Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish Loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. From Balloch in the South to Ardlui at the northern tip the Loch is 24 miles long and is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Highlands".Balloch at the southern end of Loch Lomond, about 16 miles from Glasgow and easily accessible by train or car. From Berwick-upon-Tweed the train journey takes about 3hrs changing at Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Loch Lomond forms part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is surrounded by hills and mountains. Ben Lomond, on the eastern shore is the most southerly of the Scottish Monro peaks. The Loch contains numerous islands, the largest of which is Inchmurrin Island at the southern end, near Balloch. 

The many small villages hugging the shore on the western side of the Loch are linked by the A82. The eastern side is dominated by Ben Lomond and is accessed by a smaller road and walking and cycling routes. The Loch Lomond is a beautiful place to walk, cycle, picnic or cruise with stunning Loch and Mountain Views.

The village of Balloch at he southern tip is the ideal place to embark on your Loch Lomond adventure. Sweeney's Cruises offer a variety of Loch cruises and two National Cycle routes run through the village.  

Inchmurrin Island

Ben Lomond

https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/landscapes-nature/national-parks-gardens/loch-lomond-trossachs/

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish Loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. From Balloch in the South to Ardlui at the northern tip the Loch is 22.6 miles long and is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Highlands". Balloch at the southern end of Loch Lomond, about 16 miles from Glasgow and easily accessible by train or car.  

Loch Lomond forms part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is surrounded by hills and mountains. Ben Lomond, on the eastern shore is the most southerly of the Scottish Monro peaks. The Loch contains numerous islands, the largest of which is Inchmurrin Island at the southern end, near Balloch. 

The many small villages hugging the shore on the western side of the Loch are linked by the A82. The eastern side is dominated by Ben Lomond and is accessed by a smaller road and walking and cycling routes. The Loch Lomond is a beautiful place to walk, cycle, picnic or cruise with stunning Loch and Mountain Views.

The village of Balloch at he southern tip is the ideal place to embark on your Loch Lomond adventure. Sweeney's Cruises offer a variety of Loch cruises and two National Cycle routes run through the village.  

Inchmurrin Island

Ben Lomond

https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/landscapes-nature/national-parks-gardens/loch-lomond-trossachs/

Balloch Castle

Balloch Castle is a 19th century country house in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire. The castle situated within Balloch Castle Country Park overlooks Loch Lomond and is surrounded by parkland and beautiful gardens. Balloch is about 16 miles from Glasgow and easily accessible by train or car. From Berwick-upon-Tweed the train journey takes about 3hrs changing at Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Balloch Castle was built as a residence in 1808 - 1809 by John Buchanan of Ardoch, a Glasgow merchant. who after purchasing the estate demolished the ruins of the old 13th century castle and had the current building erected, a Tudor Gothic house with decorative turrets and crenellations. Buchanan also established the parkland and gardens around the castle. 

In the early 1830's Buchanan sold the castle and moved into his recently rebuilt Boturich Castle. Balloch Castle passed through several owners and further improvements to the park were made. In 1915 the estate was purchased by the Corporation of the City of Glasgow. The subsequent Glasgow City Council continue to own the estate and in 1971 the house became a category A building. 

In 1980 the 200 acre parkland was recognised as a country park, featuring a walled garden, nature trails, picnic areas and lawns complete with fabulous views of the Loch. 

The Old Castle
In 1072 the lands of Balloch were granted to the Lennox family by King Malcolm III, forming part of the ancient earldom of Lennox, The earls built the original castle around 1238 and held it until about 1390 when they moved to the Island of Inchmurrin in Loch Lomond. The castle, built near to the water overlooking the Loch continued in the hands of the Darnley branch of the House of Lennox until 1852 when James, fourth Duke of Lennox, sold Balloch Castle to Sir John Colquhoun of Luss. Unfortunately the old castle was allowed to fall into to ruin and all that remains today is an irregular mound and moat. 

Balloch Castle From Loch Lomond

Balloch Castle Country Park

The Walled Garden

https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/museums-and-galleries/collections/buildings/castles-and-country-houses/castles-and-country-houses-vale-of-leven/balloch-castle/

https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/discover-the-park/towns-villages/balloch/

Balloch Castle

Balloch Castle is a 19th century country house in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire. The castle situated within Balloch Castle Country Park overlooks Loch Lomond and is surrounded by parkland and beautiful gardens. The Castle was built as a residence in 1808 - 1809 by John Buchanan of Ardoch, a Glasgow merchant. who after purchasing the estate demolished the ruins of the old 13th century castle and had the current building erected, a Tudor Gothic house with decorative turrets and crenellations. Buchanan also established the parkland and gardens around the castle. 

In the early 1830's Buchanan sold the castle and moved into his recently rebuilt Boturich Castle. Balloch Castle passed through several owners and further improvements to the park were made. In 1915 the estate was purchased by the Corporation of the City of Glasgow. The subsequent Glasgow City Council continue to own the estate and in 1971 the house became a category A building. 

In 1980 the 200 acre parkland was recognised as a country park, featuring a walled garden, nature trails, picnic areas and lawns complete with fabulous views of the Loch. 

The Old Castle
In 1072 the lands of Balloch were granted to the Lennox family by King Malcolm III, forming part of the ancient earldom of Lennox, The earls built the original castle around 1238 and held it until about 1390 when they moved to the Island of Inchmurrin in Loch Lomond. The castle, built near to the water overlooking the Loch continued in the hands of the Darnley branch of the House of Lennox until 1852 when James, fourth Duke of Lennox, sold Balloch Castle to Sir John Colquhoun of Luss. Unfortunately the old castle was allowed to fall into to ruin and all that remains today is an irregular mound and moat. 

Balloch Castle From Loch Lomond

Balloch Castle Country Park

The Walled Garden

https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/museums-and-galleries/collections/buildings/castles-and-country-houses/castles-and-country-houses-vale-of-leven/balloch-castle/

https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/discover-the-park/towns-villages/balloch/

Balloch

Balloch

Balloch is a village in West Dunbartonshire on the Southern Shore of the picturesque 
Loch Lomond, about 16 miles from Glasgow and easily accessible by train or car. From Berwick-upon-Tweed the train journey takes about 3hrs changing at Edinburgh and Glasgow. Balloch is popular with visitors wishing to experience a trip on Loch Lomond or a stroll through the tranquil Castle Country Park along the banks of the Loch and up to the Castle. There are numerous eating places and a selection of small shops to enjoy. 

Balloch borders the Kilpatrick Hills and is at the southern end of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The Castle Country Park runs along the banks of the Loch and is home to Balloch Castle. The village is an excellent base for walking and cycling, both the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path and the Glasgow to Loch Lomond cycle path run through Balloch.

The name Balloch comes from the Gaellic word bal/baille meaning village or hamlet. Balloch therefore means 'village on the Loch' and was originally a ferry crossing connecting the highlands with central Scotland. For centuries the village was just a ferry crossing , the ferryman's house, which doubled as an inn and a few houses. 

When the Earls of Lennox made their base at Balloch Castle in the 13th century the village became better know and started to develop. In the middle ages an annual horse fair started which continued until the late 19th century. The arrival of paddle steamers and the railway in the 19th century saw the start of tourism which has continued to grow until the present day. 

Loch Lomond 
Balloch sits on the Souther Tip of Loch Lomond, a freshwater Loch which crossed the Highlands Boundary Fault. The Loch is often called the gateway to the Highlands and the majestic Ben Lomond is clearly visible from the southern end of the Loch. 

A cruise on the Loch is an excellent way to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the surrounding hills and distant mountains. Sweeney's Cruises offer a variety of trips departing from the harbour, just a short distance from the railway station.

Ben Lomond

Balloch Castle
Balloch Castle is a 19th century country house overlooking Loch Lomond. The castle is situated within Balloch Castle Country Park, surrounded by parkland and beautiful gardens. The Castle was built as a residence in 1808 - 1809 by John Buchanan of Ardoch, a Glasgow merchant. 

The original 13th century castle was built by the Earls of Lennox, around 1238. It was built near to the water and overlooked the Loch. In the late 14th century the Earls moved to the Island of Inchmurrin in Loch Lomond. All that remains today is an irregular mound and moat. 

Balloch Castle From Loch Lomond

Balloch Castle Country Park

This peaceful country park sits at the southern tip of Loch Lomond at Balloch. Incorporating river and loch sides walks, beaches, nature trails, woodland, lawns, a walled garden and Balloch Castle the park is the ideal place to relax, unwind and absorb the breathtaking views of the Loch and surrounding countryside.  

The Walled Garden

https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/discover-the-park/towns-villages/balloch/

https://www.sweeneyscruiseco.com

Balloch

Balloch

Balloch is a village in West Dunbartonshire on the Southern Shore of the picturesque 
Loch Lomond, about 16 miles from Glasgow and easily accessible by train or car. Balloch is popular with visitors wishing to experience a trip on Loch Lomond or a stroll through the tranquil Castle Country Park along the banks of the Loch and up to the Castle. There are numerous eating places and a selection of small shops to enjoy. 

Balloch borders the Kilpatrick Hills and is at the southern end of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The Castle Country Park runs along the banks of the Loch and is home to Balloch Castle. The village is an excellent base for walking and cycling, both the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path and the Glasgow to Loch Lomond cycle path run through Balloch.

The name Balloch comes from the Gaellic word bal/baille meaning village or hamlet. Balloch therefore means 'village on the Loch' and was originally a ferry crossing connecting the highlands with central Scotland. For centuries the village was just a ferry crossing , the ferryman's house, which doubled as an inn and a few houses. 

When the Earls of Lennox made their base at Balloch Castle in the 13th century the village became better know and started to develop. In the middle ages an annual horse fair started which continued until the late 19th century. The arrival of paddle steamers and the railway in the 19th century saw the start of tourism which has continued to grow until the present day. 

Loch Lomond
Balloch sits on the Souther Tip of Loch Lomond, a freshwater Loch which crossed the Highlands Boundary Fault. The Loch is often called the gateway to the Highlands and the majestic Ben Lomond is clearly visible from the southern end of the Loch. 

A cruise on the Loch is an excellent way to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the surrounding hills and distant mountains. Sweeney's Cruises offer a variety of trips departing from the harbour, just a short distance from the railway station.

Ben Lomond

Balloch Castle
Balloch Castle is a 19th century country house overlooking Loch Lomond. The castle is situated within Balloch Castle Country Park, surrounded by parkland and beautiful gardens. The Castle was built as a residence in 1808 - 1809 by John Buchanan of Ardoch, a Glasgow merchant. 

The original 13th century castle was built by the Earls of Lennox, around 1238. It was built near to the water and overlooked the Loch. In the late 14th century the Earls moved to the Island of Inchmurrin in Loch Lomond. All that remains today is an irregular mound and moat. 

Balloch Castle From Loch Lomond

Balloch Castle Country Park

This peaceful country park sits at the southern tip of Loch Lomond at Balloch. Incorporating river and loch sides walks, beaches, nature trails, woodland, lawns, a walled garden and Balloch Castle the park is the ideal place to relax, unwind and absorb the breathtaking views of the Loch and surrounding countryside.  

The Walled Garden

https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/discover-the-park/towns-villages/balloch/

https://www.sweeneyscruiseco.com

West Dunbartonshire

West Dunbartonshire is an area in the West of Scotland that lies to the west of the city go Glasgow. The area contains the city's suburbs and many of its commuter towns and villages, including the small town of Balloch which sits on the southern shore of the picturesque Loch Lomond (the gateway to the highlands). West Dunbartonshire is bordered by Argyll and Bute, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and Stirling.  

Below are the places that we have visited, including some of of our photographs. You can view All Places or any of the individual places listed below. I have also added some links to other websites. I hope you enjoy visiting them as much as we have.

Balloch

Balloch Castle

Loch Lomond

https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/tourism-and-visitor-attractions/

https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/tourism-and-visitor-attractions/local-visitor-attractions/?size=AAA

https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/countryside-facilities-and-wildlife/countryside-and-leisure/

Manderston House

Manderston House is an elegant Edwardian Country House just outside the market town of Duns. This lovely house sits peacefully within beautiful gardens, woodland and parkland, boasting fabulous views from the house and terrace to the Cheviot Hills in the distance. In spring the woodland walk is ablaze with the assorted colours of the glorious rhododendrons and in summer brightly coloured roses pack the flower beds on the terrace and in the  gardens. 

Although the house is in residential use and some areas are private the remainder of the house is open to the public to wander through and experience Edwardian country living, from family and guest accommodation to the servants corridor and functional areas of the house. The house and gardens are surrounded by serene woodland and parkland where there are many walks through the woods or beside the tranquil lake. Near the gated entrance is the fascinating marble dairy and impressive stable. Within the stable block is an excellent tearoom, a great way to end a wonderful visit to Manderston House. 

The Marble Dairy

House
Manderston House was originally a square Georgian Mansion built in the 1790's for Mr Dalhousie Weatherstone. In 1855 Richard Miller bought the estate and after his death was bought by his younger brother William. William made a fortune trading hemp and herrings with the Russians and in 1874 was made a Baronet. In 1871 William had the house updated and extra servants room added. 

In 1877 William's estate, Baronetcy and fortune were passed to his second son James. James lived with his wife Eveline Curzon at Manderston House until his death in 1906. During this time extensive renovations and improvements were undertaken transforming the house into an elegant Edwardian Country House complete with a silver plated staircase. 

As James and Eveline had no heir the estate was passed to his brother John Alexander Miller and after his death to their sister Amy Elizabeth Miller who was married to Major-General Thomas Manbourg Bailie. The estate was passed through subsequent generations and is currently owned by the 4th Lord Palmer who continues to live at Manderston House.

Gardens

The extensive gardens, consisting of beautiful flower beds, lawns and terraces that surround the house are intoxicating. An impressive lawn stretches from the terraces to a tranquil lake and boathouse with views beyond to the woodland, parkland and Cheviot Hills.  The gardens also boast a cricket pitch, tennis court and croquet lawn. In spring and summer these serene gardens and awash with the colour of Rhododendrons, Roses and other flowers. 

The Boathouse

Woodland and Parkland

Beyond the lake a number of paths meander through the tranquil woodland to the open parkland beyond. Through colourful Rhododendron bushes and beyond the shimmering lake are stunning views of the house and gardens.

https://www.manderston.co.uk

Other Country Houses Nearby

Mellerstain House

Paxton House