Discover 8 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Balloch (United Kingdom). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Balloch Castle, Balloch Steam Slipway, and Balloch Country Park. Also, be sure to include Maid Of The Loch in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Balloch (Scotland).
Table of Contents
Balloch Castle
Historic ruins in a picturesque park. Balloch Castle is an early 19th-century country house situated at the southern tip of Loch Lomond, in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Balloch was a property of the Lennox family from the 11th century, and the old castle was built in the 13th century. In the 19th century the estate was purchased by John Buchanan of Ardoch, who demolished the ruins of the old castle and erected the present building. The Tudor Gothic architecture is the work of Robert Lugar. In 1915 Balloch was bought by Glasgow City Corporation, and has been leased by West Dunbartonshire Council since 1975. The estate was designated as a country park in 1980, and since 2002 has been part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Although the house has been periodically used for visitor facilities and council offices, it is now included on the Buildings at Risk Register. Balloch Castle is a category A listed building, and the estate is included on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.[1]
Address: Drymen Rd, G83 8LX Balloch
Balloch Steam Slipway
The Balloch Steam Slipway consists of a ramp, carriage and steam powered winch located on the shores of Loch Lomond by which ships or boats can be moved in and out of the loch, usually for repairs and general maintenance. It is owned and operated by the Loch Lomond Steamship Company. It is thought to be Europe's last steam operated winch and it is contained within a railway-style winch house that is category A listed.[2]
Balloch Country Park
Historical landmark in Scotland. Balloch Country Park is a 200-acre country park on the southern tip of Loch Lomond in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It was recognised as a country park in 1980, and it is the only country park in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first national park. Balloch Country Park features nature trails, guided walks, a walled garden, and picnic lawns with views of the Loch. It was originally developed in the early 19th century by John Buchanan, a partner in the Glasgow and Ship Bank, and the gardens were significantly improved by the Dennistoun-Browns, who bought the estate in 1851. Buchanan also built Balloch Castle, which now serves as the park's visitors' center.[3]
Maid Of The Loch
Paddle steamer. PS Maid of the Loch is the last paddle steamer built in the United Kingdom. She operated on Loch Lomond for 29 years and as of 2021 is being restored at Balloch pier.
The Maid of the Loch is open to the public every day Easter to October, and weekends only through the winter. She has a new livery of red, white and black, the funnel now red with a black top.[4]
Boturich Castle Venue
Forts and castles
Address: Boturich Castle, Balloch
Ishneich
Ishneich is a waterfall of Scotland.
This stunning waterfall can be reached by following the John Muir trail past the Burncrooks reservoir and through the forest. Venture off the John Muir trail along a red coloured forest path on the left just before you reach trees on either side of the path. At the bottom of this path is the burn that feeds the falls. Follow the fence line until you reach a style, cross over the style and the falls are at the bottom of the hill. GPS location for google maps 56°00'05.1"N 4°28'56.4"W[5]
Strathleven House
Building in Scotland. Strathleven House is an early 18th-century country house in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It is located in the Vale of Leven, around 3 kilometres north of Dumbarton. Built in 1700, it is probably the work of the architect James Smith, and has been described as "the earliest surviving example of the classic Palladian country house in Scotland". Strathleven House, and its 18th-century dovecote, are protected as category A listed buildings,[6]
Dalmoak House
Dalmoak House, is a Category A listed building off the A812 Renton Road in the ancient Parish of Cardross. It sits between the village of Renton and the town of Dumbarton on the North side the Firth of Clyde in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It was built in a Scottish baronial style by the architect Alexander Watt in 1866–69, or 1866-1869 according to some sources, for John Aiken of Glasgow. Aiken's involvement in the wine and spirits mercantile trade was the basis for the house's nickname, 'Brandy Castle', which has been in use ever since.[7]