Plan Your Trip | John Muir Way

The Maid of the Loch

This business is Good To Go!

“We’re Good To Go” is the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

The Maid is the very last paddle steamer to be built in Britain, and is the UK’s only remaining example of an ‘Up an Doon’ Vessel - A ship that’s been built twice!

The Maid is a magnificent example of Clyde-built ship engineering with a stunning art deco inspired interior. Already a much-loved feature on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, she attracts thousands of visitors every year and, over the last 20 years, a loyal band of volunteers has focused every available hour on her conservation. With your support we hope to safely steer the Maid to a new phase of her life, relaunching her as a fully operational paddle steamer.

How To Get Here
Glasgow to Balloch

By Train

A regular train service operated by ScotRail runs from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Balloch Station every day of the week. The Pier is a 10 minute walk from the station.

By Bus

Buses run from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Balloch Bus Station every day of the week.

By Car

The A82 can be taken from Glasgow directly to Balloch. At the Stoneymollan roundabout, turn right onto the A811, then follow the signs for Loch Lomond Shores. Once inside the Loch Lomond Shores complex, follow the signs for Maid of the Loch. All Maid visitors will be able to access limited parking on the pier approaches or around the teardrop after passing through the National Park staffed traffic control on the access road. Please take care while parking. Parking is also available at the Loch Lomond end of Pier Road which is just a 150 metre walk to the ship. There is also parking at Loch Lomond Shores.

By Cycle

The Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycle Way runs from Glasgow to Balloch.

Opening Hours

The Maid is the paddle steamer that at present is on the slipway carriage and open to the public. This year she will be to the public via hard hat tours and special events. We do however welcome a;; visitors to the slipway where they can view her repair progress. and visit our steam Winch House. We have open steam days every weekend until the end of October 2021. Check our website for current detail.
She was launched in 1953 and sailed till 1981 and steadily rotted till volunteers of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company took over and became a registered charity
HELP US IN OUR AIM TO GET THE MAID SAILING AGAIN.
WE HAVE MANY "SUPPORTERS" WHO HELP TOWARDS THE MAID'S RESTORATION. THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION IS JUST £25 single or £40 for two people. See website for full details.
WE HAVE RAISED - AND INVESTED - £2.6M IN THE MAID AND INFRASTRUCTURE SINCE 1996. NOW WE NEED ANOTHER £4M TO MAKE HER OPERATIONAL.
Loch Lomond Steamship Company,
The Pier, Pier Road,
Balloch G83 8QX
Scottish Charity No. SC024062 See Less