If You Go: Loch Lomond

I realized I was remiss in posting an "If You Go" for Loch Lomond.  We had such poor weather while we were there, that we didn't get to do a lot of the outdoor activities we had hoped to enjoy.  We did try to make the most of it...below were the highlights

Hotels
Knockderry Country House: We stayed at Knockderry Country House which was a lovely mansion that had been re-designed into a hotel.  It is about a half hour drive from Loch Lomond, but overlooks a beautiful ocean loch.  It was a lovely spot to stay for two nights - though was somewhat expensive and was definitely not kid-friendly.  It DID have a most fabulous fine dining restaurant where we enjoyed dinner

Things To Do 
Hadrian's Wall: On our way up, we visited Housesteads Fort of Hadrian's Wall. After having visited Rome and Turkey where we saw ruins, we very much appreciated how far the Roman empire extended.  It also offered some beautiful views of the country side.  I highly recommend

Inveraray Castle: This was a highlight of the trip -- where the Downton Abbey Season 2 Christmas Special was filmed.  It was a truly magnificent castle overlooking Loch Fyne.  In addition, the drive out was truly stunning through wild Scottish scenery.  Highly recommend.

Loch Lomond Cruise: We took a cruise around Loch Lomond.  This was interesting, but would have been a bit more enjoyable if it hadn't been pouring rain (womp, womp!)