Regions in Brief

Balloch

At the southern end of Loch Lomond is Balloch, the most touristy of the towns and villages around the lake. It grew up on the River Leven, where the water leaves Loch Lomond and flows south to the Clyde. Today, Balloch is visited chiefly by those wanting to take boat trips on Loch Lomond; these sail in season from Balloch Pier.

Exploring the Area -- The best place to go for information about the area is Loch Lomond Shores, standing side-by-side with the National Park Gateway Centre, Ben Lomond Way (tel. 01389/722-600). Staffed by park rangers, the center contains information about Scotland's first national park -- which extends into both Loch Lomond and the Trossachs -- as well as local wildlife and flora, organized talks, and recommended ways to explore the area. There's a rooftop viewing gallery for panoramic vistas of both the loch and the national park, which opened in 2002. The center also features a 40-minute film, Legend of Loch Lomond. On-site are restaurants, cafes, and shops. Hours are daily: April 1 to May 29 10am to 6pm; May 30 to June 26 9:30am to 6pm; June 27 to September 4 9:30am to 6:30pm; September 5 to October 2 9:30am to 6pm; October 3 to October 30 10am to 6pm; October 31 to March 31 10am to 5pm. Entrance is free.

The 81-hectare (200-acre) Balloch Castle Country Park is on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, 1.2km (3/4 mile) north of Balloch Station. The present Balloch Castle (tel. 01389/722-600), replacing one that dated from 1238, was constructed in 1808 for John Buchanan of Ardoch in the castle-Gothic style. Its visitor center explains the history of the property. The site has a walled garden, and the trees and shrubs, especially the rhododendrons and azaleas, reach the zenith of their beauty in late May and early June. You can also visit a Fairy Glen. The park is open all year, daily 8am to dusk, with free admission. Easter to the end of October, the visitor center is open daily 10am to 6pm.

Dumbarton District's Countryside Ranger Service is based at Balloch Castle and conducts guided walks at various locations around Loch Lomond throughout the summer.

A fascinating side trip is possible to the village of Drymen which lies 8km (5 miles) northeast of Balloch along A811. At the edge of the village stands the palatial ruin of Buchanan Castle, the ancient fortress of the Duke of Montrose. Hitler's deputy, Rudolf Hess, was imprisoned here in 1941 after he flew to Britain in hopes of ending the war between his country and the Allies. Other illustrious guests have included the Shah of Iran, King George V and Queen Mary, and King Victor Emmanuel of Italy. The roof was removed in 1955 to avoid paying tax, and the castle fell into ruin. But what magnificent ruins. The original Buchanan Castle was destroyed in 1852 but the 4th Duke of Montrose commissioned the famous architect, William Burn, to design what in Victoria's day became one of the most spectacular castles in Scotland. Wandering around the ruins is both a ghostly and a sightseeing thrill.

Luss

The village of Luss, 14km (9 miles) north of Balloch on A82 on the western side of Loch Lomond, is the traditional home of the Colquhouns. Among its stone cottages, on the water's edge, is a branch of the Highland Arts Studios of Seil. Cruises on the loch and boat rentals may be arranged at a nearby jetty.

If your travels in Scotland inspire you to put on a kilt and blow your own set of bagpipes, stop by Thistle Bagpipe Works (tel. 01436/860-250; www.kiltsandbagpipes.co.uk), in the center of Luss. Here, not only can you order custom-made bagpipes but you can also purchase a clan kilt to go with the instrument. Your neighbors back home will be thrilled.