Rainy Days in Luss, Loch Lomond
Dreich. The main theme of the summer we seem to be having this year in Bonnie Scotland. We Scots are used to some rain over the summer months but jeezo what have the last few months
been like! I’ve felt a real struggle to get out on adventures and explore this summer but I am still forever hopeful that August/September will give us the all elusive sunshine and Vitamin D that we so badly need. Still, crazy weather aside, last weekend I
grabbed my brolly and headed down to Loch Lomond for some fresh air.
Our initial plan had been to explore Balloch and head somewhere for a nice bite to eat but the rain was absolutely torrential so we continued onwards to Luss were thankfully, the rain
let up (a little) and we managed to have a great time exploring this beautiful small village on the west banks of Loch Lomond. Located only a 50 min drive from Glasgow, it’s perfect for a quick trip on a Sunday.
When the first thing you see when leaving the car is a highland coo...you know you’re onto something pretty damn good! This beaut is based at the farmland next to the car park at Loch
Lomond Arms Hotel, so pop and say hi when you’re in the area.
Heading on down the little cobbled streets felt like stepping back in time Outlander-style (am I the only one obsessed with that show right now??). Quaint little gift stores, café bistros
and houses surround you on either side and you soon forget all about the rain.
We headed down to the pier to enjoy the beautiful views over the water taking in the islands, Balmaha, Ben Lomond and of course, the loch itself. The moody weather gave our view a
nice little eerie touch (if somewhat creepy). If you have time, try out some water activities that leave the pier. You can take a 20 min speedboat ride for £10, head over to Balmaha to tackle Conic Hill and have a leisurely lunch at Oak Tree Inn, or head over to Inchcailloch
island and spend the day enjoying island life.
Our stomachs were now calling the shots for the day so we headed west along the sand and came across the Lodge on Loch Lomond hotel. What a beaut of a discovery! Located on the waterfront,
this place has the best views along Loch Lomond that I’ve seen so far. We settled into a cosy window seat at their Colquhoun restaurant with views across the sand and loch and were ready to tuck into lunch.
For starters, we decided to share the fritters which at £6 doesn’t make for a cheap lunch starter dish but I wouldn’t even begin to complain about this as we were delighted at the 3
fritter balls on our plate, filled with spiced lentil and halloumi served on a bed of green yogurt and topped off with spiced onions – mouthwatering!
The service was good and fast but my only complaint was that my partner had to explain his order three times (and it wasn’t complicated – he only wanted to add on fries). Still, the
staff were friendly, the atmosphere was relaxing and classy, toilets were clean and I liked the stockpile of Sunday newspapers at the bar to browse through.
Back to the food though...next up we both grabbed some sandwiches and although my partner wasn’t 100% sure about his smoked mackerel sandwich, I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of mine.
A white sour dough (note to waitress: remember to ask if the customer would like white or brown bread...) filled with smoked arran cheddar, sliced red onion, tomato and mixed leaves. Served with some fries (nice and crispy, nom nom) and coleslaw (wasn’t bowled
over by it). The sandwich was nice and thick and the smoked cheese was just on the money. We also ordered some extra handcut chips on the side and I can safely say, they were outstanding and extremely moreish. I could go some of those bad boys right about
now!
We enjoyed our time that much at the Lodge on Loch Lomond that we’re already planning an overnight stay there – what a treat to find!
So next time that rain comes on, don’t let it dampen the adventurer in you. Get in the car (or a bus) and head over to Luss and spend a few hours roaming around this charming little village.
Leanne x