Overview

Lovely big park, with wide open green spaces. Great views of Loch Lomond. Rather hilly in places if 'wheeling along,' and signage has definately seen better days!

Transport & Parking

There are a few entrances to the park. If coming by car, it has its own car park, as you drive towards that there is a (quite small) sign which points you in the direction of separate disabled parking spaces. These spaces are right across from the castle, and you can go along the flattest section of the park from there. All the parking is free. It is not very easy to recognise the disabled parking spaces though,as nearly all of the paint has come off them! Only on one, is there the remains of about half of a 'wheelchair' symbol. A WEE bit overdue a new coat of paint? Balloch itself can be reached by train or bus, there are also several car parking areas. From the main street there is another entrance to Balloch Park, this isn't far at all from the public transport, but does involve going up a hill if entering the park this way.

Access

It is a lovely park, and most of the main areas have broad smooth concrete paths. From the disabled car-park/Castle area, if you come to the front of the castle (where you can see views of the Loch) and turn towards your right, you can walk/wheel a nice flat loop from there. Much of the rest of the park though is on quite a steep hill, and can be challenging to self-propel up! There are also some areas, particularly near the Loch, where the paths become stoney/go through woodland. There are plenty of benches throughout the park. There are a couple of maps displayed within the park, these appear to be quite dated. It would be good if there were new maps /signs, particularly if these could provide information on accessibility /steepness etc. There are two play parks for children, both located together down near the Loch. If coming from the car-park, these are down the steepest hill! The playparks do not feature any specific accessible equipment.

Toilets

I don't believe there are any toilets in the park. The map indicates there are some in the castle, however this has been closed to the public totally, for a number of years. (The castle being a relatively small building, not what you may imagine a castle to look like) There are public toilets in Balloch itself.

Staff

N/a

Anything else you wish to tell us?

It is a beautiful park, while there are areas with flowers, big areas of the park just look very green! Lots of grass and trees. There are interesting wee areas to explore such as the walled garden, but these are not that easy to find! Early in the mornings you often see deer in the park, and it's very popular with squirrels! Look out for Fairy Castles, and other wood carvings. The park does get used for several events eg 'Run in the Park' local community running every Saturday morning, Balloch Highland Games in the summer. In the winter if there is any snow, it becomes an extremely popular place to go sledging!!

Photos