Visit the Maid of the Loch
EVERYONE is welcome to visit the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer. Every effort is aimed at having the Maid sail again on the loch and just now, while the ship is on the slipway, you have the unique opportunity to visit a working shipyard and see the amazing work being undertaken by our dedicated volunteer crew. On the slipway on the shores of Loch Lomond at Balloch Pier, the Maid of the Loch and the surrounding area offers a great day out for all.
In addition to the main attractions - the historic ship, museum cabin and the steam slipway and our cafe on the pier – you can explore everything nearby, including a sea life aquarium, sandy beaches, BBQ and picnic areas, bike and canoe hire, boat trips, woodland walks, beautiful country park and some retail therapy opportunities as well.
We are open to the public at weekends from Saturday 30 March until 27 October, 11am to 4pm. Access to the Winch House, Slipway, museum cabin and pier is FREE. Hour long hard hat guided tours of the ship itself are offered for £15 adults and £5 5 - 15 year olds. 10% reduction on HH tours to current Friends of the Maid. By arrangement we can offer weekday tours to club and school groups with a minimum number of 10.
‘In STEAm’ event dates for 2024
On these dates our Winch House Boiler will be fired up and you have the chance to see the cable machinery in operation - maybe even blow the steam whistle!
April 6 and 7
May 4 and 5
June 1 and 2
July 6 and 7
Aug 3 and 4
Sept 7 and 8
Oct 5 and 6
Oct 26 and 27 - Halloween Closing event
Plenty To See and do for all ages
Affectionately known as the “Maid”, from her deck or the pier you can enjoy some of the best views of the southern end of the Loch along with the iconic backdrop of Ben Lomond.
Come and see the historic steam winch house, vital for moving the ship in and out of the loch. We run special ‘In Steam’ days when you can experience the excitement while steam moves the huge haul machinery.
Learn how the Maid was transported in separate sections from Glasgow and assembled on the slipway before entering service.
Join one of our knowledgeable guides on a hard hat tour of the vessel. Imagine you’re the captain and steer the ship in the wheelhouse or plot a course for Luss or Balmaha further north on the loch.
Purchase some of our attractive Maid merchandise and know you’re helping to get this unique, historic vessel steaming again on the loch.
There are lots of woodland paths to explore nearby and in Balloch Country Park just over the river. For those of you who are keen walkers or bikers , nearby routes include the Three Lochs Way which starts at Balloch Information Centre. Another wonderful trail is the John Muir Way. Both these routes pass within 200metres of the Maid and offer onward walking into some of Scotland’s most delightful scenery.
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Wild Highlands Coffee House
outside At balloch pier
Make the Coffee House on the pier a stop for a relaxing cuppa and enjoy the best views out over the water. Serving Local Hand Roasted Coffee ~ Snacks ~ Loch Lomond brewed beer.
HOW TO FIND US
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. Balloch Pier is a 10 minute walk from the train station. For details of train times click here.
By Bus
Buses run from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Balloch Bus Station every day of the week. The Pier is a 15 minute walk from the bus station. For timetable information click here.
By Car
Take the A82 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 can access limited parking on the pier approaches or in the nearby car park. There is also parking at Loch Lomond Shores. Click here for travel directions on Google maps.
By Cycle
The NCN7 Cycle Path leaves Glasgow following the north bank of the River Clyde and runs through West Dunbartonshire via Dumbarton to Balloch.
BALLOCH TO THE MAID
Local bus service from bus or train station to Loch Lomond Shores although it is just a 10 min walk along the river edge from the Visitor Information Centre opposite the rail station.