luxury holiday cottage loch lomond self catering

luxury holiday cottage Loch Lomond - sleeps 8+

Historic Lodge situated in quiet, attractive courtyard on the Arden Estate, just a five minute walk from Loch Lomond

It's barely any time from leaving the bustling West End of Glasgow until we're travelling along the open road, through beautiful countryside and along the shore of Scotland's largest inland loch. You can drive for miles alongside Loch Lomond on this scenic road, all the way to the top where it turns into the River Falloch then along the river almost to Crianlarich, but today we turn off near the south end of the loch, down a tiny road and into a private estate where our lovely holiday home sits in a secluded position, surrounded by ancient woodland. Part of an historic coach house for the magnificent Arden House, we reach the cottage through an attractive archway which leads onto a pretty courtyard.

Coming inside, we enter a pleasant hallway with beautiful fresh flowers, very Scottish with its gorgeous Black Watch rug and generous decanter of malt whisky. From here we come into a large, bright dining kitchen fitted with warm oak and a wonderful welcome pack filled with not just the basics but treats too, makes us feel very welcome indeed. Huge windows in the sitting room echo the arched gateway to the lodge and more light streams in from the roof window on the half landing of the beautifully designed solid wood stairway. Three smart leather sofas will be perfect for socialising and relaxing when we're not out enjoying the loch and surroundings and there's a table for posh dining in here too for when we feel like sprucing up and splashing out.

For those not so nifty with stairs, the downstairs bedroom with its adjoining shower room is very handy indeed and like all the bedrooms is bright, modern and spacious with quality bedlinen and very comfortable beds. Our bedroom windows overlook our own private garden at the back of the lodge, a pretty haven surrounded by woodland and a lovely sheltered spot to sit, play or enjoy a barbecue.

It's only a stone's throw from the cottage to the shore of Loch Lomond and wandering along the wonderful grounds by the loch, watching the morning mist disperse is a very pleasant after breakfast treat. To the north east, Ben Lomond beckons, the southernmost munro in Scotland. The walk up here is not to be missed by anyone who enjoys a good hike - the panoramic views are absolutely spectacular, on a clear day as far as the Paps of Jura and Goat Fell on Arran and getting to the foot at Rowardennan gives the perfect opportunity to drive along the far side of the loch.

Another must on our list is getting onto the loch itself. Not far from the cottage near Balloch, Loch Lomond Boat Hire has a very interesting variety of craft to hire. A small outboard is an excellent for spending the day pootling about the coast and islands and enjoying a picnic, while the lastest craze, paddle boarding is brilliant if it's warm enough not to mind a soaking - a bit like punting on a tiny and extremely wobbly punt!