Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
country house set in beautiful grounds overlooking the loch. It's 2 miles north of Balloch
and very popular, so book in advance in summer. And yes, it
is
haunted.
HOTEL
Ardlui Hotel££
(
01301-704243;
www.ardlui.co.uk
; Ardlui; s/d £55/95; )
This plush and comfy
country-house hotel has a great lochside location, and a view of Ben Lomond from the
breakfast room.
Coach House Coffee Shop£
(mains £6-11; 10am-5pm; )
With its chunky pine furniture and deep, deep sofa
in front of a rustic fireplace, the Coach House is one of the cosiest places to eat on Loch
Lomond. The menu includes coffee and tea, home-baked cakes, scones, ciabattas and
more-substantial offerings such as smoked salmon and prawns with Marie Rose sauce,
and haggis with neeps and tatties (mashed potatoes and turnip).
CAFE
EASTERN SHORE
The road along the loch's eastern shore passes through the attractive village of
Balmaha
,
where you can hire boats or take a cruise on the mailboat. A short but steep climb from
the village car park leads to the summit of
Conic Hill
(361m), a superb viewpoint (2.5
miles round trip, allow two to three hours).
CLIMBING BEN LOMOND
Standing guard over the eastern shore of Loch Lomond is Ben Lomond (974m), Scotland's most southerly Munro.
More than 30,000 people climb the hill each year, most following the
Tourist Route
up and down from
Rowardennan car park. It's a straightforward climb on a well-used and maintained path; allow about five hours for
the 7 mile (11km) round trip.
The
Ptarmigan Route
is less crowded and has better views, following a narrow but clearly defined path up the
western flank of Ben Lomond, directly overlooking the loch, to a curving ridge leading to the summit. You can
then descend via the tourist route, making a satisfying circuit.
To find the start of the Ptarmigan path, head north along the loch shore trail for 600m from Rowardennan car
park, past the youth hostel and Ardess Ranger Centre. Cross the bridge after Ben Lomond Cottage and immedi-
ately turn right along an unmarked path through the trees. The path is easy to follow from here on.
