INTO THE HIGHLANDS
LOCH LOMOND is the natural place to start your road trip round the SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS. Not only is it one of the country’s most beautiful bodies of water, it is also where the Highlands geologically begin – the Highland Boundary Fault, which separates the Highlands from the Lowlands, runs directly through the lake. Head for the attractive little village of DRYMEN, on the loch’s quieter eastern side, where you can celebrate kicking off your road-trip at the Clachan Inn, on the village square; Scotland’s oldest licensed pub – it’s been serving local ales since 1734 – the Clachan is known for its impressive range of Scottish whisky.
Drymen is just over 60 miles from Edinburgh (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and around 17.5 miles (just under 40 minutes) from Glasgow. If you’re in a campervan, you can push on further along the loch to CASHEL, a scenic campsite set right on the lakeshore, where kids can enjoy a paddle in the shallows whilst you take in the far-reaching views towards snow-capped Ben Lomond. Sunsets here are glorious. A busy day on on the loch awaits tomorrow.
TOP TIP If you’re in Drymen in summer, it’s worth trying to catch the STRATHENDRICK PIPE BAND ASSOCIATION, who play traditional Ceòl Mór (Big Music) on their bagpipes for an hour every Thursday evening on the village square [from 7.30pm].
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY WITH CHILDREN IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
From village apartments to cottages on Skye – our pick of the most memorable places for families to stay in the Scottish Highlands
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS ESSENTIALS
Pre-trip practicalities, including getting there, getting around and what to take with you
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