Loch Lomond, Scotland

From Dublin we flew into Glasgow, rented a big ass van (NOT from Europcar), and headed to Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. We were too early to check into our hotel, so we left our luggage and did a little sight seeing along the shoreline.

The Falls of Falloch, just north of the loch, is a must see.

As mentioned previously, that brownish color in the water is from being filtered through peat bogs.

As I was driving Sande kept chirping “sheep!” every time we saw one, so I finally had to pull over for her photo op.

There is an excellent viewpoint along Loch Lomond called “Firkin Point”, which must get more than it’s fair share of jokes based on the running commentary in the van. We Firkin loved it!

The area has received so much rain in the last week that the loch is higher than normal, with trees normally on the shoreline sitting in the water.

Our hotel, the Lodge on Loch Lomond, commands a perfect spot on the loch!

Most of the rooms have excellent views.

The next morning I had something special planned for William and Myra’s birthdays.

The “Beau Jangles“, captained by Richard Bickerton, is the nicest yacht on the loch. You can tell Richard really loves his job!

We really lucked out on the weather. It was supposed to rain all day, but it held off until the afternoon. We took a cruise south along several small islands.

The views are stunning! That tree looks like something out of Robinson Crusoe or Tarzan!

The water was perfectly still. What a gorgeous spot for a cruise.

Richard dropped us off on the most scenic island on Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch (say that three times fast). The name comes from Gaelic and means “island of nuns”, as there was a nunnery here a few hundred years ago.

We hiked up to the top of the island to take in the view. The below shot is looking back towards Luss. Damn Scotland is so gorgeous!

On the hike back to the boat we visited the ancient burial ground of Clan MacGregor, with some graves dating back to the 13th century. This was also the location of the previously mentioned nunnery.

There are excellent views along the shoreline. Everywhere you look is beautiful. It actually got kind of tiring.

Not!

We had lunch in nearby Balmaha. I gotta say, it’s pretty sweet having a yacht drop you off on an island, then pick you up and take you to lunch.

Unfortunately the rain started up after lunch, so we had to head below (Nautical talk activated) for some whiskey tasting. Fortunately Richard didn’t join us…Captain and all!

We had a really excellent time on the yacht! Thanks Richard! The weather cooperated near sunset, and created a beautiful photo.

The next day we had a private tour of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Derek was our guide, and he did an awesome job! He even had a perfect Scottish accent!

One of the highlights was seeing this pair of Hairy Coos named Hamish Dubh and Honey.

You can buy food in the shop and hand feed them. We left with all our fingers, despite their best efforts!

We had to get a pose in front of these beautiful animals.

Derek then took us on a hike to Clan Maclaren Creag an Tuirc. The end of the hike has perhaps the most beautiful view in Scotland!

Derek had us hold up a Scotland flag for a group photo. My first thought when he pulled out a flag was “great, we are now part of his terrorist cell!”.

At the base of the hike are the remnants of an old church and the grave of Rob Roy MacGregor, the noted Highland outlaw with a reputation as the Scottish Robin Hood.

We then visited the Falls of Dochart in Killin. With water levels so high it was really spectacular.

William and I snuck away for a quick pint before the tour got back underway. Alcoholics need to stick together!!

Our last stop was actually in Luss, where we are staying. Part of the tour was visiting the Luss Parish Church.

This site has had a Christian presence for over 1500 years. The current church, built in the 1800’s, is popular with religious tourism, with over 2,000 visitors a day during the busy summer months. It is estimated to receive over 750,000 visitors a year, with a parish population of just 400. It’s also noteworthy as being part of a Scottish soap opera from the 80’s called “Take the High Road”. Despite how popular this place is supposed to be, we were the only ones there.

Next up, the group heads to Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland!