Travel: Loch and roll! Lodge holiday hits right note in Argyll

The nervous giggles from the back of the car turn to high-pitched screams as we whizz up and down over the bumpy single track road.

Navigating this narrow tree-lined path winding through the hills, I feel like we’re on a rollercoaster… I’m just thankful I’m not driving!

My husband seems to have it under control and, as we twist and turn at speed, the exhilaration takes over – and my tummy flips around like a pair of trainers in a washing machine!

The kids are absolutely loving it and, from the smiles on their faces, there couldn’t be a better way to kick off our weekend of adventure.

Arriving at Argyll Holidays’ Drimsynie Estate, I can confirm the treasure at the end makes it worth the trip.

The sprawling holiday park is the perfect place to kick back and relax – and has all the facilities to help you holiday in style.

From the swimming pool and spa, and restaurants and bars to the huge kids’ complex, you’ll not be short of something to do.

Spotting the soft play area and ball pool, our offspring are off, kicking their shoes to the side as they go.

They whittle hours away playing the arcade games, making sand art and joining entertainer Justin for a Teddytastic workshop. After choosing their favourite, Emily Rose and Ollie stuff their new soft toys, add a heart and a wish and then design a T-shirt for their new furry friends.

We get our fresh air for the day with a scenic walk into the little town of Lochgoilhead, followed by a forest trail along the banks of the River Goil. It’s a crisp, dry day and we enjoy the gentle stroll through the mossy trees, stopping every so often to skim stones across the water.

Then it’s off to dinner at The View restaurant. Looking out at the breathtaking scene of Loch Goil and the majestic Arrochar Alps, we lap up our steak pies, mac cheese and fish and chips in gorgeous, marine-themed surroundings.

Then it’s back through to the bar for the mini disco and a game of bingo, almost as nerve-racking as the drive.

It’s then that I wish we were staying here. But with the hotel and lodges all booked up for the weekend, our base is a 40-minute drive away at one of Argyll Holidays’ other parks, at Loch Lomond. The drive seems a little less scary when it’s so dark you can only see about a foot in front of you and soon we’re pulling up at our lodge.

With three bedrooms, all with their own en-suite, TVs in every room and a huge living room and kitchen, it’s the perfect pitch for a family of four.

The kids snuggle down for the night, delighted to have a room each, and the husband and I flop down on the bed, equally ready to catch some zeds after a busy day.

Eight hours later, we waken feeling refreshed and pull back the curtains…and what a view! We’re perched right on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The only thing that separates us from the stunning stretch of still water and the hills is a tiny pebble beach. The amazing scenery looks like it’s almost within touching distance.

And right out front on the decking is our own hot tub. It’s not long before we’re in our swimsuits and jumping in, as much with excitement as to escape the chilly climes outside.

Sitting in the warm water with bubbles relaxing those achy muscles is a real treat, but the gorgeous setting makes it seem even more luxurious.

It’s a task to get back out – but get out we must to explore our new surroundings.

After a hearty breakfast (there’s a wee shop on site where you can get all your essentials including fresh bacon and eggs), we take ourselves out to the little playpark and beach.

Someone has cleverly constructed a float with old bits of wood and a Jolly Roger flag which the kids use to play pirates, looking for treasure and making each other walk the plank.

It’s amazing how something so simple can spark their little imaginations.

Listening to them laugh and joke and run around, I realise that the best things in life really are free.

From the scenery and the winding roads to this little makeshift boat, Argyll really has everything you need for a rollercoaster of a ride – and a memorable family holiday.

P.S.

Visit Inveraray Jail, go pony trekking with Argyll Adventure or just kick back, relax and sample some of the finest seafood Scotland has to offer at the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar.