Loch Lomond - Autumn 2010 in Scotland (By Yon Bonnie Banks - Song)

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Dedicated to my wife...

Loch Lomond is a beautiful loch (Lake) in Scotland. It is the biggest fresh water body (in respect of area) in the UK and considered to be one of the most picturesque. The Highland boundary fault runs across the Loch and has created a landscape that is a combination of both the Highlands and Lowlands. Loch Lomond is 23 miles long, 5 miles wide and 630 feet at its deepest point. It has the most number of freshwater fish species of any Loch, has over 200 bird species and about 25% of Britain's wild plants.

Balloch is located at the Southern shores of the Loch and is the gateway to the loch. The river Leven begins at Balloch. Balloch is easily accessible from Glasgow by car, bus or train. The small villages of Luss, Tarbet, Inveruglas, Ardlui, Rowardennan and Blamaha are located on the shores of Loch Lomond. Some of these villages are serviced by buses from Balloch all year round, while other only during the summer months. A ferry service operates between these villages during the Summer season. There are also cruises from many of the piers that will provide you with some breath taking views and an experience that you will never forget.

Ben Lomond is located on the Northeastern side of Loch Lomond. It is the Southernmost Munro (Munros are mountains higher than 3000 feet) and is 3,196 feet. It is accessible from Rowardennen and would approximately take about 5 hours and covers about 7 miles. Another popular hike is Conic Hill from Balmaha, takes about 2 and half hours and is 2 miles. Conic Hill provides a perfect view of the Highland Boundary fault.

These photographs were taken during my visit in Autumn 2010. I haven't been here during Summer but I would think that Autumn probably provides some of the most picturesque and colourful views of the Loch and the surrounding mountains.

The song "By Yon Bonnie Banks (Loch Lomond)" is a traditional Scottish song first published in 1841. It is set in the time of the 1745 Jacobite rising by Bonnie Prince Charlie. One interpretation of this song is when the English played game with the Jacobite prisoners, where one could live and the other would die. It is thought that this song was sung by the prisoner who was to be executed to the other. It is also thought to be intended to his lover who lived by Loch Lomond.