Island Hopping
Chris Scott-Park, Portnellan Farm
Exploring Loch Lomond and its islands from Portnellan Farm by Paul Saunders
Last summer I was on a mission to visit or get up-close to all of Loch Lomond’s islands. The aim was to capture new photography for my See Loch Lomond website. This was made very easy thanks to Chris Scott-Park’s Loch Lomond speedboat tours from Portnellan Farm.
The Scott-Park family have been farming at Portnellan, close to Gartocharn for over 65 years. Their grazing cows enjoy some of the best views of Loch Lomond!
A few years ago, Chris began renting kayaks and offering speedboat tours from the family farm. Chris can create a bespoke speedboat tour for you, depending on how long you want to stay on the water and what you want to see and do. His boat can accommodate up to 8 passengers.
Rossdhu House
My first trip took us over to the western shores, past the impressive Rossdhu House, an historic clan seat, which is now home to the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club. From there we cruised at a gentle pace through the narrow strait that runs between the islands of Inchmoan, Inchtavannach and Inchconnachan.
Inchtavannach Island, Loch Lomond
It’s not an urban myth, wallabies do actually live on Inchconnachan Island. They were introduced by Lady Arran Colquhoun. We didn’t see any on our visit, but Chris has seen them in the past, usually in early morning when it is quiet.
The two most famous islands are Inchmurrin, the largest with its hotel/restaurant and Inchcailloch which is part of the National Nature Reserve.
There are some great views from the water of Loch Lomond’s villages and landmarks, including Balmaha, Luss, Ardlui, Conic Hill, Arklet Falls and Rob Roy’s Cave by Inversnaid, The Cobbler and An Ceann Mòr, the pyramid viewing platform at Inveruglas. Plus of course Ben Lomond dominates the skyline, with some beautiful views of the mountain.
An Ceann Mòr, Inveruglas
On Eilean I Vow (also known as Island I Vow) at the northern end of the loch, close to Ardlui there is a ruined castle which dates back to 1577. It’s difficult to spot from the water as it is covered with ivy, it’s only when you get to land that you can see it properly.
Eilean I Vow
These are just a few highlights of the Loch Lomond gems that can be discovered by boat. Chris has taken visitors from all over the world on similar tours, if you’ve never taken in the views from the water or landed on an island or two then you must experience a speedboat tour for yourself.
When the Covid-19 restrictions ease and allow him to do so Chris will resume his speedboat tours. Check his website and social media for more details
Check out See Loch Lomond for guides to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs website www.seelochlomond.co.uk