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Autumn and winter on the west coast of Scotland aren’t for the faint-hearted; the shorter days and colder nights call for a coorie-in somewhere warm, preferably with snacks. But there are days when you need a coorie-away-from-home; when a day trip calls even if it means digging out the thermals, the waterproofs and planning your entire outing around the pub at the end. Join us, then, on a visit not to a new or undiscovered gem but to an old favourite; a place 28 years old in recent weeks, and a beloved stop-off for many Glaswegians taking in the bonnie, bonnie banks. While Luss draws tourists in their droves to the western shores of Loch Lomond, Balmaha on the east coast is just as beautiful. Granted, there isn’t quite as much to do unless you’re scaling Conic Hill in hiking boots - but, for those of us who would rather take shelter and fuel up for winter, that’s where the Oak Tree comes in. Glasgow comedian Darren Connell, of Scots Squad, recently posted: “Is heaven Balmaha on a Sunday? #bliss” - and after a revisit, we can’t help but agree. Where is it and what’s it like? Just along the road from Drymen, you’ll find Balmaha and, well, a giant car park. It’s a setting-off point for keen hikers and minutes from one of my favourite places on earth, Milarrochy Bay, although that’s really more of a summer destination (and fills up fast on all three days of sunny weather each year). But venture beyond the pay-and-display and you’ll find a gorgeous little marina, beloved local statue of climber Tom Weir, a decent and slightly hidden away playground and the Oak Tree Inn; a waterfront bar and restaurant with rooms that positively screams ‘come in and warm up’. The building may only date back to 1997 but its roaring fire and low wooden beams adorned with twisting branches give it an old country pub feel, and if you grab a table in the conservatory then you’ll have uninterrupted views of boats chugging by on the loch. What did you have? Let’s get down to business, because there’s one thing you have to order if you visit this place. Cullen skink is an underrated national treasure at the best of times, but I have to say that I’ve yet to find a better version locally than on the Balmaha shore. Their thick, creamy soup with smoked haddock and potato comes with one bread roll or two and it’s stick-to-yer-ribs stuff that’s perfect for the colder months. But I could be tempted to order it in mid-July, 25 degrees out and post-paddle; it’s that good. My other half had the fish and chips and raved about how good the batter was; crispy, fresh and cooked to order, exactly what you want from a hearty Scottish menu. We had a side of loaded chips with haggis and peppercorn sauce - when in tourist country - and, sadly, it was one bum note in an otherwise lovely meal. Soft, crumbly haggis? Check. Melted cheese and a punchy and thick, peppery gravy? All there. But the chips weren’t great and, we suspected, had seen the inside of the freezer. Our toddler had a doodle on the kids menu and then opted for some beans, because he lives on thin air - but for kids who do like to eat now and again, there’s a decent two-course option with all the usual favourites. What else is there? The traditional haggis, neeps and tatties option looms large on the menu, obviously, or you can go rogue and throw some haggis on a baked potato with beans (not mad at that idea). There are pizzas, burgers and some very tempting pies, including a Cullen skink version; maybe next time! The menu won’t provide many surprises, but it will warm your cockles and have you mentally planning your next batch of soup at home; it’s a big Scottish hug in pub grub form. Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox The verdict On those days when you just want to jump in the car and get out of the city, the Oak Tree is an ideal destination for a day trip. The kids are well catered for, the views are stunning and the soup is worth the trip alone - if they can sort the chips out then it’s full marks from me. The Oak Tree InnBalmahaLoch LomondG63 0JQ01360 870357theoaktreeinn.co.uk Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community hereand get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
