Inchcailloch

Island Island in Loch Lomond with ancient oak woodlands

An island in Loch Lomond noted for woodland trails, ancient burial sites and picnic spots; hikers reach it by short ferry or boat from the mainland.

Main image

Inchcailloch is a small island in Loch Lomond, Scotland, within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and managed for nature and recreation. The island has long been used for grazing, woodland, and as a historic burial site.

A compact network of tracks crosses the island, offering shoreline views across Loch Lomond, stands of native oak, and a picnic area near the traditional landing. The island is popular for short day walks, birdwatching, and exploring the chapel ruins and graveyard.

Ruins of a small chapel dedicated to St. Kentigerna and an adjacent burial ground are the island’s principal heritage features; these remain visible on the island today. Over time the island has been managed for mixed woodland and public access rather than permanent settlement.

The island sits off the eastern shore of Loch Lomond near the village of Balmaha, accessible only by boat; it lies within the central portion of the loch amid a landscape of water, wooded shorelines, and nearby highland hills.

  • Access: Passenger boat services operate from Balmaha on the east shore of Loch Lomond during the main visitor season, providing the usual public access to the island.
  • Visitor note: Woodland walks are short but can be steep in places; wear sturdy footwear and allow time for return boat crossings.

What to See #

  • Chapel ruins and burial ground: Small ruined chapel dedicated to St. Kentigerna and an historic burial ground with visible grave markers and headstones.
  • Woodland trails: A network of short waymarked paths through mixed oak woodland that lead to shoreline viewpoints and picnic clearings.
  • Slipway and day visitor area: Simple landing slip and picnic areas used by day visitors arriving by passenger boat from the eastern shore.
Inchcailloch
Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond, Scotland (part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park)
56.0794, -4.5567
Daylight hours (no formal opening hours); ferry schedules vary seasonally
Ferry free for National Trust members; standard ferry fare applies for others (check Loch Lomond ferry operators)

How to Get to Inchcailloch #

Ferry crossings operate from Balmaha and other Loch Lomond piers; local boat operators run day-trip services. From Glasgow, drive (A82) north to Balloch and follow signs to Balmaha (about 45-60 minutes).

Tips for Visiting Inchcailloch #

  • Take the short ferry from Balmaha for the easiest access and to save time on walking.
  • Visit the island's Bronze Age cairns and the small loch; the island has marked trails but can be boggy after rain.
  • Arrive early in summer to avoid day-trip crowding from cruise boats on Loch Lomond.

Best Time to Visit Inchcailloch #

Best visited late spring through early autumn for reliable boat crossings and pleasant walking conditions.

Summer
May-September · 10-20°C
Best for boat services, walking and wildflower displays.
Spring
April-May · 5-15°C
Migratory birds arrive and the island begins to green up; fewer visitors.

Weather & Climate near Inchcailloch #

Climate

Inchcailloch's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1363 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.0h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
13°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.2h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 17°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
16.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 17°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
14.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
12°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

149 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

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