Beautiful park 20 minutes from Britain's second city is perfect country escape

A twenty minute drive from the humming and petrol infused air of Glasgow airport is where my wholesome adventure into bonnie Scotland began, in the wilderness surrounding the grand and beautiful Loch Lomond.

Breathing in the fresh, crisp, albeit slightly cold Scottish air, you know you’re in for a peaceful and offline getaway, the shortest of journey's from the sprawling urban metropolis of Glasgow, oft referred to as 'Britain's second city ', although more regularly during the Victoria era.

The water on the Loch is still and reflective of the way of life in the Highlands calm and undisturbed. A local told me: “You don’t come to Scotland for the weather, but every season offers a different perspective of the landscape here and every weather-turn offers a beautiful perspective.”

He was right. I just lucked out with blue skies and no rain - somehow arriving on the three days of the year Scotland offers this.

READ MORE: 'Uber Seaplane cost me my professional dignity but the views were world class'

The best and most authentic way to explore Loch Lomond like a local is grabbing your hiking boots and seeing where the trails under the oak woodlands take you. You won’t be disappointed by the lush surroundings and the loch viewing points you’ll see along the way. If you’re feeling brave, take a wetsuit so you can take a dip.

The loch spans more than 22 miles and winds down through the lush rolling countryside that falls within the Trossachs National Park. It is home to many famous red deer, which I was lucky enough to spot from a distance during their breeding season, with a small Bambi-like fawn skipping along behind the mother. The loch being so large has many different walking trails as well as cycling tracks that offer near endless routes around the lake. Be sure to stop for a local teacake and a whisky after a long day exploring.

However, for more adventure and thrill seeking appetites perhaps a 4x4 off-road estate drive in a vast family-owned estate would suit you. Images of the late Queen, driving around in her land rover sprung to mind when I got my hands behind the sturdy wheel and was guided by my kilt-wearing guide who had emergency Tunnock’s Caramel bars in the safety box (of course he did!) Fun fact, if you read the bar close enough they say they make 4,000,000 a day in Scotland.

The drive, albeit bumpy and a bit hair-raising at times, would be the perfect activity for a group who want to have some fun behind the wheel or as passengers. You may spot a bag-piper for your hot toddy at the top overlooking down onto the Loch and all the beauty it has to offer, if it’s a special enough occasion.

If being behind a wheel in a 4x4 just won’t suffice for the adrenaline junkies in you, then a hair-raising plane adventure might.The Uber SeaPlane will be launching for a few days for passengers over 18 to experience an in-air adventure taking off outside the famous Cameron House on the loch. The plane ride will take you over Glencoe Valley, Ben Nevis and Fort William to name just a few. Word of warning; it’s a bumpy ride and not to be done after a whisky or two.

For those who are wanting to stay on the ground, there are many hidden treasures and remote villages to explore whilst there, so we would recommend you hire a car, or drive in. Local taxis are available but public transport is limited. Accommodation wise if you wanted to experience amazing views, but also have a note of luxury whilst there - Cameron House overlooks the loch and offers swimming facilities, a whisky stocked bar and a restaurant with freshly caught fish, I highly recommend the scallops!.

Loch Lomond has given me a new love for exploring the UK, and I’ll be back for longer than 24 hours next time to see it, strictly with my feet on the ground.

Book a 4x4 adventure through x4adventures-scotland.com

Book an Uber sea-plane through Uberseaplanescotland.co.uk