Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest body of fresh water by surface area, stretching approximately 23 miles in length and up to 4 miles wide. It sits within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is interspersed with numerous islands, offering a varied paddling environment of open water, sheltered bays, and narrow straits between islands.

Access points are distributed around the loch. On the eastern shore, car parks at Milarrochy Bay, Sallochy, and Rowardennan provide water access. On the western shore, car parks at Luss, Tarbet, and Inveruglas serve paddlers, with launch options from Luss Pier and Luss Beach. At the southern end, Balloch offers access via the Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway and Duck Bay. A layby at Aldochlay, roughly a mile north of Luss on the western shore, accommodates around six cars and gives convenient access to the islands of Inchtavannach, Inchconnachan, and Inchmoan. Balmaha on the eastern shore is a popular starting point for reaching islands including Inchcailloch, which lies approximately two miles out.

The loch's size means it can be subject to high winds, which paddlers should factor into planning. Motorised vessels also use the water, and any craft with a motor must be registered with the National Park Authority. Paddlers should follow the national "Check, Clean, Dry" protocol when leaving the water to prevent the spread of invasive non-native aquatic species, which are identified as a significant ecological threat in the National Park.

The islands are a primary draw for paddlers, with sandy beaches on Inchmoan's south side and the narrow channel known as "The Narrows" between Inchtavannach and Inchconnachan offering sheltered paddling. Inchconnachan is noted for a population of wallabies, though they are reportedly difficult to spot. The surrounding scenery includes mountain views in multiple directions.

Loch Lomond is open to non-motorised paddling year-round. Equipment hire, including single and twin kayaks, is available from operators at Luss Pier, Luss Beach, and Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch, with BCU-qualified instructors on site. The Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch operates seven days a week and charges fees for launch and retrieval.