Visit Incailloch Island
How to get to Inchcailloch Island
As you look out over Balmaha Bay, just by The Oak Tree Inn, you will notice an island covered in trees. You are looking at Inchcailloch, one of Loch Lomond's islands, renowned by many as the jewel in the crown of Loch Lomond.
Inchcailloch Island is protected as part of the Loch Lomond Nature Reserve, managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. Visit this beautiful nearby island by a charming wooden ferry operated by our neighbour Balmaha Boatyard.
The ferry runs every half-hour through the day. You can choose when to return when you pay for your outbound trip. Make sure you allow a minimum of a couple of hours to explore the wonderful island, and you may extend that if you take a picnic or plan to spend some time on the sandy beach at the southern end of the island.
The ferry arrives at a jetty on the northern side of the island. There are well-signed paths for the burial site, summit, and Port Bawn beach.
Inchcailloch History
Inchcailloch means the isle of the old woman. The island itself is just 0.19 square miles in size. There was a farm on the island, but it is now in ruins. For 130 years, there was an oak plantation processed across the water at Balmaha. Once, parishioners from the mainland took the boat to their church on the island. The burial ground has graves for the ancestors of Rob Roy MacGregor. Sir Walter Scott refers to Inchcailloch in his famous 1810 poem, The Lady of the Lake.
Inchcailloch Nature Reserve
Look out for Fallow deer, especially in the mornings and when the island is quiet. There are Osprey nests nearby, so watch for the magnificent birds; you will also see many Dor Beetles on the pathways. During Spring, in May and June, the island is covered by a stunning blanket of bluebells, a photographer's dream!
The highest point of the island is 85 metres (279 ft). To get there, climb the summit path like a natural spiral staircase. The climb to the top is well worth it, as the panoramic view across the loch, islands, and Ben Lomond is excellent.
Port Bawn has a beautiful sandy beach, BBQ areas, picnic tables, and a toilet. Even though you are so close to Balmaha, you'll find this a quiet and peaceful spot to enjoy nature and some of the best views in the National Park. We're fortunate to have this jewel close to the Oak Tree Inn, and we don't hesitate to recommend it to our guests.
