Most tourists who visit Scotland will take the usual well-travelled routes to see Scotland’s ancient castles and historical sites, swing by Loch Ness hoping for a glimpse of ‘Nessie’ or take a driving tour following Scotland’s spectacular coastline with its picturesque villages tucked away in odd and out-of-the-way locations. Heather-clad glens and craggy mountains will be photographed and scenic lochs and rivers sailed on, crossed over and driven round.
Nothing wrong with this at all – it’s very satisfying and it’s the way most visitors to Scotland see the country but how about something a little different? How about a birdseye view of those lochs, mountains and glens?
If you yearn for a little bit of adventure during your vacation to Scotland then Loch Lomond Seaplanes is the way to go. Voted by the Scots themselves as the country’s top outdoor activity it’s a breathtaking experience – exploring the magnificent west coast of Scotland by seaplane with a window seat giving you the most incredible view of a stunning landscape.
CHANGEABLE WEATHER
Flying from a base on scenic Loch Lomond just outside Glasgow, Loch Lomond Seaplanes, the UK’s only seaplane airline, operates all year round with over 200 flights per month in high season aboard modern, comfortable (and surprisingly quiet) aircraft.
‘But what about Scotland’s notoriously changeable weather? Does that affect flights?’ The short answer to that is ‘Yes, of course it does’, which is why flight routes are not set in stone but are almost infinitely variable depending on weather conditions. It is quite possible for the weather to be poor with overcast skies in one place yet just a few miles away the sun is shining brightly in a blue sky!
The route you will follow on your unforgettable seaplane experience will depend on the weather on the day. Your pilot will decide the exact route but 92% of flights don’t have any problems with bad weather. In fact, the weather can enhance your experience! Shafts of sunlight suddenly bursting through the clouds; a sprinkling of snow on the top of one of Scotland’s Munros or a brief rainstorm over a ruined castle all add to the atmosphere.
Loch Lomond Seaplanes operates two 9-seat amphibious aircraft so you can take your family with you. There is no actual age limit but all passengers should be physically fit and there is a height limit for children who must be at least one metre (39 inches) tall.
HITCH A RIDE ON THIS SEAPLANE FLIGHT
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT LOCH LOMOND SEAPLANES
Main image courtesy Andrew Wood/Geograph UK
Bill Kasman
A Scotsman born and bred I love to roam Scotland’s hills and wild places taking photographs and writing about my travels around the country and all things to do with my homeland.