Inchcailloch
A nature-reserve island of oak woodland, a short ferry from Balmaha
Verdict
Go if you want a short island walk with woodland, deer and loch views, paired with Balmaha.
Skip if the ferry has stopped for the season or you want a long hike. Ring the boatyard first.
- Adult ferry return
- £10
- Island path, minutes
- 30–45
- Summit height
- 85 m
- First ferry in summer
- 9:25am
The short answer
Inchcailloch is a 52-hectare nature reserve of oak woodland in the south of Loch Lomond, reached by a short passenger ferry from Balmaha. The operator’s fare is £10 for an adult return, and the island paths take 30 to 45 minutes each. The ferry runs daily in summer and aims to keep going to at least the end of September, so in October ring the boatyard on 01360 870 214 before you set out. For the other islands, the Loch Lomond islands guide shows which ones you can actually visit.
What you get
The ferry from Balmaha
The Balmaha Boatyard runs the ferry daily in summer, from 9:25am to 5pm, usually every half hour. Adults pay £10 return, under-16s £5 and campers £7.50 return. Pay by cash or contactless. The operator gives no last-return time, so ask when you board.
From Luss by cruise
Cruise Loch Lomond’s Island Explorer sails from Luss for £20 for an adult. On the autumn timetable checked on 12 October 2026 boats left Luss for the island at 10:00, 11:30, 13:15 and 14:45, and left the island at 10:35, 12:05, 13:50 and 15:20. Its scheduled cruises run to the end of October.
Island walks
Paths run through oak woodland and each takes 30 to 45 minutes. The summit is 85 m, and fallow deer live on the island. It is part of a nature reserve, so keep to the paths. Nature and wildlife covers what else to look for around the loch.
Church ruins and burial ground
The island has 13th-century church ruins and a burial ground The operator describes them as part of the island’s history. Treat it as a quiet place.
Camping on the island
There is a small, basic campsite. A permit is needed, the stay is limited to two nights and a party to six. Those terms come from the 2023 conditions we found, so check the current rules. Permit zones and rules explains the wider loch scheme.
Before and after
On to Balmaha covers the village and harbour. A meal in Balmaha is the natural end to the trip, and choosing where to sleep compares places to stay around the loch.
How long to allow
These are planning estimates built from the checked path times and the ferry hours. They are not timed visits.
| Time you have | What fits | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| One hour | One island path of 30 to 45 minutes plus the crossing. | Not enough to wait for a ferry back comfortably, so allow more. |
| Half a day | Ferry, an island loop, then lunch in Balmaha. | The ferry usually runs every half hour in summer. |
| A full day | Inchcailloch in the morning and the Conic Hill walk in the afternoon. | Conic Hill takes 2 to 3 hours on its own. |
| A wet day | Woodland paths give some cover, but we have no verified shelter or toilets on the island. | Skip it in heavy rain and wind, when crossings may be disrupted. |
Prices and hours
- Ferry fares
- Adult £10 return, under-16 £5 return, campers adult £7.50 return. Cash or contactless.
- Ferry hours
- Daily in summer, 9:25am to 5pm, usually every half hour. The operator aims to run to at least the end of September.
- Last return
- Not published. The operator says 5pm in summer. Call 01360 870 214 to confirm, especially in October.
- From Luss
- Island Explorer, adult £20, on Cruise Loch Lomond’s autumn timetable.
- Dogs
- Cruise Loch Lomond says dogs are welcome on a lead on the island. The ferry operator does not say, so ask the boatyard.
- Camping
- Permit needed, two nights at most, party of six at most (2023 terms).
Getting there and parking
Most people reach the ferry from the Balmaha car park, which is pay and display. For the village’s own parking guide, see parking in Balmaha, and for the other loch car parks, the same details are in the car park comparison.
Balmaha car park (Stirling Council)
- Operator
- Stirling Council, pay and display
- Tariff
- Up to 1 hour free (display the ticket); 2 hours £3; 4 hours £4; all day £5
- Charging days
- Monday to Saturday 8:45am to 5pm, plus Sundays at Balmaha
- Payment
- Cash, or RingGo cashless
- Overnight
- Motorhomes may park in one bay. Sleeping overnight in a motorhome is not allowed.
Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Car-free
Bus 309 runs from Balloch to Balmaha via Gartocharn and Drymen (McColl’s Travel). Check the timetable on Traveline Scotland on the day. In season Cruise Loch Lomond boats also call at Balmaha. Getting there without a car covers trains and buses to the loch.
Is it for me?
| If you are | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Good | The crossing is short and each path takes 30 to 45 minutes. |
| Dog owners | Check | Cruise Loch Lomond says dogs go on a lead on the island, but the ferry operator does not say. Ask first. |
| Visitors without a car | Good | Bus 309 reaches Balmaha from Balloch, and cruises run from Luss. |
| Long-distance walkers | Poor | The paths are short. Combine it with Balmaha’s hills for a bigger day. |
| Campers | Check | A permit is needed, and the 2023 terms limit stays to two nights. |
| Wheelchairs and buggies | Check | We have no verified details on path surfaces or the jetty. Call the boatyard. |
Questions people ask
How do you get to Inchcailloch?
By passenger ferry from Balmaha Boatyard, or by Cruise Loch Lomond’s Island Explorer from Luss.
How much is the Inchcailloch ferry?
An adult return is £10, under-16s pay £5 return and campers pay £7.50 return.
Does the Inchcailloch ferry run in October?
The operator aims to run to at least the end of September and gives no later date, so ring 01360 870 214 first.
Can you camp on Inchcailloch?
Yes, at a small basic campsite with a permit, for a maximum of two nights and a party of six, on the 2023 terms we found.
Are there deer on Inchcailloch?
Yes, the operator lists fallow deer on the island.
What is the most beautiful town in Loch Lomond?
An opinion: Balmaha for hills and islands, and Luss for an easy waterside stop. Every village in the park lists the rest.
Nearby
- BalmahaConic Hill walkThe classic view back over the islands.
- BalmahaWest Highland WayThe long-distance route passes through Balmaha.
- Close byGartocharnA separate guide covers the village.