The joys of Lochdown: 10 escapes to lift the soul

People have long appreciated the benefits of being by the sea, but, in Scotland, the deep and eerie lochs hold their own charm, attracting poets, painters and photographers, as well creating the perfect environment for relaxation, hiking, yoga and escape. Seek calm on the water’s edge by swapping lockdown for ‘loch’down. 

Foyers Lodge boutique B&B is a romantic retreat, offering serene views over Loch Ness. Take time to treat yourself. Indulgent roll-top baths, dark enveloping colour schemes inspired by the surrounding water, pine forests and heather, and quirky, colourful antiques give the lodge a unique atmosphere. Sip Loch Ness Highland Gin in the Art Deco inspired Drawing Room before dining on local produce in the rich green Dining Room. 

On a clear night, watch the stars light up the skies above the loch, before retiring to one of eight individually styled bedrooms or the lodge’s impeccable self-catering apartment. Refuel the following morning with Greek yoghurt, fruit and honey, granola, smoked salmon, or traditional Scotch pancakes. 

By day, experience rugged outdoor adventures. Foyers is on the Loch Ness 360° Trail, so hike to the nearby Falls of Foyers, then follow the path down to the shores of Loch Ness and search for the famous monster.

Alternatively, make a stop at the Suidhe Viewpoint for a sublime photo opportunity, before continuing to the handsome town of Fort Augustus.  

Escape to the Trossachs where art and nature combine. Take in ‘An Ceann Mòr’ at Inveruglas; an eight metres high, pyramid-shaped installation made from sustainable timber. 

Ascend 31 steps to the top of the viewpoint to be rewarded with vistas across Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. 

Take a long hard look at yourself, and the scenery, with this mirrored cabin that reflects the beauty of Loch Voil in a myriad of different ways. Three benches offer a trio of viewpoints and a resting point for some quiet contemplation and natural wonder.

The scenery looks dramatically different each day, offering sunbeams, rainfall, frost, mist or snowflakes, so escape everyday worries to reflect on this mirrored gem.

‘Woven Sound’ near Crianlarich enables visitors to experience the thundering ‘Falls of Falloch’ at close range as it dramatically cantilevers over the water’s edge. Woven steel rods create a tunnel that snakes through the trees, enticing walkers towards the powerful thirty-foot waterfall.

Artwork designed by John Kennedy, waterfall designed by Mother Nature. 

Janice Hopper

‘Faerie Hollow’ by Ruairidh Campbell Moir takes in views from Loch Lubnaig to Ben Ledi.  Poetic quotes from writer Alexander Campbell capture the power and beauty of a Scottish winter.

Scottish faerie folk are said to stop at places of peace and tranquillity making this an ideal spot to shun the frantic pace of modern life.

Retreat to Loch Earn to overnight in a lochside chalet by the waterfront. The Beatles sought out this secluded spot in 1964 when they were gigging in Scotland — a rural idyll with few pressures (or paparazzi!)

Make your own music, or indulge in a peaceful kayak with Loch Earn Watersports, but bear in mind you may have to share the landscape with the locals.

Margaret Soraya offers mindful landscape photography courses on the remoter islands and lochs of Scotland, from Harris and Orkney to Islay and Loch Ness. 

In an increasingly noisy world, Soraya nurtures creative talent in calming and beautiful locations. The Loch Ness workshop is scheduled for 23-29 October 2021. 

Consider Wildkat Yoga on the shores of Loch Aline. Start the day with mindful meditation and Vinyasa yoga practice. By day explore the local loch, or venture further afield to the islands of Mull and Iona. 

Afternoon tea is served at 4.30pm, followed by evening Yin or Restorative yoga before dinner. The Wild Highlands Retreat runs 15-20 May 2021. 

Set sail on Loch Katrine, or circumnavigate the loch by bicycle. All aboard the steamship ‘Sir Walter Scott’, ‘Lady of the Lake’ or ‘Rob Roy III’ to discover the loch’s links with the aforementioned writer and seek your own watery inspiration.