Loch Lomond & The Maid of the Loch

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish Loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. It is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area. The loch contains many islands, including Inchmurrin, the largest fresh water island in the British Isles. 

It was absolutely freezing on the day we were there but it didn't put us off going for a cruise on the Loch. Thank goodness we took our gloves and scarfs purchased in Edinburgh the day before. They definitely came in handy...

More about the Geography of the Loch.

Loch Lomond, lying on the Highland Boundary Fault, often considered the boundary between the lowlands of Central Scotland and the Highlands. It is 39 kilometres (24 mi) long and between 1.21 kilometres (0.75 mi) and 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) wide. It has an average depth of about 37 metres (121 ft), and a maximum depth of about 190 metres (620 ft). Its surface area is 71 km² (27 sq mi), and it has a volume of 2.6 km³ (0.62 cu mi). Of all lochs and lakes in Great Britain, it is the largest by surface area, and the second largest (after Loch Ness) by water volume. Within the United Kingdom, it is surpassed only by Lough Neagh and Lower Lough Erne in Northern Ireland and regarding the Isles as a whole there are also several larger loughs in the Republic of Ireland.

Traditionally a boundary between Stirlingshire and Dunbartonshire, Loch Lomond is currently split between the council areas of Stirling, Argyll and Bute, and Wesy Dunbartonshire. Its southern shores are about 23 kilometres (14 mi) north of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city.

Loch Lomond is now part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Ben Lomond is on the eastern shore: 974 m (3,195 ft) in height and the most southerly of the Scottish Munro peaks. A 2005 poll of Radio Times readers voted Loch Lomond as the 6th greatest natural wonder in Britain.

The Maid of the Loch is an old paddle steamer which is currently docked and used as a historic attraction for visitors, but can also be hired as a venue for functions etc. It contains a tearoom in which we would have loved to sample some of their home made panini's and scones with clotted cream but unfortunately it was closed for the season and they had started on a project to restore this grand old dame to her former glory. 

The plan is to get her in running order so that she can be used for cruises on the Loch. Once this project is complete, what an iconic ship to enjoy a summer cruise along the Loch. Hope next time we are there it is up and running.

History of the Maid of the Loch - c/o the www.maidoftheloch.com

The Maid is the last paddle steamer built in Britain and the last in a long line of paddle steamers on the loch, dating back to 1818. In 2004, she officially became an historic ship, being placed on the UK “Designated Vessels List” which recognizes vessels of “substantial heritage merit with regional and local significance”. 

A key acheivement for LLSC has been the successful £620,000 rebuild of the Balloch Steam Slipway Complex, now open to the public for the first time in it’s 109 year history (built in  1902).

MAID OF THE LOCH was built by A&J Inglis of Pointhouse, Glasgow. She is by far the largest steamer to ever sail on the loch, so was erected at their yard on the Clyde, dismantled, and transported to Loch Lomond. She was re-assembled on the slipway at Balloch, launched on 5th March 1953, and entered service on 25th May that same year (also Queen Elizabeth II Coronation year and the year the Royal Yacht Britannia was launched.)

All previous steamers were either steamed up the River Leven or towed up the river to the loch, from the Clyde. On one memorable occasion, schoolchildren from Bonhill were given the day off school to board one of the steamers so that they could weigh her down sufficiently to pass under Bonhill Bridge!

MAID OF THE LOCH - some vital statistics

Length: 191 feet [58.2m] Breadth: 28.1 feet [8.6m] Tonnage: 555 gross Engines: Steam, compound diagonal Speed: 13.75 knots [25.5 km/h] Passengers: 1000

Unfortunately this time around we didn't have time to also make our way to Loch Ness but it is certainly on the cards for our next visit. Who knows maybe we find the illusive "Nessie" and bring her home as a sister for Tokolosh :)