Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges

Set in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with hot tubs and beautiful loch views, these luxury self-catering lodges are ideal for relaxing in scenic surroundings.  To find out what more about Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges and what visitors can see and do in the National Park we spoke to owners Charles and Suzanne Cottam.

Could you tell us more about your luxury self-catering accommodation?

Our five star chalets and lodges are amongst the best holiday lodges in Scotland.  The two storey lodges sleep 2-6 persons and are semi-detached; the chalets are single storey and detached; and all our accommodation has excellent loch views.  The chalets and lodges have private Jacuzzi hot tubs on the patios overlooking Loch Lomond and for most stays the price of your lodge includes the cost of the hot tub.

We have steam cabins, all with en suite-bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and large open plan living spaces.  Set in a sunny, tranquil and wooded location on the quiet, east side of Loch Lomond, near the picturesque highland village of Balmaha we are in the heart of the Loch Lomond National Park.

As the name suggests, the lodges enjoy a waterfront location on the shores of Loch Lomond.  What kinds of things can visitors see and do around or on the loch?

Loch Lomond is famed for its natural environment with beautiful walks along the loch side or among the nearby hills and woods. But other exciting activities are developing in the area to suite all ages and tastes.  The waterbus calls at Balmaha pier in the season and connects to the other side of the loch.  Boats can be hired from the village boatyard or taken from there to tour the famous and varied islands.  You can enjoy wakeboarding and speed-boating from Balloch or bring your own boat and launch from our own beach.  Fishing is popular and we can hire rods and arrange for one-to-one private tuition too.  Cycling on the  quiet roads or forest paths is great fun and our own bicycles can be hired at reception.

The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts – can you describe some of the other activities/attractions on offer?

There are too many to choose from, but here are what we think are the best of many:

Walking and climbing

• Conic Hill to Milton of Buchanan and back – three hours and very varied.
• Millarochy Bay and back – stunning loch side walk. Venture a little further to Sallochy Bay and see the ruins of an abandoned Highland crofting community.
• Ben Lomond – for the more adventurous. The summit is at  3,196 feet and it is Scotland’s most southerly Munro.
• Queen Elizabeth Forest Park – follow the Loch Katrine viaduct engineering marvel and then sail on board the Victorian steam launch The Sir Walter Scott.

Natural sights

• Devils Pulpit, Croftamie – gorge walking for the intrepid (but there’s often company).
• Islands of Loch Lomond – take a boat and take all day. Just stunning and so much history.
• The Whangie: see where Rob Roy hid his stolen cattle – great views of Loch Lomond as well.
• Duncryne Hill, Gartocharn: the best views for the least effort – 250ft high with enchanting views of all of Loch Lomond.
• Bracklinn Falls, Callendar: fascinating series of falls. Best when wet.

Sport and leisure

• Buchanan Arms leisure club: with swimming pool, sauna and gymnasium – guest of ours can also enjoy preferential rates.
• Buchanan Castle Golf Club and Driving Range: this well establish golf course is less than three miles away and our guests can benefit from preferential rates.
• Castle Rednock horse riding and Segway centre: just what it says – very friendly family run farm business.
• Can U Experience: canoes, Segways and lots more.
• Go Ape at Aberfoyle: Hang from trees and tackle the high ropes with thrills and excitement for all ages.

What about wildlife watching opportunities in the area?

Watch some of Britain’s rarest birds without even having to take a car from the site!  Our location, astride the Highland Fault Line, means that birdwatchers and naturalists can walk to a wide variety of habitats within minutes of the lodges.  The River Endrick flows into Loch Lomond through the water-meadows that borders our grounds.  This is a highly protected, class one nature reserve and the meadows are home to ospreys, deer and otters to name but a few.  Ospreys can often be seen fishing from our beach and the local woodlands and forests are the haunt of a family of rare white deer.  Cross over the fault line and golden eagles, red kites, pine martens and wild cats have all been seen in the area.

The islands of Loch Lomond Nature Reserve can be reached by boat and is home to capercaillies and even wallabies!

Local Rangers are always to hand to offer advice and personal walking and nature guides are ready to help you find the most exciting birds and animals.

What about those who want to unwind and take things at a slower pace – how can guests relax at Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges?

Our extensive natural grounds with sandy beaches are yours to enjoy.  You can also enjoy gourmet dining without having to leave the comfort of your own lodge; we provide a unique Chef in a lodge service for intimate dining events.  Family parties with multi lodge booking can also use our free private bar and dining room for larger events.

A highly trained Beauty Therapist can visit your lodge and we have a range of additional services to make your stay even more enjoyable.

The lodges are an ideal base for exploring central Scotland – what are your favourite day trips?

Our favourite day trips always include seeing something unique and interesting with a refreshment stop at somewhere charming.  Here are just some tour ideas:

• Castles upon Castles.  Visit Stirling Castle and then travel 40 minutes further to see Edinburgh Castle.  On the way there or back stop at The Woodlands Tea Room and Delicatessen at Kippen.  If you’d prefer an old pub stop at the Cross Keys at Kippen.  It is substantially unchanged for the past three hundred years and the food is delicious.
• Doon the Watter.  The famous Waverley Steam Paddle Boat is only 35 minutes away.  Take this delightful transport down the Clyde Estuary.  Hop of at any of the ports and catch the steamer on its way back.
• Argyll and the West.  Head for Inveraray to visit its castle and jail, but stop off at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar first.  Past Inveraray is the preserved Highland crofting village of Auchendrain and a little further still Lochilphead, the Crinan Canal and the fascinating Stone Age monuments of Kilmartin.
• The Trossachs.  Catch the Steamer and tour Loch Katrine then take tea at Bridge O’ Tu