Swimming

LAKE SWIMMING AT LOCHEND CHALETS

Stretching out in front of our chalets, cabins and lodges, the lake dominates life at Lochend. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy water activities on the lake while you are here:

Getting out on the lake on holiday at Lochend

WILD SWIMMING

Wonderfully clean, the lake is a wild-swimmer’s holiday dream. For most, the 150m or so out to the crannog (the remains of a circular house built on raised stone bases as a refuge from invaders) is far enough, but for really keen swimmers, Inchmahome – a magical five-acre island carpeted in bluebells towards the end of May and site of haunting 13th century priory ruins – is almost exactly one mile away.

PADDLING

The lake shelves very gently away from the shore, so it’s brilliant for paddling. Youngsters at Lochend spend hours splashing about with fishing nets in the shallows in front of the waterfront cabins and lodges. There is a lovely sandy patch just in front of the chalets, but even so, water shoes can offer handy protection against stones.

SKIMMING STONES

Always a family favourite: mind the swimmers and ducks though! Then if you get really good (and you’re here in September) the World Stone Skimming championships is two-and-a-half hours away on the beautiful Inner Hebridean island of Easdale.

SKATING

Yes, skating! From time to time, the lake completely freezes over, thick enough for the brave to skate on. Locals and guests have amazing fun walking and skating on the lake - even walking all the way over to Inchmahome Priory then back to their chalet via a pint at the Lake of Menteith Hotel.

DJI_20240118_23205_369 pm — Topher on Ice!

MORE ACTIVITIES AT LOCHEND CHALETS

Paddle Boards & Kayaks

PADDLE BOARDS & KAYAKSPaddle Boarding is currently the fastest growing area of paddle sports in the UK and it is easy to understand why. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is hugely versatile – if you are wanting a fun splash about in the water for the first time you will pick up the basic skills…

Restaurant

Nick’s at Port of MenteithNick’s Restaurant Nick’s is a relaxed, family‑friendly spot serving delicious food in a warm, welcoming setting, perfect for long lunches, easy dinners and celebrating time together on the estate. Lochend guests get 10% off dining at Nick’sNick Nairn Cook School Nick Nairn’s renowned Cook School at Lochend offers fun, hands‑on cooking…

Fishing

FISHING AT LOCHEND CHALETS The Lake of Menteith is one of Scotland’s premier trout fishing waters, and it frequently hosts fly-fishing national and World Championship events. The lake is stocked with 30,000 fish every year, all over 1lb in weight, and draws anglers from across Scotland and beyond. Guests in our waterside lodges and chalets…

Lake of Menteith

Star gazing

NIGHT SKIES AT LOCHEND CHALETSWe have been star gazing at Lochend all of our lives. It’s something we, our children, and our guests love to do. While we do not have dark skies status (too near the big cities) we still have wonderfully unpolluted skies. On a clear night we have just the most phenomenal…

Games Room

GAMES ROOM AT LOCHEND CHALETS Stage of many a keenly contested family grudge match, the games room is a great place for young guests to hang out with newfound pals. Housed in its own separate chalet just next to the tennis court, the games room has a table-tennis table (bats and ball are provided in…

Play Area

PLAY AREA AT LOCHEND CHALETSOur wee adventure play park by the lakeSheltered beside an ancient oak tree just back from the lake, our play area for littluns has a wooden play-house with a wee climbing wall that is always a real hit with young guests. The Lochend play area also has swings and a giant …

Twitching

LAKE SWIMMING AT LOCHEND CHALETS Stretching out in front of our chalets, cabins and lodges, the lake dominates life at Lochend. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy water activities on the lake while you are here: Getting out on the lake on holiday at Lochend WILD SWIMMING Wonderfully clean, the lake is…

Tennis

TENNIS AT LOCHEND CHALETS We have a full-sized concrete tennis court at Lochend (we supply rackets but not balls) – stage of many a week-long, family Wimbledon! Play tennis on holiday in the Trossachs The Lochend tennis court is also a great place for impromptu games of cricket or football-tennis, or simply just to meet…

Bikes At Lochend

BIKES AT LOCHEND CHALETSA bike-tastic base for cycling holidays in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park“This would be an amazing place to stay and train,” said Tour de France-winner, Chris Froome when he stayed at Lochend as a teenager. He’s right: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National park is a cycler’s paradise. It’s popular…

Lochend Nature & Wildlife

NATURE & WILDLIFE AT LOCHEND CHALETS Lochend Chalets is hidden away on 38 tranquil acres beside the Lake of Menteith. The shore and woods around our cabins and lodges shelter a wealth of Trossachs wildlife and all sorts of birdlife. A Nature Trail snakes alongside the Goodie Burn in the trees behind the tennis court.…

Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY AT LOCHEND CHALETSPerhaps one of the most interesting things about taking photos around Lochend is the light that Scotland’s seasons offer. Even snapping on our phones, we are aware of the quite amazing shore views giving, in one picture, a perfect summing up of the Trosscahs: the Menteith Hills (Scotland’s Fault line that divides…

Sauna

Sauna Availability & Booking. Seating for up to 10 adults£10p/personMinimum of £40 for fewer than 4LinksMassage & FacialsWellness RetreatsOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DOBrowse a selection of our favourite things to do when you enjoy a short break here on the Lake of Menteith. Stay on site or explore local landscapes. Explore our national park, take a…

Activities

Special Occasions

Lochend Chalets has been at the heart of family holiday traditions, celebrations and special occasions since the 1970’s! We love that so many of our guests return year after year, bringing new generations of family with them to share this amazing place and create beautiful, lasting, memories.BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES Celebrate milestone events with friends and…

Short Break

HOLIDAYS AT LOCHEND CHALETS - MORE THINGS TO DO

Browse a selection of our favourite things to do when you enjoy a short break here on the Lake of Menteith. Stay on site or explore local landscapes. Explore our national park, take a trip further afield, or use your holiday lodge as a base to tour around Scotland. Whatever your interests, there will always be something to keep you entertained and make memories that will last a lifetime.