A complete guide of the Ballech Castle Country Park.

Have you ever been in one of those places that have everything? That is what Ballech Castle Country Park It feels like me. It is located right in the Bonnie de Loch Lomond banks, and trusts me, it is much more than a beautiful vision. There is so much history here, and it is an excellent place for anyone who appreciates nature. The community environment is also great. It covers 200 acres and is a large mixture of old ruins and intriguing new things. If you are going to visit this beautiful area, this blog post has everything you need to know about its past, present and future.

This was not the location that we originally planned to visit for my partner's birthday; However, since we went late for our nature adventure, we decided to explore another part of the Loch Lomond National Park and the Trossach National Park. We followed the map and took us to Ballech Castle Country Park.

Ballech Castle Country Park's story

The story of this place is a true roller coaster of changing power and changing the landscape. It all started with the old Count of Lennoxwho obtained the land of King Malcolm III in 1072.

He and the Castle (c. 1238 – 1390)

Balloch's first castle was a medieval strength built around 1238, and was home to Lennox's counts for more than a century. Finally, he was abandoned around 1390 for a safer place on the island of Inchmurrin. The only things that remain of the old fortress are now a small mound of land and a depression of the pit. It's a programmed monumentThat is quite pleasant because it means that it is safe.

The castle we see today (1808)

Fast advance to the 19th century. A guy named John Buchanan de Arduch bought the farm and did something quite intelligent: he used stones of the ruins of the old castle to build the incredible mansion we see now. The design, from some London architect named Robert Place, is this “Gothic” super great style. It has purely decorative turrets and those classic castle walls, only the part seems.

From the private pad to the public park

In 1914, Glasgow Corporation bought the castle and complete heritage for £ 30,000. Because? For more people to use the trams that ran from Glasgow to Ballech. Smart, right? The farm was later leased to the Dumbarton district council in 1975 and officially became a field park in 1981. Then, in 2002, he joined Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Parkwhich was the first National Park of Scotland. Talk about an update.

Make the park today: what to see and do

Ballech Castle Country Park is seriously a treasure of things to explore. There is something for everyone, be it a lover of history, a nature lover or simply looking for a pleasant place to relax.

The castle: This nineteenth -century Gothic mansion remains the main event, although it is currently not in use. It used to be a visitors and home of the ranger service.

Gardens and land: The 200 acres of the park are a work of art. You can walk:

The walled garden: A beautiful floral place with a handmade pebble mosaic.
The Chinese Garden: A super peaceful and romantic place, especially in spring and autumn.
The Fairy Glen & Fairy Trail: This is one of my favorite parts. It is a delicious forest walk with lovely carvings and small fairy houses, all made by a local artist of old tree stumps.
Grounds of pleasure and quarry pond: Perfect for a relaxed walk.

Walk through nature: The park has tons of paths through the forest and open parks. The road along the lake offers you crazy views of Loch Lomond and, on a clear day, Ben Lomond in the distance.

Family fun: Children will love the game areas with climbing and swing frames, it is the perfect place for a family picnic.

Events: The park is always organizing something great, such as the annual games of Loch Lomond Highland in July. The big names have also played here, like Oasis and Rem, how great is that?

The challenges and what follows

Like any ancient place, the park needs some love, and there is a group of incredible local volunteers, the Ballech Castle Country Park Regeneration Groupworking hard to fix things.

Regeneration: All its mission is to restore the natural beauty and history of the park. They are working with hospices of children in Scotland (chas) to create a sensory garden and have this long -term plan to return life to the castle.

Money matters: The group is trying to obtain a subsidy of the Heritage Lottery Fund, but there is some obstacle. The lease between the West Dunbart canshire council and the Glasgow City Council makes it difficult for the park to generate its own money for maintenance. It is a bit messy, but they are working on it.

Fixing it: There are plans to repair the stone in the castle and a new action plan so that the Balloch Pierhead area does it even better.

How to plan your visit

Where it is: you will find the park at the southern end of Loch Lomond in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.

Get there:

By public transport: Balloch's train and bus stations are a few steps away. Super easy.
By car: There are two parking lots: one large in Balloch Town in Moss or 'Ballech and a smaller one next to the castle. Only one notice is filled in the summer, so public transport could be your best option.

What is there? The park has public bathrooms in the castle (although they have limited hours) and many picnic banks. There is a small food seller on the lake side, but it is not open every day, so it is possible that you want to bring your own snacks. Ballech Town has tons of nearby coffees and restaurants.

Admission: It's completely free to enter! The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but don't even think about camping or drinking alcohol, the rules are strict.

Ballech Castle Country Park is a true jewel, where history and nature bind in the most perfect way. With all the dedicated people who work to improve it, I have no doubt that it will continue to be a “very good” place to visit for a long time.

Have you ever visited a place that completely surprised you with its history or natural beauty?