Adventures On the loch
Cameron House on Loch Lomond provides unrivalled adventure, says Emma Newlands
It is billed as an “undeniably fivestar resort”, and even before I cross the threshold of Cameron House to when I leave the next day, I simply cannot disagree. In what is my first-ever visit to the property, I will see first-hand that it offers luxurious accommodation, prestigious food and drink, and top spa facilities to name but a few attractions. However, it has launched Unrivalled Adventures, a range of activities that capitalises on its location overlooking the deep blue expanse of Loch Lomond and its setting in 400 acres of verdant countryside.
The hotel has signed up iconic Olympic medallist Dame Katherine Grainger as an ambassador to showcase the offering, and she explains that doing so was “just a no-brainer – it's just the most wonderful place to come, and all the activities are genuinely brilliant”. I sample some of these during my stay, ranging from the sedate to the speedy, and I thoroughly enjoy each one.
I travel by train to Cameron House’s nearest station Balloch, and the hotel has a grand air from the get-go – the baronial building coming into view via its winding driveway. Our group, having assembled in The Lobby Bar to the side of the reception area, take a walk to lochside dining venue The Boat House for lunch. It’s filled with nautical-themed décor, and I tuck into the crispy and fresh fish and chips, figuring it will give me the energy needed for a very active afternoon.
Our first activity is a “4X4 offroad driving adventure”, and I very quickly rev up from anxiety-riddled to adrenaline junkie under the expert, reassuring guidance of instructor Cammy. It’s an absolute thrill navigating our vehicle over rocky terrain and even driving through a river.
It’s then time for a different kind of adren aline rush – getting into a wetsuit, an intense task in itself, and heading out onto Loch Lomond, firstly with a shot at jetski-ing. After a thorough safety briefing we’re soon flying across the chilly water and I suspect I look neither as glam as the celebrities in, say, St Tropez, or the picture of Dame Katherine powering across the loch like an action hero, but I am loving it nonetheless.
I then lower the speed considerably and have a go at paddleboarding, and while I lose my nerve when I attempt to stand up, it’s a lovely, relaxing way of spending time on the water. Others in the group have a shot on kayaks and multi-rower Katakanus suitable
for all abilities. As a wild swimmer, I was tempted to take a dip in the loch, but the considerably warmer pool inside the main building, with waterslide and sauna, proves more appealing. Having changed out of our wetsuits, we then enjoy a cruise on Celtic Warrior, which sees us served champagne, which we enjoy on the deck.
Once back on dry land, I get my first, jaw-dropping look at my accommodation – a suite in the main building, with a prime view over the loch. The whole space is decorated in burnished gold, brown, and black, and it includes two sofas home to a host of cushions, with a bed fit for royalty. The luxury extends into the bathroom complete with rolltop tub and enormous separate shower.
Dinner is at one of Cameron House’s in-house restaurants, Tamburrini & Wishart, and we set sail through the tasting menu.
Particular favourites of mine include ovals of blushing new season lamb seared with the lightest of touches to melt in the mouth. While the full wine pairing is beyond my capabilities, I try a few including the port – and the sommelier’s choice
is like panettone in a glass. There remains just one more activity for the evening, and that’s coffee and petits fours in the vast Great Scots’ Bar.
The following morning I enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, which had I been staying longer could have powered me through more of Cameron House’s 60-plus activities, which also include clay pigeon shooting and Segway trips. Or perhaps a shot in a Seaplane, and/ or a visit to the rooftop infinity pool followed by a film in the in-house cinema?
The resort, which underwent a major refurb after the fire in 2017, seems ideally suited to couples, families, and groups, and I would happily check in on a solo trip. It was also fascinating to hear Dame Katherine talk about her Olympic triumph in 2012 and its positive repercussions, making for a summer that was ‘so special’ – a description that can also very much be applied to my stay.
After a thorough safety briefing we’re soon flying across the chilly water
Rooms at Cameron House start from £365. Each activity priced separately, for example £30 per hour for paddleboarding. Cameron House, Loch Lomond, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8QZ. Tel: 01389 312 210, www. cameronhouse.co.uk