A Short Break at Cameron Lodges, Loch Lomond

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Loch Lomond - Overview & Travel 

A family holiday at Cameron Lodges on Loch Lomond can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you like. The resort feels spacious and peaceful yet there's a huge array of activities on offer on your doorstep too. We travelled by car from South East Northumberland and the travel time was around 3 hours which isn't bad at all. We spent 3 nights at Cameron Lodges which was the perfect length of time to get a feel for the resort. I could quite easily spend a full week here as there really is lots to do. The main hotel was closed during our stay (due to re-open in 2020) but this had absolutely zero impact on our stay. I honestly don't think we'd have visited the hotel even if it was open as we had plenty to keep ourselves occupied. I had a few questions about midges during our break and it seems that this is the main reason that puts people off travelling to Scotland in the summer months. I can hand on heart say we only spotted 4 during our entire time here (in late July). We dined al-fresco and enjoyed coffee and drinks on our balcony each day. Maybe we were lucky but they really weren't a problem for us and I wouldn't let the thought of midges put you off booking a trip to Loch Lomond at all.

Cameron Lodges - Accommodation Review

We stayed in lodge 116 which is a detached lodge sleeping up to 6 with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. L116 is located next to the spa and golf clubhouse and is a short drive from the marina/boat house restaurant. You can make use of a complimentary shuttle service between the two sections of the resort, drive or walk between the two. This lodge is priced from £174 per night

Lodge 116 is an upside-down house with parking outside. Personally, I would never really book a 2 bedroom lodge for the 5 of us (I'd prefer a 3 bed - my kids need space!) but this lodge was actually more spacious than 90% of any 3 bed accommodation we've ever stayed in. I would 100% book again and recommend to families with 3 kids or even a multi-generational trip. 

The furnishings were of a very high standard and everything had been thought of from a pre-fitted stair gate, to complimentary umbrellas by the door, bathrobes, huge bathrooms, a coffee machine, wine fridge and dishwasher. There is free (and decent) WiFi, there are TVs in every bedroom and the main TV is nice and big and ideal for family movie night (and hurrah - Netflix was pre-installed). This lodge has its own balcony offering views over the Scottish countryside and golf course. It was so peaceful here and made for a very relaxing stay. 

I was worried about Harry not having his own room but it worked out so well - his double bed was hidden in the wall in the main living area upstairs. There was no faffing about having to make up a bed each night as the bed was already made up and so easy to hideaway. This bed is absolutely perfect for teens. There's an adjoining dressing room where he could store all of his belongings.

I loved sitting out on our balcony - it was a little piece of heaven and equally as good for morning coffee or an evening whisky. Those evening sunsets were just dreamy. 

On arrival, we were given an information pack with everything we needed to know / contact numbers for our stay and also a handy discount voucher which provided us with 20% off food and drink purchased on resort which was a brilliant saving. 

Cameron Lodges - Spa Review 

Complimentary spa and thermal suite access for the duration of our stay was included in our break. This is the same for most bookings made for 2019 during the main hotel's restoration period but please double check on booking. The spa was a hop, skip and a jump from our lodge and as it was the school holidays, children were allowed to use the pool here daily from 10am-6pm. The thermal suite (ages 18+ only) usually costs £39 per person (for residents) or £49 per person for non-residents so the fact that access is included is a brilliant deal. I emailed to book in advance and the spa reception were super speedy in dealing with my questions and booking us in.

The main pool on the ground floor is 1.2m deep and has a lifeguard on duty. There are pool noodles for the kids to use, swimming lanes, a jacuzzi (for ages 16+ only) and spa loungers around the pool. The changing room feels very much like a luxury spa changing room rather than a regular swimming pool and the kids were chuffed that they could help themselves to robes and fluffy white towels - they felt very grown-up.

From the poolside, you can take the lift directly to heaven (aka the rooftop infinity pool and thermal / hydro suites). I asked in advance and one grown-up had to stay with the kids in the main pool as the other escaped up to the spa. So Steve and I had an hour each in the spa and the kids had a full two hours in the pool - they loved it!

There are no photos allowed in the spa (I was a little naughty and sneaked a couple) so I will do my best to describe it to you. The top floor is home to an infinity pool-style hot tub which probably seats around 20 people. It offers breathtaking views across the Scottish mountains and is so relaxing. There are loungers up here and a beautiful rooftop terrace where you can relax.

The first floor is where you'll find the thermal suites - a good mix of experiences including various types of saunas, steam rooms and a hydro pool. Some of these rooms offer gorgeous views too and when it comes to views, this is one of the best spas I've ever visited. We visited on a Monday and it wasn't too busy - I shared the infinity pool with 8 other people and I was by myself in all of the thermal suites I visited. A couple of the experiences/rooms were out of order or not working properly (the aroma room had zero scent for example) but this didn't detract from the experience. If I'd have stayed for longer, I'd have definitely made another visit to the spa and maybe even book myself a treatment. It really was lovely. You can find out more about the spa at Cameron Lodges here. 

Cameron Lodges - Dining Options

The Clubhouse at Cameron is in the same building as the spa and right next to our lodge. With views overlooking the golf course and recent refurbishment, the restaurant/bar was very welcoming. The staff here were so lovely and it was great having somewhere like this on our doorstep. Highlights for us from the menu included Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon, Haggis Bon Bons and Waffles with Ice Cream for the kids' dessert. You can find out more about The Clubhouse and check out their menus here. 

The Boat House Restaurant was at the other end of the resort to where we were staying (around 3 miles). There is a complimentary shuttle service (you are given a number to call) which I'd recommend using as you're going to want to stay for an afternoon drink and enjoy those views. I wasn't going to book the Boat House but had lots of DMs urging me to go and I am so pleased we did, it was easily a highlight from our trip and one of the best places we've dined with kids. The outdoor terrace overlooking the loch really reminded me of dining in Florida. 

The kids quickly picked what they wanted from the kids menu and then ran off to skim stones in the loch and play giant chess with the other children.

The children's menu here was a real hit with everyone choosing to make their own pizzas (apparently they were delicious).

Steve and I opted for grilled chicken and a huge bowl of mussels plus cheesecake to share. Service was a little on the slow side but due to the fabulous setting, it did not matter one bit. The Boat House is definitely somewhere you come for a longer-style family meal. Our bill (including our 20% discount card) was £79 for 5 of us to enjoy 2 courses each plus a drink which was super reasonable. You can find out more about the Boat House and check out their menus here. 

Cameron Lodges come with a very well-equipped kitchen and there are supermarkets nearby but I particularly wanted to mention Auchentullich Farm Shop which is just across the road from the resort entrance. The farm shop is well stocked with local produce, has a homemade ice cream bar and outdoor seating with a small play park and Highland Cows in the adjacent field. We dined out every evening but stocked up on local sausages, bacon, eggs and bread for our breakfasts here. 

There's also a cafe in the spa serving healthy options and light bites and there are numerous pubs, restaurants and a McDonalds within a 5 minute drive (check out Loch Lomond Shores which is just along the road). 

Cameron Lodges - Activities On-Site 

One of the reasons I loved our stay at Cameron Lodges so much was that there was so much on offer but it was never in your face or any pressure to book like there often can be on these types of breaks. Walking around the resort, you'd never know there was so much going on as it always felt so peaceful - the perfect balance I'd say. We decided to book onto the Loch Cruise (more on that later) but could have easily chosen any number of the other activities on offer including Segway Safaris, Seaplane Trips, Pony Trekking, Mountain Bike Hire, Falconry Experiences, Bat Walks, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery and more. You can read more about some of the activities available on-site here.

As mentioned above, we booked a Loch Lomond Cruise with Celtic Warrior - a 46ft luxury motor yacht. At £55 per adult and £35 per child, it certainly isn't the cheapest of experiences but I promise it is unforgettable. We decided to sit on the top deck (really should have tied my hair back) and were treated to the most unbelievable views with a glass of champagne in hand (soft drinks for the kids) as our crewmate popped his head upstairs every now and then to share a few tales from the loch which were both interesting and funny. I think our Loch Lomond Cruise will be something we all remember for a long time and the little history/geography lesson we were given was interesting too.

What to do in Loch Lomond 

Our stay with Cameron Lodges was my first visit to the area and I was keen to soak up as much of the area as possible and I booked a wide range of activities for us to enjoy. Loch Lomond really had so much more to offer than I imagined and it was a place that left us wanting to return ASAP to see more.

Three Lochs Forest Drive 

The Three Lochs Forest Drive is around 20 miles from Cameron Lodges but more than worth a visit. It costs just £2 to enter (take cash as the card aspect of the machine wasn't working during our trip) and once you have your ticket, you can drive the 7 mile route around the 'three Lochs' and stop off as often as you wish to take in the most incredible views. We passed a few cars but mostly felt as if we had the place to ourselves. I'd advise picking up a map from the visitor centre before setting off which will highlight some of the walking trails in the area. The Three Lochs Forest Drive is the perfect place to really feel as if you're in the middle of nowhere and truly appreciate how beautiful Scotland is.

Glengoyne Distillery Tour 

The Glengoyne Distillery Tour was recommended to us by some of the staff at Cameron Lodges. A distillery tour isn't perhaps the best activity you can book with kids but Steve and I both love whisky and I am of the mindset that it's our holiday too. We booked the shortest tour (45 minutes) which cost £11.50pp including a sample and kids go free which was a bargain. The distillery tour was fascinating and a good mix of science and history. The kids weren't actually *too* bored and we were given a discount in the shop too which of course we couldn't resist. There's a gorgeous waterfall outside the distillery which is where Glengoyne originates.

Loch Lomond Shores 

Loch Lomond Shores is a complex just along the road from Cameron Lodges. It's a lovely mix of beautiful views, shopping, restaurants and activities. Parking is ample and free. From here you can kayak on the loch, take part in watersports, enjoy a high ropes challenge, visit the Birds of Prey Centre, take a ride on the mini train, play in the playground, enjoy some shopping or a bite to eat in one of the loch-side restaurants. Loch Lomond Shores is also where you'll find SEA LIFE Loch Lomond (you can buy discounted tickets from Cameron Lodges). We used our Merlin Annual Passes to visit the aquarium and really enjoyed seeing the otters and taking part in the summer trail. The cafe and viewing platform offers some of the best views of Loch Lomond too and we enjoyed a drink from the cafe whilst watching some beginner paddle-boarders trying their best to stay upright. 

Luss 

Luss didn't feature in our original plans but the crew on-board our Loch Lomond cruise mentioned that we must visit and I had a few messages from readers too so we decided to steal a couple of hours in the sunshine here. Well what can I say - Luss is idyllic. From the Loch Lomond Ice Cream, watching teens jumping off the pier and families enjoying the beach areas to the riverside walks and quaint shops and restaurants, we really loved it here and it felt like our kind of place. It reminded me a lot of Fort Augustus up by Loch Ness, only Luss was a lot more charming and a little less commercial. If you visit Luss, I highly recommend the sandwiches from the Coach House Coffee Store - delish! 

Other options in the area include (but are not limited to) Ben Lomond, Blair Drummond Safari Park, The Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies or even a 4x4 speedboat adventure. Glasgow is within a 30-minute drive too and if we'd have been able to travel a little earlier, we'd definitely have visited a few of the museum's galleries/museums en-route.

Cameron Lodges offered our family a perfect little break away. We were able to spend lots of quality time together, explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, enjoy some spectacular food, relax by the loch or in the spa and make lots of special memories and try new experiences. Our stay felt like a luxurious treat yet was also unpretentious and very welcoming towards families. I'd recommend to families looking for an alternative to a Center Parcs type holiday or as a fantastic base for exploring the area. You can see more from our break over on Cameron Lodges Instagram Story Highlights here. 

http://www.cameronlodges.com/

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