We write to you from Gavinburn Cottages, five fantastic self-catering country cottages, set high in the Kilpatrick Hills. They all enjoy stunning views of the River Clyde and are only ten minutes from Glasgow and Loch Lomond. We are just approaching the end of a busy season and thought we would share some of our guest’s feedback and ideas of what to do in the area.
Top of the list for everyone seems to be feeding our resident highland cows before setting off for a walk from the cottages to nearby Loch Humphrey. The cottages sit right on the main walking trail for the Kilpatrick Hills and from here you can enjoy a 30-minute walk to the Loch at the top. The tranquillity of the Loch and wildlife on offer is not the only reward as you will also get to enjoy unbeatable views of the Clyde and Glasgow as you walk. There are also paths into the woods behind the cottages if you want to spot even more wildlife.
Our guests have also been raving about what the city of Glasgow can offer. From some of the finest museums to unrivalled shops, Glasgow offers endless opportunities for visitors. The excellent and cosmopolitan restaurants and bars are also worthy of note and makes Glasgow one of the top nightlife destinations in the UK. Kilpatrick Station which is under a mile from the cottages offers you hassle-free travel to the city centre, every half an hour.
On sunnier days, all guests recommend a visit to Loch Lomond, one of Scotlands most beautiful locations. There are lots of small picturesque villages around the Loch, where you can relax and dine whilst taking in the breathtaking scenery. Special mention must go to Ben Lomond, one of the highest mountains in the area and if you climb to the top, you will find it hard to find a better vista in Britain. For those short on time, a climb up nearby Conic Hill is equally rewarding. Loch Lomond also boasts a host of water sport activities and guided cruises, enabling guests to explore the area, right on the famous water.
Lomond Shores at Balloch on the banks of the Loch and very near to Gavinburn Cottages offering a range of water sports activities coupled with excellent shopping, dining and on-land activities, including bike hire, crazy golf, aquarium and treetop trail. Another local attraction is of course the Auchentoshan Whisky Distillery and is only five minutes drive from the cottages. Guided tours are on offer every day at various intervals, where you learn all about the water of life and more importantly get to sample this highly renowned whisky. The Glengoyne Distillery is also close by and involves a twenty-five minute car journey over the scenic Stockiemuir Road.
Guests have also loved Blair Drummond Safari Park, with all the animals providing a great day out for all the family. Hill House at Helensburgh, for all the art and Charles Rennie Macintosh lovers. Stirling Castle, The Wallace Monument and Dumbarton Castle, letting you take in the history and step back in time. The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, are a mixture of awe inspiring public art and Scottish engineering. A sail down the Clyde on the Waverly, the worlds oldest ocean-going paddle steamer. Golf at a number of local course, including the Cameron House courses at Loch Lomond.
After all this activity, it’s little wonder our guests build up an appetite! Whilst the cottages all have fully-equipped new kitchens, many venture out and sample the local restaurants in Old Kilpatrick and Glasgow. The nearby town of Helensburgh, which sits on the Clyde coast, also boasts some of the finest eateries in the area, namely La Barca, Cattle and Creel, The Sugar Boat, Riverhill Courtyard, Padrones and Ardardan Farm Shop and Garden Centre. All of these restaurants sit close to the water’s edge, and after your meal, you can enjoy a lovely walk along the promenade and grab an ice cream at Dino’s!
We also have lots of local recommendations included in our guest reviews on Trip Advisor if you wish to get more ideas. We are open all year round and generally accept one well behaved dog per cottage.
Thank you for taking the time to read,
Alex & Leigh-Anne Fleming
