Wild Highlands Coffee House (Loch Lomond, Scotland)

Wild Highlands Coffee House on the banks of Scotland's Loch Lomond offers drinks and baked goods with a stunning view!

By: Alisha Trenalone

Loch Lomond is not only the subject of a popular folk song; it's also a pristine and invigorating destination on the edge of the Scottish Highlands.

Found in one of Scotland's two national parks, and about 20 miles northwest of Glasgow, this loch attracts both outdoors enthusiasts and sightseeing groups out for a day trip.

We were among the latter as we joined a Timberbush bus tour from Edinburgh and made our way to the Kelpies at Falkirk, the "Gateway to the Highlands" at Callander, Stirling Castle atop its volcanic crag — and Loch Lomond.

During our stop there, we had around an hour to either see the loch by boat, or walk around as we desired. My mom and I took a footpath through a beautiful forested area and came out at a pier at the edge of the water, where Wild Highlands Coffee House promised exactly the pick-me-up we needed.

Getting There

Wild Highlands Coffee Shop is in the village of Balloch, at the southernmost end of Loch Lomond. The pier is reachable by car, but it's also an easy walk (only about a half-mile) from the train station or the ferry terminal.

Some people also continue onto Loch Lomond Shores, a waterfront mall just a few minutes away from the pier.

If a mall sounds like the last thing you're interested in when visiting the Highlands, don't worry. We stayed on the pier, and if we hadn't been told there was shopping nearby, we would have had no idea. The area was silent and uncrowded on the September morning we visited.

There's seating on the pier past the coffee house. None of it is sheltered, but all of it has exquisite views.

What Can I Get at Wild Highlands Coffee House?

The usual full range of coffee drinks is available, and you can also opt for a spiked coffee, cocktail, or other alcoholic drink. I got a flat white.

There are three different small-batch varieties of coffee unique to this place. They do sell the grounds online, along with coffee-making equipment.

The range of baked goods available changes, but there will always be some variety of cakes and dessert bars. We ordered a slice of carrot cake, which happened to be gluten-free, and it was absolutely delicious.

I don't think it gets much better than gazing at the distant highlands across a deep blue loch with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

What Else Can I Do Nearby?

For us, the village of Balloch was just a brief stop in the middle of a day trip, but if you'd like to build a longer itinerary around Loch Lomond, you definitely can! Many people take a one- or two-hour voyage around the loch from Sweeney's Cruise Company.

The 34-mile Three Lochs Way and the 134-mile John Muir Way both pass along this end of the loch if you're up for a long walk (cycling is also possible on the John Muir Way or the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path).

The Loch Lomond Birds of Prey Centre in Balloch lets you get a closer look at some spectacular eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls, including watching them in flight practically right over your head. It's often listed as the top attraction in town.

And that's just what you can do from the village! If you expand your sights to the rest of the national park or farther north into the Highlands, there is even more to explore.