History of Loch Lomond

The idyllic Loch Lomond northwest of Glasgow is Britain's largest lake and according to Walter Scott "The Queen of Scottish Lakes". While the plentiful stocks of trout, salmon and whitefish attract anglers from far afield, the many day-trippers, not to mention the watersports enthusiasts, walkers and those in search of rest and relaxation are drawn by the wonderful scenery around the lake. Boat trips on the "Maid of the Loch" give visitors a chance to admire the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. It is possible to climb Ben Lomond (3,192ft/973m) from Rowardennen and appreciate the waters from a different angle as well as admire the views to the east. Loch Lomond is often the first stop for tourers heading north along the Western Highland Way which runs from Glasgow through the beautiful Argyll countryside to Fort William. Cameron House at the south end of Loch Lomond is an excellent place to savor the romance of a Scottish castle, breathe in the lakeside air and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond an old folk song about Loch Lomond which is sung the world over is one reason why the lake attracts so many sightseers. The verses tell of two Scottish soldiers after the Jacobite uprising of 1745. One is said to have been executed in Carlisle, but the other was free to roam the "bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond". This "national anthem" came to symbolize the melancholy of homesick Scottish emigrants.

Tourist Attractions in Loch Lomond

Balloch Castle
The parklands of Balloch Castle are situated on the east bank of the lake and on the ground floor a museum documents the development of the region.

Rowardennan - Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond rises from the east shore of Loch Lomond. It is situated in a sheep-farming area and surrounded by the summits of Ptarmigan, Sron Aonaich and Beinn Uird. The area offers exhilarating walks and spectacular views.

Trossachs
To the northeast of Loch Lomond lie the Trossachs, a recreational area that is popular with Glaswegians. This picturesque valley that nestles between Loch Katrine and Loch Achray and the peaks of Ben An and Ben Venue is only an hour's drive from Scotland's most densely populated region. "Trossachs" means something like "bristly area". At the beginning of the 19th century the English poets Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy visited the valley and found inspiration for their romantic verse. In 1803 Dorothy Wordsworth wrote in her diary: "Here we were completely alone and everything that we saw was loveliness and beauty in perfection". Seven years later the historic novelist Sir Walter Scott was bewitched by the beauty of the Trossachs.

Loch Katrine
This lake's name is probably derived from the lawless "Catterin" family who once brought fear to the lakeside's inhabitants. The tiny island at the eastern end is known as Ellen's Island after the heroine in Scott's "Lady of the Lake". "Sir Walter Scott", a steamer that made its maiden voyage in 1900, links Stronachlachar in the west with the Trossachs Pier and this point is a popular base for walks up into the hills from which there are spectacular views. Greater Glasgow's drinking water is supplied by this lake and consequently windsurfing, swimming, fishing and boating are not permitted. Some rare breeds of waterfowl have taken advantage of the peace and quiet along the banks and they should not be disturbed.

Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
A large area of land between Loch Lomond and the Trossachs has been in the hands of the Forestry Commission since 1928. Footpaths, cycleways, nature trails and shelters are just some of the facilities available for those wishing to explore the beautiful countryside (Information center 1mi/1.6km north of Aberfoyle). The splendid woodland areas of Ardgartan, Benmore and Glenbranter encompass about 60,000 acres/24,000 ha.

Rob Roy & Trossachs Visitor Centre
The Rob Roy and Trossachs Visitor Centre is situated at Ancaster Square in Callander to the east of Loch Venachar. Displays in the center provide a detailed explanation of the background to the Rob Roy legend and also the history of the Trossachs.

Lady of the Lake
The densely wooded gorges and the history of the MacGregors provided Sir Walter Scott with the setting for the "Lady of the Lake". The lady in question was Ellen Douglas who while fleeing from the king's sheriffs with her father seeks refuge with Roderick, the MacGregor clan chief, on an island in Loch Katrine. While out on a hunting expedition King James loses his way and finds shelter with Ellen who is not aware of his identity. A bitter struggle between the king and Roderick ensues but, despite all the intrigues, the story has a happy ending. The romance became a bestseller for Scott and Queen Victoria's visit to the valley has ensured that the Trossachs and Lake Katrine would remain universally popular.

West Highland Way
The 20.5mi/32km West Highland Way follows the banks of Loch Lomond. The path begins in Milngavie in Glasgow and ends in Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain (4,406 feet). The starting point is Ptarmigan Lodge in Rowardennan, from where you can take the Lochside path for a mile until a crag called Rob Roy's prison, where Roy was said to hold many hostages. From there you head towards Rowchoish, where a path leads through the woods to a farm cottage at Cailness. You also pass through Inversnaid, past the Inversnaid and Beinnglas Falls, then head north through Glen Falloch, past rapids, small falls and water slides, cross the river at Derrydaroch and continue until you reach the A82, where you cross the road and re-join the path on an old military road. From there you continue to Bogle Glen, and reach the village of Crianlarich.

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