Stand Up Paddleboarding on Loch Lomond – Balmaha

The Main Points Location – Loch Lomond, Balmaha entry point, Scotland SUP – Own Fatstick Inflatable, 10′ Pink Panther Cost – Free parking at the Visitor Information Centre Conditions – Freshwater loch with islands to explore Other users – Boats, jet skis and small ferries, busier on the weekend and summer Entry Point – Sandy beach with boat ramp into the marina Surrounding amenities/Bathrooms- The visitor information centre has bathrooms which there is a charge for.  There is also the Oaktree Inn which does awesome meals – we recommend the pizza on a sunny day on the back deck.  The legendary St Mocha coffee shop does AMAZING coffee (and I don’t say that lightly!!)  There is also a wee grocery store/convenience store which caters for walkers doing the West Highland Way walk. Getting There -Take the A81 then the A809 out of Glasgow or the A811 out of Stirling to Drymen then the B837 to Balmaha. Map Current Weather Conditions Wee Blether I love Balmaha, it’s on Loch Lomonds ‘quieter’ eastern shore but don’t let that fool you!  On a beautiful sunny summers day it can seem like the whole of Glasgow relocates here!!  So far I have discovered that you are best to go early in the morning – it’s quieter, you’re more likely to get a car park and it’s usually a lot stiller wind wise.  Other good times to go can be through the week.  There is a wee bit of a walk/portage from the car to the waters edge and you have to cross a road which is narrow but can be pretty busy too.  The car park is also the starting point for the popular walk to the top of Conic Hill with absolutely stunning views over Loch Lomond, a definite must do!! The paddling itself also has many options which is good if you need to work with the prevailing wind.  You can either stay within the marina if it’s too windy, you can travel up or down the shore, or you can chose to paddle to or around one of the islands.  The nearest is Inchcailloch island upon which you can take one of three different walks.  For a map and informative brochure click here. There is heaps to do here as well as SUP so you have the option of walking part of the West Highland Way, climbing Conic Hill or having an indulging lunch.  There are also ferries in the summer season to take you out to the islands or over to the town of Luss (another awesome spot to SUP from) on the western shore.  Either way it is a beautiful spot and has a lot to offer. Want to get your SUP Dog an awesome Shark Fin life jacket?  Click on the image below. FIND BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO SUP LEARN MORE ABOUT EQUIPMENT WATCH THE LATEST SUP ADVENTURE VIDEO