Visit Loch Lomond

Archive for the ‘Sports and Recreation’ Category

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

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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

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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

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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

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By John J Joseph

Each year mostly in the spring and summer months. A seaplane flies from the River Clyde in Glasgow to Loch Lomond. A limited service from December to February takes place. Restrictions in flights take place due to the weather and lack of day light hours.

The scenic flight takes on average less than one hour. The flight will take passengers over the River Clyde along past Dunoon. Then the plane heads up over towards Isle of Bute and all the beautiful scenery that you can see.

You can appreciate the roaming hills and the mountains. The view particularly looks appealing in the autumn months when the leaves and greenery color. The colours change from a bright green to burnt orange. A glorious red to a delicate yellow.

The sea plane can be boarded at the dock beside the Science centre in Glasgow. There is a bridge called the squinty bridge close to the centre. You can park your car hire from Glasgow Airport close to the bridge and the science centre. There is also a variety of car parking available in the city centre where you can leave your car hire from Glasgow Airport.

Last year the sea plane flew over six thousand passengers from Loch Lomond to Glasgow. One of their famous guests to board their plane last year was Susan Boyle. The singer had boarded the sea plane in Glasgow and was dropped off at Cameron House. She used the plane while filming a television programme which told the audience about her life.

Car hire Glasgow Airport is just one of the subjects that an expert in car rental UK writer John J Joseph writes about.

He is writing on behalf of Car hire Glasgow Airport at Carhire Glasgow Airport at http://www.dchscotland.co.uk

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