It's Loching good

Nothing perks you up more and leaves you feeling ready to face all that life has to throw at you than a couple of days with friends in gorgeous surroundings.

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Embedded in a long Scottish winter, it felt like the right time for a short break from the grind to indulge in a spot of luxury.

And the grim weather was made infinitely more bearable by a lovely weekend trip with my gal pals to the stunning Cameron House Lodges, near Alexandria at the southern tip of mighty 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 to start our recuperation weekend away.

It might have been full on winter as we snaked our way out of Glasgow to our West Dunbartonshire base just 25 miles from the city, but we were full of the joys of spring.

And just 45 minutes later we were in a picturesque winter wonderland.

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 while staying toasty.

The lodge sleeps eight people 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 - unlike outside.