Arrochar Alps
ARROCHAR ALPS
With attractions like Sea World, birds of prey and loch cruises Loch Lomond Shores needs time to be full experienced. You can take a cruise or simply enjoy the loch from the many picnic areas along the shore.
The only country park located at Loch Lomond which covers 200 acres of land. Here you can walk and explore the park overlooking the loch, the walled garden and nature trails.
This location on the southern tip of the Loch was recognised as a country park in 1980.
The history of the original Balloch Castle stems back to The Earls of Lennox who acquired the lands in 1072 from Malcolm III, Son of Duncan. Around 1238 the castle was built and lived in by the Earl of Lennox and family but was abandoned in 1390 for a new safer stronghold on the island of Inchmurrin.
At the turn of the 19th century John Buchanan of Ardoch bought the titles to the Castle and Estate. Using stone from he old ruined castle he built a castellated mansion on a location nearby. This building is now commonly known as Balloch Castle and a mound next to the shore of the loch marks the site of the old.
Loch Long is a sea loch approximately 20 miles or 32 km in length and stretches from the Firth of Clyde up to Arrochar. The loch is 1 to 2 miles wide and has a depth of 30m.
The Arrochar Alps stretch along the northwestern edge and the Town of Arrochar sits at the head of Loch Long.
Fishing from the shore or by boat is popular as many different species can be found from it being a sea loch. You can expect to catch cod, mackerel, skate & plaice to name a few.