The new Loch Lomond waterbus service connects with walking points on the east shore

Walkers heading for Scotland’s most southerly munro can now start their journey by train and boat.

A new timetabled waterbus service across Loch Lomond has been introduced that connects Tarbet on the west shore of the loch with Rowardennan on its eastern side, starting point for many expeditions up 974m (3,196ft) Ben Lomond.

The waterbus service follows a successful pilot scheme run last year by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park. The new routes across the loch take in 12 destinations from Balloch and Tarbet railway stations.

The park authority hopes the new boat services will encourage visitors to leave their cars at home and use the combination of train and boat to access the countryside around the loch. The waterbus routes will also enable connections to the West Highland Way, which runs along the east shore, from Luss, Tarbet and Balloch.

The park authority said it has worked closely with operators including Cruise Loch Lomond and Sweeney’s Cruises along with Scottish Enterprise who contributed funding for the initial pilot and marketing the new service.  The scheme has also benefited from a significant investment by the national park to repair the loch piers during the winter.

The co-ordinated timetables now bring together all water transport on the loch including on-demand services from ferry operators including MacFarlane & Sons at Balmaha and others.

The waterbus routes include Balloch to Balmaha, Cameron House and Balloch Country Park, Rowardennan to Luss, Tarbet to Inversnaid and Rowardennan, Luss to Inchcailloch and Balmaha.

The boat services connect with Rowardennan on the east shore

Gordon Watson, national park director of planning and rural development, said: “By supporting regular scheduled waterbus services, we hope to encourage more people to explore the national park by alternative means of transport, providing a fantastic visitor experience, and reducing some of the traffic at key visitor hotspots around Loch Lomond.

“These new timetables will help people plan their day out and we are delighted that local cruise operators have worked so closely with us to provide the new services. It is a great way of getting more people visiting different destinations which will benefit local tourism businesses around the loch.

“Whether you want to visit Rob Roy’s Cave and the stunning waterfall at Inversnaid, cycle along the west Loch Lomond cycle path, walk a section of the West Highland Way or simply take in the views of the loch from Luss, I would encourage visitors to experience the loch from a new perspective and explore what the national park has to offer.”

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, added: “There is a great tradition of people travelling from towns and cities to the water and Loch Lomond offers the people of Scotland and the world a fantastic experience taking in some of the greatest scenery we have to offer.

“We need to capitalise on the natural assets we have in Scotland and what better way to welcome people to one of the most iconic attractions than by water. I am delighted to see the national park working so closely with local tourism businesses to deliver this initiative.”

Stuart Cordner, from Cruise Loch Lomond, said: “The new service gives walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, take some exercise and sample the tranquillity that Loch Lomond has to offer.”

Details are on the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park website and timetables are available from national park offices, visitor centres and cruise operators.