Loch Lomond, the largest fresh body of water in all of Great Britain, lies north of Glasgow and east of Edinburgh. It’s here The Trossachs National Park begins, covering 720 square miles and showcasing some of the most beautiful geography in Scotland.
Recently, the Scottish Government funded a project called the Scenic Route. Local artists and architects created installations within the national park, and each piece complements the surrounding environment—providing visitors with a fresh perspective where art meets nature.
The eastern bank of Loch Lomond
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
Look Out
Loch Voil, off Highway A84 passed Monachyle
Lookout installation overlooking Loch Voi
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
The first installation along the Scenic Route, Look Out, is hidden in a small valley overlooking secluded Loch Voi. Located in the eastern side of The Trossachs (off the A84 north), this hidden gem requires a daunting ride to get to, but is worth the trip. We almost gave up after driving ten miles down a windy, one-lane road through the forest, being careful around each turn in case someone was coming the other way (which happens often.) Then the landscape opened up to reveal a mesmerizing valley with steep hills on either side and a green meadow in front of us.
In the middle of the meadow, centered between the two lochs and a grove of trees, the mirrored cabin stood almost invisible to the naked eye. Designed and built by Angus Ritchie and Daniel Tyler, Look Out features benches cut out of either side so you can sit and view the lochs. Its wood-frame is constructed from solid birch and a mirrored stainless steel surface creates reflections of the surrounding scenery.
Insider Tip: On the way to Look Out, you’ll pass the town of Balquhidder, home to 18th century Scottish folk hero and outlaw, Rob Roy. He was killed in a clan duel after unsuccessfully debating a land claim with his neighbor John MacLaren of Invernenty. You’ll see the Balquhidder church and kirkyard on the right-hand side, where legend has it Rob Roy is buried. The church is worth a visit for its impressive kirkyard alone, and is daily open to visitors. It is an active place of worship, so visit with quiet respect.
Balquhidder church & kirkyard
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
Woven Sound
Falls of Falloch, Highway A82 outside Crianlarich
Woven Sound overlooking Falls of Falloch
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
Much easier to find than Look Out, Woven Sound is off Highway A82 on the west side of The Trossachs, near the northernmost point of Loch Lomond. A short quarter-mile stroll through the woods from the parking lot brings you to the Falls of Falloch, a 30-foot high sheer drop in the River Falloch.
Created by artist John Kennedy, Woven Sound is a trellis extending out into the falls. Made from (and completely enclosed by) steel rods welded together then interwoven, the position of the trellis allows visitors to get closer to the falls from a protected area. The way it curves, suspended through the trees, keeps the natural habitat free and intact. As you reach the end, you’ll see a message etched into the steel panel. This is a diary entry from English poet and author Dorothy Wordsworth, recalling the numerous 19th century writers and painters that would come to the falls with their lovers. The unique shape of the trellis and weaving of its steel rods amplify the sound of the falls while you’re inside, further immersing you into the scenery.
Woven Sound
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
An Cean Mòr
Inveruglas, Highway A82
An Cean Mòr
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
On the northeastern shores of Loch Lomond stands the 25-foot high structure, An Cean Mòr. Designed by local Scottish firm, BTE Architects, An Cean Mòr translates to “large headland.” Visitors can sit on its amphitheater-style seating and enjoy impressive panoramic views of Loch Lomond and Arrochar Alps to the west. Made from sustainable timber, the striking design is complementary to its natural surroundings.
View of Loch Lomond from the top of An Cean Mòr
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
Look to the west and you’ll see large pipes leading up the mountainside. This is the Loch Sloy hydro-electric Power Station, which was completed in 1950 and took 2,200 men five years to complete. The largest in the UK, it provides The Trossachs National Park with a sustainable source of power. When demand surges, water is drained from Loch Sloy and the station’s three kilometers of valves and massive turbines produce up to 150 megawatts of electricity.
Loch Sloy hydro-electric Power Station
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
Scenic Route Travel Tips
- • Spread the destinations out over a few days. Some are close together, but others are hundreds of miles apart. If you’re heading north to Oban or Inverness from Glasgow, see one on your way up (Look Out), and the others on your way back south (Woven Sound & An Cean Mòr.) This way you can explore two separate routes and see something new each way.
- • Always have snacks and water in the car. There are towns with cafes, gas stations and restaurants sprinkled across The Trossachs, but some stretches are scarcely populated, so be prepared.
- • Wear comfortable clothes with layers and bring a light jacket. You’ll be driving most the time, but when you get out it can be cold, windy and wet.
- • Take your time and be a courteous driver. Most people drive the speed limit in Scotland and there are many narrow roads that require passing places to allow oncoming traffic through. Always drive cautiously through these areas.
About the Author
Matt Thompson is Digital Marketing Manager at TravelSmith. For him, travel is a true passion; particularly exploring and experiencing foreign cultures— from their history to their local cuisine. His thirst for travel has taken him to many destinations, domestic and international, and his favorites (so far) are Greece, Spain and Sayulita, Mexico. Follow his travels on Instagram.
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