Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

The angriest ram in Aberfoyle

I remember the first time I visited the ‘real’ Scottish countryside. It was about three of four years ago and a couple of friends and I had decided to take the train up to Fort William to explore Glencoe. I was amazed by just how beautiful it was. More importantly I couldn’t believe that this scenery was pretty much on my doorstep, just a few hours by train, bus or car from Edinburgh. I vowed to spend as much time as I could exploring Scotland.

Sadly I haven’t really kept to that vow. The fact that Loch lomond is just a short drive from Edinburgh has been niggling at me for months. Why haven’t I been to see it? Why don’t I get myself organised and go visit? After I got tired of asking myself these questions I decided “Right, Sunday we’re going to see Loch lomond. The end.”

We did and it was one of the most beautiful trips I have ever taken. Although it was only a day trip from Edinburgh and although we didn’t really have to travel far, looking through the photos it’s just as beautiful – if not far more – than any exotic or overseas location I have travelled to. It’s funny, we’ll travel hundreds and thousands of miles to see somewhere else but often neglect the real treasures which are just a car journey away.

Setting Off

After briefly stopping to get petrol, some snacks for breakfast and a quick DIY lunch, we were on the road. Getting to The Trossachs from Edinburgh is pretty easy once you find the route, AKA the Trossachs Trail. We found it pretty easily and despite being slightly distracted by Blair Drummond Safari Park we managed to speed on cruising down country roads in search of Loch lomond.

When we’d set out at the start of the day, the focus had been on seeing Loch lomond. Being honest, we saw so much more and Loch lomond was only a tiny part of it. The Trossachs is a huge area of land and we could easily have spent weeks exploring, driving down tiny country lanes without any clue as to where they would lead. First though, we would require a bit of lunch.

Lunch Time

Thankfully we had grabbed a few rolls and some goat’s cheese from the supermarket. Now it was just a case of finding the perfect stopping point.

Well you aren’t going to be short of perfect, scenic stopping points on the West Coast of Glasgow and it wasn’t long before we rolled into a parking area by Loch Venachar. With the exception of one other person fishing, we had the whole area to ourselves. Jemma set about making lunch and I strolled about taking in the scenery, snapping up as much of it as I could.

Some lake 'side view'

Walkies

We drove on a little bit more before coming to another car park. There was a short, 30 minute walk marked out which apparently led to a viewing area so we decided to give it a go. If I’d had paid attention in geography class I would have noticed that the map highlighted this was quite a steep route but nevermind, that goat’s cheese needed walking off anyway.

Viewing spot ahead

The view from the top

The long and winding road

Some Close-ups and Scenic Shots

It was so beautiful I decided to try a little close-up photography. For a beginner, I think they came out pretty well. Any tips for improvement, please sent them through.

Loch Lomond

Eventually we did make it to Loch Lomond. I remember learning a song in school called ‘The Bonnie Bank O’ Loch Lomond’. You might have learnt it yourself.

O ye’ll tak’ the high road, and Ah’ll tak’ the low (road)
And Ah’ll be in Scotlan’ afore ye
Fir me an’ my true love will ne-er meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomon’.

Learning it at ten years old I had never grasped the true meaning. I had always presumed it was a romance song and had never paid too much attention to it. Reading up on it, Wikipedia says that ‘the low road’ “refers to the traditional underground route taken by the ‘fairies’ or ‘little people’ who were reputed to transport the soul of a dead Scot who died in a foreign land – in this case, England – back to his homeland to rest in peace”. Just a little history and culture for you. 

Perfect Perch

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are a short drive (just over an hour) Edinburgh. Regardless of whether you’re just visiting Edinburgh or Glasgow, or whether you’re living here full-time, there’s no excuse not to go visit and experience what can only be described as ‘the real Scotland’.