What to do on holiday beside the lake
Lochend may be a great base for exploring the Trossachs, the East Neuk of Fife coastal towns and the west coast Highlands & Islands – but there is a huge amount to do right here on the estate, without even getting in the car. For many guests, Lochend isn’t just somewhere to stay, it’s somewhere to be.
The lake dominates life here: it’s right outside your window in every chalet, cabin and waterfront lodge. So whether you’re sipping a glass of wine and watching the sun go down over the Menteith Hills, picnicking on the shore, or heading out in our fishing or rowing boats (or even in your Speedos!), the lake offers a huge amount of fun.
Away from the lake, but only 200 yards from the waterfront chalets, there is also a Cook School, run by our big brother, Nick. Even if you don’t fancy attending a class, it’s still worth popping in to drool in the shop, which is packed with chef-standard kitchen goodies.
Lochend is also a wonderful place for families. In summer, the lake – very shallow for yards away from the shore – is always full of paddling toddlers and children with their fishing nets.
Away from the lake, we have a play area, games room, tennis court, nature trail, mountain-biking trail and trials bike skills. I have really happy memories of long, summer Scottish nights spent playing hide-and-seek and climbing trees with younger chalet guests when I was a child, and it’s always a thrill to see children roaming around Lochend today with oodles of newfound friends. Best of all, Lochend is a place where children – and their parents – can feel free.