Relaxing, invigorating and fun Scotland's first National Park embraces diverse landscapes of Scottish scenic splendour: the queen of all Scottish lakes, romantic Loch Lomond with its many forested little islands is surrounded by the beacon of its namesake mountain Ben Lomond and the peaks of the Arrochar Alps, lush forests, green valleys and the fjord - like sea lochs of Argyll.

Beautiful views, waterfalls, mysterious ruins, wild roaming goats and deer accompany you on your journey; refreshing streams and lovely beaches may entice you for a dip and, because water is so much part of the scenery, we include a boat ride or two along the way, some island exploration, a sailing on a Victorian steamer and a scenic cycle ride along the shore of Loch Katrine.

Ideal for walking at an easy level these versatile terrains provide an excellent introduction to walking in Scotland and the Scottish Highlands.

A little bit of sightseeing most days en route to the starting points of your walks will give you a sense of the surrounding area without spending much of your time on a bus.

Dates & Prices 2012

Your walking holiday includes:

• airport/city center transfers Glasgow
• booking of recommended local accommodation
• 7 evening meals, 3 courses
• minibus travel throughout
• knowledgeable and experienced guide
• 6 picnic lunches
• boat rides & cycle hire (where applicable)

Price £520 + cost of Bed & Breakfast accommodation £252

Your Accommodation - local hospitality at its best
During your holiday you will stay in the the tiny hamlet of Balmaha on the romantic eastern shore of Loch Lomond.

Our chosen Bed & Breakfast house is Bay Cottage where Liz Bates looks after all her guests with the most warm hearted hospitality you can imagine. Payment for your room is to be paid to Liz directly on departure*. Single rooms are available at an extra cost.

Your walking group - small is beautiful
Our groups are of a personable size of no more than 8 persons and accompanied througl hout by an experienced and knowledgeable guide to make your time with us in Scotland interesting and enjoyable.

Your walking day - taking it easy
Generally, a day includes 5 hours walking, a relaxing lunch break and delicious picnic and, occasionally, we will celebrate our walking day in one of the old Scottish pubs we will be passing on the way home.

Scottish Wildlife, History & Nature
On the way, you can find out as much as you would like about wild goats with spectacular horns, how the Vikings carried their boats over mountains, stories of local clans and their warfare or the history behind the coppiced oak forests along the shores of Loch Lomond and the people who lived here not so long ago.

What you need
Please bring walking boots or sturdy footwear with good profiled soles, a day rucksack, clothing for sun and rain including a waterproof jacket, a hat, a spare light pullover (fleece), as well as a container for drinking water and a foam mat to sit on during breaks.

Level of fitness
This holiday is designed for people with a good basic level of fitness and mobility. But please note that paths may be muddy and are, at times, a little rough and uneven.