In search of classic highlights, Susan Taylor finds scenic lochs, towering mountains, and views, views, views…
Does it get any more quintessentially Scottish than Ben Nevis or Loch Lomond? Oh, maybe midges and heather. And whisky, mustn’t forget the whisky, very Scots. Which is why, on a trip to Scotland this summer, we decided we had to experience these (okay, not the midges, but definitely a drop of the whisky!).
A river runs through it
The adventure began at Lomond Woods Holiday Park on the southern tip of Loch Lomond, amid tuneless renditions of ‘The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond’ – singing is not our forte but good fun, nevertheless!
The pretty campsite is just a stroll away from the small town of Balloch, and it was here we spent our first afternoon. Not only is the town on the shores of Loch Lomond (the largest inland stretch of water in Britain at 23 miles long), it also has the River Leven running through it. From the riverside jetty, it is easy to hop on a boat for a leisurely cruise or catch the waterbus to explore further afield.
Despite the unseasonably miserable weather, we couldn’t resist – after all, the loch was the main reason we were here – and soon found ourselves sailing past Inchmurrin Island, one of 33 islands on the loch, and seeing a different view of Ben Lomond.
Back on dry land, we enjoyed a hog roast sausage roll to keep us going until dinner and a warming whisky at the Tullie Inn. A wander around town for the inevitable window- and gift-shopping completed a perfect introduction to the area.
As dusk approached and the rainclouds thickened, we retreated to our pitch for dinner, yet another enthusiastic rendition of ‘Ye’ll tak’ the high road…’ and an early night – must have been all that fresh air, nothing to do with the whisky, of course!
Bonnie banks
Next day it was time to visit those bonnie banks. With the sky still threatening rain, we decided to take the 10-minute walk to Loch Lomond Shores. Here there are shops to browse, a couple of fast-food restaurants and cafés, a sea life aquarium and a birds of prey centre.
But again, we were here primarily for the loch and were happy wandering around the shoreline and the woods, where there is more entertainment in the form of TreeZone for those who fancy playing in the tree canopy. Before long, we found ourselves on the beach beside the PS Maid of the Loch paddlesteamer, which is
