'''Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park''' [http://http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/ straddles the two regions of the Scottish Highlands and the Central Belt of Scotland, one of the four homelands of the United Kingdom.
Understand
The Park is divided into four distinct areas: Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, [http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/ScotlandArgyllandButeArgyllForestPark| Argyll Forest], and the Breadalbane [http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/upload/news/Breadalbane-inner.pdf]. It is locate NW of Glasgow with train access at Balloch, Arrochar/Tarbet, Ardlui and Crainlarich.
History
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park became fully operational on 19 July 2002 and was officially opened by Princess Anne on 24 July 2002.
Landscape
The National Park encompasses around 720 sq miles (1,865 sq km) of land including the Loch Lomond area as well as The Trossachs region.
Flora and fauna
Climate
Get in
There are three national park visitor centers:
<listing name="National Park Gateway Centre" alt="" directions="" address="Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch" phone="+44 (0) 845 3454978" email="gatewaycentreinfo@lochlomond-trossachs.org" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">A state-of-the-art interpretation centre exploring the nature, geology and social history of the National Park</listing>
<listing name="National Park Centre, Balmaha" alt="" directions="" address="In the pretty village of Balmaha, East Loch Lomond" phone="+44 (0) 1389 722100" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">A stop-off point for walkers on the West Highland Way, local produce and top-up supplies</listing>
<listing name="National Park Centre, Luss" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="+44 (0) 1389 722120" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Find out about Loch Lomond's islands, the conservation village of Luss, and local walks like the village paths and Luss Glen</listing>
The following communities are within the National Park boundaries:
Aberfoyle, Arrochar/Tarbet, Balloch, Balquhidder, Callander, Inversnaid, Kinlochard, Lochearnhead, Lochgoilhead, Luss, Kilmun, Port of Menteith, Rowardennan, Stronaclachar, Tyndrum
The following communities are located nearby:
Doune, Dunoon, Dumbarton, Helensburgh, Inveraray, Milngavie
By Train
Balloch at the South of Loch Lomond has trains from Glasgow Queen Street low level, taking about 50 minutes, with generally two trains per hour.
Garelochhead, Arrochar/Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich, Tyndrum are all on the West Highland Line, which has around three trains per day from Glasgow Queen Street main level to Oban and Fort William.
By Bus
The A82 road up the shore of Loch Lomond is used by the Citylink buses (3 per day)from Glasgow to Fort William.
Citylink buses from Glasgow to Campbeltown go up Loch Lomond as far as Tarbet and then pass Arrochar and Cairndow on the way to Inveraray.
Citylink buses from Edinburgh via Stirling to Fort William pass Callander and Crianlarich.
Fees/Permits
No permit is required to enter the park or explore on foot, by bicycle or by road. Permits may be required for fishing, or some boat use.
Get around
See
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. rom Glasgow follow signs on M8 for Aberfoyle. From Stirling/Callander follow A81 to Aberfoyle via Dukes Pass. ttp://www.forestry.gov.uk/qefp.
Breadalbane Folklore Centre. verlooks The Falls of Dochart at the western end of Killin. asily reached from Aberfeldy and Kenmore (via the A827 along the shores of Loch Tay), and from Crianlarich and Lochearnhead (via the A85 and A827). pril to OCtober 10:00am - 5:00pm. dult __2.75, Child (5-16) __1.80. discover the story of Scotland's 'High Country'
Do
Hike the West Highland Way. ww.west-highland-way.co.uk. the