Travel: Best places to see in Loch Lomond during a stay at Cameron House

Sometimes you just have to push the boat out. Reaching four decades on this planet is one such occasion.

And so, for my milestone birthday, we chose to celebrate in style and chase away the early-January blues with a family weekend at Cameron House hotel on Loch Lomond.

Some five-star establishments have an unmistakable air of snootiness, making you a tad ill at ease amid the pristine furniture. Cameron House is not one of those places.

The staff at this stunning, 17th Century Baronial mansion could not be more helpful, with an easy-going and laid-back manner that means you can relax as soon as you set foot in the grand front entrance. With two children in tow, it’s reassuring that families are extremely well catered for and welcomed at every turn.

Our pair were entranced by the bunk-beds that would be their lodgings for the night in our spacious family room. That was nothing, though, compared to their excitement when we ventured out on the loch for a family cruise aboard the Celtic Warrior.

While the adults savoured the breathtaking natural beauty all around, from hidden coves to the imposing peak of Ben Lomond, the kids spent the majority of the hour’s sail below deck, mesmerised by the fact the boat had a bedroom and the array of buttons at the command of the driver Callie and skipper Colette, who patiently answered their questions.

The leisure facilities back at the hotel were an instant favourite too. The winding flume adjacent to the kiddies’ pool made sure of that.

Our little ones made endless trips up and down those steps to slide down in giddy glee, while we took it in turns to supervise and duck away for a swim in the adults’ pool, a dip in the Jacuzzi or stint in the steam room.

If splashing around was the kids at their happiest, then the parents were in their element when it came to the food. There’s just something about a memorable meal in special surroundings, getting glammed-up in your finest attire and enjoying each other’s company.

Afternoon tea was more than a delight. Tower after tower of sumptuous sandwiches and sweet treats were devoured, along with pink champagne, of course, just so a toast to the big birthday wasn’t missed.

At dinner, the scallops followed by super-tender venison were particular favourites of my husband, who weeks later is still raving about the dulce de leche mille feuille dessert, an extravagant concoction of pastry, cream and much sweetness.

My fillet steak was a triumph, complemented by chunky, crispy chips that provided an ideal lining of the stomach for working our way through the cocktail list in the stunning Great Scots Bar afterwards.

We dined both nights in the Cameron Grill, and the latter meal was a more sedate experience after the kids’ grandparents kindly came to collect them and give my husband and I a night on our own.

Having upgraded from a family room to a lavish suite – spread over three rooms with a roll-top bath and bed big enough for us and the kids had they stayed – it was a joy to savour pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres in our decadent surroundings before sauntering down for dinner.

The child-free unwinding stepped up a notch with a trip to the Carrick Spa. Within minutes we were ensconced in the Rasul mud chamber.

Slopping yourself in mud from head to toe is apparently great for your skin but I must confess it didn’t really come close to the stress-reducing satisfaction of my usual spa favourite – a massage.

The hydro and thermal spa facilities proved the pinnacle of relaxation, especially kicking back in the rooftop infinity pool watching the sun go down. I felt on top of the world – and ready for another glass of champers to celebrate!

We made the most of the suite by treating ourselves to a long lie and ordering breakfast in bed, two of life’s little luxuries I haven’t experienced for the best part of 10 years with two wee ones who exercise their vocal chords before the birds have had a chance to burst into song!

We then took a slow saunter down to the marina to soak in those precious last lone-parent moments on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond while the doormen loaded the luggage into the car.

And, looking out at the seaplane on the water, I couldn’t help but smile. If life is this fabulous at 40, bring on the next big birthday when I’ll absolutely be having a shot on that!

P.S.

The resort is undergoing a multi-million-pound lochside extension, including a new ballroom and additional 68 luxurious bedrooms that will be open to guests from the summer.