The natural wonders of Loch Lomond

I have always had a deep affection for Loch Lomond in Scotland. It’s one of those magical places I try to visit when I ‘come home’ just so I can reconnect and breathe in the majesty of my surroundings. I actually feel a physical and emotional (maybe even spiritual) sense of calm wash over me as soon as I arrive.

Perhaps one of the most surprising things I can tell you about Loch Lomond is that you could be wandering around Sauchiehall Street in the epicentre of a bustling city one minute and 45 minutes later you could be in one of the most tranquil and serene locations in the UK. In fact the southern shores of Loch Lomond are only 14 miles (23KM) north of Glasgow, yet the two locations are strikingly different

As you meander along the A82 you will catch your first glimmer of the freshwater loch on the right hand side. This teasing glimpse signals the appropriate moment to lay down all your stresses and cares and just immerse yourself in the splendour of nature as it opens up before you.

Here you can experience the change in landscape as you enter the gateway between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland. Loch Lomond actually lies on the Highland Boundary Fault which is typified by the scenic drama played out through glacier lochs and brooding glens. Indeed the natural beauty and striking landscapes of this area are a direct product of its geological history.

The Trossachs is one of the many ranges of hills in the area. The word ‘trossachs’ literally translated from the Gaelic, means ‘bristled territory’. You would be hard pushed not to be in awe of your surroundings, particularly if you are a keen hillwalker.  The area boasts 21 Munros [mountains over 3000ft (914m)] 19 Corbetts (smaller mountains between 2500ft and 3000ft). Of course there are plenty stop off points if you are in need of refreshment along the way.

One of my favourite villages is Luss. It first came to my attention as a child. My grannie used to watch a show called ‘Take the High Road’ and I remember saying to her, ‘where is that place? It looks beautiful”. The soap was filmed in Luss against a backdrop of hills and lochs and it captured my imagination from then on.

Many of the cottages that line the street of Luss were originally built to house workers involved in the local slate quarry in the 18th century. The houses have been restored to their former glory and Luss has now been designated as a conservation village.

Of course, I have to be honest, I would avoid Luss in the middle of the day at the height of summer unless you want to share the loch shore line with bus loads of tourists. Luckily this area does not need to rely on good weather. The area is just as charming through all the seasons of the year.

If you do visit Luss, and need somewhere to stay, I recommend The Lodge on Loch Lomond. The food is first class and not too overpriced given the location. The rooms can be slightly on the higher end of the scale but again, not overpriced when you consider waking up in the morning to the sound of the water gently lapping under your balcony, or the sight of the hills silhouetted against the morning sky. Some of the rooms include a sauna so be sure to have a good look at all the facilities in each room before you book.

I couldn’t write a post on Loch Lomond without mentioning The Drovers. This is an enchanting rest stop located at the top end of Loch Lomond on the A82 on the way to Crianlarich. The Drovers Inn was used by Highland drovers who used to drive their cattle down the side of Loch Lomond to the markets. As you walk in you could be forgiven for thinking nothing has changed in over two of hundred years. Be warned though, you need to embrace the quirky at this stopover. If you can see beyond peeling paint and uneven, rickety floorboards then you are in for a unique experience. For me, the smell of the fire, a welcoming whisky and the tartan carpets are as warming as a welcome home hug. 

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