Facilities
Throughout the park are many picnic benches and seating areas particularly along the shore at the boathouse and slipway. Please note at present there are no cafes or food vendors in the park, the nearest place for refreshments is in Balloch.
There are multiple play parks in the park at the loch shore and next to the carpark at Moss O’ Balloch. Parking here also provides easy access to the local shops, cafes and restaurants in Balloch.
Toilets can be found at the Castle in the park and are open 9.30am – 3.00pm during the winter months (longer in the summer). Other toilets be found in Balloch town at the bus station and there is a 24 hour toilet by the local Tourist Information centre opposite Balloch train station.
The Tourist Information Centre hosts a free leaflet about the park which includes a map to help you explore and get around. Keep an eye out on the noticeboards in the park for upcoming events.
If you would like a more formal visit please contact the West Dunbartonshire Council Countryside ranger service to book a guided walk or educational visit for your group.
The park is accessible 24 hours, however please be advised that bye-laws in the park do not allow for camping or drinking alcohol within Balloch Castle Country Park.
Getting here
The Country Park is a very popular destination especially in the summer and there is limited parking locally so it is advised that you use public transport where possible. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park have guidance on how to get around including getting to and from Balloch and recently launched a fantastic journey planner resource: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/plan-your-visit/getting-around-the-park/
Balloch bus station is serviced by buses from Glasgow, Luss and Balmaha. It is directly opposite the main southern entrance to the park and provides a fantastic walk up through the original entrance to the estate and a direct walk up to the Castle for some fantastic views. For up to date travel information visit: www.travelinescotland.com
Balloch train station has regular services to Glasgow Queen Street and is a short walk from the park. The nearest entrance is just the other side of the bridge which takes you down by the river Leven and along the shore of Loch Lomond. You can also wander through town to other park entrances at Moss O ’Balloch and the bus station. For up to date travel information visit: www.travelinescotland.com
There are 2 carparks. The main car park is in Balloch town centre at the Moss O’ Balloch with another smaller one up by the Castle, which hosts a few disabled parking bays.
The carpark by the Castle is not suitable for long-term coach parking or larger vehicles and it is advised that vehicles such as these park at the Moss O’ Balloch carpark in Balloch town. Coaches can drop-off and pick up by the Castle but must then park elsewhere. Please note that access to the Castle carpark is via some narrow roads and tight corners.
All car parks get extremely busy in the summer months. Please be mindful of this when planning your visit and make sure to only park in designated areas.
Please do not park outside of the parking bays (i.e. in passing bay lay-bys or on the grass) as this can cause access problems for emergency service vehicles.