Day 35: Top of Loch Lomond

29/08/2021

This morning we had a lovely sleep in until 07:00. There were a couple of quick video chats over breakfast to the families. We got a notification from Google with a “1 year ago” photo, always amusing. Wow, we cannot believe it has been a year since we started packing up our house after making the crazy decision to move to the UK during uncertain times. It certainly was emotionally draining, and a logistical nightmare.

The car was packed and we followed the windy road up the A82 along the western side of Loch Lomond. We had a cheeky stop at Inverbeg Holiday Park to check out the area and so Eloise could climb the Crooked Castle. One thing the UK has got right is playgrounds. Eloise the playground connoisseur rated the Crooked Castle highly. It was a short stroll to the waterside where Liam deployed Darryl.

Some terrible traffic and a bad detour led us to Arrochar where we waited for the roads to clear. Eloise and Liam stretched their legs while Lachlan had brunch.

We were then heading in the right direction and arrived at An Ceann Mòr. Eloise, Lachlan and Sophie climbed to the top of the pyramid and enjoyed the views. Darryl inspected the area. Across the road was Loch Sloy Hydro-Electric power station, UK’s largest conventional hydroelectric power station. Turnbull would have been proud.

The An Ceann Mor is an interesting pyramid shaped viewpoint at Inveruglas on the banks of Loch Lomond. It was built as part of the Scottish Scenic Routes Project and was the final installation of four in the area. The 31 steps to the top provides a beautiful vista to enjoy panoramic views over Loch Lomond and the mountains in the background, including the mighty Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps.

The Scottish Scenic Routes initiative was inspired by Norway’s National Tourist Routes and is intended to embrace cycle, rail, pedestrian and water routes as well as key roads travelled by tourists and visitors in all parts of Scotland.

The walking paths were so inviting we couldn’t resist a wee wander. Eloise found a lovely haven for a bit of a dip, with an incredible backdrop of mountains. Sadly our photography skills are seriously undercooking the amazing views. No bathers but no worries. Luckily Super Mum always has a dry set of clothes in the car for this water baby.

After a quick change into dry clothes for both kids, we were back on track. The drive was spectacular and we still can’t believe we haven’t officially reached the Highlands. We were hypnotised by the mountainside and missed the turn to The Falls of Falloch, deciding it was time for lunch at TJ’s Diner. Although a bit pricey, the cheeseburgers went down a treat.

With bellies full, we continued our quest. We figured The Falls of Falloch must have been a worthwhile site because the car park was chock-a-block. As soon as we got out of the car we could hear the water rushing. We spotted the sun baking Scots before we reached the waterfall. Just as we arrived there were crazy youths jumping in from the top.

Grandma Nicholls, this is going to test the motion sickness. More of a still shot kinda guy. Darryl needs some practice.

It was well into the afternoon and sadly time to turn home. The kids dozed in the car the whole way back, which seems to be becoming a regular occurrence after our weekend adventuring.

With the kids in bed, we watched the extended highlights of our first Old Firm derby. It was lucky we have moved out from the city because the Rangers fans are probably still celebrating as we write this. The Old Firm derby are the big matches of the season in Glasgow between Rangers and Celtic. Similar to the AFL Showdowns between Crows and Port Adelaide, but it feels like the whole city is involved and divided, it is a fiery affair. You don’t want to get caught wearing the wrong colours.