Inchcailloch at a glance
Inchcailloch is an island in Loch Lomond, close to Balmaha. It belongs to the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. You can visit all year if the weather allows, but the ferry runs on its own terms, so check the boat before you plan the walk.
The island has woodland paths, a summit path with a wide view, and the ruins of a church with an old burial ground.
The paths on Inchcailloch
Three paths cross the island: the Central Path, the Low Path and the Summit Path.
Central Path
This path runs from the North Pier to Port Bawn. The park authority gives about 20 minutes for it.
Low Path
The park authority gives 30 to 45 minutes for each of the island's paths, so allow that as a starting point for this one.
Summit Path
The steeper of the three, leading up to the highest point of the island. Pace yourself on the way up, and expect a view over the loch from the top.
Loch Lomond tours and boat trips
Cruises and guided trips on the loch, from short boat rides to day tours, with live prices and availability.
Getting to Inchcailloch by boat
There are two ways across. The short crossing leaves from Balmaha. A longer trip leaves from Luss. They are different services, so do not treat the fare or the time of one as a guide for the other.
From Balmaha: the ferry is run by Macfarlane and Son from the Balmaha Boatyard. Ask for the current fare and for the last return crossing when you buy your ticket. Camper information quotes a service until 17:00, so plan to be back at the jetty well before then.
From Luss: the Island Explorer sails daily from 27 March to 1 November 2026. The trip out takes 35 minutes. The trip back from the island to Luss is listed at 55 minutes, so do not assume the same time in both directions.
Island Explorer from Luss
Cruise Loch Lomond's 2026 timetable and fares. An adult return costs £20.
| Item | Island Explorer |
|---|---|
| Departures from Luss | 10:00, 11:30, 13:15 |
| Returns from the island | 12:05, 13:50, 15:20 |
| Season | Daily 27 March to 1 November 2026 |
| Adult return | £20 |
| Child return | £14 |
| Family return (2 adults, 2 children) | £64 |
Children from 5 to 15 pay the child fare, and children under 5 travel free but should be booked in. Adults aged 60 or over, and students with a card, get £1 off the adult fare. Bikes cost £5 and e-bikes £7. Dogs travel free. Child and family fares are listed in the 2026 timetable, so check them when you book. There is also a one-way Waterbus between Luss and Inchcailloch, which takes 35 minutes. Details of other routes are on our boat trips page, and the village is covered on the Luss page.
Camping on Inchcailloch
The island has a campsite run by the park authority. At the end of October 2026 it shows as closed. The island overview lists camping from 1 March to 30 September, so do not plan a stay outside that window. Rates and rules:
- Adults £11.20 a night, children aged 5 to 15 £2.20 a night.
- A maximum of 2 nights, booked up to 4 weeks ahead.
- No more than 12 people in total, and no more than 6 in one group.
- Arrival from 12:30 and check-out by 11:00.
- The campsite is about 1 km from the North Jetty.
- Compost toilets only. There is no drinking water, so bring your own.
- No rubbish collection. Take your litter home.
- No fires that damage the ground and no collecting or cutting of wood.
Campers should book the ferry in advance and agree how to carry their luggage with the boat operator. Ticks are a risk on the island, so check yourself after walking through vegetation. The wider camping rules and permit zones are on our where to stay page.
Burial ground, nature and safety
The island has the ruins of a church and an old burial ground. Treat the site with respect and stay on the paths.
Inchcailloch is a nature reserve. Do not disturb nesting birds, keep dogs under close control and follow the signs. Midges are usually active from May to October, worst in the morning and evening in still air.
Pack what you need for the walk, check the forecast and tell someone your plan. In an emergency call 999 and give your exact location. If you want a bigger hill on the same day, the climb to Conic Hill starts in Balmaha too.
Plan the rest of your trip
More places and practical guides for the loch.
Conic Hill
A short climb from Balmaha with views over the loch.
Luss
Parking, the beach and the pier, with boats to the island.
Loch Lomond boat trips
Routes, times and fares for the main boat services.
Weather and midges
Monthly averages for the region and the best time to visit.
Inchcailloch: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Inchcailloch?
By the ferry from Balmaha, run from the Balmaha Boatyard, or by the Island Explorer from Luss, which sails daily from 27 March to 1 November 2026. The outward trip from Luss takes 35 minutes.
How much is the ferry from Balmaha?
Ask the operator for the current fare when you buy your ticket, along with the last return crossing. The Island Explorer from Luss costs £20 for an adult return in 2026.
How long are the walks on the island?
The park authority gives 30 to 45 minutes for each path. The Central Path from the North Pier to Port Bawn takes about 20 minutes. The Summit Path is the steeper one.
Can I camp on Inchcailloch?
There is a campsite, but it shows as closed at the end of October 2026, and camping is listed from 1 March to 30 September. The tariff is £11.20 a night for adults and £2.20 for children aged 5 to 15, for a maximum of 2 nights.
Is there drinking water on the campsite?
No. There are compost toilets only, so bring your own water. There is no rubbish collection, so take your litter home.
Can I visit Inchcailloch in winter?
The island can be visited all year if the weather allows, but check that the boat is running first. The Island Explorer from Luss has a daily season until 1 November 2026.