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.
Inchcailloch at a Glance#
Address: Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond, Scotland (part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park)
Website: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/inchcailloch
Hours: Daylight hours (no formal opening hours); ferry schedules vary seasonally
Admission: Ferry free for National Trust members; standard ferry fare applies for others (check Loch Lomond ferry operators)
About Inchcailloch#
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Inchcailloch#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 164 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 109 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 116 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 68 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 8° | 75 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.2h |
| June | Good | 9° - 16° | 12° | 70 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.3h |
| July | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 81 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| August | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 99 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 15° | 12° | 131 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 12° | 7° | 154 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 9° | 4° | 149 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 147 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
