Visit Loch Lomond

Archive for the ‘Loch Lomond’ Category

Stirling’s Albert Hall seems to be buzzing with activity – there are several events during April and May which celebrate The Clancys, the Motown Sound and the ELO experience, to name but a few.  Further details from the Albert Halls, Stirling website.

I love Loch Lomond: Beth MacLeod, Knockderry Country House …

lovelochlomond.com2/16/12

Owner Beth MacLeod of Knockderry Country House Hotel shares what she loves best about Loch Lomond with us in our regular I love Loch Lomondinterview s

Argyll News: Argyll writer John M Wylie to feature in Lomond Writers …

forargyll.com2/18/12

The volume will be launched at the innovative four day Lomond Writers’ Gathering – unique in the area and bringing to Balloch professional writers and editors offering their expertise and experience to new and start-up writers …

eries.

I’ve found a few snippets about Loch Lomond and thought I’d quickly share them with you.

 

Argyll News: Birds stolen early this morning from Loch Lomond Birds …

forargyll.com2/17/12

At 4.30am this morning – 17th February – Loch Lomond Birds of Prey Centre suffered the dreadful experience of having some of their birds stolen. They.

New Bob Harper Limited Edition Launch | Loch Lomond Shores

www.lochlomondshores.com2/10/12

Bob's work is exclusive to Breeze Galleries and the new limited edition will be on display in the Loch Lomond gallery this weekend, so please do pop down to Breeze Art Studio, within Jenners, to view the new work and have …Glass Art Classes at Loch Lomond Art & Antiques Centre | Loch …

www.lochlomondshores.com2/7/12

Glass artist Cass Peters will be starting classes at Loch Lomond Art & Antiques Centre on Saturday 25th Feb 10am – 12noon. Classes can be booked either individually or as part of a block. Costs include all materials.

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Scotgold expects licence for Loch Lomond gold-silver mine in May …

www.mining.com1/31/12

Scotgold Resources announced Tuesday it expects to receive a mining lease from the Crown for the Cononish gold and silver project, the only one of its.

The weather was gorgeous; I had a quiet morning and a slow, lazy lunch – and then I decided to take advantage of a beautiful day and headed over to Loch Lomond Shores. I walked through the car park to Jenners and there, much to my surprise, was Sheila Fleet. Sheila was there to launch her latest range of jewellery; we had a quick hug and then took time out to have a coffee together.

Sheila Fleet has been designing and selling jewellery for many years.
Orcadian designer Fleet, 66, graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1967, and established her eponymous business back in 1993, after working for a number of different jewellers.

Since then she’s sold steadily to a loyal customer base, mainly in the UK, as she doesn’t do a lot of global marketing (preferring new customers to stumble upon the brand).

We first met Sheila and husband Rick at the Scottish Trade Show in Aviemore many years ago. It’s always interesting to see which stand attracts the most retailers and, it has to be said, there has always been a buzz around Sheila Fleet Jewellery.

After coffee, Sheila was on duty again and so I decided to see where the car would take me; heading into the Loch Lomond National Park, I found myself wandering down a side road and there was Ross Priory which is a recreational facilty for staff and graduates of Strathclyde University. The current house, which faces Loch Lomond, was built in 1812. Featuring a Scottish Gothic style, it was designed by architect James Gillespie (1776-1855).

Ross Priory is the University’s Recreational and Conference Centre, situated in 200 acres of parkland on the south east shoreline of Loch Lomond. Membership of this unique facility is open to all current and retired members of staff and to graduates of the University.

When I arrived at the car park, I could see that there was a wedding party on the lawn, enjoying the beautiful afternoon with views across to Ben Lomond.

With its reputation for quality, Ross Priory is a wonderful venue for a wedding. The beautiful location makes it a marvellous setting for photographs and the friendly ambience ensures it is a very special place for that magical day. The experienced team offers a warm Scottish welcome, making a Ross Priory wedding a very memorable day.

A Ross Priory Wedding can accommodate up to 62 in the Dining Room plus a further 30 in the adjoining McGougan Room.

We have a civil licence for marriage ceremonies, should you wish to hold your service in addition to your meal and reception.

I sneaked around the edge of the golf course to avoid intruding on the celebrations but everyone sounded relaxed and really happy.

From Ross Priory I wandered past the secluded caravan site at Lagganbeg – it looked really friendly and peaceful.

My wandering car took me to Drymen – it’s a lovely little village which is the gateway to the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. The walkers on the West Highland Way quite often overnight at Drymen – and this means that there are some great hotels and bed and breakfast establishments in the village; there are a couple of great eating places as well – including the Clachan, Drymen Pottery and the restaurants at the Buchanan Arms Hotel and the Winnock Hotel.

I had a quick trip to Duck Bay, near Balloch, on the shores of Loch Lomond … and took this quick snap. Duck Bay Marina is a very popular restaurant and hotel complex – they have a great reputation for weddings. But for me, the real charm lies in the view out over Loch Lomond.

After a quick shopping trip to the Co-op at Balloch, I wandered round to the Car Park at Sweeney’s and took this photo of the pleasure boats tied up safely on the banks of the River Leven.

By S Thomson

The Arrochar Alps are just an hour’s drive from Glasgow. Hardly the height of the Alps, but they can present a formidable challenge to even the most experienced walker of climber. Whether you’re tackling a rock face on The Cobbler (also known as Ben Arthur, 884m / 2,900ft), or a tough winter’s day over Beinn Narnain (926m / 3,040ft), Beinn Ime (1,011m / 3,317ft) and Ben Vane (915m / 3,002ft), you will find a great day out on these fun and varied summits. For information about Arrochar, the village from which these hills take their name.

The group contains three Munros, with a fourth Munro – Ben Vorlich (943m / 3,093ft) – just on the other side of the Loch Sloy reservoir, but the most well known of the peaks is The Cobbler. The mountain takes its name from its distinctive shape, said to look like a cobbler leaning over his last, and the summit is a rock pinnacle jutting into the sky. If you are climbing up to the final summit, great care must be taken, particularly in winter, when crampons are an absolute must, and a rope would be a very good idea: it involves a clamber through a hole in the summit pinnacle, called the “Window to Argyll”, with a very exposed scramble up on top of the summit pinnacle itself. The views are very rewarding in clear weather, with panoramas stretching as far as the islands of Arran and Jura, not to mention great views over Loch Lomond and Loch Long.

The Cobbler can be climbed on its own, or for a longer day out, combine it with the nearby Munros of Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime. Beinn Ime is most interestingly climbed from Butterbridge, and Beinn Narnain most interestingly climbed directly from the head of Loch Long; but the easiest route is from the three-way bealach between The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime. The slopes of Beinn Ime can be particularly wet, so gaiters might be a good idea dependent on how wet the weather has been. Beinn Ime can also be climbed from the Rest and Be Thankful car park on the A83 road, or from the Loch Sloy access road coming up from Loch Lomond.

In the glen between The Cobbler and Beinn Narnain, you will come across two giant boulders which have broken away from Beinn Narnain and rolled down into the glen. Known as the “Narnain Boulders”, you would not have wanted to get in the way of these monsters crashing down the mountainside! This makes a great place to stop for a break on your way up or down.

Ben Vane is usually climbed from just below Loch Sloy reservoir, and is one of the smallest Munros. Ben Vorlich can be climbed from below the Loch Sloy reservoir at Inveruglas, or from Ardlui, on the shores of Loch Lomond. The area also boasts some good Corbetts, including Beinn Luibhean.

Arrochar itself is well placed to take on other Munros in the area, including Beinn Chabhair, An Caisteal, Beinn a’Chroin, Cruach Ardrain, Beinn Tulaichean, Ben More and Stob Binnein. Beinn Bhuidhe is also not far from Arrochar, just a short drive away.

Remember to be properly prepared when taking on any of these mountains – safety is paramount. Do not let the height of these mountains in deceive you; the weather can change very suddenly, and too many people have lost their lives through complacency or being ill-prepared. Make sure you climb in sturdy walking boots, and have waterproofs, emergency supplies, a map, compass, and know how to use them. You should also take sufficient food and water and emergency medical supplies. Always check the mountain weather forecast before you set out, and at the relevant times of year, you should also check the avalanche forecast. Be safe and enjoy these wonderful mountains; you will find a very rewarding day out in the Arrochar Alps!

For further information, see http://www.arrochar.org.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Thomson

http://EzineArticles.com/?Hillwalking-in-the-Arrochar-Alps:-The-Cobbler,-Beinn-Narnain,-Beinn-Ime&id=6007338

By Simon Haughtone

Crianlarich is a village in Scotland in the county of Stirling. It is at a low pass in the geography and that is also the meaning of the name, Crianlarich. This spot is an important part for those journeying to the west and north in Scotland. This was where two military roads met. In the 19th century a railway junction was installed.

There are several accommodation choices available in the village as there is a large Youth Hostel, several campsites, bed and breakfasts, wooden wigwams that can be rented and the Ben More Lodge Hotel. The village also has a church, post shop and police station.

This is an excellent base of operation if you want to climb the Glen Falloch Mountains or Ben More. Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve contains the highest mountain in Perthshire. The reserve contains the Lawers range and tarmachan range. There are many nature trails and plenty of opportunities to view dipper, ravens, red grouse, ptarmingan, curlew and ring-ouzel.

Ben Lomond is a beautiful area just off of Loch Lomond. In 1995 it became the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park. The forest c omission can been trying to repair path erosion and regenerate the woodland. There is sheep farming and a ranger center for information in the area.

Moirlanich Longhouse is an example of a cruck frame cottage and byre. This one was built in the mid 19th century and still has many box beds and a hingin’ lum. A nearby shed contains a collection of rare Sunday best clothing that was found in the Longhouse. There are exhibits on the restoration and history of the cottage

Kilchurn castle was built in 1550 and later enlarged in 1693. Today it is possible to view the ruins and barracks. You can also enjoy some beautiful views of Loch Awe. It is possible to reach the castle by steamer form the Loch Awe Pier.

For a wide selection of Crianlarich hotels just click here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Beauty-of-the-Highlands-at-Crianlarich&id=2944789

Fishing on Loch Lomond
By Glen Buchanan

Loch Lomond is a freshwater loch lying on the Highland Boundary Fault. It has the largest surface area of any lock in the United Kingdom. Stretching 39km in length and 8km at its widest point, Loch Lomond possibly hosts the largest variety of fish in Scotland. Salmon and sea trout return into the Southern reaches of the loch from the River Leven, whilst brown and rainbow trout, roach, perch, pike, chub and dace offer every angler a different catch every time!

The River Leven is Scotland’s premier salmon and sea trout fishery. At six miles long, it’s not a large river but every fish has to go through the Leven in order to get to the Loch and the spawning rivers; this is the key to its success. Fly fishing is the most popular method and between 11th February and 31st October, anglers are treated to a wealth of salmon and sea trout. Although you’ll need to wait until the last week in March before seeing a decent run of spring salmon.

The River Endrick is the prime spawning river of the Lomond system. Anglers are urged to return all coloured fish to the river to ensure activity for future years. The river is well looked after by the volunteers of the River Endrick Working Group. Overhanging trees are carefully pruned back each year allowing the anglers space to cast their fly. Between the months of July and October are when great fishing can be found. If you find yourself on the water after it has risen and starting to fall, the river can be prolific and even complete beginners can land that special catch.

The River Fruin, located on the west of the Loch, is another main river. It has developed a reputation for providing excellent salmon and sea trout. Fly fishing is the only method on this river and many anglers will tell you that being in the right place at the right time is vital for success.

If you’re venturing out onto the waters, you might want to try some of these Lures and Flies. Trolled lures do well in the early part of the season. During the summer months, better success may be found with patterns such as Mallard and yellow, Invicta and Big Daddy Longlegs.

Permits are required for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout so make sure you have one before making that first cast.

Written by Glen Buchanan, Keep-Fishing, Fishing on Loch Lomond

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glen_Buchanan

http://EzineArticles.com/?Fishing-on-Loch-Lomond&id=2337183

Loch Lomond Holidays – The Highland Boundary Fault Line

By F. Alcorn

Loch Lomond has the largest surface area of any freshwater loch or lake in Britain, and measures about 5 miles across at its widest point and about 24 miles long. It is crossed by the Highland Boundary Fault Line, a geological feature which splits the landscape quite markedly in two.

To the south east of the Line the landscape remains gently undulating as in the central lowlands, but to the north west, the Highlands raise up dramatically.

Along the line of the fault there are 4 islands in Loch Lomond. They are Inchmurrin, Inchcailloch, Torrinch and Creinch, and seen on a map or from above, the line across the loch is clear.

The Highland Boundary Fault line extends from Lochranza on the Isle of Arran in the west, across the Isle of Bute and the Cowal and Rosneath peninsulas before reaching Loch Lomond. It then crosses Aberfoyle, Callander and Crieff before reaching Stonehaven in the east.

The Highland Boundary Fault Line was caused by a plate tectonic collision that took place around 520 to 400 million years ago. The actual cause of such movements of the surface of the earth is as yet unknown, although several theories exist.

A complimentary fault, the Southern Uplands Fault, forms the southern boundary for the Central Lowlands.

The Highland Boundary Fault Trail is a waymarked four mile walk around the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park from the David Marshall Lodge near Aberfoyle. Visitors can take the opportunity to learn about the geological feature at the same time as experiencing the wonderful scenery of the region.

The author lives and works in the beautiful surroundings of Loch Lomond, and would like to share this stunning part of the world with people who are interested in all it has to offer. Please visit Loch Lomond Holidays at http://www.lochlomondholidays.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=F._Alcorn
http://EzineArticles.com/?Loch-Lomond-Holidays—The-Highland-Boundary-Fault-Line&id=5990568

 

By F. Alcorn

All around Loch Lomond there are woodland and hillside pathways suitable for walking on your Loch Lomond holidays. Depending on your level of ability you may chose to keep to the loch side lowlands, or venture a bit further uphill into the mountains. One walk that we enjoy is a short, family friendly stroll around the woodland just north of Tarbet.

Tarbet’s name is derived from the Gaelic for carry over or portage, and this came about because of its position. The narrow strip of land on which it sits separates the inland loch from the top end of Loch Long at Arrochar. In times gone by, Vikings would sail into Loch Long, come ashore at Arrochar and carry their longboats over the thin strip of land to Tarbet where they could access Loch Lomond and plunder the local communities there.

From the A82 road just north of the junction in the road for Arrochar there is a Forestry Commission path to the left leading to a small car park. The way marked walk goes off to the south initially, before looping back round, away from the loch. The walk is through gently undulating forestry paths and is not too strenuous, but bits of it would be great with a mountain bike! Along the loch side there are some good views of the tiny Tarbet Isle, just off the shore. It is only about 80metres long and wooded.

About three quarters of the way round the loop there is a small tearoom where you can stop for a cup of tea and a scone, or something more hearty, before finishing the short walk.

This short loop gives a taste of a woodland walk without being too strenuous for your Loch Lomond holidays.

The author lives and works in the beautiful surroundings of Loch Lomond, and would like to share this stunning part of the world with people who are interested in all it has to offer. Please visit Loch Lomond Holidays at http://www.lochlomondholidays.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=F._Alcorn
http://EzineArticles.com/?Loch-Lomond-Holidays—A-Favourite-Walk-at-Tarbet&id=5965204