Loch Lomond
26.05.2009 - 26.05.2009
The other famous Loch
Today we hit the trail to Loch Lomond - the largest expanse of fresh water in Great Britain, and a scenic treasure with walks and hiking trails around the area in what is called the 'Mini Highlands'.
Our port of call was Balmaha, on the Loch's easten bank, and we arrived to see an information centre equipped with maps, a couple of well marked paths, and a drove of other hikers (albeit all with far superior equipment to ourselves, being in jeans and hoodies!).
Not to be outdone, we picked up the longest sturdiest sticks we could find, and set off up the side of a gentle hill. Which of course wound around and got steeper. The the path suddenly gave way to gravel, rocks, mud and steep, slippery grass! We pressed on, and with the wind chill getting stronger as we got higher, we soon reached some pretty spectacular heights and views over the Loch and Highlands to match.
Good Nosh
After our leisurely stroll turned daring hike - a good meal was in order and the Oak Tree Inn (another winning recommendation from our host in Edinburgh) delivered our best meal in Scotland with a perfect combo of fresh and tasty ingredients, style, homely service and even homelier surrounds.
A fair Luss
Made a quick stop over at Luss, a historic little village on the Loch's western bank. Highlights were the good old fashioned competition of stone skipping and rock throwing - Alex vs Deepak. Winners shall remain unnamed.
Fare ye well
A quick scoot around to Glasgow and it was farewell to the British Isles, and to Darsh and Alex. At least for the time being, and we look forward to catching them again in Florence. Did have a look around central Glasgow in search of water and a light Tesco bite - plenty of pubs and restaurants, and the makings of a solid working class town. Tomorrow, we fly easyJet to continenta Europe - first stop: Paris, where we will celebrate both Suma's birthday and our 2nd wedding anniversary.
Posted by deepaksuma 04.05.2009 16:34 Archived in Scotland
