Loch Goil is the secret gem in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. It is just over an hour from the busy city of Glasgow but feels like you are a million miles away from urban life. Six miles away from any ‘A’ roads all you hear are the sounds of nature and feel the pure clean sea air blowing up the loch.

Loch Goil is one of the sea lochs branching off the Clyde Estuary. The sea lochs are valleys carved out by glaciers in the last Ice Age. This is what gives Loch Goil its Norwegian fjord look, surrounded by steep sided mountains and forests.

It is a place to enjoy Scotland’s nature at its best. The loch has its own seal colony, and is visited by porpoises and even the occasional whale. Oyster catchers, shags, guillemots and gannets are just some of the sea birds to be seen, and lucky folk may spot buzzards or even elusive golden eagles. Red squirrels abound in the Argyll Forest park around the loch, pine martens visit residents’ bird tables and deer are commonly seen. There are stunning waterfalls to be found on the burns that run into the loch and there are paths and walks around the area to suit walkers of all ages and abilities.

The loch has been a popular holiday destination for those ‘in the know’ for many years. Before cars there were steamers that carried holiday makers to the settlements of Lochgoilhead and Carrick Castle and of course brought supplies to the residents. Today the loch is still visited by the famous Waverley Steamer, the last sea going paddle steamer in the world.

This location has long had a significant place in Scottish history with the castle in ‘Carrick Castle’ receiving a royal visit from Mary Queen of Scots in the 1600’s.

Today Loch Goil provides an exclusive holiday destination for anyone looking for stunning scenery, tranquillity, an array of outdoor activities and great tourist facilities. On the loch is one of Scotland’s most impressive wedding venues, The Lodge on Loch Goil. If you have seen any of the recent ‘Visit Scotland’ adverts you will have seen The Lodge’s stunning Tree House. Within the glen is the Drymsynie Holiday Village, home to a large indoor pool and jacuzzi, indoor bowls, an ice rink and a nine hole golf course with lovely loch views.

There are two outdoor activity centres so that visitors can experience anything from rock climbing to burn running. Fishermen find pollock, cod, mackerel and more in the loch and can hire both boats and rods within the glen. Cyclists have a choice of safe forestry tracks to choose from.

In Lochgoilhead village the friendly local pub The Goil Inn provides a good atmosphere, bar meals and weekend entertainment. The Shore House Inn, just beyond has award winning real ale and a highly regarded restaurant serving local produce and home-made pizzas.

To see photographs of Loch Goil and the surrounding area visit our photo gallery. If you’d like a holiday or short break on Loch Goil book with us direct.