Rowardennan Lodge - Local Information
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Catering: This is a licensed hostel.
Please note that we do not accept stag or hen parties at any of our hostels.
Please aslo note no coaches can travel past Balmaha.
Local Attractions
Ben Lomond
Situated behind the Hostel, Scotland’s most southerly Munro with great views of the Loch and the Arrochar Alps
Dumbarton Castle
Historic fortifications on and around a plug of volcanic rock
Loch Lomond Leisure Scotland
Offering a wide range of boat tours and activity packages
Geilston Garden
Developed over 200 hundred years ago, a testimony to good landscape design
Cardross, Dumbarton G82 5HD
Glenarn
A private garden largely created and originally made famous for its collection of species rhododendrons by the Gibson family
Glenarn Road, Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LL
Hill House
Considered to be Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest domestic creation
Upper Colquhoun Street Helensburgh G84 9AJ
Knowetop Community Farm
Based at the top of Castlehill in Dumbarton, the farm is a favourite attraction for families, volunteers, tourists and animal lovers alike
113 Castlehill Rd, Castlehill, Dumbarton G82 5AT
Loch Lomond
Our hostel sits on the banks of Scotland's largest inland loch, and one of its most popular
Loch Lomond Highland Games
Held mid July in Balloch
Loch Lomond Shores
Shopping centre and visitor attraction at the south end of Loch Lomond
Cruise Loch Lomond
Operate directly outside the hostel
Visit Website
Sweeney's Cruises
Enjoy Loch Lomond in all its seasonal beauty in style and comfort
Balloch, Alexandria, G83 8SS
Loch Lomond Seaplanes
Seaplane trips from Loch Lomond and scheduled flights from the River Clyde
Maid of the Loch
Paddle steamer undergoing restoration on Loch Lomond
Eating & Drinking
The Oak Tree Inn
Balmaha, Loch Lomond, G63 0JQ
Tel: 01360 870357
Walkers
Walking in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
Achray Water Bridge
This forest walk takes you through an area of regenerating native woodland
Distance: 3.7km/2.3miles, Duration: 2 hours
Allt a' Cham-ruidhe
A gentle walk, which is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance: 2km/1.25miles, Duration: 1 hour, Height Gain: 15 metres/49.5 feet
Ben A'an, Loch Katrine & the Trossachs
This short walk displays breathtaking views out over the Trossachs National Park
Distance: 3.2km/2miles, Duration: 1 1/2 hours, Height Gain: 454 metres/1498 feet
Ben Ledi
One of the best viewpoints in the area
Distance: 8km/5miles, Duration: 4 hours, Height Gain: 760 metres/2508 feet
Ben Lomond
This circular walk climbs Ben Lomond, the most southerly of the Munros
Distance: 11km/6.9miles, Duration: 5 hours, Height Gain: 1000 metres/3300 feet
Ben Lui
This walk climbs one of Scotlands highest and most spectacular mountains
Distance: 21 km/13 miles, Duration: 7 hours, Height Gain: 1050 metres/3465 feet
Ben Vane from Inveruglas
This walk starts at the tourist car park on the A82 by Sloy Power Station
Distance: 12km/7.5miles, Duration: 6 hours, Height Gain: 950 metres/3135 feet
Ben Venue
This Ben Venue walk involves heading west until joining the path at Gleann Riabhach
Distance: 14km/8.75miles, Duration: 6 hours,
Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin
Situated on the southern edge of the Highlands
Distance: 13km/8.1miles, Duration: 6 1/2 hours, Height Gain: 1140 metres/3762 feet
Ben Vorlich from Ardlui
This walk ascends one Munro, Ben Vorlich
Distance: 10km/6.25miles, Duration: 5 1/2 hours, Height Gain: 1150 metres/3795 feet
Callander Crags & Bracklinn Falls
A dramatic and exhilarating walk starting in the centre of Callander
Distance: 6.5km/4miles, Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Callander to Strathyre
A long, but flat walk along a disused railway
Distance: 13.5km/8.4miles, Duration: 5 hours
Conic Hill from Balmaha
A short/steep climb from Balmaha to Conic Hill with wonderful views over Loch Lomond
Distance: 3 km/1.8 miles, Duration: 2 hours 30 mins, Height Gain: 350 metres/1155 feet
Creag Noran Viewpoint
This walk takes you through a regenerating native woodland
Distance: 0.8km/0.5miles, Duration: 1/2 hour
Creag an Tuirc, Balquhidder
A short but extremely rewarding walk from secluded Balquidder
Distance: 4km/2.5miles, Duration: 2 hours
Creag na H-Lolaire
This walk is part of The Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance: 4.4km/2.75miles, Duration: 1 3/4 hours
Cruach Tairbeirt Walks
An undulating woodland walk which offers excellent views
Distance: 7.5km/4.7miles, Duration: 3 hours, Height Gain: 450 metres/1485 feet
Drymen to Balmaha
This section of the West Highland Way is an excellent intro to the National Park
Distance: 13km/8.1miles, Duration: 5 hours, Height Gain: 350 metres/1155 feet
Duncryne Hill, East Lomondside
From the top of the hill the main focal point is no other than the beautiful Loch Lomond
Distance: 1km/0.6 miles, Duration: 15 mins, Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet
Firkin Point, West Lomondside
Situated on the west banks of Loch Lomond
Distance: Various Duration: Various
Glen Finglas Dam Walk
This short walk leads to a viewpoint over Glen Finglas Dam
Distance: 2.5kms/1.6miles, Duration: 1 1/2 hours, Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Glen Loin Footpath: Arrochar to Inveruglas
This walk offers stunning views of the surrounding highest peaks
Distance: 17km/10.6miles, Duration: 3 hours, Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet
Glen Ogle, Breadalbane
One of the most important passes in and out of the Highlands
Distance: 10km/6.25miles, Duration: various, Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Green Sound Trail
This walk takes you along the shore of Loch Drunkie
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles, Duration: 1 3/4 hours
Helensburgh Upland Way
A short ramble through woods and along forest tracks with extensive views
Distance: 3km/1.9miles, Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Inverarnan to Loch Lomond
This walk follows the line of the West Highland Way through woodland
Distance: 9.5km/5.9miles, Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Loch Achray
This walk is part of The Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles, Duration: 1 hour
Loch Ard Forest from Aberfoyle
A pleasant walk from Milton to Couligartan returning along the scenic shores of Loch Ard
Distance: 17km/11 miles, Duration: 5 hours, Height Gain: 170 metres/560 feet
Loch Venachar, near Callander
This walk follows forest tracks high above Loch Venachar with spectacular views
Distance: 6.5km/4miles, Duration: 2 1/2 hours, Height Gain: 140 metres/462 feet
Meall nan Tarmachan (Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park)
One of the most commonly climbed hills in the southern Highlands
Distance: 7km/4.4miles, Duration: 3 hours, Height Gain: 550 metres/49.5 feet
Pass of Leny
A short and in places, strenuous walk high above the Pass of Leny and Falls of Leny
Distance: 3.25km/2.03miles, Duration: 2 hours, Height Gain: 164 metres/541.2 feet
Pine Ridge
This walk is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive and offers fine views
Distance: 1.2km/0.75miles, Duration: 1/2 hour
Red Sound Trail
A gentle walk, which is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance: 1.8km/1.1miles, Duration: 1 hour
The Rob Roy Way
A weeks walk from Drymen to the Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry
Distance: 148km/92.5 miles, Duration: 7 days, Height Gain: 500 metres/1650 feet
Stoneymollan Trail, Balloch
An exhilarating walk from Cardross on the Firth of Clyde to Balloch on Loch Lomondside
Distance: 7.5km/4.7mile,s Duration: 3 1/2 hours
The Cobbler
Although not a Munro, The Cobbler is a hill not to be missed
Distance: 9km/5.6 miles, Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 890 metres/2937 feet
The Greenock Cut Walk
This level walk has great views of the Clyde, Loch Lomond, Cowal and Greenock
Distance:10.5km/5.5miles, Duration: 4 hours, Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet
Through the Whangie!
This is a pleasant short walk to a hidden gash in rocks, known as The Whangie
Distance: 4km/2.5 miles, Duration: 1 1/2 hours, Height Gain: 155 metres/511.5 feet
West Achray
Enjoy the diversity of Achray Forest as the trail leads you through native woodland
Distance: 5.5km/3.4miles, Duration: 2 1/2 hours
West Highland Way
Scotland's original long distance path running from Glasgow to Fort William
Distance: 152km/95 miles, Duration: 7-10 days, Height Gain: 800 metres/2650 feet
West Highland Way Rambler
Here's a walk with a difference along one of the UK's most popular long distance routes
Distance: 14.4km/9miles, Duration: 4 hours, Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Luggage transfer service to walkers on the West Highland Way www.amsscotland.co.uk
Disclaimer: All walking routes are hosted on external sites, therefore SYHA can hold no responsibility towards their accuracy. SYHA would also like to acknowledge the British Mountaineering Council Participation Statement: "The BMC recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions".
Families
- Private and family rooms some en-suite
- Large garden area
- TV lounge
We understand better than anyone the implications of travelling with young children. That is why we are doing all we can to make your hostelling experience memorable for all the right reasons.
Children and families are welcome at all our hostels, although we have highlighted a number of hostels within our network as being “Family Hostels” as they are particularly well-suited to travelling with and entertaining younger children.
Family hostels not only have private rooms available, they also carry practical items such as travel cots, high chairs, microwaves and toys. In addition there is normally a TV and games room as well as extensive private gardens on site where the kids can let off some steam. Close to great attractions and activities, these family hostels offer a great base from which to explore the area. Our helpful staff are a great source of knowledge on places to visit and things to see and do.
Hostelling is a very friendly and relaxed way to travel and our ethos actively involves children.
Groups
Loch Lomond Shores
Scotland’s most spectacular visitor destination combining the beautiful environment with an outstanding mixture of leisure and shopping experiences overlooking the majesty of Loch Lomond at Balloch.
Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, G83 8QL
Tel: 01389 751 035
Can You Experience
A wide range of outdoor activities suitable for groups of all interests and abilities.
Tel: 01389 756 251
Cruise Loch Lomond
Operate directly outside the hostel
Loch Lomond Aquarium
Prepare for astonishing close views of everything from humble starfish to mighty sharks.
SEA LIFE, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, G83 8QL
Tel: 01389 721 500
Active & Adventure
Cycling Easy Routes
Glasgow to Loch Lomond
The Trossachs
Activities
- Golf
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Sea canoeing
- wind-surfing
- kayaking
- water skiing
- Horse riding
Wildlife
Warblers, flycatchers, redstarts, greylag geese, buzzards, peregrines, falcons, ospreys, capercaillies, golden eagles and deer
Inversnaid RSPB Reserve
This beautiful reserves lies on the edge of Loch Lomond
Nearest town: Aberfoyle
Loch Lomond NNR
Famous for its beautiful wooded shores and islands. The reserve embraces five of the loch's islands, each supporting rich, mature oak woodland
Linn Botanic Gardens
The gardens are a designed landscape of the late 20th century. They straddle an old sea cliff which is broken by the gully of the Meikle burn with its waterfalls
Cove, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire G84 0NR
Aaron Wilson, Manager
"A stunning building with picturesque setting.With food and drink available on site, why would you ever want to leave?!"