blog | 18 Mar 25

Best places to see the Bluebells

Our top tips on where to see the Bluebells this May. Come with us to experience this magical flora extravaganza! 

Bluebells, Boats and Bonnie Views: The Best Ways to See Loch Lomond in Bloom
It’s bluebell season – and Loch Lomond is putting on a show!

There’s something  magical about springtime on Loch Lomond. As the air warms and the days stretch out, the loch’s shorelines transform into a sea of vibrant blue — a natural spectacle that only lasts a few precious weeks each year. Bluebell season is short so now is the perfect time to hop aboard.

(We also think the bluebells are a week ahead from last year so you need to come now!)


The Inversnaid Explorer Cruise

Best for: peace and quiet, birdsong, ancient forests

Departing from Tarbet, this cruise takes you up the loch’s eastern shore to Inversnaid, where a carpet of bluebells waits in the ancient oak woodlands. The path to the left of the hotel is where you will find the RSPB nature reserve, a hidden gem — peaceful, unspoiled, and absolutely bursting with wildflowers this time of year.

OR once ashore take a turn to the right, up past the Arklet Falls and follow the path for approx an hour and a half to Keilness where you will see a field of bluebells! 

Example day:

10:30am Inversnaid Explorer Cruise from Tarbet -  11.00am arrive at Inversnaid - walk to Keilness and back to catch the 2.15pm or the 4.30pm boat from Inversnaid back to Tarbet. Take a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the many beaches along the way.

https://www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk/cruise/inversnaid-explorer

 


2. The Island Explorer Cruise to Inchcailloch

Best for: Island vibes, spring woodland walks and a proper bluebell bonanza.

This 35-minute crossing from Luss takes you through the scenic island-studded south of the loch, including the dramatic Narrows, before you disembark on magical Inchcailloch island. Once ashore follow the woodland trails where bluebells line the paths and birdsong fills the air.

This wee island is like stepping into a fairytale — peaceful, wild, and bursting with spring colour. There’s even a beach if you fancy a sunny picnic stop.

https://www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk/cruise/island-explorer


3. The West Highland Way Rambler (weekends only) 

Step aboard the West Highland Way Rambler Cruise and experience one of the most scenic stretches of Scotland’s most iconic long-distance walk — with a bonus burst of springtime magic. This 7.5-mile route between Inversnaid and Rowardennan hugs the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and in May, it's transformed by carpets of vibrant bluebells lining the woodland paths. Whether you're ticking off a section of the WHW or just in it for the views (we don’t blame you), this cruise-and-walk combo is the perfect way to soak up the season in full bloom.

https://www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk/cruise/west-highland-way-rambler-southbound

Why Now?

Right now, the loch is at its springtime best. The weather forecast is playing nice (yes, really!), the flowers are in bloom, and the crowds haven’t quite caught on yet. It’s the ultimate time to experience the loch’s natural beauty at its finest — and from the best possible vantage point: on the water.


 Top Tips:

  • Pack a picnic – there are perfect lunch spots at both Inversnaid and Inchcailloch.

  • Bring water -  there are no shops where you are going

  • Wear comfy shoes – you'll want to explore those trails.

  • Bring your dog – our cruises are pet-friendly!

  • Don’t forget your camera – your Instagram will thank you.


Whether you’re after peaceful blooms or an island adventure, our cruises are your front-row ticket to bluebell season. But be quick — nature doesn’t hang around, and the bluebells will be gone before you know it.

 

 

Cruises you might like

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Inversnaid explorer Cruise Loch Lomond

Explorer Cruises

Inversnaid Explorer

30 MINS CROSSING

Sail from Tarbet and explore this hidden gem on the eastern shore with waterfalls, woodland walks and hidden beaches to explore, perfect for a family day out.

Adult

£0.00

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West Highland Way Rambler Cruise Loch Lomond

Explorer Cruises

West Highland Way Rambler - Northbound

45 MINS CROSSING

Sail from Tarbet to Rowardennan and try a taster of the West Highland Way, one of Scotland's top, long distance walking routes running along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. (Weekends only)

Adult

£0.00

Read more and book

Explorer Cruises

West Highland Way Rambler - Southbound

30 MINS CROSSING

Sail from Tarbet to Inversnaid and try a taster of the West Highland Way, one of Scotland's top long distance walking routes running along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. (Weekend only).

Adult

£0.00

Read more and book
Island Explorer Cruise Loch Lomond

Explorer Cruises

Island Explorer

35 MINS CROSSING

Sail from Luss around pretty islands, passing the Narrows of Loch Lomond and disembark at Inchcailloch, our very own ‘Treasure Island’

Adult

£0.00

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Across the Loch

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CRUISES 2023 Boats have been painted, spruced up and are looking great for the start of the season. Our full schedule of cruises departing from Tarbet, Inversnaid, Rowardennan, Luss and Balmaha will start on Friday 31st March. We have 'Classic' 1hr and 90 min cruises departing from Luss, Tarbet and Balmaha and our popular 'Explorer' cruises which drop you at different locations around Loch Lomond, perfect to explore all the amazing walks we have on our doorstep. We look forward to welcoming you on board!

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☕️???????????????? Our Bonnie and Ben takeaway cafe has had a bit of a makeover! Soon to be selling bacon rolls, paninis and homemade soup in addition to our delicious coffees and hot drinks. Pop in and say hello! ????Tarbet Pier car park ⏰ Open daily from 8.30am.

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What a morning at Loch Lomond ????⛰????????

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What a glorious autumnal photo of our boat at Balmaha. Thank you to @myscottishlifestyle for sharing this pic with us!

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Our scheduled cruises run till the end of October, we’d love to welcome you on board!

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INCHCAILLOCH ISLAND - HAVE YOU BEEN? ???? This is one of our favourite ‘Explorer cruises’, a 45 minute sailing from the pretty village of Luss, sailing past the islands of Loch Lomond and arriving at Port Bawn on Inchcailloch. With a fantastic beach and picnic spot it’s a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the loch. There are pathways that lead you round the island, ideal for families with little ones. Keep an eye out for fallow deer, woodpeckers, otter and osprey, we have even seen white deer here! ⛴ Daily sailings from Luss at 10.00am, 11.30am and 1.45pm Return boat departs at 12.00pm, 1.45pm and 3.15pm. ???? Tickets: £18.00 adult return, Child: £10.00, family £54.00 ???? Dogs welcome but must be kept on a lead on Inchcailloch Island Go to: https://www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk/island-explorer ???? Stirling Experience

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With the weather still warm we’re off to a good start in September! Our full schedule of cruises will run from September through to end of October ( weather permitting). So come and explore Loch Lomond, whether you enjoy our classic stay on board cruises, or hop off with our explorer cruises at Inversnaid, Balmaha, Luss, Rowardennan or Inchcailloch Island. ????????‍♀️????????‍♀️???? Remember we’re dog and bike friendly too! ????

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Glorious views of Loch Lomond today ☀️☀️☀️

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DID YOU KNOW that all our skippers give a live commentary on our cruises? So as well as taking you to the most amazing locations around the loch, they’ll tell you the history of the area, the wildlife you might spot and there might even be the odd wee joke or two thrown in! Here’s Skipper Archie showing us how it’s done.

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We welcomed @scotlands_stories on board with us last week and here’s their story of their time on Inchcailloch Island…..‘ How can I get a picture with this view of Loch Lomond?’ I hear you ask! Well, while everybody else is on the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond, you're going to need to get yourself to Inchcailloch, one of the 22 islands in the middle. Molly and I took the scenic journey by booking a trip with @cruiselochlomond which left from the wee village of Luss on the west bank. The trip took a wee tour around the loch with expert commentary on some of the other islands along the way. No wallabies to be seen, but the Ospreys were out and about! Inchcailloch has been on my bucketlist for a while and it didn't disappoint, especially on a day like this. It's not a huge island, but there's still stories to discover. Buried in the undergrowth, but easy to find, you'll come across a ruined church and a jumble of old gravestones. This is the church of St Kentigerna, the mother of St Fillan who allegedly established a little chapel on this site in the 8th century. Inchcailloch is said to be named after her, translating as the island of the old woman or cowled woman meaning a nun! Amazing to think this was once a parish church and locals would row across the loch every Sunday up until 1621, true dedication. If you can read through the moss then you'll find a lot of Macfarlanes and Macgregors buried here, including Rob Roy's uncle once the Macgregor Clan Chief. After a couple hours of wandering the forest tracks and climbing to the summit of this little hill for the panorama, we still had an hour before Cruise Loch Lomond came to get us. Plenty of time for a wee dip in the shallow bay at Port Brawn, much needed for both Molly and I to cool off. This was easily up there with one of the most enjoyable things I've done all year and hopefully it's convinced you to get out there the next time you're visiting Loch Lomond and explore! It can get busy so book ahead and you can look through a range of boat trips like this through the @stirlingalive website - www.yourstirling.com I reckon Molly would agree that this summer, happiness is a bookable experience!

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MAGICAL ISLANDS This was Inchcailloch Island yesterday, a wee taste of the Mediterranean on Loch Lomond! Departures from Luss daily: 10.00am 11.30am 1.15pm Adults £18.00 Child £10.00 Departures daily. We recommend booking online over the busy summer period. * Leave plenty of time to park your car and to make your way to the Luss Pier. ???? https://www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk/island-explorer

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We hosted an incredible wedding on board yesterday at @thecruin for Fraser and Julie! A beautiful day for a lovely couple! Here’s our crew member Helle walking down the pier to greet the boats.