Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest fresh water loch by surface area. Its dimensions are - 24 miles long, up to 600 feet deep and has around 38 islands which provide safe havens for wildlife. With so much water and being less than an hours drive from Glasgow it's no wonder Loch Lomond has become a popular spot for water sports such as sailing, pleasure cruises and jet skiing. The beauty and heritage of the area has recently been recognised when it was declared as Scotland's first National Park.
The banks of Loch Lomond stretch upwards to give dramatic mountains. Ben Lomond being the most southerly Munroe and Ben Arthur also known as the Cobbler - you'll understand why when you see it. Walking and hiking are also favourite pastimes. Tracks can take you to the tops of the mountains where, on a clear day, the view can stretch right across the Highland peaks.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a longer challenge, the West Highland Way, arguably the most famous walk in Scotland, starts from Milngavie near Glasgow all the way to Fort William and follows the banks along the quieter East side.
There are a few towns and villages which are worth a look. Luss is a very picturesque village, famous in Scotland for being the setting of a Soap Opera entitled 'Take the Highroad'. There's also a new development at Balloch located at the Southern most end of the loch. It includes a new visitor's centre, a few short walks as well as shops for those wanting a more tasteful, though possibly more expensive, souvenir of Scotland. Drymen also has pubs, cafes and shops with walks starting from there as well.
Possibly one of the most well known Scottish songs, 'Loch Lomond', gives depth to an area already steeped in history. The story behind the song is set during the Jacobite Uprisings (17th and 18th Centuries), a period of Scottish History which still evokes strong emotions. Two brothers, Jacobite supporters, lived by the banks of Loch Lomond.
They were captured by the Redcoats and sentences of death were passed. However this was changed into one of the hardest decisions ever - one brother could live but the other had to die.
The youngest brother had a sweetheart by Loch Lomond while his elder brother had a family and home to take care of. Thus the younger brother took it upon himself to be sent to the gallows. The fate of the brothers has been immortalised in the chorus where "You'll tak' the high road and I'll tak' the low road and I'll be in Scotland before you - where me and my true love will never meet again on the bonny, bonny banks o' Loch Lomond".
This is the younger brother saying to this sibling - you go home over land ie the high road, and I will go via the low road (the spiritual road) and will therefore be home first, but I will never be with my true love on the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond again.
What we do by Loch Lomond:
Tours that visit Loch Lomond include:
If you like Loch Lomond then you may also like:
