Balquhidder and the Bonny Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond — Days 12 and 13

On July 17, after visiting Stirling Castle, we drove to Monachyle Mhor on the banks of Loch Voil in Balquhidder. We spent two nights in what was billed as a “house in the trees”, a tiny three-floor structure with incredibly picturesque views and mirrored external walls on one side.

We spent Monday walking, skipping lots and lots of stones, starring at the stunning landscape, and swimming in the Loch. Alexander also befriended the hotel dogs — Rose, Tinker, Badger, and Bebe.

Arrival at Monachyle Mhor
The House in the Trees
Mirrored wall on the House in the Trees.
View from bed.
Hanging out in the living room.
Bunk mates
Tire swings.
Xavier in Loch Voil
Stone skipping contest. Xavier won.

On Tuesday, July 19, we left Balquhidder and drove to Balmaha on Loch Lomond. Josh created a wonderful playlist for the drive. I suggest that everyone (especially Elvis fans) listen to “Donald, Where’s Your Trousers” at least once in their lifetime.

At Loch Lomond, we took a brief ferry ride to Inchcailloch, an islet on the loch, where the boys swam and we paused at the Highland Boundary Fault, the point where the highlands meet the lowlands. The fault runs across Scotland and marks the spot where the ancient continents of Laurentia and Avalonia came together to form Scotland around 400 millions years ago.

Inchcailloch as seen from Balmaha.
Daily selfie on Loch Lomond (with a zinc oxide nose!)
Views from the ferry ride on Loch Lomond.
Hiking through Inchcailloch.
The boys at the Highland Boundary Fault.

One thought on “Balquhidder and the Bonny Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond — Days 12 and 13

  1. What an adventure, I bet it was fun not knowing what time or where you would end up. The blog is well done and so interesting. Just keep having fun. Wish we were there.

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