maintain the peace for other visitors and residents. Remember that many people come here for tranquillity; sharing that respect enhances everyone’s experience.
Reduce Waste and Leave No Trace
Litter and waste are a growing problem in busy beauty spots. The National Park Authority urges visitors to pack out what they pack in: take all rubbish home with you, even if bins are provided. Bins can fill quickly in remote areas, and leaving bags beside an overflowing bin still counts as littering. Bring a couple of bin bags so you can separate recyclables and dispose of them at your accommodation.
When packing for a picnic or barbecue, choose reusable containers for food and drinks instead of single‑use plastics. Invest in durable gear that will last beyond a single holiday; leaving cheap tents or chairs behind is considered fly‑tipping. These simple choices drastically reduce the amount of waste entering the park.
Disposable barbecues have caused fires and left scorch marks on loch‑side beaches. If you want to cook outdoors, use a reusable, raised barbecue or fire pit on a non‑flammable surface and bring your own wood. Keep fires small, supervised and completely extinguish them before you leave. Always check local fire restrictions; seasonal byelaws prohibit fires that damage the environment.
Camp and Hike Responsibly
Wild camping is allowed in most of Scotland, but the rules vary within the National Park. Between March and September, permits are required in certain areas. Even outside those zones, it’s important to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code: respect other people, care for the environment and take responsibility for your actions. Here are some suggestions to make your camping and hiking experience both enjoyable and sustainable:
Pack reusable gear and take it home. Cheap tents and broken chairs left at campsites become litter and can be treated as fly‑tipping. Invest in quality equipment that will last for years and pack up everything at the end of your stay.
Carry bin bags and perform a final sweep. Before leaving your campsite, scan the area carefully to ensure nothing has been forgotten.
Use a portable toilet or bury waste properly. If there are no toilets, bring a trowel to dig a small hole at least 30 m from water sources, paths or buildings. Bag any used toilet paper or sanitary items and take them away for disposal.
Choose low‑impact fires. If you must have a fire, keep it contained using a raised fire pit, bring your own wood and clear every trace afterwards.
Be considerate of other campers. Give space to other groups, keep noise down and avoid camping near homes and livestock.
If you’re unfamiliar with wild camping or long‑distance hikes, consider booking a campsite or hiring a local guide. There are plenty of serviced sites around Loch Lomond and the wider Trossachs area, offering toilets, showers and even small shops.
Embrace a Slower Pace
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the National Park is to slow down. VisitScotland encourages visitors to stay longer and explore lesser‑known corners. Instead of ticking off highlights in a single day, spend a few days in one area. Wander through woodlands, chat with café owners, hire a local boat or join a ranger‑led walk. This slower approach deepens your connection with the landscape and reduces the environmental footprint that day‑trips can create.
Our Role at The Fairgray Collection
We live and work in the Loch Lomond area because we love it, and we want others to love it too. Our team has decades of combined experience in luxury hospitality and property management. That five‑star background informs everything we do, from the way we maintain homes to how we share local knowledge with guests. We personally inspect each property and work with a network of trusted local suppliers, housekeepers and tradespeople who understand the realities of rural homes and Scotland’s seasons.
When you book with The Fairgray Collection, you’ll receive a detailed guide to the area including:
Up‑to‑date information on public transport, boat timetables and suggested cycle routes to help plan a car‑free day.
Recommendations for independent cafés, farm shops and artisans who produce everything from venison to craft gin.
Seasonal highlights, from spring bluebells on the West Highland Way to winter star‑gazing near Loch Earn.
Guidance on outdoor etiquette and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, written in plain language.
Our goal is to make your stay memorable without compromising the environment or the communities we call home. We want you to return year after year—and to find the lochs, forests and villages just as beautiful as they were on your first visit.
Final Thoughts
Responsible travel is not about doing without; it’s about making choices that benefit the landscape and the people who live within it. Plan ahead, choose sustainable transport where possible, travel at quieter times, support local businesses and leave no trace behind. By following the guidance from the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority and VisitScotland, you can enjoy Scotland’s wild places while helping to preserve them for future generations.
We look forward to welcoming you to the loch in 2026.
Gordon and Emma x