Loch Lomond best spots

[garymcs]

Hi All.

I'm new to the forum. I have the Mariah sx18 bow rider and have kept it at Loch goil for the last 2 years, I have now got it at Loch Lomond and was looking for any tips on visiting the islands, with regards to any with public jetties or best places to beach boat. Cheers

 

[ctva]

Anywhere around the narrows and Inchconnachan (Wallaby Island) is nice. Not many jetties anywhere but most power boaters just beach on the sandy shores. Inchcailloch is lovely but busy. Also there is a nice beach on Inchmoan.

Have a look at the Song of the Paddle canoe forum for many ideas even though canoe related.

 

[Bojangles]

Best to just start exploring them all, plenty to choose from, we always ended on Inchmurrin because the pub was decent but that was a good few years ago. Just watch out for the speed restrictions.

Interested to hear why you ditched the Goil for Loch Lomond though?

 

[garymcs]

Thanks for the replies. I did enjoy the boat being at the Goil but was limited to the amount of exploring I could do with the type of boat I have so thought loch Lomond would be ideal due to all the islands. Will miss the seals though!

 

[kennyh]

I've been boating on Loch Lomond for around 25 years or so and have enjoyed the quiet spots as well as the not so quiet.

With such a diverse shoreline, islands and waters, that change dramatically depending on the weather conditions, it's really down to what you'd like to do.

Are you just wanting to socialise, water ski/wakeboard, camp out for a night, look at the scenery, go for some food, like it busy, like it quiet, like it extremely quiet?

The islands are great for over-nighters on the hook, or camping. But they can get busy in the summer, and some people seem to think the way to get away from it all is to turn the beach into a night club; I much prefer some quieter music, or none at all. At least I don't think you should spoil the loch for other users.

If you like it really quiet (or at least no-one else around) head up either north or south of Inversnaid and camp on some of the beaches there. I've had loads of trips there with my friends and without doubt had the most memorable nights of my life. BBQ, beers, camp fire (with logs that we took with us), stunning scenery and friends. Fantastic. Oh and lots of midges :-(

Around there is also a perfect place to water ski (especially at 6am in the morning)!

As far a places to eat and piers / jetties, you can pick from (amongst others):
- Cameron House Marina and the Boatroom restaurant (radio the Marina on Channel 80 to dock)
- The Cruin Resturant, which had its own small jetty
- The Lodge on the Loch at Luss, again with its own jetty (and one of the best fish and chips I've ever tasted anywhere).
- The Ardlui Hotel, with docking at the Ardlui Marina
- Inversnaid Hotel, with docking in the small harbour (if spaces).
- Inveruglas Visitor Centre Cafe with a small jetty in the bay (berth on inside of jetty as commercial boats use the outside).
- and of course Inchmurrin Boatel/ Bar/ Restaurant with its 3 jetties. Great spot for food and drink on their terrace.
- and other spots in Balmaha, Luss, Rowerdennan, Inverbeg & Balloch if you want to walk a bit.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

 

[garymcs]

Excellent info thanks Kenny, will be avoiding those beach discos though!!