Enjoy an expensive Scottish resort that embraces a sustainability ethic

An air of romance hangs over Cameron House, an expensive Scottish resort blessed with each a wealthy history and a powerful location. Nestled on the southern shores of picturesque Loch Lomond, where puffy clouds and broad rays of sunshine paint the calm waters, the Cameron House with its centuries-old manor house at its heart, it has long hosted kings and prime ministers. Adorned with turrets and gables and nestled within the Trossachs National Park, this now restored and refurbished constructing and the encompassing 400 idyllic acres exude a magical quality that easily seduces all guests who pass by, whether for a brief or, higher yet, a protracted visit.

While there are many play options for thrill-seekers, including off-road driving, a speedboat ride on the lake and a personal seaplane adventure, it is maybe the quieter activities – walking and climbing along sometimes narrow paths through woodlands, meadows and gardens – that create probably the most intimate connection to this property. And it’s precisely this greenery that’s home to a wide range of wildlife that Cameron House’s conservation efforts aim to guard.

The resort is committed to protecting the landscape and all of the animals and other creatures that grow and live there, and has a conservation team dedicated to sustainability. Among its many initiatives are improving the dwindling bee population by growing bee-friendly flowers, avoiding insecticides and planting three trees for each tree lost.

Here are a number of the many charming, casual spots for pedestrian activities on site or nearby which can be guaranteed to envelop you on this idyllic setting.

Magic wood

What was once unused bushland has been developed right into a wildlife sanctuary, one with a fantastical quality that can particularly delight families. As you wander around, you may notice a small purple door set right into a tree stump and a cluster of small fairy houses with roofs harking back to vibrant butterfly wings. There are loads of other sensory delights, be it the scent of flowers and fragrant herbs, the chirping of birds or the sight of butterflies fluttering about. The idea behind this natural oasis is to supply guests glimpses of the plush wildlife around Loch Lomond. You’re prone to see bees, drawn to the nectar they feed on, in addition to frogs and their tadpoles within the pond.

Messy garden

Another piece of fallow land has grown right into a wild meadow with a wide range of wildflowers. Here too, bees, other insects and birds profit from the range of flowers, that are a profusion of glorious colors. Examples you may see include long-stemmed daisies, that are yellow within the centre and surrounded by pure white petals; meadow buttercups with vibrant yellow flowers; the purple-blue Scottish bluebell, known for its sweet aroma; the fragile white petals of snowdrops and the frothy cream-coloured flower heads of meadowsweet.

Blackberry wood

Early morning is the proper time to walk through this former arboretum, which is dotted with several giant sequoias. As you stroll around and take a look at the Japanese umbrella pines, handkerchief trees, and other trees, you may even spot a deer. The trees aren’t only alluring, but in addition interesting from a botanical perspective. The handkerchief tree, for instance, also called the dove tree, gets its name from the white, leaf-like structures (bracts) that flutter within the wind and resemble its namesake.

Walking and climbing trails

More than half a dozen walking and climbing trails are either accessible directly from the estate or require a comparatively short drive. Birdwatchers should keep an eye fixed out for oystercatchers, treecreepers, goldfinches and other species on their walks, depending on the season. Aspens, birches, alders, copper beeches and gnarled oaks are only a number of the trees that populate the forests within the Loch Lomond area that you just are prone to go through in your travels. (Some trees are a whole lot of years old.) These are a number of the family-friendly routes:

Balloch Castle Country Park

A brief path from Cameron House runs along the shores of Loch Lomond, meanders through the charming town of Balloch after which climbs the hill to Balloch Castle, a now-ruined Nineteenth-century citadel with commanding views of the loch. Aside from the improbable views, the second best reason for this walk is to enjoy the encompassing Country Park, which is home to 200-year-old gardens, including the impressive but easily missed Secret and Walled Gardens. The rectangular garden, with its high stone partitions, is split into quadrants housing quite a few shrubs, trees and other plants, equivalent to yew hedges, Japanese maples and Japanese cherry trees. As you walk towards the central area, you may notice ornate pebble mosaics with floral designs.

Two more panoramic routes

Other relatively easy walks include the Luss Heritage Trail and the Conic Hill Trail. The latter is an element of the famous West Highland Way. While you’ll need to climb the nearly 360-metre-high hill, the stunning views of Loch Lomond are value it. The Luss Heritage Trail immerses you within the picturesque village of the identical name, with its flower-filled streets and Nineteenth-century church, in addition to the encompassing meadows, oak woods and shore.