Lake Loch Lomond
Lake Loch Lomond is located in the south of the Grampian Mountains and is a popular tourist attraction. It is the second largest loch in Scotland. Surrounded by rolling hills, the body of water is often referred to as the “Queen of Scottish Lakes”. Loch Lomond attracts travelers with its clear water, the beauty of the local nature, ancient castles and the ruins of a medieval monastery.
Video: Loch Lomond
ContentsHighlights
The picturesque loch is a real highlight of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It lies 7.6 meters above sea level. A powerful tectonic fault runs along the southern part of the lake, which divides the country’s mountainous and flat parts, so Loch Lomond is called the “Gateway to the Highlands.”
The natural body of water measures 37 by 8 kilometers. It was formed in a tectonic fissure widened by an ancient glacier. The average depth of the lake is 37 meters, and the greatest depth reaches the mark of 190 meters. Loch Lomond contains 2.6 km³ of water and is second only to the famous Loch Ness. Loch Lomond has many islands. The largest of these have long been inhabited by people.
The beauty of the local nature has inspired many poets and artists. In the vicinity of the lake spent a lot of time Walter Scott. Robert Burns dedicated several works to the Scottish body of water, and in letters to friends called it the best place for a pleasant pastime.
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The song about Loch Lomond was composed in 1841. According to legend, it was written by a captive Scottish soldier who, dying in a foreign land, was sad about his native land. The song is called “The Lovely Shores of Loch Lomond” and it is still popular around the world.
.Tourism opportunities
A day trip to Loch Lomond is available from Edinburgh or Glasgow, costing around £30. The tourist center of the loch is considered to be the small town of Balloch, which is spread out on its southern shore.
There is swimming in Loch Lomond, and a particularly large number of people come here at weekends. However, the water in this body of water is not warm, so most tourists prefer boat trips. Local carriers offer an hour-long cruise on the lake. A ticket for such a tour for adults costs £7.5, and for children – £4.5. As a rule, ferries carrying travelers stop near the largest island Inchmurrin, where there are ruins of a 7th century Christian monastery and a 14th century castle.
.Loch Lomond Aquarium
Balloch is home to an aquarium popular with tourists, containing thousands of members of the underwater world of Loch Lomond. It is home to Scotland’s only giant sea turtle and is also home to the country’s largest collection of sharks.
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Visitors not only admire the fish swimming behind the glass of the large aquariums – they can participate in feeding the animals, touch starfish and hold sea crabs in their hands. The aquarium welcomes guests any day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
.Birds of Prey Center
Not far from the Loch Lomond Aquarium, the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Center, a popular tourist attraction, is nestled in a natural forest. It is home to 40 owls and other raptors that can be seen around Loch Lomond. Birds of prey brought in from around the world also live here. The center is open to tourists daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
.How to get there
Loch Lomond is located 39 km north of Glasgow and 102 km west of Edinburgh. From Glasgow, the loch can be reached in 30 minutes by cab and 40 minutes by rail. The train makes stops in the town of Balloch and the village of Lass, right on the shores of Loch Lomond.
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