From Edinburg we had to rush to catch the Train to Glasgow Queen Street where we had to change our Train to reach Balloch. From Edinburgh to Balloch, I was feeling like visiting from the North Sea area to the North Atlantic Ocean area!
We were already tired after the hiking to the top of the Holyrood Park and was thinking if there is a direct train to Balloch but found the immediate one with a transit only and the interchange was at the Queen Street, Glasgow.
After a short break at the Queen Street Station a local Scottish train took us to the Balloch Station by 20:30. It was April but sky was clear and the sun shining the bright for the last time of the day and we didn’t know where to start! Although, we have seen the Balloch iCentre just opposite of the station but it was already closed! So, we were looking for a place to stay but was difficult as we didn't book ahead. Finally we found a room of couple of bed at “Lomond Park hotel” on the Balloch road (on the left of the station) & we had to manage for three of us!
In the evening we went out to see walk in the area nearby as evening walk. Actually we were thinking did we made any mistake as we didn’t research well before visiting the place! It was absolutely my idea to be here and rest of two was staring at me! We went towards the bridge we saw on our right after getting off the train and found out that the Bridge was on the River Leven, well known for Salmon and Sea Trout.
My friend started taking pictures and we were crossing the River Leven, there were hundreds of small boat was parked in the river and small few cruise ship as well. The river made us hopefull for the next morning and we have decided if we have chance we would watch the Loach from the Cruise Ship and our excitement began. After crossing the bridge we thought to walk towards the Loch Lomond keeping the river on our left, soon we found many more boats and was astonished to think about the day people go for fishing or roaming around together by boat!
It was evening and we did not know that we were so close to the Balloch Castle and Country Park!
The River, The Cruse Ship and the Beautiful Landscape would attract your mind with no time.
We had to come back close to the hotel are as where we have been was really we find no people and we thought not to be there after sunset. I will remember the beautiful sunset on the Loch Lomond! Although, we were in the foot of the Loach where the river not ended yet but still the Sun could be seen hiding in the hills far away in the Loach.
We have returned near to the hotel and thought where to do the dinner! We wanted not to have any Scottish or British food for the nigh! It was the easy one to find out as one of the best Indian restaurant in Alexandria called "Bombay Jocks" was just opposite of our hotel. We ordered the Seat Meal for the three which included One starter and two main meal, we choose Vegetable Pakora for Starter and Pizza, Masala and Garlic Bread costs around 30 pound but honestly the test was not that great. Perhaps we didn't had the right one or failed to choose their popular one, it is better to ask the manager for the delicious one instead of order on your own at any new places.
We had to return to the Hotel as nothing to see at night and we were tired as well. We wanted to explore the area in the flowing day so didn't spend our time here and there but went to sleep.
Balloch is an fascinating village at the South-West of the Loch Lomond shore as it started just after the rail station at Balloch. This place got several things to do for day trip or if you want to explore more I would suggest three/four days would be great. The starting would be amusing if you want to start from the Trossachs National Park, then Crouse and finally of course the hiking or biking. Treezone and Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre would provide you a beautiful experience, there is moored at Balloch Pier, the Maid of the Loch and of course the beautiful natural views.
The night was not long enough as we were too much excited for the next day! I would take you to that beautiful day very soon, thanks for walking with me!
Take Care!
Also, find the other part of the Series of The Amazing Scotland!