Loch Lomond, Luss & Oban Tour

A little insight into the place we will visit.

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the largest loch in Scotland and the United Kingdom’s largest body of freshwater. It is the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s first National Park. You will see Conic Hill and Ben Lomond and a remarkable vista of loch, mountains, islands, and the Highland Boundary Fault. Getting onto the loch will be high on most visitors’ wish list. Take a leisurely day trip on a loch cruise.

Balloch

Balloch can be found on the southern shores of Loch Lomond and comes from the Gaelic word bal (baile or ball) which means village or hamlet, so Balloch translates as “village on the loch”. Balloch is historically famous for being an important gateway for boats entering Loch Lomond during the 1800s.

Balloch Castle Country Park at the eastern end of the village is steeped in history and was the stronghold of one of Scotland’s most powerful medieval families, the Earls of Lennox. Located near the shore, the old castle was built around 1238 and was occupied until 1390. All that is left is the knoll on which the castle once stood and the remains of the moat.

Today’s castle, more a gothic-style mansion, was built in 1808, and is set in a commanding position overlooking the loch. It is enclosed by 18th and 19th century designed landscapes – ornamental woodlands, open parklands, walled gardens, tree avenues – all designed to impress. Early in the 1900s.

After Balloch we will head up the Lochside to Luss.

Luss

Luss is a picturesque conservation village which sits on the western shore of Loch Lomond. Occupation of this area dates to medieval times, but much of the village you see today was created in the 18th and 19th centuries to house workers from the nearby slate quarries. The neat rows of cottages come alive in spring and summer with elaborate flower displays on all sides as visitors make their way to the loch shore. No visit to Luss is complete without taking in the view from the end of the pier with Ben Lomond standing proudly over Loch Lomond.

Around 1,500 years ago, an Irish missionary, St Kessog, arrived at Loch Lomond, bringing Christianity to the area. At the time Luss was called Clachan Dhu (the dark village) because it lay in the shadow of the surrounding hills. St Kessog was martyred. The present church was built in 1875 but the graveyard is much older. The earliest stones date from the 7th or 8th century and includes an 11th century Viking hogback grave. Inside (although not always open) there’s a lovely ceiling made from Scots pine rafters and some beautiful Victorian stained-glass windows.

Oban

Nestled on the west coast and surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside, the seaside town of Oban is a great place to visit. Often called the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, many people travel to Oban as part of a west coast adventure.

Everywhere you turn, there’s something special to see and do in Oban, whether you like to take it easy. Castles, shopping, walking, visiting museums and much more – there is so much to choose from no matter what time of year you visit.

Oban has wonderful restaurants with fresh fish served daily.

After leaving Oban we will head south to Lochgilphead then to Cairndow, Helensburgh before being taken back to your hotel or location.

There will be stops on the way for you to enjoy a photo opportunity, coffee or bite to eat.