Sheildaig Farm is a beautiful farmhouse bed and breakfast situated only 5 minutes from Loch Lomond, it is an ideal touring base. Below are a few activities you could sample during your stay
Walking - you are only a short distance from some of the best walks in Scotland. Maps and information on local walks available.
Ben Lomond (climbing) - often people’s first Munro, it’s not too taxing a climb and has rewarding views. There are two main ascents: the ‘tourist route’ is easier, from toilet block at Rowardennan car park (end of road from Drymen), well-trodden all the way; or 500m up past the Youth Hostel, a path follows a burn; the ‘Ptarmigan Route’,3 hours up, 974m.
The West Highland Way (walking) This 150km walk starts 12km outside of Glasgow at Milngavie and takes in some of Scotland’ most beautiful scenery. The walk goes via Drymen, Loch Lomond crossing by ferry Rowerdennan, Inversnaid, Inverarnan, Crainlarich, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, The Devil’s Staircase, Kin, Lochleven to finish at Glen Nevis. The route is well marked but it is recommended that you purchase a full route map before setting out.
Arrochar Alps (climbing) The mountains to the north and west of Arrochar at the head of Loch Long are among the best known and most popular in the whole of Scotland. They are usually called the Arrochar Alps, and the six principal peaks are Beinn Ime (1011m) Beinn Narnain (926m), The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)(881m), A’Chrois’ (849m),Ben Vane (916m), Ben Vorlich (South Top 943m, North Top 931m). The Cobbler is undoubtedly the finest, although not highest peak in the range and has a height of 881 metres but is views from the top are fantastic.
Cruises on the Loch To truly appreciate the beauty of Loch Lomond, why not take a cruise on the Loch? The ‘Gin Sling’ is perfect for a relaxing early evening cruise, perhaps enjoying a few cocktails and canapés as you admire the scenery. Alternatively, you could arrange for a light lunch after a few rounds of golf. Whatever you preference, we can offer a one hour cruise with light refreshments or lunch. Please contact Lesley McLellan for full details, tariff and times.
Cycling There is an excellent cycleway, covering 21 miles from Loch Lomond to Glasgow. The cycleway starts at Loch Lomond and passes through Dumbarton town Centre. There is an off-road path from Dumbarton to Bowling (avoiding the busy A82). From there it follows the tow path of the Forth and Clyde Canal through Bowling and Old Kilpatrick to Dalmuir. The cycleway runs east parallel to the River Clyde, travelling some way along the former Lanarkshire Dunbartonshire railway line from Clydebank through Yoker, Scotstoun and Whiteinch to Partick. Finally, you finish at the Bell’s Bridge, half a mile west of Glasgow City Centre, opposite the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The cycleway passes conveniently close to many of the stations on the Balloch to Glasgow railway line. So if cycling becomes too much of an effort, put your bike on the train and travel in style! Trains run every half hour throughout the day, seven days a week and bicycles are carried free of charge.
Balloch to Cardross (6.5km.) (walking) & (Cycling) This walk you can do from Sheildaig Farm. Walk back down the farm track to Upper Stoneymollen Road and turn left. At the end of the road you will see the sign saying public pathway 6.5km and this track over the moors gives you beautiful views of Loch Lomond and it’s many islands. Further on through the woods you will come out to the view of the Clyde Estuary and you can walk down into the town of Cardross for a refreshment at the local hotel. This is a lovely walk, but if you decide to cycle it is really only suitable for mountain bikes and there are a couple of fences that you will have to lift your bike over.
Golf Local courses that have been recommended by previous guests are:
Buchanan Castle
Cardross
Helensburgh
Loch Lomond is the most sought after course to go on but you must be a member to play there.
Shopping
» Loch Lomond Shores Shopping Centre - restaurants, cafes + designer shops
including Jenners
store. Tourist information, Loch
Lomond
» Braehead Centre - off junction 26 on the M8, this is an indoor shopping centre with everything from supermarkets to designer
shops
» Xscape - giant leisure complex with many eateries, indoor climbing, skiing
& snow boarding as well as Ice Skating
rink
» Princes Square - Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Designer & Specialist Shops