Picture perfect with its flower-decked cottages on the charming main street that leads to the edge of the loch, the village of Luss is part of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and is easily explored by foot. There is a large car park, for which there is a small payment during the busy periods, but it is free in winter. Visitors' cars are not allowed through the village street.
Ancient History of Luss Village
Luss was an ancient settlement around 1500 years ago, when Christianity first arrived with Irish missionary, St Kessog. However, it was nothing like the modern village today. The settlement was completely overshadowed by the surrounding hills which gave it the Gaelic name Clachan Dhu, meaning the dark village.
When St Kessog was eventually martyred for his faith, his body was embalmed in sweet herbs. And thus began the legend, that those herbs grew to cover his grave. This led to a new name for the village, from the Gaelic word lus, which means herb, a much more fitting name for such a lovely place.
The Making of 19th Century Luss Village
During the eighteenth century, the chief of the former clan became laird of the village, and overseer of many of the villagers who worked for him. There were several mills such as: corn-mill, sawmill and cotton-mill, and also slate quarries with distinctive blue-grey slate.
By the mid-1800s, the laird decided to get rid of the old, turf-thatched cottages his workers lived in, and he built a new model village with the pretty row of cottages seen today.
Exploring Luss and Surrounding Area
At the foot of the main village street, sits the pier from where visitors can take a sail on the loch. To either side of the pier, there is a sandy beach which is very good for paddling and safe for children. The water is tested regularly to make sure it meets EU Bathing Water standards.
At one side of the car park near the entrance to the village, there is an interesting Visitor Centre which highlights the story of Luss Village, providing fascinating information on the highland clearances, details of the National Park, and legends about the Fairy Folk.
The village Parish Church dates from 1875, but the graveyard has some stones dating from around the 7th century, and there is an 11th century Viking hogback grave. Along from the church, there is a Pilgrimage Centre with a Heritage Room offering information on the history of the village.
Walks around Luss
For visitors who are keen to enjoy the peaceful beauty of this area in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park, there are several walks around the village, of varying lengths and suitability.
- The Lochside Path is a gentle stroll down the village street to the pier on the edge of Loch Lomond. There is a short walk along the lochside with stunning views of loch and hills. It takes about 15 minutes and is suitable for any ability, as well as wheelchairs and prams.
- The Riverside Path lasts about 30 minutes and is a longer, circular path around the banks of Luss Water, and past the meadows of grazing sheep. Again, it is suitable for all abilities.
- The Quarry Path is a more strenuous walk of a round 30 minutes up into the very green hills, which passes one of the old mills and the slate quarry. An element of fitness is necessary for this interesting walk.
- The Luss Heritage Path is for serious walkers, taking about an hour. This is ideal for those with stamina and time to explore the full circuit of village, river paths and the beautiful countryside. Walkers are rewarded by stunning views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills.
For those visitors who prefer an ambling walk in pleasant surroundings, Luss is a lovely day out. There are only a few small tourist shops with the inevitable tartan and shortbread and there are a couple of eating places offering good Scottish food and hospitality. One even provides young kilted waiters. The situation of Luss on the edge of Loch Lomond is idyllic, while the quaint little cottages in a row are almost fairytale in appearance. A visit during spring or summer is ideal to ensure a riot of roses and other fragrant flowers in the gardens and around the doors. Visitors should be aware that local people actually live in the cottages. Luss is also on the route of the cycle path from Balloch to Tarbet.
Rosemary Gemmell - Professional freelance writer of published short stories and articles in the UK, US and online. Author of historical romance and ...
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