The picture above? Yes, that is my photo, (pretty chuffed with the outcome of that quick snap) from my recent trip to Loch Lomond, a place which crosses the Highland Boundary fault, near the Scottish regions of Stirling and Argyll. For this adventure to Scotland, I went to stay at The Lodge on Loch Lomond in a gorgeous place called Luss. This particular hotel is a 4 star venue, with 47 bedrooms, it is renowned for it’s afternoon teas, panoramic loch side views, indulgent onsite spa, local favourite Colquhoun’s Restaurant, and of course, a location that is simply breathtaking that you can completely understand why they do weddings. I could not wait – I needed this break after Christmas, and so off we drove to Scotland.

We decided to take a January break in the Scottish Highlands for a bit of ‘calm’. I often find city life can be exhausting, and even though we all get a break for Christmas, it can often feel quite the opposite, instead it is ridiculously hectic and somewhat draining. A well needed weekend away at Lodge on Loch Lomond, indulging in the country air, getting active and exploring what Loch Lomond had to offer, was perfect.

I had been invited awhile ago to stay at the beautiful Lodge on Loch Lomond. A loch side hotel that had recently had a revamp, and I was going to be staying in one of their newer rooms. I seriously couldn’t wait because the idea of being next to water, and looking out at those Scottish hills, made me feel sheer excitement about my latest adventure.

On arrival we were clearly a bit too early, the drive from the East Midlands was far easier than expected. We decided to leave on Thursday evening and stay in Carlisle night before, then take in a bike related cafe for breakfast in Glasgow en route the next day. Traffic was at a steady pace and we actually arrived well before our check in time of 3pm. The receptionist politely told us the room wasn’t ready, took our number in case it became ready before hand, and we decided to explore the area!

Even though this was winter and it was crazy chilly, it was still busy, but not Lake District busy – which I loved! Still lots to do but not all the people. We took a visit to The Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe, but I particularly enjoyed seeing the Falls of Falloch. I’m such a big fan of water, I just seem to find it calming and beautiful, so I insist this is a must see if you visit.

We got a call well before 3pm, in fact it was about an hour later from when we initially arrived. So after our stop off for a coffee at the cafe at Scotland’s Glencoe ski slope, (we just had to check out the Scottish ski area) we headed back to the hotel to the roaring fire and checked into our room.

The room had a fantastic balcony overlooking the loch with the added sound of waves, and if you looked to the right you could see what resembled a mini beach. On one evening we even saw open water swimming later one evening – I didn’t brave the water but I can imagine in the summer it would be a fantastic swim spot! This room was well designed, a happy balance between cosy, quirky and contemporary. To our surprise the bathroom actually had its own sauna! Yes, your own sauna within the bathroom – super crazy but genius concept too! Topping off arrival with some bubbles certainly made us feel special.

There is plenty to do around the area just by getting outside. As someone who does lots of hiking and walking, the walks in this area are incredible in rain or shine. If you don’t fancy walking, Lodge on Loch Lomond offers SUP (stand up paddle boarding), then nearby there are watersports, local cruises and of course, there is fishing! There is also the onsite spa which has a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi – facilities were very clean and tidy.

The hotel itself is decked out with the traditional  Scottish interior, making it feel cosy and welcoming. There are two buildings, the main building with all the rooms and dining area, then a second building for meetings and events and the spa. Staff were always very friendly and genuine, always asking how your day had been and whether you needed help. It came across like they enjoyed their work and the hospitality. It came across very effortless making it all the more enjoyable.

Whilst there, we had a chance to eat dinner in thw hotel restaurant, Colquhoun’s twice. Alway good when I do write up about somewhere, because one night may not be the same as another. I like to try local food and have something different from that of my husband. We were able to eat either from the Colquhoun’s classic menu or their other menu, and I can honestly say it was absolutely delicious, but occasionally over seasoned, but service was really good. The only thing I’d say is that there was a lack of vegetation options, but that is about it!

On day one I had the Carrot and Almond Hummus – creamy hummus, lavosh crackers, orange blossom, water carrot sticks & toasted seeds, then the curry of the day – pumpkin, sweet potato & coconut curry, rice & flatbread and finally the fruit plate – sorbet & sweet dukka. The second evening I tried the Gnocchi – shredded duck leg, cherry toms & caramelised onions and then the Seabuckthorn Parfait, (which was incredible) mango salsa, carrot & ginger biscuits. Sneakily adding in local things like the seabuckthorn was exciting for the tastebuds!

After dinner we would always take the unfinished drinks over to the bar area, which always had an open fire. It was full of spots to enjoy a lovely glass of wine making it very relaxing. All food and drink is very reasonable too, but there are little cafes and local pubs nearby if you fancy adventuring off.

Loch Lomond was a wonderful place to visit and I can imagine it is even more stunning in summer too. The hotel was exactly what I was looking for after such a crazy Christmas, the fact it was peaceful but still quite busy was the ideal balance. The prices to stay at the Lodge on Loch Lomond vary between £115- £202 per night, but rest assured the views are enough to make your heart melt and like us, you’ll want to return to explore more! The place is cosy and welcoming, quite a rare charm to have with a hotel these days. Staff were genuinely interested in how your stay was, how your day was and whether you needed help getting the most out of your break.

Myself and Nick are going to come back and stay in one of the dog friendly hotel rooms with Winnie in the summer time – we need to get out on those stand up paddle boards on the loch! Big thank you to Lodge on Loch Lomond for having us, we will be back soon.

*Hotel stay was a gifted stay, however as always I’m honest*