Autumn breaks on the coasts of Loch Lomond

With a disappointing summer behind us many are looking to the half term week for the opportunity to get away for a well-earned break. Loch Lomond just north west of Glasgow is a destination that never goes out of fashion for those eager to get away from the bustle of the city for a week or two, but with cheap flights now more frequent from further locations such as Ireland and the south of England, the area looks to benefit from more popularity over the next couple of months.

Loch Lomond is a 71 kilometre square freshwater lake and so the biggest by surface area in Great Britain. Surrounded by a just a few scattered towns and villages offering accommodation varying from campsites to self catering cottages, the area is mountainous and green, and has excellent potential for exploration and hiking.

Loch Lomond is also known for its 60 islands, the largest being the privately owned Inchmurrin which is steeped in its own history (visible at the ruins of Lennox Castle) and is often visited by those eager to escape from the mainland for a night or two. From Balmaha, you can catch the ferry to the island of Inchcailloch which is famed for its white deer protected by Scottish Natural Heritage. Yet, perhaps it is Inchconnachan which boasts the most unlikely nature sights, its wallabies.

If you wish to travel to Loch Lomond by train, it is likely your will disembark at the small town of Balloch. The town has a number of attractions of its own including Balloch Castle and Balloch Country Park. The former dates from the early 1800s and today features a visitor centre where you can learn all about its history, while the surrounding park is home to nature trails, lawns, a walled garden - and plenty of places to take in great views of both the castle and the loch.

For those seeking more activity, the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path stretches from Balloch train station 28 kilometres up to Arrochar and Tarbet along the west bank of the loch. Yet, being so close to such an expanse of open water it is unsurprising that boating, kayaking, canoeing and wind-surfing are all such popular recreation activities.

Sarah Maple writes for Gohop.ie who offer last minute holidays and cheap sun holidays.