If you’re planning your holidays in the UK this year and you’re looking for a unique destination, we have one for you! – Loch Lomond in Scotland. There is nowhere quite like it in the world. Let’s take a look at what makes Loch Lomond such a unique place to visit…

Diverse landscapes

Our region of Scotland lies on a geographical fault line, meaning we have an extremely diverse landscape. It’s the place where the Highlands meets the Lowlands. So you can experience towering mountains and rolling hills, dense woodlands and large open spaces.

Rare wildlife

With these diverse landscapes come a wide range of habitats, accommodating some amazing Scottish wildlife. Home to almost 200 species of birds, rare mammals like red squirrels and pine martens, and even whales and dolphins off the coast.

Easily accessible, but feels remote

Loch Lomond is easy to reach. Less than an hour’s drive or a short train journey from Glasgow. But once you get here, it feels completely different. Scenic, tranquil, a million miles from city life!

Part of Scotland’s first national park

As part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, there are many miles of unspoilt and protected landscapes to explore here.

The largest lake by surface area in Great Britain

Loch Lomond itself holds the title of the largest lake by surface area in Great Britain, which is quite a sight to behold!

A unique set of islands and islets

Within Loch Lomond, there are 23 islands, plus several more islets. It’s possible to visit and explore some of the larger ones, such as Inchcailloch and Inchmurrin. Each has its unique characteristics. One island, Inchconnachan, has its own population of wallabies!

An extraordinary mix of things to do

This area has links to famous Scottish figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, Rob Roy, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and there are so many historic landmarks to discover. But there are also beautiful natural sites for exploring, villages and towns for day trips and thrilling outdoor adventures to be had.

Unusual holiday accommodation by the loch

And here’s where we come in. At Loch Lomond Waterfront, we offer a unique location for your Loch Lomond holiday. You can stay right on the shores of the loch, in our private resort near the village of Balmaha. We have spacious lodges and chalets with their own hot tubs and lochside views. We have smaller waterfront cabins and shepherd’s huts for luxury glamping. With both pet-friendly and pet-free options, there’s something for everyone! So, take a look around and then book your unique holiday in Loch Lomond today!

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1. Choose your fishing location

During your stay, enjoy fantastic fishing opportunities across Loch Lomond and nearby lochs like Katrine, Ard, Dochart and more. These waters offer fish like brown trout, salmon, sea trout, coarse fish and grayling. Scenic rivers such as the Endrick, Dochart, Teith and Forth also provide diverse fishing experiences in breathtaking surroundings. See our guide to fishing locations.

2. Enjoy access to our private beach

Guests at Loch Lomond Waterfront enjoy exclusive access to the lochside and our private beach. It’s an ideal spot for launching a fishing boat and soaking up the beauty of the loch. Just one of the many perks of staying with us here on the shores of Loch Lomond!

3. Get a permit or landowner’s permission

Before fishing, make sure you have the correct permit or landowner’s permission for your chosen fishing location. In our local village of Balmaha, permits are available from the village shop or boatyard. Each permit includes site-specific rules, so be sure to follow them carefully at all times.

4. Follow angling law and safety rules

These fishing season dates will tell you the specific times of year when you are allowed to fish. Please stick to them, as they are a legal requirement, which help protect our fish populations. Find out more about fishing laws and safety regulations in Scotland. 

5. Hire fishing bait and tackle

Fishing bait and tackle are available from O’Brien’s Newsagents in Bonhill or from Loch Lomond Leisure, located at the Loch Lomond Shores leisure and retail centre in Balloch. Both are approximately a 25-minute drive from your base at Loch Lomond Waterfront.

6. Get a personal fishing guide

Experienced guides are available for hire through Loch Lomond Leisure, offering expert advice on the best fishing spots and techniques. Alternatively, you can book a fishing tuition session with Fly Casting Scotland, led by our resident fly-fishing instructor, John Milne. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, personalised guidance is available to suit every level.

7. Respect local wildlife and the environment

The Loch Lomond area is part of a protected national park and a haven for Scottish wildlife. So, please take care not to disturb any animals or birds, and dispose of litter responsibly. Follow the Scottish Outdoors Access Code at all times.

8. Check the weather before you fish

Scottish weather is famously changeable! So it’s always best to check the latest local forecast before you set off, and make sure you’re dressed appropriately for all eventualities.

9. Bring a map and compass for remote spots

There are many remote fishing spots where mobile phone signals can be unreliable. Bringing a physical map and compass can help you navigate safely and find your way back, without having to rely on technology.

10. Check out our Loch Lomond fishing guide

For more information, please take a look at our Loch Lomond Fishing section and feel free to ask us if you need any further advice. We are here to help during your stay with us and can recommend some hidden gems and share our local secrets!

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Places to visit in the UK

This is our whistle-stop tour. Because time is limited, we’ve focused on England and Scotland, which are the two largest of the four UK nations. But we highly recommend visiting Wales and Northern Ireland too. The whole of the UK is stunningly beautiful and each of the nations is so different, with its own unique culture and set of attractions. Whether you are hiring a car or using the train, this three-week itinerary is easy to navigate.

Scotland road trip steps

• Days 1-3: London – London is a good place to start your trip, as it is easy to get there. It has several major airports and large train stations, connecting you to the rest of the world. London is the capital of England and the most visited city in the UK. Major sights include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and British Museum.
• Days 4-5: York – Then onto York in the north of England. Once a Roman and Viking stronghold, its attractions include York Minster, medieval city walls and the narrow, cobbled street of The Shambles.
• Days 6-8: Edinburgh – Up to Edinburgh, the beautiful capital of Scotland. Explore the city’s Old Town and New Town, visit Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the National Museum of Scotland. Climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views. And if you’re looking for a fantastic wee Scottish hotel to stay at, a lovely historic Edinburgh hotel is the Parliament House Hotel on Edinburghs Calton Hill.

• Days 9-11: Inverness & The Highlands – Next it’s up to the Scottish Highlands. Based in Inverness, you can explore the city and breathtaking surrounding landscapes. Visit iconic sites like Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns. You could also take a day trip to the Isle of Skye. A great accommodation location to stay at on Loch Ness, perfect for exploring the Highlands and day trips to Glenfinnan and Skye is Fort Augustus. And where better to stay than in the Historic Fort Augustus Abbey with Abbey Holidays Loch Ness appartments and cottages.
• Days 12–13: Exploring The North Coast 500 – The north coast of Scotland offers some of the most spectacular scenery and experiences. From the Dunrobin Castle, and the Whaligoe Steps, to John O’ Groats nature boat trips, lighthouses and the Duncansby Stacks and explore the North Coast 500. One of the best places to stay on the North Coast 500 is the stunning historic Ulbster Arms Hotel. Plus they serve some of the best food in the Higlands!
• Days 14-16: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – A short trip from Glasgow, but a completely different experience. This is where you’ll find us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Our closest train station is Balloch and our nearest village is Balmaha. With scenic walks, watersports, fishing and peaceful surroundings, this is a must on your UK itinerary!

• Days 17-18: Manchester – Then, as you head back down through England, stop in Manchester (via Glasgow) for a couple of days. You can explore the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery and the lively Northern Quarter, packed with street art, indie shops and cafes.
• Days 19-21: Back to London – Allow a few days back in London for any last-minute shopping and a bit of relaxation, before heading home.

Make sure Loch Lomond is on your list!

We may be biased, but we believe Loch Lomond is one of the greatest places to visit in the UK. It has stunning natural beauty and a wonderful array of outdoor activities. Located within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, this is a haven for walkers, cyclists and all nature lovers. We have plenty of walks with panoramic views and peaceful boat cruises on the loch. Charming villages, such as Balmaha and Luss are on the doorstep. The Loch Lomond area is also full of wildlife, and you may spot osprey, golden eagles, deer, red squirrels, and even whales and dolphins!

So, come and stay with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront and experience Scotland at its best, with luxury accommodation and 18 acres of tranquil grounds to explore, including our private beach and access to the loch. We can’t wait to welcome you! Take a look at our special offers and add us to your itinerary today.

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Situated on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond Waterfront offers the ideal location to base yourself while exploring Scotland’s rich heritage and history. If you have family connections in Loch Lomond, read our guide to researching your Scottish ancestry in this area and what we can do to help.

The clan system in Scotland

The clan system in Scotland was a traditional social structure that existed from the 13th to the 18th century. Clans were large kinship groups, each led by a chief who held authority over its members and lands. The clan would be named after the surname of its chief, and members would often change their own surname to match. They maintained their own armies and often engaged in inter-clan conflicts, but also formed alliances through marriage and shared interests.

While the clans no longer hold the same power or land today, they remain a significant part of Scottish identity and heritage. Modern clans are groups with a shared heritage, helping to preserve ancient traditions. They continue to foster community and pride among Scots and their descendants worldwide. If you have a Scottish surname or links to one, enter it here to see if you are part of a clan.

Clans associated with Loch Lomond

During your stay with us, you can enjoy a cultural tour around Loch Lomond, visiting locations associated with notable clans. Private tour companies such as Clan Chief Tours, Scotland’s Wild and Kilted Piper Tours specialise in creating bespoke tours for your particular clan. Contact them directly for more information.

Here are some of the prominent clans in the Loch Lomond area:

MacGregor – The MacGregor clan has a long history in the Loch Lomond area, particularly around the shores of the loch and the surrounding hills. This was once one of the most powerful and feared clans in the region. The most famous member was Rob Roy MacGegor and you can visit several Rob Roy locations in this area.

Colquhoun – The Colquhoun clan was historically based at the impressive Rossdhu House on the northern shore of Loch Lomond.

Buchanan – The Buchanan clan has deep roots around Loch Lomond. Particularly near the village of Drymen and the lands of Buchanan Castle.

Macfarlane – The Macfarlane clan is closely tied to the Loch Lomond area, around the Trossachs, to the north of the loch.

Campbell – The Campbells, one of Scotland’s most powerful clans, also had significant holdings around Loch Lomond.

Stewart – The Stewarts, a royal dynasty, had ties to the Loch Lomond region. Through the Stewart of Luss branch.

Graham – Though their primary territories were further south, the Grahams also had interests in the Loch Lomond region.

Galbraith – The Galbraiths had a strong presence in the area surrounding Loch Lomond, especially around Dumbarton and Balfron. Inchgalbraith, a small island on the loch, was an early stronghold.

So, book your stay with us today and embark on a trip of a lifetime, where history, culture, and unforgettable experiences await.

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Do absolutely nothing

Normally, when you go on holiday, people want to get out and explore their new surroundings. We usually encourage this because Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is simply stunning. However for Valentines Day, that’s not always the rule. This is a great opportunity to spend time in each other’s company, in a stunningly beautiful lodge with the magnificent Loch Lomond just a few steps away.

Our self-catering lodges mean you can cook breakfast, lunch and dinner however you want it, and whenever you want it too! Fancy staying up to the wee small hours before having a fry up? Go for it!

We offer a wide range of spa and beauty treatments right here at the waterfront. So why not treat yourselves to some pampering? And the best part is you don’t even need to leave your lodge – we’ll come to you! See our spa services here. 

All our lodges have private hot tubs, and there’s no reason not to soak in them together all day. Enjoy 18 acres of private grounds, a private beach and even some wild swimming on Loch Lomond. Inside, our spacious and breathtaking luxury lodges have everything you need for a romantic break this Valentine’s Day, from en-suite bedrooms to all the mod-cons you might expect. 

Doesn’t all this sound fantastic? Even if you can’t join us on Valentine’s Day, make it a special one and give your partner Loch Lomond Waterfront gift vouchers so they can look forward to a stay with us later in the year. 

Wine & Dine

As mentioned, you can host all your own meals here at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Just pick up some delicious local and seasonal ingredients from the local shop. However if you are looking to have a night off from cooking, then enjoy one of the many gorgeous restaurants in the area:

• The Oak Tree Inn is a local favourite. It offers mouthwatering Scottish food including smoked haddock, cullen skink and ‘locally’ caught haggis. You can’t get much more sustainable than that!
• The Clachan Inn in Drymen is one of the oldest pubs in the region, but offers a modern menu. Fish and chips, scampi, pizza…there’s something for all tastebuds here. 
• Dining at Duck Bay offers a wonderful experience of great views and stunning views out over Loch Lomond. The food here is freshly prepared, and you can join them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

A romantic cruise

A boat trip on Loch Lomond is a special way to spend Valentine’s Day. Do your best Leo and Kate pose as you travel over the glistening waves, keeping an eye out for the wildlife under, on and above the water! The views are spectacular, whichever way you turn.

Cruise Loch Lomond offers a range of tours, seeing different villages and towns around the loch. 

Sweeney’s Cruise Co offers scheduled daily cruises, and has been offering them since the 1800s!

So much romance!

Loch Lomond is one of the most romantic setting in Scotland where you can spend a Valentine’s Day retreat. There’s plenty of things to do together, including whisky tastings, natural gems to explore and nearby towns and villages to enjoy. So book your stay today, or buy gift vouchers here. 

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What is Burns Night?

Burns Night is all about celebrating the life of Robert Burns. The first Burns Supper took place in 1801, when his friends gathered to remember him, since then it’s become an annual tradition in Scotland. The night usually includes a special meal called the Burns Supper of haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), along with reciting Burns poetry, especially the famous Address to a Haggis. Whisky is a big part of the night, with toasts and speeches to Robert Burns. At Loch Lomond Waterfront, you can enjoy your own Burns Supper in one of our comfortable lodges.

Burns Night at Loch Lomond Waterfront

Our resort is the perfect place to enjoy a Burns Night break. We have 11 spacious holiday lodges and chalets, each with its own private hot tub. Our lodges sleep 2 to 6 guests, so whether you’re planning a family get-together or a quiet escape, we’ve got you covered. For couples, we also have luxury glamping in our heated shepherd’s huts.

Celebrate Burns Night in an amazing location

Loch Lomond Waterfront is in a beautiful location, right by the loch and surrounded by peaceful countryside. If you love exploring the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of walking trails nearby. It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air in January and discover the beauty of the area. After a day out, you can return to your lodge, cook up a Burns Supper, pour a whisky and relax in your hot tub. It sounds like the perfect winter getaway to us.

Exploring Loch Lomond

Located in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, our resort is in a great spot for exploring Scotland. You can take a walk around the loch, visit local towns or head to nearby cities like Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into history, whisky tasting or just enjoying the beautiful scenery.

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Burns Night this year, Loch Lomond Waterfront is the perfect choice for a Burns Night break. Enjoy your own Burns Supper, take in the amazing surroundings and relax in luxury lodges. Check our availability, book your chalet or lodge and take advantage of our Winter Holiday Deals today.

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Once Christmas is over and Hogmanay is done, it’s a good idea to have something to look forward to. That’s why taking a break in January or February is a great idea – especially somewhere beautiful and in warm, comfortable accommodation. Winter in Loch Lomond is a fantastic time of year to visit if you are looking for a peaceful escape, scenic walks.

Planning a break at Loch Lomond Waterfront at the start of the year means you don’t have to wait long to relax with friends and family in a beautiful setting. There are plenty of things to do around here at this time of year too.

Things to do at Loch Lomond this winter

Whether you are coming on a family break to Loch Lomond or with friends, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. 

One of the most exciting things you can do here is a ride on a seaplane. Operating all year round, Loch Lomond Sea Planes let you see Scotland from above. Winter can be the best time of year to do this, as the air is often clear and the colours vibrant. Choose from flights over the west coast and the Isle of Bute, as well as views of Jura, Islay and Gigha. 

For something more ground-based, Loch Lomond Shores offers year-round activities. From shopping, food and drink to outdoor activities, this will keep you busy all day. It’s a super place to bring the kids when on holiday at Loch Lomond. It has a playpark, mini-golf as well as a Sea Life Centre. If the weather isn’t quite what you’d hoped for, visit here and it won’t matter. 

Look out for winter wildlife

Winter in Loch Lomond is a great time to spot wildlife, with many species making the most of the colder months. If you’re hiking in the mountains, you might be lucky enough to see a Ptarmigan or Arctic Hare, both of which turn white in winter to blend in with the snow. Down in the lower areas, red deer are more likely to be seen as they find food and you may even catch a glimpse of a native red squirrel, though they’re a bit less active in winter. Loch Lomond is also a hot spot for bird watching. The area provides a home to nearly 200 species of bird, so don’t forget your binoculars.

If you are short on time and want to make the most of what you have in Loch Lomond to spot wildlife, then get in touch with a safari company like Kestrel Wildlife Safaris. They can take you to the best spots to give you the best chance of seeing the animal of your choice. Local knowledge is crucial in this situation, as animals can move depending on the time, weather and where the best food is.

Capture beautiful photographs

The days are short at this time of year, but the light is just stunning. For anyone keen on photography, this is the time to come for those sunset shots. The air can also be crisp and clear, giving you views for miles. If you are looking to see the area covered in snow, January and February in Loch Lomond are good times to visit.

Of course, we can’t guarantee the weather, but if you are lucky then the snow-capped hills and mountains are beautiful. Snow on Ben Lomond makes a great photograph. Walking up the mountain when snowy is something we would only recommend to experienced hikers at this time of year, but the view from the top can be breathtaking.

Go stargazing and spot the Northern Lights

While spotting the Northern Lights isn’t always guaranteed, Loch Lomond is a great place to try and see them, especially in the winter when the nights are longer and darker. To improve your chances, visit one of the park’s ‘dark sky’ areas, where there’s little light from towns or cities. These spots let you see more stars and if you’re lucky, you might catch the beautiful colours of the Northern Lights lighting up the sky over Loch Lomond.

It’s also a good time to keep an eye open for meteor showers. The Quadrantids occur towards the end of December and start of January and are known for producing bright fireball meteors. The look as though they originate from the plough/big dipper constellation, and are at their peak usually in the first few days of the year. Here’s a list of dates for all meteor showers to look out for in the UK.

Enjoy the long nights together

The nights may be long, but that only means more time together in the warmth! We have plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants near us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Most of the local villages have at least one pub and you will be made welcome there. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite eateries and pubs here, but don’t be afraid to go and find some yourself.

Over the festive period, you could see a Christmas show in one of the nearby towns. If you find yourself here on the 25th of January, it’s Burns Night when we celebrate our most famous poet, Robert Burns. Most places will offer a Burns Supper, which is haggis, neeps and tatties, washed down with a wee dram. Some places might even pipe the haggis in with bagpipes! Have a look at nearby restaurants to see what is on offer and experience this Scottish celebration. 

But if you just want to spend some time together inside, then when in Scotland, do as the Scottish do and enjoy a nip or dram of whisky. During the day, you could visit Loch Lomond Distillery and get a fascinating tour of how they make one of Scotland’s most popular drinks. See how their award-winning single malt, single grain and limited-edition whiskies come to life, and perhaps even buy from their shop. That means that when night falls, you can sit together in one of our hot tubs and enjoy the flavour of Scotland whilst keeping a watchful eye for a meteor shower or the Northern Lights. What a pefect way to end the day.

Spend winter at Loch Lomond Waterfront

Does anyone else think that winter is the best time to enjoy hot tubs? It might be cold outside, but when you’re in a warm bath of bubbles with a glass of fizz, it’s just heaven. The warm steam, the starry skies and the excellent company. Winter in Loch Lomond with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront might just be the best holiday you’ll have all year. Check our availability and book your chalet or lodge today.

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Looking for somewhere adventurous yet calm at the same time for your school holidays? Well, Loch Lomond in October is all that and more! From amazing loch cruises to archery and mountain climbing, there’s plenty to do here for any active family.

On the other hand, if you are looking for lazy days in beautiful scenery with delicious food and drink, Loch Lomond can provide that too.

Active October school holidays at Loch Lomond

For family holidays in October, consider taking a break around the beautiful countryside and lochs of Scotland. For all the stunning views and wildlife, there are amazing adventures for all the family.

Take a cruise along Loch Lomond to see it from a different angle. It’s a great chance to be guided along one of the country’s most beautiful bodies of water. As you’ll be with experts, they can point out all the history and wild animals that you might see on the way. Of course, you might be a bit more adventurous and wish to speed, rather than cruise. You can speedboat on the loch too. This will certainly get the adrenaline flowing!

On-land activities around Loch Lomond

If you’d rather stay on dry land, there are many hills and mountains near Loch Lomond Waterfront that you can easily visit. If you fancy doing some Munro bagging (that’s a mountain in Scotland over 3,000 feet high) then you’ll be coming to the right place. There are 21 Munros in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The nearby Ben Lomond is one of the most popular to climb. So whether it’s your first or your 200th, it will give you a great workout and (hopefully) stunning views at the top.

For something a bit more grounded, the Loch Lomond Shooting School offers clay pigeon shooting as well as archery. Come and take your aim and enjoy the outdoors. Or to get involved in the season and prepare for Halloween, Arnprior Farm Pumpkins host pick-your-own events so you can decorate your very own scary jack-o-lantern.

Taking it easy at the lochside

October half term doesn’t need to be all go and activities. If you are looking for a peaceful place for the family to spend time together, relax, unwind and enjoy some good food, then we’re the perfect place for you. 

Loch Lomond is a calming place. You can take gentle walks around the shore and feed the ducks before finding a nice place to eat. Whether you are looking for a cosy pub lunch or something a bit more fancy, there are plenty of Loch Lomond eateries to cater to your taste. We have some of the tastiest food in the country here, including our neighbours at The Oak Tree Inn and Mocha Cafe, just minutes next door for your enjoyment. Pop along for breakfast, brunch or lunch. You can also grab takeaway treats there, to enjoy on the go.

Some of the more relaxing activities available around Loch Lomond include fishing and golfing. These are great things to do with the kids too. If you’d like to see the beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs from the comfort of a bus, then you can. Bus tours are available and so are segway tours, if you are feeling like something a bit different. Check out our Family Activities guide for more ideas.

As summer turns to autumn, this is a fantastic time to come and visit Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond in October is such a beautiful place. Staying at Loch Lomond Waterfront for your October school holidays will give you plenty to talk about for a long time to come.

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What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights or aurora borealis are a natural light display that occurs near the Earth’s poles. They result from particles charged by the sun colliding with Earth’s upper atmosphere along magnetic lines, creating a colourful show in the sky with shades of green, purple and red. These auroras include the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and the aurora australis (Southern Lights).

Chasing the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are unpredictable but there are ways to increase your chances of seeing them. Check the aurora forecast on websites like AuroraWatch UK and SpaceWeatherLive, which provide real-time updates on aurora activity. Once you have a good forecast, make sure to wrap up warmly. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park can be very cold, especially during the winter months when the Northern Lights are most active. Layer up with a warm coat, hat, gloves and boots to stay cosy while waiting for the lights. Afterwards, you can warm up with a whisky in your lodge.

Finding the perfect location

To see the Northern Lights you need to find a dark location away from light pollution. Luckily for you, many of the skies above Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park are known as dark skies. There’s a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights during the winter months when the nights are longer and darker. Winter is also the best time to go stargazing in Scotland when the nights are darker for longer. Between October and March, when the clocks go back for winter, is a good rule of thumb.

How to photograph the Northern Lights

Nighttime photography can be challenging, but capturing the Northern Lights is possible even with a mobile phone. Hold your phone in landscape mode, turn off the flash and select night mode. Make the picture as large as your phone allows and set the exposure time between 2 and 15 seconds.

Seeing the Northern Lights in Loch Lomond is a magical experience and staying at Loch Lomond Waterfront makes it even better. Our luxury waterside accommodations offer the perfect retreat after a night of aurora-watching. With plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants nearby, you’ll have everything you need for a fantastic holiday. Winter is the best time to enjoy our hot tubs, even though it’s cold outside, a warm bath of bubbles with a glass of fizz is just heaven. Check our availability and book your chalet or lodge today.

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History of Golf

Golf traces its roots back to the Middle Ages in Scotland, a country widely recognised as the birthplace of modern golf. The Scots introduced the game to the world, a legacy that continues to attract golf enthusiasts to its courses. 

The earliest known reference to golf goes back to 1457. King James II of Scotland banned golf and football because they were distracting people from practising archery, which was important for the military. Despite these restrictions, people kept playing golf in public places like streets and churchyards, which was seen as dangerous and annoying. The Scottish church also didn’t like people playing golf on Sundays, but that didn’t stop everyone from enjoying the game.

The evolution of golf

Although we don’t know exactly when Hickory golf started, it probably came from old stick-and-ball games. This version of golf uses clubs made with hickory wood. It’s popular with golf enthusiasts and history fans.

Golf has come a long way from its simple beginnings. The history of golf in Scotland shows many changes in equipment and course design. Early wooden clubheads were replaced by metal ones, giving players more power and control. The old gutta-percha balls were swapped for rubber-cored ones, which improved performance and made the game more exciting and competitive.

Historic golf courses in Scotland

Visiting Scotland lets you explore some of the world’s oldest and most historic golf courses. Courses like St Andrews, known as the ‘Home of Golf’, reflect the tradition of the game. Musselburgh Links is another historic site, claiming to be the oldest golf course still in use. This golf course dates back to at least 1672.

Golf courses around Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland and is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. Playing a game of golf here gives players a chance to connect with the history of golf in Scotland. The courses range from old to new designs and layouts while providing all the amenities expected by today’s golfers.

For those staying at Loch Lomond Waterfront, there are several fantastic golf courses within easy reach. These courses are perfect for a memorable round of golf during your visit to Scotland. After a day on the greens, unwind with a dram of our local Glengoyne Whisky in your private hot tub overlooking the loch. What better way to discuss the highs and lows of your game while soaking in the serene beauty of Loch Lomond? Book your stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront today and get ready for a golfing trip you won’t forget.

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