Loch Lomond is the perfect winter holiday destination

Skiing, hiking, fishing, bird-watching and a well-deserved wee dram by a crackling log fire - winter in Scotland offers movie-scene opportunities for holidaymakers.

Away from the fast-paced life of the central belt, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is the perfect holiday destination and the gateway to the Highlands. All the outdoor adventures and cosy retreats can be accessed from here, with Ardlui, on the northern tip of the loch, acting as the perfect base. Luxury Loch Lomond self-catering can be found at Ardlui Retreat and features the kind of sumptuous details which welcome home the weary traveler, like an indoor hot tub to soothe weary bones and a barbecue cabin complete with reindeer skins.

From here explore the loch itself from the land, the water or even the sky - the seaplane will give unrivalled views, not to mention a thrill. Birdwatchers will be treated to a visit from the Arctic Circle’s inhabitants – wigeon, mallard and teal as well as geese gather on the south-eastern corner in winter. The Bird of Prey Centre is open all year, as is the RSPB Reserve at Inversnaid – and with the trees laid bare, twitchers will be well-rewarded with plenty of sightings.

Anglers will find peace, pike and perch on the loch and can take advantage of Ardlui Retreat’s boat mooring on Loch Lomond to tailor their own itinerary – or pop back for a hot lunch.

Those in search of more of an adrenalin rush will be pleased to note that Glencoe, with its snowboard and ski runs, is only 35 minutes’ drive away. Last year it enjoyed the heaviest snowfall of any of the 250 international winter sports areas monitored – two metres fell over one 36 hour period. With 19 runs and seven lifts, Glencoe caters for all levels of skiers and boarders. It also boasts the longest and steepest runs in Scotland.

Apres ski can be enjoyed in many of the local pubs or restaurants – the most notable being The Drovers Inn with its real log fires and the Inverbeg Inn with its impressive list of whiskies, real ale and wines. The best fish and chips in the Highlands can be found at The Real Food Café in Tyndrum, while coffee and gift shops in Crianlarich, Tarbet and Luss all merit a visit.

Of course, the area around Ardlui, Loch Lomond and the Highlands is stunning for walkers. Keen hillwalkers could bag a munro in early winter by taking on Ben Vorlich, while more casual walkers can simply explore the countryside. The Falls of Falloch are a very popular beauty spot and the well-defined path makes it ideal for families with children. There’s no need to leave the dog behind – for pet friendly accommodation on Loch Lomond you need look no further than Ardlui Retreat. With the right clothing and footwear there’s no need to stay indoors this winter – explore everything Loch Lomond and the Highlands have to offer. Just make sure you choose the perfect accommodation to rest those weary bones at the end of each day.