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The maid of the loch paddle steamer under restoration ..

Maid of the Loch

The Maid of the Loch, an iconic paddle steamer located in Balloch on the southern shores of Loch Lomond, is a great attraction to visit for those staying with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Now undergoing an extensive restoration, she is currently moored at the pier and operates as a museum and visitor attraction. By visiting this fascinating vessel, you are supporting the restoration work, with the aim to get her sailing again in the future. Please note, the ship is open seasonally on selected days only, so check the opening times before visiting.

Stepping back in time

The renowned Glasgow shipyard A. & J. Inglis built the Maid of the Loch in 1953, making her the last paddle steamer constructed in Britain. She carried passengers across Loch Lomond for nearly three decades before officials decommissioned her in 1981. Now undergoing restoration, she serves as a unique museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s maritime past.

You can explore the historic ship, museum cabin and steam slipway, where you’ll learn the story of the ship’s history, from her golden years transporting tourists across the loch to the dedicated restoration efforts keeping her legacy alive.

The deck is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Scotland’s largest freshwater loch while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee from the café on the pier. The café serves a selection of delicious home baking, light snacks and refreshments, making it a fantastic stop during your visit.

Supporting the restoration

As the restoration efforts continue, you have the opportunity to support the project through visiting and donating. Every contribution helps bring the dream of seeing the Maid of the Loch sail again one step closer.

Enjoy your day in Balloch before returning to your luxury lodge, chalet, shepherd’s hut or studio lodge, here at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Then unwind, put your feet up and start planning tomorrow’s next adventure!

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Testimonials

  • Outstanding

    'Chef in a lodge was outstanding. The food was excellent as was the service. Superb evening.'

  • Everything was more than perfect

    'Everything was more than perfect, more than what we can ask for. And the view priceless, the whole stay was priceless, so thank you ever so much, hope to see you soon.'

  • Outstanding location

    'The location is outstanding - right on the edge of Loch Lomond with private water frontage and beaches. As a location for exploring, again this rates very highly. We easily accessed central Glasgow by train from nearby Balloch and also explored Stirling (particularly the castle and Wallace memorial), the Falkirk Wheel and even Perth and Pitlochry by car. It is a very peaceful place, which can only be disturbed on occasion by your neighbours but with the Slumber Charter in place, we had absolutely no problems overnight.'

  • Our own private beach

    'Just walking along the West Highland way path past some of the crowded beaches made us realise the value of having your own private waterfront onto the loch.  I can still picture walking down to the lochside on our first evening and watching an osprey dive for a fish!'

  • My stay will never be forgotten

    'Just wanted to say a very big thank you for my wonderful stay, I have no words to describe the incredible comfort I had at the Cawdor Diamond Lodge, I just checked out today this morning from lodge 5, I do not agree that your lodge is a five star if I could I would call it a 100 star lodge. From start to finish, my stay at the lodge will never be forgotten it's special and unique and an amazing experience'

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