I have such a soft spot for Scotland and think it's an absolutely stunning country. The Highlands are gorgeous and make you feel a million miles away from home. But the Highlands feels a ridiculous journey from home if you're driving. So when we decided to take a trip to Scotland last year we pumped for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Less than an hour from Glasgow, it's the perfect trip if you fancy breathing in that fresh air after the hustle and bustle of city life.
We were only in the area for three nights but managed to see so much of the area! Choosing to base ourselves in an Air BnB in Ballach was a great choice. Known as the gateway to Loch Lomond it was perfectly central and a great town with lots different places to enjoy dinner and a relaxing drink after all the walking.
Here's where you should visit on a whistle stop tour of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park!
Loch Katrine is situated in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The freshwater loch has served the city of Glasgow for the past 150 years. If you're a fan of Outlander (something we're not!) then you'll recognise the scenery from season two as it's where Brianna and Roger have a picnic together. Following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, its home to an historic steamship you can board for a trip up and down the loch. We chose to veto this option and decided to do our sightseeing by foot.
We parked the car in the main carpark, picked up a drink from the kiosk and took to our feet. The rangers are pretty helpful and pointed us in the right direction to find a map. There are numerous suggestion of walks in the leaflet depending on how much time you want to spend in the area. We still had other sights we wanted to squeeze in so we chose the two hour walk. We didn't end up completing it but still had a leisurely stroll for just over an hour. It was pretty empty so seemed even more magical because we had it to ourselves. I'd recommend scheduling in at least half a day to really enjoy the scenery.
Luss
Unfortunately we picked the worse day for weather to choose to visit the loch-side village of Luss just off the A84. But it was still a lovely place for a wander. It's very small but there are a couple of pubs and tearooms to visit. I would recommend refuelling with coffee and cake from The Coach House Coffee Shop. They have a lovely outside area to take advantage off if you're luckier with the weather! Be sure to take a stroll along the beach or wander around admiring the pretty houses.
Balloch
As I mentioned above, we stayed in the town of Balloch. Located at the foot of Loch Lomond, it really is the perfect base if you want to be central to everything. It has brilliant rail links from Glasgow if you'd rather use public transport. We took a walk while the lads were at golf and discovered the town is home to a beautiful walled garden and a pretty castle overlooking the loch. Loch Lomond Shores, an outlet shopping centre, offers boat trips and other water-based activities. If you're visiting with children then I imagine Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre would be a fun day out!
Our Air BnB was within walking distance from the town and had everything we could need. The flat was absolutely sparkling clean which was such a reassurance in the current climate. The host was so quick to answer questions and offer some recommendations for our trip. I would 100% recommend a stay here if you find yourself in the area.
Tucked away in a forest, the gorge is a short walk from the car parking spaces. Wear sensible shoes and ones you don't mind getting muddy. Keep an eye on where you're walking as the gorge is pretty steep so it could be easy to lose your footing and fall over the edge. It's not a place I'd recommend taking children or visiting with people with mobility issues. Keep walking around the gorge until you get to a pair of stone stairs with a rope handrail attached to the side.
The steps will be very slippery thanks to the traffic up and down. Don't let go of the rope and tread extremely carefully. The stairs are narrow and only really allow for one-way traffic so always make sure to look down to see if anyone is coming. Keep in mind your feet probably will get a little damp. Despite all these warnings it's absolutely fab.
Falls of Falloch
Located in the north part of the national park, just over three miles from the village of Crianlarich , the Falls of Falloch are well worth a stop. Standing at 30ft high, the impressive falls are a fab place to take a moment to enjoy being with nature. There's a small car park at the bottom and you simply following the trail before you see them. You'll hear all the water gushing so you'll know you're in the right place!
