Accommodation near Loch Lomond
Accommodation Near Loch Lomond
Our guest house offers accommodation near Loch Lomond - now a National Park and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [AONB]. This despite the attempts, in our view, to waste public money on ugly 'object d'art' on a certain roundabout on the A82/A811 junction and appalling silo-like buildings at Lomond Shores shopping complex at the foot of the loch!
Our ancestors knew better how to build for a lasting heritage that blended into the natural beauty of the area, and fortunately there are many examples of those properties left – dotted around the loch.
Loch Lomond Activities
Most pleasure boats on the loch cruise from Balloch, but some also visit Tarbet, halfway up the 23 mile long loch.
There is now an excellent Sea Aquarium in the 'tower' at Lomond Shores. Canoe trips, power kiting, pedalos, and cycle hire are offered by 'CanYou' - Telepehone: 01389 602576 - or visit the activity point website for more information.
The 'Maid of the Loch' paddle steamer is still being refurbished, but it is possible to have coffee/tea on board and inspect the work in progress to restore it to its former glory - using public donations.
Balloch Park is an attractive area in which to walk, beside the south east bottom end of Loch Lomond. There are various hostelries for good food in Balloch [just a 10 minute drive from Kirkton House in Cardross.
These restaurants and pubs offer traditional Scottish, Italian, French, Chinese and 'American' cuisine. Alternatively, to dine with a view of the loch, there is The Cruin restaurant in the grounds of the old Lomond Castle, the Cameron House Marina Restaurant, the Duck Bay Marina Restaurant, or the Lodge on the Loch Hotel at Luss.
Visit Luss, On The Shores Of The Loch
The village of Luss is a pretty little village with an attractive old church, on the lochside with a small 'beach' [but swim at your peril - it is cold!].
Luss is well worth a visit, even if only to see the attractive rose-fronted cottages and to visit the famous 'Coffee Shop' with home baked goodies!
Other Places To Visit Nearby
At Tarbet, there is now a small sea-plane that offers sightseeing flights around the area. From the plane you can enjoy stunning views of Loch Lomond and the countryside, or travel as far as the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool just off the western coast of Argyll.
Please see lochlomondseaplanes.com for more information.
On the eastern shores there is a pleasant drive from Drymen to Rowandennan Forest [ultimately a dead end road], where the ascent of Ben Lomond [3,300 ft] may be started [it takes three hours to go up and an hour and a half to descend]!
On a clear day from Ben Lomond, it is possible to see the Firth of Forth and the Atlantic Ocean, with the Cairngorm Mountain peaks to the north - spectacular views!
Stirling Castle is just an hours drive away.
Similarly, the Falkirk Wheel [a cleverly engineered boat lift] is just over an hour away and can be of special interest to children of school age.
Resources - scotshistoryonline.co.uk - scottishsport.co.uk - b-mercer.demon.co.uk/benl.htm