August2015
From *April to October, visitors are now able to get around large parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park using boats, bikes and a new cycle friendly bus.
Balloch train station - only 50 minutes by train from Glasgow – is the southern gateway to the National Park and from there there are numerous possibilities for boat, cycle and bus combinations thanks to an expansion of the Park’s waterbus services.
Why not get the train from Glasgow to Arrochar/Tarbet, hire bikes in Tarbet and take them on the waterbus to the village of Inversnaid. After a short climb out of Inversnaid you will reach Stronachlachar and from there will be rewarded with relatively flat terrain around beautiful Loch Katrine. On reaching Trossachs Pier, you can return the way you came and enjoy a short trip on the waterbus back to Tarbet before catching the train to Glasgow.
For families,
or those wanting a shorter cycle or visitors who are looking to enjoy a walk, a
new bike bus is available. The B1 Balloch can carry up to 16 passengers and 12
bikes and runs a shuttle service between Balloch, Loch Lomond Shores, Luss,
Arrochar and Ardgartan. Catching the bus, visitors can now take their bikes and
enjoy some of the most spectacular walks and locations on west Loch Lomondside
including the Glen Loin loop in Arrochar, Ardgartan Forest and the Arrochar
Alps. 
To help visitors, a suite of new, downloadable cycling route maps has been produced by the National Park Authority, which promotes the different cycle paths and networks available. From flat tarmac routes or wide forest tracks for families, to hard-core trails and challenging terrain for mountain bikers, there is something for everyone. The maps are available from the National Park website www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/visiting/cycling/menu-id-101.html
Due to popular demand, the waterbus also opens up new options for walkers with a new service between Ardlui and Ardleish providing access to points along the West Highland Way. In addition, there’s increased frequency of the service between Luss and Balmaha/Conic Hill, the Millennium Trail, Hidden Treasures Path and the West Highland Way – all popular walking trails.
Speaking about the range of services now available, Mairi Bell, Head of Visitor Experience at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said:
“This year, we’ve made it easier than ever for visitors to leave their car at home and explore Loch Lomond at a more leisurely pace. Arriving at your destination by alternative transport, whether it’s by bike, boat, train or bus, offers a completely different experience for visitors to the National Park. We’ve really seen a rise in people wanting to leave their car behind and take in the spectacular scenery we have on offer. Now, more than ever, we can join up journeys and offer visitors a wide range of activities that make the most out of their stay.”
For further information on attractions and activities in the National Park including walks, cycle routes and waterbus services visit www.lochlomond-trossachs.org
Notes
*Except Balloch – Luss – Balloch and Luss – Balmaha – Luss, which operate May – September. Full details of the National Park’s waterbus services are at http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/waterbus
The B1 Bike Bus operates until 4 October 2015. Timetables are available from Tourist Information Centres, National Park offices and the National Park websitewww.lochlomond-trossachs.org
Ends
For further information, contact Ruth Crosbie, PR & Media Manager, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority (Mon – Wed) on 01389 722120; mobile 07739 931263; email ruth.crosbie@lochlomond-trossachs.org or Nancy McLardie, PR & Media Manager, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority (Thurs/Fri) on 01389 722016; mobile 07834 334108; email nancy.mclardie@lochlomond-trossachs.org.