The park hosts a rich variety of wildlife, including red deer, the UK's largest land mammal, and the endangered red squirrel. The waters of Loch Lomond contain over 25 species of fish, including the unique powan, a relic from the ice age. The area is also home to significant bird populations, including ospreys, golden eagles, and black grouse. Pine martens, otters, and wildcats can be found in the more remote areas, while the park's waters support Atlantic salmon and sea lamprey.
The park showcases diverse vegetation zones, from ancient Caledonian pine forests to Atlantic oak woodlands and alpine meadows. Notable species include Scots pine, sessile oak, rowan, and birch trees. The area boasts rare arctic-alpine plants on higher ground, including the Alpine Lady's-mantle and Alpine Saw-wort. Extensive areas of blanket bog support specialized plant communities, including sundews and sphagnum mosses. The park also features Britain's only natural tree-line, where mountain conditions limit tree growth.
The landscape of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs was primarily shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, approximately 10,000 years ago. The Highland Boundary Fault runs through Loch Lomond, creating a dramatic contrast between the rugged Highlands to the north and the gentler Lowlands to the south. The area features diverse geological formations, including ancient metamorphic rocks, volcanic intrusions, and glacial deposits. Loch Lomond itself is Britain's largest freshwater lake by surface area, formed in a glacial trough.
The area has been shaped by dramatic historical events spanning thousands of years, from ancient Pictish settlements to clan warfare and the Highland Clearances. The region played a crucial role in Scottish history, serving as a natural boundary between the Highlands and Lowlands. Rob Roy MacGregor, the famous Scottish folk hero, roamed these lands in the early 18th century. The area gained popularity during the Romantic period when Sir Walter Scott's poetry and novels, particularly 'The Lady of the Lake' (1810), drew Victorian tourists to the region's dramatic landscapes.
The park's most distinctive features include Ben Lomond, the southernmost Munro (mountain over 3,000 feet) in Scotland, and the iconic Loch Lomond with its 30+ islands, including Inchcailloch with its ancient burial ground. The Trossachs, often called 'The Highlands in Miniature,' offer spectacular viewpoints like Duke's Pass and the Three Lochs Forest Drive. The West Highland Way, Scotland's premier long-distance walking route, passes through the park, while the Great Trossachs Path provides access to some of the area's most dramatic scenery.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs experience a typical Scottish maritime climate, characterized by mild, wet conditions throughout the year. Summers are moderate with average temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F), while winters are cool with temperatures ranging from 1-7°C (34-45°F). The region receives significant rainfall, averaging 1,500mm annually, with October through January being the wettest months. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for 'four seasons in one day,' particularly when hiking in the highlands.
United Kingdom
56.2400°, -4.6270°
2002
1865
Scotland's first national park encompasses Loch Lomond, the largest inland water body in Britain by surface area. The park features 21 Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet) and 22 large lochs. The landscape varies from lowland forests to highland peaks, offering diverse recreational opportunities.