Spotlight On: Loch Lomond, Scotland

Scotland is a country filled with breath-taking scenery; from sky touching mountains (or glens as they’re locally known) to seemingly endless green valleys, it’s a unique and wondrous place to visit. One of the country’s most renowned natural features is its beautiful and expansive lochs (lakes). While Loch Ness has the international reputation and fame thanks to its ‘legendary’ prehistoric dweller, Loch Lomond is equally astounding when it comes to size, depth and enjoyment. In terms of total surface area, Loch Lomond is the UK’s largest inland stretch of water and one of the deepest too.

Less than a day’s drive away from Edinburgh, Loch Lomond offers a mixed bag of entertainment for visitors of varying thrill levels. Anyone looking for a more adventurous experience on the water will love water sports company Loch Lomond Leisure, which offers a variety of activities to try such as paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing. For those looking for an adrenaline surge, water-skis, wakeboards and speedboats can be hired from a number of companies around the lake.

For those who'd like a more scenic experience of the lake, enjoy a cruise. For a charming trip that passes by the islands in the middle of Loch Lomond, Sweeny’s Cruise Co. trip from Luss to Balmaha is the answer. Just 30 minutes each way, the trip gives you the chance to get off from the boat and explore before making the journey back. With more time, Sweeny’s also offer a half day Island Explorer Cruise which takes you to Inchcailloch, an island in the middle of the lake. There are walks through the woodland on the island from the National Nature Reserve that usually offer a chance to see some local wildlife such as deer and otters.

Around Loch Lomond there are charming Scottish towns worth visiting, most notably Luss. A popular stop for those exploring the Loch Lomond area, the rows of 18th and 19th century cottages down to the loch’s shores make for incredibly pretty sights – especially with the Ben Lomond mountain (or glen) towering in the background. 

The town centre has shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy as well as the fantastic Luss Smokehouse. Specialising in selling salmon and trout caught from the lake and smoked in house, the Luss Smokehouse sells both in sandwiches and as part of their picnic hampers. A great place to pick up a tasty, local bite to enjoy on the lake’s shore.

Whatever you decide to do, Loch Lomond and Luss are wonderful places for a day visit or short stay - both are beautiful examples of what Scotland’s scenic countryside has to offer.
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Feature and images courtesy of INSPIRES by Avis