GENERAL INFORMATION
About Iona & Geoff
Geoff
and Iona have been married for 34 years and have 2 grown up boys
who live away from home.
Iona has served the public all her working life. She was a
dedicated nurse for 20 years before deciding on a career change
as an aerobics instructor running her own studio. Now at
the ripe old age of 21+ she has decided to become a participant
at aerobics whilst concentrating on running one of the best and
most well respected 4-star B&B's on Loch Lomondside.
Geoff joined the
Royal Navy in 1963 as an Artificer Apprentice. He retired
in 1986 as the ‘Chief Tiffy’ of HMS REPULSE, a Polaris
submarine. He now works for BAE Systems (formally YARD) as
a Consultant Design Engineer. When time allows he assists
with the B&B.
Geoff is a HARLEY DAVIDSON owner and is a member of the Harley
Owners Group (HOG) and the Clyde Valley HOG.
About WILLOWDALE
WILLOWDALE is a charming bungalow nestling in the Vale of Leven (Valley of the River Leven) at the foot of the Carman hills. It was bought in 1981 as a derelict property, complete with public cattle droving rights through the property. These were removed from the deeds as Iona and Geoff did not want to be disturbed at night by herds of cows stampeding through the garden. Formally the bungalow belonged to the British Silk Dying Company, a major employer in the area. The other major employer was the Argyle Motor Works, which became the Ministry of Defence Torpedo Factory. It is now an Outlet facility where Iona buys most of her excellent “Stuart Crystal”. The bungalow is situated only 600 metres from the centre of town in a very quiet unspoilt area. Balloch contains all essential amenities. With many commendations and recommendations, WILLOWDALE represents excellent value and luxurious accommodation
Geoff's HARLEY & Iona's TRIKE
Geoff calls
his HARLEY, ''Tribal Wave''. I had better explain that one. Its a
Heritage Classic, and authenticed by HD as 1 of only 200 made
worldwide. As far as HD are aware it is the only one in the UK.
The paint job is stunning (silver & pearl waves over sea
blue)and the accessories include mostly shiny bits as the
Heritage comes complete with most things. The Harley takes pride
of place in the garage but there is room for another three bikes
for guests. Geoff is a member of H.O.G. and the Clyde Valley
Chapter. His bike was purchased from West Coast Harley at http://www.westcoastharley.com who
provide an excellent professional service and also provide a
Harley Davidson rental service.
Iona calls her trike 'The Pod'. Iona has been riding since
February and has done very well. The bike is based on a 650XVS
Yamaha Dragstar professionally converted by BB Customs of
Ferndown in Dorset using mainley Reliant Robin Parts.
AREA FACILITIES
Golf
- Rounds of golf can be
booked on most courses in the area during the week. Weekends are
reserved for members and tournaments only, and
therefore are not available to visitors.
Water Sports
- Canoeing, Small boats are
available for hire at Balmaha. No other boats are for hire, so
bring you own
Eating
- Chinese, Italian, Indian,
Pub Grub (Hotels & Cafes) - All are very good quality at
affordable prices
Walking
- Carman Hills, Ben Lomond
& Trossachs for serious walkers. Balloch Park for leisure
walkers
Horse Riding-Carman Stables-Riding Lessons, 2
hour Hacks, Floodlit Arena, Abrs Approved-http://www.carman-stables.co.uk
Archery-Carman
Stables - Archery by Appointment-http://www.carman-stables.co.uk
Loch Cruises-Available from several different
parts of the Loch
Weddings-Start your Wonderful life together
at Cameron House or
Duck Bay Marina
Fishing-Fishing is available on the Loch.
Daily Fishing permits available Locally
Bike Hire-Available locally by the hour, day
or week
Cycling
- Most Roads in the area are safe for cycling .
There is a cycle path from Balloch to Glasgow as well as off-road
cycling
Go Kartin- Indoor Karting is available near Glasgow (40
minutes by car)
Quad bike-
Available from the outdoor
centre at Cameron House
Science
Centre-A
multi million pound centre dedicated to modern technology &
science (40 minutes by car)
Antartex
Village-A
woollen mill for all your sheepskin, leather and woollen products
as well as Scottish produce.