IF you fancy a camping experience that’s unique and exclusive, then a tiny island in the middle of Loch Lomond could be perfect for you. But you need to be quick to book it, as only a dozen campers are allowed to stay on this magical isle at a time - and you need to book, sometimes up to four weeks in advance. 8 Tiny Inchcailloch island on Loch Lomond Credit: Getty 8 Inchcailloch island on Loch Lomond where a max of 12 campers can stay Credit: Getty 8 Campers at the official campsite 8 The ferry crossing from Balmaha takes just five minutes Credit: Getty Little-known Inchcailloch island only allows overnight stays from March to September every year and for a maximum of just two nights.
The stunning wild-flower-covered island - just 0.19 square miles in size - is part of the Loch Lomond National Reserve. Groups of no more than six are allowed to set up at the campsite at a time on this idyllic retreat.
Be aware though it is a good kilometre walk from the North Jetty if catching the ferry over from Balmaha, to the small campsite on the southern tip of the island in Port Bawn. Read mroe in travel 'GLASS HALF EMPTY' NC500 is 'saviour' of Highlands says boss as he hits back at locals ZOO KNOW IT Popular Scots attraction named among best in UK for family day out in summer 8 Aerial view of Inchcailloch island on Loch Lomond, Scottish Highlands Credit: Getty And, in keeping with its unspoilt nature, the island has minimal facilities. with only composting toilets and NO running water .
Water may be obtained at MacFarlane’s Boatyard in Balmaha using your own containers. Campers must contact MacFarlane’s in advance to book the ferry, which takes just five minutes and runs daily until 5pm. You can also get there from Luss by waterbus service which is a 45 minute journey passing other small islands, with amazing views.
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But you don’t need to stay over to visit this little hidden gem, it’s open year round and perfect for day trips and to experience remoteness and its wild, untamed, beauty. In the spring the island - one of 22 in the loch - is carpeted in bluebells which creates a magical backdrop for the wildlife that lives there. 8 There's great places to swim fron Credit: Getty 8 Bluebells cover the island in spring, Credit: VisitScotland (Kenny Lam) In summer Inchailloch - which means “island of the old woman” - becomes a rich habitat for birds , flowers and plant life and throughout the autumn and into spring migrating wildfowl set up home here.
The nature reserve says: “Most visitors come to cherish the tranquillity and peace, as well as the outstanding beauty and scenery the island has to offer. “Some have even claimed the view at the summit is the best in Scotland ! It is a place of true wild, natural beauty that is just waiting to be discovered.” Best of British: The Sun's Scottish Travel Editor Heather Lowrie reveals her favourite lesser known islands There are three walking routes on the island, each taking just 20-45 minutes, which you can download from the reserve’s website.
The most direct is Central Path from the north pier to Port Bawn, which takes around 20 minutes. The Low Path is a gentle woodland walk with a few slopes and steps in which a wildlife habitat has been created. The Summit Path is the most strenuous, with a steep climb to the top of the island.
but you’ll be rewarded by stunning views across the loch and surrounding mountains. However, due to the deer population , ticks are present on Inchcailloch which can carry Lyme disease so be careful not to get bitten by staying on the paths and wearing long trousers. In the early 8th century, an Irish missionary, St Kentigerna settled on the island to spread Christianity and died there in 734.
Legend has the island is thought to be named after her. Inchcailloch had a church dedicated to her and the graveyard there was used until 1947 8 Inchcailloch cemetery Credit: Getty The cultural importance of the church and its burial ground are now recognised and is the only Scheduled Ancient Monument in or around the Loch Lomond area. Sir Walter Scott even referred to Inchcailloch in his poem, The Lady of the Lake.
Campers rave about it on Tripadvisor with BurgiKing from Derby commenting: “Had a one night camping stay with my daughter...
. fantastic scenery, true feeling of isolation and wilderness as we were luckily the only ones on the islands. “We were lucky enough to have a blue moon and sightings of multiple deers.
We also heard a small herd at the beach , rustling and visiting the waters.” Read more on the Scottish Sun WATER BEAUTY Gorgeous seaside town voted best in Scotland for beautiful beaches & scenery LIKE FATHER LIKE SON Scotland legend's son makes appearance in Rangers vs Man Utd clash And Vin said: “Really great campsite out in nature with lovely sand beach onto the loch - was great!” Pitches cost £10.50pp (kids aged 5-15 are £2 each) and set up is from 12.
30 with departures strictly at 11am. Check here for bookings and more info..
