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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Boat Trips and Cruises

Take a boat trip or cruise on Loch Lomond to explore its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Cruising the loch gives you a different view, where you can see the peaceful waters, beautiful islands, impressive mountains and wildlife.

Water Activities

From adrenaline-pumping water skiing to relaxing canoe safaris, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the water at Loch Lomond. Explore the historic Inchcailloch Island on a canoe safari or why not try paddleboarding or wakeboarding? Fishing enthusiasts can learn to fly fish for salmon and trout right from the shore, with fishing tuition and equipment hire available.

Walking & Hiking

Take advantage of the walking trails around Loch Lomond. A popular route is the walk from Balmaha to Millarochy Bay, offering stunning views of the shoreline. For a more challenging hike, conquer Conic Hill with panoramic views of Loch Lomond and its surroundings.

Family Activities

When staying at Loch Lomond Waterfront you’ll be able to visit nearby family attractions such as Blair Drummond Safari Park or discover the rich history and heritage of the area by visiting Scottish castles and historical sites. Don’t miss out on exploring Rob Roy sites and locations, or visit St Maha’s Well, an ancient holy well known for its healing qualities.

Golf Courses

Golfers have access to several excellent courses near Loch Lomond. After a day on the course, relax in your private hot tub overlooking the loch with a dram of our local Glengoyne Whisky, a great way to unwind and reflect on your game.

Summer at Loch Lomond provides plenty of time for both adventure and relaxation. Whether you prefer boating on the loch, hiking trails or exploring local history, there’s an activity for everyone. Book your summer escape at Loch Lomond Waterfront and create memories in Scotland this summer.

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Wildlife watchers should keep a lookout for pine martens on the shores of Loch Lomond. These small mammals inhabit the local woodlands and are associated with good luck. Indeed, you’re very lucky to spot a pine marten as they are rare and usually only come out at night. But the good news is, their numbers are on the rise.

How to recognise a pine marten

The pine marten is a small mammal, about the size of a cat. It is related to the weasel, stoat and polecat. It has brown fur with a cream patch on its throat and chest, a long body, rounded ears and a bushy tail.

Where and when to spot a pine marten

These nocturnal creatures are mostly found in wooded areas at night. They are most active in the summertime and you might also spot them in the early morning or late evening. They like peanuts and will sometimes visit wildlife feeding stations, for example at the RSPB Loch Lomond nature reserve in Gartocharn or the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre in Aberfoyle.

Pine marten facts and figures

Pine martens are solitary creatures, only coming together in the summer to breed. As their name suggests, they are often found in pine forests, where they make dens in the tree cavities. They are very territorial, defending large areas of forest up to 25km². They are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. Their varied diet includes small mammals such as voles, squirrels and mice, small birds, insects, berries and nuts. They are good climbers and can get high into the trees to look for prey, leaping up to 4 metres between branches.

Pine martens and red squirrels

Interestingly, although a predator of the squirrel, pine martens actually help to protect populations of endangered red squirrels. This is because pine martens find grey squirrels easier to catch than reds. By keeping the numbers of invasive grey squirrels down, this allows the native reds to thrive. So where you find pine martens, you are likely to spot red squirrels too.

Find out more about our local wildlife here. We are always curious to see which animals our guests manage to spot during a stay with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share your wildlife pictures with us.

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The red squirrel is a much-loved animal in Scotland. Distinctive with its red-brown fur, tufty ears and bushy tail. Sadly, sightings of this little creature have become rarer in the UK, since the introduction of the American grey squirrel in the 1870s. The greys outcompete our native red squirrels for food and territory, and they are also known to carry a virus, which is harmless to them but deadly to the reds.

Fortunatley, there are certain areas in Scotland where there are fewer grey squirrels, and therefore the reds tend to thrive. Red squirrels are smaller than greys, and can feed on smaller seeds, such as those found on coniferous pine trees. So we tend to find more red squirrels in Scotland’s coniferous woodlands. Also, the pine marten, a predator more common in Scotland, has a part to play. Grey squirrels are larger and spend more time on the ground, making them easier prey for pine martens than the more nimble reds.

Loch Lomond’s red squirrel population

Loch Lomond is a fascinating area geologically. The Highland Boundary Fault is a fault line that runs right across the National Park. There are very different landscapes and habitats on each side of the line, allowing for great diversity in wildlife. South of the line, we find mixed woodlands and a mix of both red and grey squirrels. However, north of the line, where there are more coniferous woodlands, we find more red squirrels and very few greys.

Places to spot red squirrels, Loch Lomond

Our local village, Balmaha, is very interesting because it lies on the fault line. Here, you will see a noticeable change in landscape, as the Lowlands meets the Highlands. Starting at the National Park Centre in Balmaha, there is a Red Squirrel Trail, where you can learn more about the creatures and hopefully spot some in the woodland.

There are also new plans for a red squirrel hide and footpath to be built at Cashel Forest, just north of Balmaha. There’s a good chance of spotting them at RSPB Loch Lomond nature reserve in Gartocharn or Balloch Castle Country Park in Balloch. The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre in nearby Aberfoyle has a red squirrel viewing hide too.

We hope you enjoy red squirrel spotting during your stay with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share your wildlife pictures with us.

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Loch Lomond is a hot spot for wildlife and nature. In the water and on the land, there are plenty of fascinating creatures to spot, such as red squirrels, red deer, pine marten, beavers, otters and dolphins. But look to the skies and there’s so much more to discover! This area provides habitat to nearly 200 species of birds. Loch Lomond is the perfect location for a birdwatching holiday.

Where to go birdwatching

There are many great vantage points around Loch Lomond. So be sure to take a pair of binoculars with you wherever you go, while exploring Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Near us at Loch Lomond Waterfront, you could climb to the top of Conic Hill, visit RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond Nature Reserve or take a boat out to Inchcailloch Island. You can also see a wide variety of birds of prey at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre.

What you might see

Here are just a few of our favourite species to look out for. You can get a full checklist here.

Osprey

Ospreys visit Loch Lomond from April to October. These stunning birds of prey feed solely on fish, and can usually be found near water. Balmaha, our closest village, is a popular place to spot them.

White-tailed eagle

Last spring, white-tailed eagles (sea eagles), were seen at Loch Lomond for the first time in over a hundred years! They are the largest birds of prey in the UK with a wingspan of up to 240 cm.

Golden eagle

Golden eagles are difficult to spot, but they do fly high above the mountains in the national park, so look out for these enormous birds of prey. They have a brown body a and golden brown head and neck.

Barn owl

Look out for barn owls with their distinctive heart-shaped faces at dusk and dawn, in woodland and grassland, as they hunt for small mammals. Although you’re more likely to hear their shrieks in the night.

Common kingfisher

Watch out for kingfishers on the hunt for fish, waiting on branches hanging over the water. These bright and beautiful birds are a treat to see, even if it’s just a flash of blue as they dart in and out of the water.

Black grouse

Black grouse are known for their spectacular mating ritual, where competing males dance, display and fight. This happens in spring and autumn at first light. Look for them in moorland and upland glens.

White-fronted goose

Around 200 of these rare white-fronted geese come to Loch Lomond each winter. from Greenland. Spot them on the marshes of the Loch Lomond Nature Reserve from September to March.

Mute swan

The mute swan can be found in Scotland all year round, and is the largest swan species in the UK. As their name suggests, they don’t have a loud call. They have orange beaks and are commonly found on shallow lochs, ponds and rivers.

Whooper swan

Whooper swans migrate to Scotland from Iceland for the winter. Distinguishable from mute swans as they are smaller in size, have yellow beaks with a black tip, and make a loud, low-pitched whooping sound.

Great-spotted woodpecker

Even if you don’t see a great-spotted woodpecker, you might hear one drumming into a branch above, looking for insects and larvae to eat. Listen out in woodland areas for their unique sound.

White-throated dipper

White-throated dippers are sweet little stout and short-tailed birds, which dip up and down on rocks in rivers and burns. They are easy to spot all year round.

Northern lapwing

Found in farmland and wetland the northern lapwing is easy to recognise, due to its feathery crest and black and white markings. Up close, their backs have a purple-green metallic shimmer to them.

Wood warbler

The wood warbler comes from Africa to Scotland for the summer. From April to August, you may hear this little yellow bird’s two distinctive calls, which are both very different.

We’d love to see what birdlife you spot during your stay with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share your wildlife pictures with us.

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Here at Loch Lomond Waterfront, we are in a very unique position. Located near Balmaha in Scotland, where the Highlands meets the Lowlands, we enjoy two very different landscapes. Dramatic, towering mountains to the north and gentler, rolling hills and valleys to the south. And this widely varied terrain means the Loch Lomond area is home to a diverse mix of wildlife.

Plants and Trees

Woodland habitats cover a quarter of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs national park. Common trees include pine, spruce, larch, birch, oak, ash and hazel. There are wild plants and flowers, like mosses, ferns, bluebells, primroses, wild garlic, along with an array of wild fungi.

Birdlife

From mighty birds of prey, such as osprey and golden eagles, to the elegant swan or the little dipper. This area is home to almost 200 species of bird. There are so many, we wrote a separate guide to birdwatching near Loch Lomond. Find out more in our birdwatching blog.

Land mammals

Roe and red deer roam the national park. There is also a small population of fallow deer and a few Sika deer too. You might even spot deer on our foreshore during a stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront.

This is one of the few places in the UK where you can see red squirrels. Red squirrels are endangered, but due to conservation efforts, they are still found around Loch Lomond. Badgers and pine marten are also resident, although they are elusive and difficult to spot.

At dusk, look to the skies and you may see pipistrelle bats darting through the air. These are the smallest bats in Europe and preditors to the pesky midge!

In the water

In rivers and lochs, you may find beavers, an animal recently reintroduced to Scotland. You might see seals in and around the lochs, and otters swimming in rivers or on the shore. Whales, dolphins and porpoises can be spotted off the west coast. And of course, there’s a wide variety of fish, such as trout, salmon and pike perch.

We’d love to see what wildlife you discover during your stay with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share your wildlife pictures with us.

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Surely everybody wants to see a Highland cow on their visit to Scotland! These hairy coos have become a national icon with fans all over the world. With their long locks and curvy horns, they are a distinctive breed of cattle. Being both cute and friendly in nature, they are popular with tourists. Today we’re sharing our favourite places to find Highland cows near Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. So make sure you look out for them during your next stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront.

Places to spot Highland cows

In Scotland, you’ll come across Highland cows wherever you go. When travelling through rural areas, be sure to check the fields as you pass. They are often just grazing and minding their own business in the beautiful countryside. But if you’re looking for specific places where Highland cows are often spotted, here are a few near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to get you started.

Conic Hill

Conic Hill car park is just a short walk from Loch Lomond Waterfront. From here you can enjoy one of the best walks in the area. Climb Conic Hill for remarkable views over Loch Lomond. There’s a good chance of spotting Highland cows on your way up too!

Conic Hill is 361m high, and can be a bit of a steep and challenging climb at times. However if you are feeling up for it, this is a wonderful hill to explore, offering stunning views. Highland cows aren’t the only annimals you might see here. Keep an eye out for deer too, as well as buzzards in the skies above.

Drymen Show

If you’re with us on the last Saturday in May, you’re in luck! The Drymen Show is usually in town on this day each year. This is our local agricultural show and a great family day out, featuring livestock displays (including Highland cows) and a range of entertainment.

The Drymen show offers plenty of activities including a fun fair, trade stands, main ring attractions and pet and craft tents. Vintage cars, horse stunt teams and police dog displays have always proven popular at this show. Take a look at their website to see what’s planned.

Loch Lomond Arms

On the other side of the loch in Luss, the Loch Lomond Arms has its own Highland cows and calves in the garden. So if you pop across there for a pub meal, you might just get to meet them!

Loch Achray

Loch Achray is a small loch in the heart of the Trossachs, located near the town of Callendar. It’s a prime spot for finding Highland cows. If you are keen to get in a spot of angling on your break, alongside some Highland Cow spotting, then this is the place for you. Its calm waters and sheltered location mean brown trout are regularly caught, alongside the occasional sea trout, pike, perch and salmon. Good luck!

Aberfoyle or the Trossachs Woollen Mill

We have two fantastic Scottish woollen mills and gift shops nearby. Pop along to the scenic villages of Aberfoyle or Callendar for The Trossachs Woollen Mill in Kilmahog. Both are close to beautiful Scottish lochs, perfect for wild swimming. Both are fabulous days out with lovely cafes and a great shop for gifts and souvenirs. With the added bonus of its own resident Highland cows, which graze in the fields outside. In aberfoyle, you can pop along to watersports at Loch Ard, or enjoy Golf, and Go Ape. And in Callendar, you can feed the Highland cows, Hamish Dubh, Honey and Holly with specially prepared food, available in the shop. You can even pick up a cuddly Highland cow to take home with you to remember them! Then pop along to Loch Vencachar for wild swimming and a sauna. Or to the picturesque village of Callendar for shopping, food and some Scottish culture.

Stirling Castle

If you take a day trip to Stirling, look for Highland cows in the fields below Stirling Castle. What a stunning backdrop for these mighty beasts! Stirling Castle is such an iconic sight in this area, that a visit is definitely justified. And being just a short (30 min) drive away from our lodges on the loch lomond waterfront, it makes for the perfect day out.

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most spectacular and historically significant sites. It sits on top of a volcanic rock, with stunning views around Stirlingshire. It has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history, enduring at least 16 sieges and witnessing key battles. Scottish kings and queens were crowned, lived, and even met their deaths here, including Mary de Guise and James IV, V, and VI. The castle’s highlights include the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Palace, alongside extensive outer defences. Many interactive maps and exhibitions bring its rich past to life, and is great for all the family.

We hope you enjoy Highland cow spotting on your next stay with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. If you need anything at all during your visit, please just ask. We love to chat and are happy to advise on the best things to see and do in the area. You can also find more attractions and activities to keep you busy in our Things to do guide.

Book your Scottish Highland Cow holiday today

Our lodges on Loch Lomond waterfront offer luxury self-catering accommodation in Scotland, right on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Set in the scenic Scottish village of Balmaha, on the famous West Highland Way and Conic Hill. Our lodges are ideal for relaxing, walking and enjoying all Scotland holidays have to offer. A short 45-minute drive from Glasgow airport and an hour from Edinburgh airport, our 5-star holiday lodges and luxury chalets each have their own private hot tub, en suite bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchen and breathtaking views! They are large and spacious, sleeping up to 6 guests, and we have inter-connecting lodges for larger groups. We also offer further accommodation in our glamping shepherd’s huts and new studio lodges, which sleep 2 people each. BOOK TODAY!

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