WAKING up to views over Loch Lomond and the sound of bird song is the perfect way to start your day. Throwing open the curtains, a delightful vista of lush grass, mature trees and the early morning sun dancing off the water greets the eye.
Our home for the weekend is Balmaha and as a getaway to banish the stress of a busy week, it doesn't disappoint. We're staying at Loch Lomond Waterfront, luxury self-catering accommodation where the lodges come with five-star amenities and stunning views.
Less than a five-minute walk through the grounds is a small beach where you can gaze out over the loch, listening to the sound of the gently lapping water.
Oystercatchers scuttle about the lawns, resplendent with their black and white feathers, orange-red bill and reddish-pink legs, while mallard ducks waddle around in comical fashion, bold enough to come right up to the lodge in hope of gleaning a tasty treat.
Twice we spot a heron, standing stock-still by the pond, its eyes fixed on an unseen fish or amphibian, ready to catch its dinner. At dusk, deer amble along the water's edge, silhouetted against a backdrop of the loch in the falling light.
As locations go, Balmaha is fantastic base. If you are feeling energetic, there's Conic Hill, part of the West Highland Way, right on your doorstep. Don't forget to grab the requisite selfie with the statue of the late Tom Weir at nearby Balmaha Bay.
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The village itself is a bustling hub for pleasure boating and there are several companies that offer cruises around Loch Lomond.
A waterbus runs between Balmaha and Luss in the summer months, as well as a year-round service making the short hop to the island of Inchcailloch, a nature reserve with woodland walks, sandy beaches and wildlife, alongside a history of saints and early Christianity.
A little north of Balmaha, near Strathcashel Point, are the remains of a crannog, an ancient loch dwelling built around 5,000 years ago.
For food, the family-run Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha doesn't disappoint. The staff are friendly and the menu offers decent pub grub, such as burgers and pizza, as well as hearty fare including pies and soups. You can also enjoy "locally caught haggis" with turnip and mash if the notion grabs you.
This little corner has a lot going on. Brothers Stuart and David Fraser opened the St Mocha Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Parlour, next door to the Oak Tree Inn, five years ago. The siblings also run the Loch Lomond Coffee Co. and Loch Lomond Ice Cream with everything made on-site in Balmaha.
Venturing further afield there is no shortage of dining options. You can skirt around the bottom end of Loch Lomond, passing through Balloch, to head north up the A82, taking a left at Tarbet and following the A83 over the Rest and Be Thankful to enjoy lunch at the Loch Fyne Oysters.
Alternatively, head east from Balmaha through Milton of Buchanan and Drymen then, just north of Balfron Station, follow the A81 towards Aberfoyle and over the Duke's Pass to Callander, enjoying some of the best scenery in the Trossachs.
If you don't feel like ambling too far, the lodge facilities – we stayed in "Culzean" – are excellent including a steam cabin and outdoor hot tub which are great for soothing weary muscles after a day in the hills. There is a fully equipped kitchen stocked with essentials such as tea, coffee and milk.
Sleeping six, the two bedrooms upstairs have en suite bathrooms and balconies. There is also a third bathroom downstairs – handy for whoever is on the sofa bed. It is easy to pass an afternoon sitting outside, binoculars in hand, watching the birds flit and soar.
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We stayed during the summer, but the high-end accommodation at Loch Lomond Waterfront is fantastic as a base year-round, ideal if you fancy a pre-Christmas break or even a bolthole to stave off the gloom of the January blues.
Travel notes
Loch Lomond Waterfront, Balmaha, starts from £133 for a midweek break and from £185 at weekends. Minimum stay is three nights. Visit loch-lomond-waterfront.co.uk
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