Take to the water: Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond – where the Scottish Highlands “begin” – attracts thousands of tourists by its emerald islands, beautiful wooded shores and picturesque hills and mountains. Balloch, on the southern shores of the loch, is just a 50-minute train ride from Glasgow. From there, a waterbus takes you to any point across Loch Lomond. Lovely shoreside settlements such as Luss, Balmaha, Tarbet and Inveruglas all offer a pleasant view. With a three-day ticket (£30 adult, £20 child) you can have unlimited waterbus travel. Joining these with the area’s walking and cycling trails opens a whole world of wonders for you. Catch a waterbus to Rowardennan, walk the seven-mile path of the West Highland Way along the east shore of Loch Lomond to Balmaha, then hop on another boat to the beautiful island of Inchailloch on the way back to your starting point; or take your bike and hop over both Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine to cycle back along the 18-mile length of gorgeous Loch Katrine.