LOCH LOMOND and BEN LOMOND

"I Have seen the Lago di Garda; Albano; De Vico; Bolsena and Geneva, and, upon my honour, I prefer Loch Lomond to them all, a preference which is certainly owing to the verdant islands that seem to float on its surface, according to the most enchanting objects of reponse to the excursive view... Everything here is romantic beyond inspiration."
(Tobias Smollett)

Loch Lomond is the largest loch (lake) in the UK. It is 24 miles long, 5 miles wide, up to 600 feet deep and it has 38 islands (inches). The loch and its surroundings would figure high in any list of the world's most beautiful places. The scenery is fantastic so, if visiting, bring plenty of film for your camera (or smart cards for your digital!)

Ben Lomond stands guard over the Loch and its islands

The Loch is watched over by Ben Lomond, a mountain 3,192 feet high (973 metres). Since the foot of Ben Lomond is not much higher than sea level it appears to be higher than it actually is, although the many hill walkers who climb "the Ben" will disagree with this! There is a path from Rowardennan on the eastern side of the loch that will take you all the way to the top. Even if you are fit you should allow about five hours (up and down) for this climb.

Map of Loch Lomond and some of the area covered by our Guided Tours of Scotland

The Islands of Loch Lomond

Fishing on Loch Lomond
You can fish Loch Lomond with a day permit. The loch is home to many species of fish including Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout, Ferox, Arctic Charr, Rainbow Trout, Powan (protected),Pike and Perch. Loch Lomond has one of the most varied and important populations of fish in the British Isles.

POWAN

The "Powan" is a rare Scottish fish found only in Loch Lomond, Loch Eck on the Bute peninsula in Argyllshire and the Carron Valley reservoir where a population was introduced in the 1980's. Commonly known as the "freshwater herring" it is actually a part of the Salmonidae family of fish that includes Salmon, Sea Trout and Arctic Charr.

The Song "Loch Lomond"

This song is reputed to be about two of Bonnie Prince Charlie's soldiers who were captured after the rising in 1745. Jailed in Carlisle, one of the soldiers was to be executed and the other released. The ghost or spirit of the dead soldier would make its way home to Loch lomond on the "low road" before the soldier who was released. He would have to take the long way home over the hills and mountains, or the "high road".

The Tune Loch Lomond!

(This music is very well known - you'll know it when you hear it!)

By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond
Oh we twa ha'e pass'd sae mony blithesome days,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.

Oh ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak' the low road,
An' I'll be in Scotland before ye',
But wae is my heart until we meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.

I mind where we parted In yon shady glen
On the steep, steep side o' Ben Lomond
Where in purple hue the highland hills we view
And the morn shines out frae the gloamin'

Oh ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak' the low road,
An' I'll be in gloaming before ye',
But wae is my heart until we meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.

The wee bird may sing an' the wild flowers spring;
An' in sunshine the waters are sleepin'
But the broken heart it sees nae second spring,
And the world does na ken how we're greetin'

Oh ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak' the low road,
An' I'll be in greeting before ye',
But wae is my heart until we meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond

Ben Lomond and Luss Pier

We can organise sailing on Loch Lomond, tours of Loch Lomond and visits to the public islands on the Loch. Contact us with your request and we will organise this for you.