A PAD/LOCH COMBINATION

NOTHING perks you up more than a couple of days with friends in gorgeous surroundings.

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Slogging through a long winter, it felt like the right time for a lovely trip with my gal pals to the stunning Cameron House Lodges, near Alexandria at the southern tip of Loch Lomond.

Six of us packed up, left instructions for the other halves on how to keep the children alive, and hot-footed it to the cars.

Having checked in ahead of time, we simply pulled up to our three-bedroom lodge, one of 115 in the grounds overlooking the famous loch. A spacious open-plan lounge, diner and kitchen lead out to a balcony perfect for warmer weather, although too chilly for us to use during our stay. But the floor to ceiling windows ensure you don't miss out on that vista.

The lodge sleeps eight thanks to a pull-down bed in the living area. Two of the sizeable bedrooms are ensuite and the third has a bathroom just across the hall, all with under floor heating.

Despite its size, it was warm and cosy inside.

The kitchen is very well equipped and we made dinner before spending the evening relaxing in the lounge, our favourite music playing though the impressive sound system.