Loch Lomond slipways

[Bam Bam]

Has anyone used the park authority slip at Balloch on the Southern end of Loch Lomond. I'm taking the boat there in May for a week. Is there anything I should know apart from having to register with the park authority prior to going. I have somewhere to keep the boat so its just a matter of navigation hazards, are the natives friendly, is it a good place to launch etc. Any advice appreciated.

[SeaSkills]

Good wide slipway and a pontoon to wait at while you sort out cars and trailers. Good parking on site, and very friendly natives (as long as you abide by the speed limits). I believe they're working on a new chart for the loch, but I don't think it's finished yet

[Poly]

As Ian says - very good slipway. Rangers are normally cooperative if you are polite to them. Can get a bitty stroppy on busy weekends if you start holding things up. Bear in mind that they are civil servants so intrinsically programmed not to go out there way to help you! But stick to speed limits, apply a little common sense, and be courteous and they'll usually recognise this. They are very keen that you wear a lifejacket (you MUST have them with you although its not actually mandatory that you wear them) and thats usually a good step.

If it is busy then beware: (1) not everyone reversing trailers does it a lot and so there may be some rather random vehicle movements - keep your wits about you whether a pedestrian or in your own vehicle (2) not everyone wandering around has a brain - people seem to run across behind trailers.

EDIT - oh and you don't need to preregister - you can do it on the day, but if it is a busy weekend you'll wish you had.

[9D280]

Agree with all of the above, there's also lengths of chain anchored to the ground in the car / trailer park to lock your trailer to!

They have a leaflet with a map of sorts, it's by no means a chart, but it's better than nothing! I think the 1:25K OS map is likely your best navigation aid at the moment!

[dougcrock]

you will need to register (free) and then buy and fit number and license on boat i have nos stuck onto length of pvc material which i tie onto side of rib

[9D280]

Which they can supply! (might even be for free, if not it's something silly like £2 to buy them)

[9D280]

Knew I had a link somewhere.......

Byelaws (with handy map showing speed restricted areas / facilities etc)
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/...ws/Byelaws.pdf
Last couple of pages most useful when afloat!

Registration info here:
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/...nu-id-287.html

[Bam Bam]

Originally Posted by 9D280

Knew I had a link somewhere.......

Byelaws (with handy map showing speed restricted areas / facilities etc)
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/...ws/Byelaws.pdf
Last couple of pages most useful when afloat!

Registration info here:
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/...nu-id-287.html

Brilliant 9D280, and thanks for all the good advice guys. Looks like we could be in for a very enjoyable week on the Loch. I'll only be using the boat during the weekdays so we will avoid the weekend rush. I understand from looking at the Boat Loch Lomond website that there is also a speed limit between the islands? Is this marked on the chart you can get from the park wardens or is it an obvious one when you reach the islands (being within a few hundred yards of the shore etc)? Better to be prepared rather than ignorant of the facts. Thanks again for the advice, it's very much appreciated and we are looking forward to our trip to beautiful Scotland.

[Julie]

I believe the speed limits round the island are because its V shallow, also there's people swimming/fishing there..... on busy weekends lots of people camp on them......(and end up bitten to death by the midges, been there done it and have the scars to prove it.....)

Still enjoyable! Honest

Julie

[Bam Bam]

Originally Posted by dougcrock

you will need to register (free) and then buy and fit number and license on boat i have nos stuck onto length of pvc material which i tie onto side of rib

Nice one Doug, I was wondering how and where to apply the numbers without actually sticking them to the side of the boat. My RIB has bow rails so I may be able to get a couple of pieces of plastic for the numbers to go on and then use some hose clips to fasten then on.

[Bam Bam]

Originally Posted by Julie

I believe the speed limits round the island are because its V shallow, also there's people swimming/fishing there..... on busy weekends lots of people camp on them......(and end up bitten to death by the midges, been there done it and have the scars to prove it.....)

Still enjoyable! Honest

Julie

Thanks Julie, advice taken on board. However, the midges have to catch me first lol!

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Bam Bam

Thanks Julie, advice taken on board. However, the midges have to catch me first lol!

That could be a new thread - what repels midges.....

I've tried all sorts, but in calm weather nothing seems to work....and I'm sick of hearing about Skin So Soft - they still get through, I daren't stop wearing it though just in case they're 100 times worse! I always hope there's a sea breeze.

Will be interested in any suggestions (that work )

[SeaSkills]

Originally Posted by Bam Bam

Thanks Julie, advice taken on board. However, the midges have to catch me first lol!

There's no escape!

[SPR]

100% DEET , aka jungle formula....works against midges but also melts nylon!

S.

[9D280]

Originally Posted by Julie

That could be a new thread - what repels midges.....

Will be interested in any suggestions (that work )

Unfortunately the stuff I used to swear by has (I assume) been banned due to toxicity! If you can find a bottle of "Shoo", (a rather bizarrely smelling blue liquid) they almost drop out the sky when they come within 6 inches of you!

Originally Posted by bambam

I understand from looking at the Boat Loch Lomond website that there is also a speed limit between the islands? Is this marked on the chart you can get from the park wardens or is it an obvious one when you reach the islands (being within a few hundred yards of the shore etc)?

Map at the back of the byelaws PDF shows the slow speed areas. You can get a leaflet from the office which has that in a more portable if not very waterproof format.

As for the plastic boards, even if you apply for the number by post, you could pick them up from the office when you arrive. I drilled a hole in the two top corners & tie wrap them to the grab line anchor loops when I'm out there.

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by 9D280

Unfortunately the stuff I used to swear by has (I assume) been banned due to toxicity! If you can find a bottle of "Shoo", (a rather bizarrely smelling blue liquid) they almost drop out the sky when they come within 6 inches of you!

So presumably you walk down the street, looking like an alien from Star Trek, leaving a trail of dead wildlife in your wake

[9D280]

Originally Posted by Ian M

So presumably you walk down the street, looking like an alien from Star Trek, leaving a trail of dead wildlife in your wake

Dead wildlife of the midge variety is usually better company in that state!

[Bam Bam]

Registration numbers sorted thank very much.

The wife is an Avon team leader so the Skin so Soft is provided by the tub load and I dare not say no.

I hope its cold and overcast for the week so I can wear the drysuit. That should keep the midges out. Failing that I hear that eating large amounts of curry and drinking Guiness helps as midges dont like the way you smell. I guess a vindaloo, several pints of the black stuff, and a drysuit are pushing it a bit though.

[Bam Bam]

Originally Posted by 9D280

Knew I had a link somewhere.......

Byelaws (with handy map showing speed restricted areas / facilities etc)
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/...ws/Byelaws.pdf
Last couple of pages most useful when afloat!

Registration info here:
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/...nu-id-287.html

Thanks for these links mate, I've now had time to look at them in detail and they are very helpful. Realy looking forward to our visit to the loch. Cheers.

[Bam Bam]

Originally Posted by Ian M

So presumably you walk down the street, looking like an alien from Star Trek, leaving a trail of dead wildlife in your wake

I think Polwart will know the answer to that one buddy!