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The idyllic village along shores of Loch Lomond named top summer destination

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The idyllic village along shores of Loch Lomond named top summer destination

If you’re not sure where to head for a holiday this summer, a quiet little village that was recently named one of the “fastest growing” getaway spots in the UK seems like a good place to start.

As we reported earlier this week, Tripadvisor unveiled its summer Seasonal Travel Index. This quarterly report reveals the UK public’s holiday plans for the season ahead.



Among the 10 top trending destinations across the nation this summer according to the travel website is Balmaha. Nestled along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, the idyllic village is the perfect place to escape to if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern living for a day or two.

While Balmaha is a popular holiday spot during the peak of summer, May and June are an ideal time to head there if you are after a slightly more laid-back break. Unsurprisingly, given its location, the views out across Loch Lomond are the star of the show.

Meanwhile, there are also plenty of scenic walking and hiking trails near the village and around the legendary loch for nature lovers. If you are after that extra bit of adventure, the island of Inchcailloch and the summit of Conic Hill are well worth exploring.


Balmaha is also home to a village shop where you can pick up supplies and treats ahead of a fun day out. Once you return, there is also a “lovely” restaurant and inn where you can enjoy a well-earned meal.

Read on for some photos that show why Balmaha was crowned one of the UK’s “fastest growing” summer holiday spots.

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Nestled along the shores of Loch Lomond, Balmaha feels worlds away from the noise of city living. The quiet village is the ideal getaway spot for those wanting to immerse themselves in Scotland’s natural beauty for a day or two.

(Image: DEREKMcDOUGALL / Getty Images)

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The highlight of the village is of course its one-of-a-kind views out across the legendary loch. You can just imagine yourself sitting on the edge of the water, watching the boats bobbing gently up and down its surface.

(Image: WhitcombeRD / Getty Images)

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There is no shortage of picturesque walking and hiking trails surrounding Balmaha, but a trip to the spectacular wooded island of Inchcailloch just a short distance off-shore is well worth it. There are regular ferry services to the island, which is easily one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland.

(Image: steve-goacher / Getty Images)

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Whether you’re needing fuelled up ahead of a big day of hiking, or are keen for a scoop of homemade ice cream, St Mocha should be your first port of call. The flavours change daily, so there is no guessing what tasty treat you’ll enjoy.

(Image: Balmaha Village Shop and St Mocha Cafe by Anthony Parkes, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

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Conveniently located right next door to St Mocha is The Oak Tree Inn, which serves up both mouthwatering food and comfy beds for those keen to stay the night. On Tripadvisor, where the inn currently has an average rating of 4.5 out of five based on 2,185 reviews, recent guests have called it “lovely” and “friendly”.

(Image: Google Maps)

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