Escape To The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
My favourite stress buster!
Loch Lomond, Scotland
As the lyrics to the famous song go…”you take the high road and I’ll take the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye” It wouldn’t matter which route you take, what lies in wait is worth any journey.
At the heart of Central Scotland, where the Highlands and Lowlands meet, is the gateway to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, which is made up of various mountains and lochs. An absolute must for visitors to this beautiful region is the magical, picture postcard scenery of Loch Lomond. Like most of Scotland, this area is steeped in history and offers a wide range of visitor attractions to suit everyone.
Spending a few days, or even a few hours in the area around this magnificent Loch is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Every so often I physically ache to escape to its magical charm to recharge my batteries.
Over the years, I have spent many weekends here and have fallen under its spell every time. It may only be a short drive down the road from Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, but when I am there I feel like I am a million miles from reality and that is exactly why I go. It’s why visitors from all over the world fall in love with it too.
The Village Of Luss, Scotland
One of my favourite spots is the sleepy hamlet of Luss, a tranquil village that epitomizes the chocolate box image of rural Scotland and this place does exactly what it says on the tin!
Luss sits on the west bank of Loch Lomond in the council district of Argyll & Bute. Its rows of pretty cottages sit in the shadow of its beautiful parish church and have been the setting for many holiday memories. Day to day action here doesn’t get too hurried either. A simple stroll to one of the quaint little shops or cafes or even a brisk walk along the loch shore will diffuse any tension and slow the pace of life right down.
Loch Lomond At Dusk
I often stay at The Lodge on Loch Lomond or Cameron House, a few minutes drive along the road. In either setting, my favourite pastime is to sit and watch the light change over the loch. From the crisp, bright sunrise of morning to the dying embers of the setting sun at dusk, it’s just so seductive and in an instant I feel like my cares have been washed away, deep into the water before me.
Loch Lomond Cruises
Loch Lomond isn’t small…boasting 39 Km (24 miles) long and around 8km (5 miles) wide. It is the largest loch by surface area and second largest (after Loch Ness) by water volume. Naturally, the loch is at the heart of the action and what better way to see it than on one of the many boats trips on offer. It’s a great way to spend your day or evening (depending on when you go) just sailing around the most picturesque spots, taking in the glorious scenery along the way.
For some great choices, I can recommend Sweeney’s Cruises.
For those of you who prefer dry land pursuits, head to Loch Lomond Shores Visitor Centre in Balloch. You may be far from the big shopping centres of Glasgow but you can still enjoy some retail therapy.
Indulge in top name brands at the prestigious Jenners, a House of Fraser store plus there’s some lovely independent gift and jewellery boutiques, a delicious assortment of cafes serving home baking, teas and coffees with uninterrupted views across the loch. Browsing in shops has never been so enjoyable in this stunning setting.
Sea Life Aquarium, Balloch – kay roxby / Shutterstock.com
If you have the kids in tow, you can while away an hour or so exploring an amazing underwater world at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium, which offers great fun for all the family, whatever the weather!
For me, being by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond is all about relaxation. The very atmosphere around the lochside dictates the tempo and the pace suits me down to the ground. This place gives me time to just be. Life can be put on hold for a while as the beauty and tranquility of the area takes control and forces you to slow down.
If you’re in need of a proper, chilled out break then take the high road, take the low road, take any road at all, just go!
Here’s a handy list of attractions to visit and my choice of places to stay:
Attractions:
- Loch Lomond Shores Shopping
- Sea Life Loch Lomond
- Go Ape Aberfoyle
- The village of Luss
- Nearby village of Balmaha
- Helensburgh
Places to stay:
- Cameron House Hotel
- The Lodge on The Loch
- The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel
I love travel. I’ve been fascinated by other countries and cultures since my first foreign trip in 1985 and I’ve had serious wanderlust ever since.I also love to write about where I’ve been and tripsology lets me indulge that passion. I’m thrilled to be a regular contributor and editor. When I’m not writing I also run my own PR and publicity company.