Louise Sylvester discovers that an afternoon on Loch Lomond can deliver both high-energy adventure and the soul-soothing calm every busy family needs…
Honestly, is there anything that resets your whole system faster than getting outside? We are ridiculously lucky in Glasgow – less than an hour in the car and you’re breathing different air, staring at different horizons and remembering the world is much bigger than your inbox.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs have long been my go-to for exactly that. Cold water dooks, stomping up Conic Hill, poking about on the rocky beaches on the west side of the loch are all staple Sylvester days out. Not to mention the countless wanders round Luss and its fairy trail back when my boys were small enough to believe in tiny doors in tree trunks.
These days, at eight and 12, ‘spot the fairy house’ doesn’t quite cut it. They want speed, splashes and stories for the playground on Monday morning. I don’t mind a bit of exhilaration, but I’m also very ready for this calmer chapter of parenting where I’m no longer carrying emergency snacks and spare socks everywhere we go. Which is how we found ourselves at Bandry Bay near Luss with Freedom Boat Club Loch Lomond.
Life on the Ocean Waves
Freedom Boat Club is the largest boat club in the world and works on a subscription model. You pay a joining fee and a monthly membership, and in return you get access to a fleet of boats without any of the faff of owning one. No maintenance, no storage, no surprise repair bills. You book your slot, turn up and head out on the water. The Loch Lomond base is run by Mike and Ashlee Lally and it’s an absolute gem for those of us on the west coast.
To drive the boats, you need an RYA Level 2 Powerboat Certificate, but the lovely part is you can do that training with Mike and Ashlee themselves. It’s one of those proper life skills that builds confidence and could genuinely make a difference in an emergency. Members can also book refresher sessions, which feels reassuring rather than intimidating.
The fleet includes sleek bowriders and a Zodiac RIB, all modern, spotless and ready to go. You only pay for the fuel you use, and you can bring friends or family along.
Oh, Island in the Sun
We were invited down for an afternoon on the loch, and my boys thought all their birthdays had come at once. The boathouse is stacked with wetsuits, life vests and every bit of watersports kit imaginable. Within minutes they were being towed behind the boat on an inflatable, shrieking with the kind of joy that only comes from speed and a mild sense of danger!
Once the shrieking died down and everyone was back on board, we headed further out on the loch. Mike cut the engine and we just drifted. The loch was glassy, the hills soft in the evening light, the sun beginning to set. I’ve stood on those shores countless times, but being out in the middle of the water came with a completely different perspective. It was so unbelievably peaceful.
We also stopped off at one of the loch’s islands, its white crescent-shaped beach making it feel like we’d travelled much further than just 40 minutes from home. Mike told us about member events that take place out here -think BBQs, whisky tastings, dinner cruises and even wallaby safaris. Yes, actual wallabies live on one of the islands. We didn’t spot any, but I’m choosing to see that as a reason to go back!
On the drive home the boys began their full sales pitch for membership, offering to give up takeaways, new trainers and top-end football boots to make it happen. I fully expect a PowerPoint presentation any day now outlining the ‘family wellbeing benefits’.
The Tranquility of Water
And they might not be wrong. Ashlee later told me about Blue Mind Theory, a term coined by marine biologist Dr Wallace J. Nichols. The idea is that being in, on or near water nudges us into a semi-meditative state that reduces stress and boosts wellbeing. Studies suggest even short spells near water can lower heart rate and blood pressure while increasing those lovely mood-lifting chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
As someone married to a man who’s recently been told to keep a closer eye on his blood pressure, that really caught my attention. Time on the water suddenly felt like more than just a fun day out. The boys got their adrenaline hit, I got the stillness I crave so much these days and my husband got something that might genuinely be good for his heart.
Happy kids, calmer parents. What could be better than that? I’m not saying a boat club membership is the answer to all of life’s stresses, but as wellness investments go, it is surely right up there.
Why Join?
Members enjoy access to a premium fleet of Sea Ray and Zodiac powerboats, perfect for exploring islands, hidden beaches, cold-water swimming spots and high-energy watersports. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are also available, and membership starts from just £149 per month.
What’s New
Ashlee and Mike have introduced Scotland’s first Waterlodge – a luxury floating event space and working boat that can host up to 30 guests while moored. It includes a rooftop terrace, sauna and shower facilities, with plans for whisky tastings, wellbeing workshops, cold-water swimming experiences and dinner cruises. A brand new 2026 cabin cruiser is also joining the fleet this spring.
Where to Find Them –
Freedom Boat Club Loch Lomond
Bandry Bay, Luss, Alexandria G83 8NU
07897 623 371
fbclomond.co.uk
