So, remember those days when you just feel… heavy? Like your soul needs a serious spa day? That was me. He had been through a lot and carried it everywhere. I remembered a comment someone once made about nature being the balm of the soul, and that phrase stuck with me.
I still can't put into words how nature has impacted my life, but I knew I needed to immerse myself in it. I basically needed to run to the nearest tree and hug it. So, I made a plan: locate a reserve about an hour away, spend time on the bus to give myself some space to think, and then enjoy the evening light in nature.
I had an original destination in mind, but the ticket situation was strange one-way and honestly, the price wasn't right. So I took a turn! Honestly, sometimes changing your mind at the last minute can lead to the best adventures.
This day was already a beautiful testimony to the power of human connection. I remembered that people make the world go round. When you're depressed, seeing someone just smile at you or seeing a dog owner show so much love to their furry friend simply reminds you that you are loved too. It helps you get rid of those annoying worries.
My chosen destination? Loch Ardinning Wildlife Reserve. I got on the bus and thank God the driver was very helpful. He gave me a brochure promoting tourism in Scotland – a nice touch. I carried my food with me, which is my ultimate dining experience ritual: munching on the riverbank when the sun shines. It makes food taste amazing, you know?
However, this is where the drama began. The signs were clear, but the map? Not so much! I completely missed my stop, maybe by two or three stops. Thank God I had the intuition to ask the driver. He was exceptionally thoughtful, especially considering I had purchased a day ticket based on his previous recommendation (pro tip!). He asked me to cross the street and take the next bus that went back two stops.
The second driver was just as lovely, confirming the destination and dropping me off right where I needed to be.
But the walk! The bus stop was far from the entrance. I had my heavy school backpack (my mini emergency kit with water, my book, my phone and food) and I followed the map for what seemed like an eternity. I must have walked more than 10 minutes. The roads were local and lacked clear pedestrian paths, so I walked close to the bushy area, being very attentive to cars coming from the opposite direction on the curves. It was exercise, but I was very happy doing it because I knew where I was headed: the embrace of nature.
The first thing I did was take a photo of the sign (proof that I did it!). I kept walking until I reached the beautiful river, part of the canals here, which include the famous Loch Ardinning. It was a sunny day, the best feeling I've ever had!
I found a seat right in front of the water, surveyed my surroundings to make sure I was safe, and finally started eating breakfast and lunch. The tranquility? Unmatched. That sound of water, the calm… it is pure and great satisfaction.
I saw some people pass by: a family, an elderly couple, and a man and his son with a dog. But then I found a place alone and that's when I let my guard down.
I started to pray. I was feeling very heavy and I told the Holy Spirit exactly what I needed: “I need you to send me a comforter. I don't feel well. Comfort me.” I was literally talking to God outside because of the pain in my heart.
After a while, I sat down and stared at the views. And guys, what happened next… God is real, guys!
A woman just approached me. I didn't even see it coming! She smiled and started chatting, asking me about my photography equipment, I mean the tripod, and how long I had been in Scotland. She mistakenly thought my tripod was a golf club and wondered if a golf course had opened nearby, which made us both laugh. After a minute, he asked me: do you like this place?” I answered “yes” and explained that I was not happy, which is why I decided to take a trip to this place.
She immediately asked me to walk with her. S He had the most respectful dog ever and he was taking him for a dip in the lake. As we walked, she said, “Talk to me.” I just burst into tears.
She brought me so much peace and comfort. She shared her experiences, told me that I was young and beautiful and that I should not let these worries define my life. It was like walking with a friend I'd known forever! I felt so calm. She shared practical life experiences and that stuck with me.
The final blessing? She took me directly to my house. I told her I had a bus ticket, but she insisted on taking me home. It was the Holy Spirit coming to me in human form, a direct answer to my prayer less than two minutes after I asked for it. Sometimes God shows up exactly the way you ask him to and you just have to remind him of his word. That woman changed my entire orientation. I came home, slept soundly, and felt better than I had in weeks. May God bless her and her beautiful family.
Now, as you know, I can't describe the trip without sharing all the juicy details about the destination. Here's everything you need to know about the incredible sanctuary I visited: Loch Ardinning Wildlife Reserve.
History and Management
- Location: The reserve is located in Scotland, south of Strathblane and just north of Milngavie, near Glasgow. It covers approximately 142 hectares (or 148 hectares, depending on the source).
- Trustee: The site is owned and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), to whom Dr Robert Ker gifted the lake and surrounding areas of Muirhouse Muir in 1988.
- Ancient past: The area has a dramatic history, as the rock formation here was once called 'Cat Craig', which relates to the Battle of Ardunnion around 570 AD
- the lake: Lake Ardinning itself is partly natural (formed by a glacial hollow) and partly man-made. The narrow north arm of the lake was created by the construction of a dam across the outlet creek, first built in 1796 and then raised and expanded in 1840. This historic management helped create the diverse wetland habitat we see today.
What you can do and what you will see
Loch Ardinning features a diverse mosaic of moorland, wetlands, woodland and grassland, providing a tranquil escape and numerous activities for nature lovers.
Explore the habitats and trails
- Wonders of the wetlands: Along the southwest coast you will find a humid forest known as “car,' thriving with mature willows, birches and alders. The northern shores are lined with reeds, reeds and reeds. This environment is crucial for many plants that have become rare in other parts of Scotland due to wetland drainage.
- Views of the moor: The reserve includes Muirhouse Muir, which offers spectacular views, including nearby Campsie Fells and the distinctive Dumgoyne Hill volcanic plug.
- Walking routes: There are two main walking opportunities:
- The nature trail: The shortest walk, which is a more user-friendly added path.
- Muir's Way: A longer and wilder circuit that goes up to the moor. If you take this route, be prepared. It can be very boggy and muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
Wildlife and Botany Highlights
The lake and reserve are rich in invertebrates and offer fantastic opportunities for bird watching:
- Birds: Keep an eye out for wild birds like the tufted duckand especially the whooper swans who migrate here from Iceland to spend the winter. You will also be able to observe breeding birds, such as the curlew and several warblers.
- Floors: The wetland areas are home to a variety of rare flora, including at least four species of orchids. In July you can often see the delicate Water Lobelia blooming profusely in the shallow waters.
Access and other uses
- Pets: Dogs are allowed on the reserve, but must be kept on a leash or under very strict control to protect breeding wildlife and ensure the comfort of other visitors.
- Fishing: You can fish in the lake, but you must have the correct permit beforehand.
There are benches placed around the lake where you can just sit and enjoy the peace. I recommend this place and it's even better if you drive.
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