I took the Train to Balloch. It was Definitely an Interesting Experience!
Vložit
- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- Hello all and thanks for clicking on this channel once more!
Some of you may know, I've spent quite a bit of time in Scotland recently and this latest video is a quick summary of one of the trips I took from Glasgow up to Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond.
It was certainly a trip to remember, whether that was for the right or wrong reasons, well, I'll leave you to decide on that one!
I would be very interested to know if any of you guys have been on this journey and/or had a similar experience to mine.
By the way, if you haven't subscribed to the channel yet, it would be amazing if you could do that or tell your friends - that would really help me out a lot and is much appreciated. As always, thanks for watching and I'll catch you on another video soon.
Cheers for now!
Mark
If you'd like to buy me a coffee I have a Ko-fi page and shop here: ko-fi.com/lets...
I post regular photos of my trips on Instagram: / markswaintransport
I also comment post too much for my own good on Twitter: / lets_makeatrip
And here's my Facebook Page Link: / letsmakeatripwithms
#letsmakeatrip
Sorry, but some of the comments on here are ridiculous. That line is not a 'no go' area. I've been using this line for years and I've never had any issues. It's no worse than any other route at weekends with youngsters. Your commentary is somewhat a tad judge mental.
First impressions and an honest opinion Stephen, that's all. I travel thousands of (different) miles by train every year and I've never rocked up at a station before to see police vans outside. Just because it's Balloch and you've never had any issues yourself doesn't mean it didn't happen. Rose-tinted comes to mind....
Very accurate video off this line actually
If you'd walked over to Queen Street from Glasgow Central, you wouldn't have needed to change trains. After arriving in Balloch, if you'd turned right and strolled over the bridge, then crossed in front of the perhaps still closed Balloch House pub, there's a pathway that leads down the riverbank of the river Leven and out to the loch. It's absolutely beautiful even in typical Scotts summer weather, and I'll always treasure my time there 5 years ago. It was great to be in my Grandfather's homeland
Hi Em, yes I didn't have a great time there tbh (first impressions and all that) just seemed to be a strange place on that particular evening! I must go back there sometime rather than just dismiss it as others have said, maybe I was just unlucky!
@@LetsMakeaTrip definitly try again and if the pub is open, have a meal there. Doing so rounded off a great early summer Saturday for me after a 2 hour cruise on the loch and a stroll to Balloch Castle along the path I mentioned
@@CreativeEm I might have to go in disguise next time 😂 no definitely think that some of my content, if I’ve had a bad experience (like the coach travel) I should go again despite my reservations, just to see whether it was a ‘one off’ or not.
@@LetsMakeaTrip if I can help persuade you with some of the pix I took during my visit, let me know and I'll get them to you. I'd love to go back, but would expand the visit to the West Highland line and Mallaig
@Em Louise Fairley Post some up on twitter Em or dm me. I'd love to see it in a different light! Oh if you need any info/pics on Mallaig let me know and I wil reciprocate 😊
Paid a visit to balloch last year, never again! And I live in Airdrie at the other end of the line! Too commercial and most expensive ATM in Scotland!! Place is now overrun by teens, out for trouble!! I won't be back!!!!
Couldn’t find the loch it’s fucking massive mate
Haha, I know, just one of those things 😂!
I caught a mid-morning train from Queen Street to Balloch in July 2022. It being fairly quiet, the guard/conductor/train manager had a chat with me as they checked my ticket and railcard. "When you are coming back?", they asked. "About 4pm?" "You should be OK, then". This led to an enlightening conversation about the problems on this line with (largely) young teenage boys who know their actions will have no consequences for them. I experienced some of this behaviour last year on a train just after leaving (of all places) Wemyss Bay. The train was delayed for 15 minutes because they wanted to play with the emergency stop. All credit to the ScotRail staff who have to deal with this on a daily basis and do so with stoicism and dignity.
Hi Chris, thanks for the comment. Yes your experience sounds similar to mine and tbh, I edited out a lot of stuff in this video because I didn’t want it to be a total negative on the line and the areas it serves. Shame really as a lot of people have a good experience of Balloch itself, but mostly as a result of getting there by some other means of transport! Also, in my opinion, the 320’s are a terrible train. All the best, Mark
@@LetsMakeaTrip I thought Balloch was lovely. I particularly enjoyed long broad sweep of grass which a glance at the NLS maps seemed to indicate was a former railyard. The loch was beautiful with rapidly-changing weather. I tried stopping there when driving through last summer but couldn't find any spaces to park. Hence the train trip.
I went on a boat trip from Balloch a few years ago; from what I remember, you don't see much of the loch proper until you're out of the harbour. I didn't go there by train; by the looks of your video, that might have been a good thing.
Hi Simon, yeh it wasn’t quite what I was expecting I think it’s fair to say but I also have some great memories of a boat trip on the loch. Can’t remember where it went from now but we got there in the car. Oh well, not all my trips work out I guess!
I've been to Balloch many times,a bit of a trek on 3 trains from where I live but absolutely worth it every time 👌👍 spectacular views of Ben Lomond from the Lomond Shores🙌
I will go back there sometime Shaun so I can hopefully see another side to it 👍
Don't bully the 320s Mark, that's just mean 😋 Great video! I was expecting it to be a loads of Ballochs 🙈
Haha cheers, you're not seriously telling me you like these units? They even look apologetic when they're pulling into the platform!
@@LetsMakeaTrip I don't have the deep hatred that you seen to harbour 😉
There's plenty of 'angry boats' in my harbour sir!
I stay in Scotland and travel on that line on a regular basis never had any problems so think you may have been a bit unlucky on your trip. There are many nice walks which would have brought you to the loch even if you could not go through the park. So your experience in Scotland was not a happy one and hope if and when you return you will have a great time
Hi Alister, yes I was saying to someone else I have been to the Loch before, just can't remember where from? I'm determined to try again next time i'm in Glasgow or in that area. I put the content out as honestly as i could (I guess not all trips work out all the time) but I think it's only fair to give it another go based on other peoples impressions, experiences and feedback. Watch this space! Mark
Im a ontrain ticket collector with Scotrail and the anti social behavior between Balloch and QST is getting worse. It being proposed to double man these trains in the future.
Cheers mate! This was just my honest impression of the experience. Some of the abuse I got in the comments (from locals I suspect) makes me think what you’re saying doesn’t surprise me at all unfortunately!
Runrig have done a song about a the train to Balloch, on the way to Skye called 'Duisg Mo Ruin' from their very first album in 1978, all in Gaelic. So of course as a Runrig fan I'd love to do that trip!
Used to listen to Runrig quite a lot when I was younger. Good band 😊👍
What a beautiful wee country.Never have experienced a bad time there.
‘Seeking refuge at Premier Inn, Glasgow”…from
Balloch, that’s what I’d call Frying Pan into the Fire my friend! 🙈😂
Lol, yes, I guess you’re right! 😂
American student getting ready to leave Glasgow in a few weeks for home in Chicago. Man I’m gonna miss the trains! At least there are trains in Chicago.
Hi Andy, yeh Chicago has some interesting urban transport doesn’t it? I’d love to ride the L trains one day. I did end up in Chicago once but I’d come off the Lake Shore Limited and was catching the Californian Zephyr. I remember it poured down with rain pretty much all the time I was there 🤣
Many years ago now did a similar trip with the Mrs as part of our wedding anniversary - thankfully no rampaging kids or oddballs (other than us I suppose!); made for a great day out along with a look round the shopping area Loch Lomond shores, and a trip on the loch. It's a far better place than what you experienced - so much so I'd recommend next time you're in the area go back for a day-trip and see it afresh.
Hi John, thanks so much for the comment. Yes what you say is right and on this and a couple of my other videos (i.e. the National Express one and when I went to Lithuania) I didn't have a great time and this was reflected in the content. However, I am always willing to give these places another chance, based on feedback from contributors such as yourself.
I think this is fair and, just going back to the National Express video, I really wasn't impressed with the coach or the journey BUT I am doing another one (this week actually) as I had loads of comments and recommendations for other routes and buses - I guess we'll see how that one goes!
So maybe next time i'm up in Scotland (which is often atm) I'll give it another go and get out on the Loch. That sounds amazing. All the best, Mark
Me and my wife took a trip on the Loch 5 years ago. The weather wasn't the best but we enjoyed the trip. As for the train, well well well....... We had the old cream and claret livery on a class 314. Not overly impressed but it was ok I suppose. I ve been on the 320s/321s/322s in Essex. Again ok but not my favourite train tbh
Hi John, thanks for the comment. Yes I think the Loch itself is quite nice. The class 314, yeh probably not the best but they at least look like they’ve got a bit of character (unlike the 320’s). Essex is somewhere i haven’t really been on the train. I must get down there someday. Cheers 😊👍
I went there in June last year and stayed at the camp sight on loch lomand beach and the next day up further in arrocher they €2 2 days camping
That’s a pretty good price I must say and Loch Lomond beach sounds wonderful.
I take it from some of your comments that there are some places to avoid in my maiden journey to Scotland? Also, you seem to have a rather thorough historical insight into the places you travel. Does your work (career)involve history or investigations of some kind? All in all, another fascinating video. Thank you.
Hi Debra, good to hear from you. No my work doesn’t involve any historical research tbh I guess I’ve just been to a few places over the years and I’ll read up a bit on the internet when I’m putting the content together anyway. To be honest, I rely on quite a bit of interaction with others and I learn loads from the comments on my stuff. That in turn, can sometimes give me ideas for more trips (which is great). Like Balloch, I think the trip put me off the place really and if I’d have arrived by car for example and actually got to the loch, I may have had a better impression. So I wouldn’t necessarily avoid the place, maybe just the train?
Certainly an interesting trip anyway!
Hi AFUK, Yeh, lots of trains atm - not my most memorable journey tbh! Obviously difficult to do much flying atm but I have got a couple of domestic flight videos coming up soon 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip I have just booked a one hour boot cruise around Loch Lomond and it’s only now I’ve noticed it departs from Balloch. I knew I’d heard of the place before ! ✈️
@@richardnei it’ll be fine. I’m sure the boat trip is great and I think it’ll be similar to one I had ages ago which was really lovely, Balloch well, I guess I can only report on my honest experience (hence the title) at the time. I’ve had one or two negative responses in the comments but you can’t please everyone all the time and all are entitled to their opinion. It all counts on the engagement stats as they say 😊 I’ll look forward to the video
Surely one departs from Glasgow Queen street to Balloch not Glasgow Central
Hi Nick! Funnily enough, when I was putting this together I had to double-check where I was because yes I think you can go from Queen Street and I couldn’t remember exactly where I’d started from! But yes, this was definitely Glasgow Central as you can just about see the station name on the wall behind me. All the best, Mark
Yeah Queen Street takes you straight to Balloch, Central takes two train's
The train you got on at Dalmuir will have come from Queen Street. If you're travelling via Central you can either hoof it to Queen Street, or change at Partick or Dalmuir.
I spent the first 6 months of 2019 commuting to Balloch from Bellshill every day, changing at Cambuslang and Partick on the outward journey and Dalmuir and Central on the way back.
As for the 320s, the seats are still better than the 142s. The artwork in the carriage was installed from new back in SPT days when these trains were orange.
To find the Loch, cross the road from the station and follow the trackbed to Balloch pier. Be sure to visit the Maid of the Loch and put a few coins in the donation box!
trains were off too many neds and transport police wont pull their weight based at dalmuir
Balloch Is Really Nice on Sunny Days but it is often full of teenagers drinking that is why there is always a lot of police at the Train Station
Hi Archie, yes I thought that might be the case but I didn’t really want to call it out tbh it was just a bit odd really seeing this when I was expecting to arrive at some place more akin to how it looked in the past. Like I say, it was a totally random spur of the moment thing really and I didn’t do any research before heading out there! I would go back though. I’m trying with any trips I take which don’t really work out to give them another chance just for a bit of balance so watch this space. Thanks for the sub btw, much appreciated 😊
Balloch station is a nightmare full of yobs doesn't look good when tourists visit
Interesting video
I lived in Alexandria as a teen (yes it’s a bit of a dump) and would walk along the river Leven to Balloch and Loch Lomond. I thought it was nice back then.
I would love to visit again. It was 40 years ago since I lived there so I’m sure a lot has changed,
Hi Justagirl, thanks for the comment. I will go back at some point. I think I owe it another visit and maybe explore a little longer. I’m sure if I make it to the Loch it’ll be worth it 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip yes definitely. I used to swim in Loch Lomond and occasionally was allowed to camp out there.
I recently went on a trip to Oban and passed Loch Lomond and it was nicer than I remembered…..
@Justagirl I haven't done the Oban trip yet. I will try and fit it in later in the year with a ferry or two hopefully. 😊
@@LetsMakeaTrip Oban was lovely, I stayed there for a week but travelled by ferry to The Isle of Mull and Iona.
I also went to Glen Coe, Luss, And Fort William. The scenery was incredible.
If you managed to get there I hope you have a great time.
@@justagirl5593 thanks! I will get there at some point 👍😊
Dalmuir is a lot worse than u said it was, u went at the right time of day 🤣 and balloch is horrendous for teenagers that just start shit the best time to go is early morning when it’s nice and quiet and then there is some amazing views ! great video :)
Haha, cheers iMjwr 1888! I was just telling it how I found it tbh not every trip is an ‘amazing’, ‘unbelievable’ experience, sometimes i get the odd dud, but I don’t see any reason not to post-up a video anyway so long as it doesn’t offend anyone unnecessarily, I think that’s fair enough. Got one thumbs down though so not everyone’s cup of tea! That’s life I guess 🤣
@@LetsMakeaTrip spot on !
I for one enjoy the seating next to the bathroom as stinky as it gets it's better than the carnage that occasionally occurs in the central carriage.
Haha, yeh I was a bit scared of that area tbh. Some people that went through that door into the next carriage never came back!
This is my nearest train line...I've commuted it for most of the past 15 or more years and watched as it's gotten worse and worse. I avoid it at all costs. The trains are atrocious and have been on that line for at least 25 years. Balloch is unfortunately a victim of a lot of antisocial behaviour and the locals steer clear of the village throughout the summer months due to idiots who are mostly from other areas causing problems. It's a shame you had a bad experience in Balloch though - there are many stunning and safe walks - you were less than 10 minutes walk from the loch where you were at the end of the video. Best time to visit Balloch is any time other than summer! Best way to see the loch by public transport is the citylink bus from Glasgow Buchanan Street, which can stop near Balloch on request, or even better - Luss.
Hi Sue, thanks for the info - very useful as I do intend to go back sometime and give it another go. I was really hoping for a nice evening trip out at the time but I guess it didn’t work out and well, I just said it as I saw it really. But yes I think it’s only fair to give it another go - especially reading your (and others) comments on here. But I think I will try the bus next time. Those trains are pretty lousy irrespective of where they’re taking you! All the best, Mark
@@LetsMakeaTrip If you need any recommendations on what to do around Loch Lomond, let me know. I used to work at the tourist office at Balloch Train station so I know the area like the back of my hand! 🙂
@@sueKay I will, thanks Sue. I love Scotland, I’m always going up there and all my other videos on the area are totally positive (I promise 😊). Had some fantastic experiences over the years and will be back soon. Cheers 👍😊
If your making a lot of trips by the central belt might I suggest you get a Strathclyde daytriper avaliable @£13 it covers bus tube train and ferry travel and covers places like Carstairs Ayrshire Dunbartonshire EYC
Yes I did that (see my Glasgow Subway vid) as I knew I’d be taking the train down to Ardrossan later. I reckon I could have used it a lot more tbh especially for the buses. Not bad value though.
The police and security where at balloch station due to the football team fans meeting the thing is to keep the normal train passengers safe and to grab the trouble makers off the trains to stop any fights from braking out on the trains or in Glasgow queen street or Edinburgh station
Cheers Matthew. I didn’t see any colours so the football thing wasn’t something that crossed my mind tbh. Thanks for the info, like I’ve said to others, I’ll go back to Balloch one day and have another look round.
The english folk seem to have difficulty pronouncing Scottish words ending in 'ch', as in Balloch. 😂
Hi Camelia. I must admit I’m rubbish at trying to pronounce names of places - you should see some of my welsh videos 😂 you must let me know how to do it properly 😊
We went on that line as far as Clydebank and Yoker, and it was 😬. The 'occasional drug addict' sounds about right 😂
I’m going to go back some day. I think that area near the Clyde is worthy of some further exploration👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip There isn't much there, but there's an interesting museum about some of the shipbuilding past.
Sounds alright that - I like that kind of thing!
Its a very bad line especially at weekends at night So bad years ago drivers used to refuse to go down branch after 7pm even weekdays . The police you saw etc were there because it can be so bad with youths and fighting etc that can be bit of a no go station and branch at night . Recently drivers wanted not to take trains down yet again.
Yep, I can believe it. I very rarely get abusive/threatening comments, but on his particular video I did and I suspect it’s from well, ‘the area’!?
Soften that 'ck' sound in words ending with "och". You're pronouncing them as "BalloCK" and "DalreaoCK" which is incorrect. It should be a very soft sound. Look up any Scottish person saying the word 'loch' - the same sound applies to any Scottish word/placename ending in "och".
Heck, Balloch comes from the Gaelic (GAH-lick) words "Baile" (settlement) and Loch. Baile Loch = Loch Town.
Nothing can beat a 150/2 for legroom - even as a young teenager I found the seats very tight!
Hmm, I'm just editing a trip on a 150 I took down the heart of wales line. It was pretty good to be fair but I did sit at a table seat. There's no way I would have lasted on a 320 for four hours - I would have had to get off at Llandrindod Wells!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Lol, the 150/2 on the old Anglia Railways was configured 3-2, commuter fashion. At least my trip to school was only 22 minutes! Did you ever find out why the police were there?
No. Maybe they’d had a ‘tip-off’ some weirdo was on the train. Fortunate then I managed to slip through the net! 😂
It's a shame that when you visit the Lake District or Snowdonia. The towns and villages are beautiful. Balloch is full of horrible looking council estates, and bad architecture and town planning. Blame the council for not making this place nice. Just like the beautiful loch and it's surroundings.
Hi HKP, yes though I look at the old photo of the station I found when researching the video and think how things have changed and compare that station with the current offering! I guess you’re right, town planners play a big part in all that. I will come back and persevere as far as the Loch next time. Cheers for the comment 😊
Go through the Forrest at night in balloch in summer film that wonder around a little say at 9pm 😂
I’m definitely going to go back at some point and I’m intrigued enough by your comment to maybe even try that. What’s the worst that could happen 😂
@@LetsMakeaTrip Say in July it's like Sherwood Forrest allot of interesting characters as you come out of the train station follow the river Leven you'll come to a Forrest just off of the river that you can cut through that if you follow takes you to Lomond shores. Don't follow the tourist route instead walk through the Forrest. Good content if you film in there then you'll come across allot of interesting characters and random things.
@@johnblanco768 😂 I don’t know now whether to be intrigued or just a little bit scared! What are these ‘random things’ 😂
I love the 320s
The 380 was my favourite when I was up there 👍
At least show balloch don't just get off the train and jump on the next train out off balloch
All u can get a train from Glasgow to balloch without having to change anywhere
Great insight to somewhere rarely visited on CZcams! There's a funny, if not a bit out there, skit on a bus trip to Yoker - look up 'Limmy's Show: Dee Dee: Yoker'...
I will do, cheers mate 😊👍
Why not do 10 min walk to Queen street and get direct train?
Hi Alan, yes it was a spur of the moment thing really. If I’d have planned it that would have been the way I’d have done it. Does always work out I guess but I had a great time in Glasgow overall 👍
Thoroughly enjoyed 💖💖😇😇👍👍😍😍👊👊👊
Unlike myself 😂
BalloCH not BalloCK
A bad trip can make for a great video, as this did! I think we may have enjoyed it more than you. Enjoy all your videos👍
Hey thanks for the comment Josh, I really appreciate your support! I think in hindsight, Loch Lomond is a fantastic place and I myself have spent time on the water in the past but this was a long time ago and I can't remember where it sailed from. It may well have been Balloch, but we definitely didn't get there by train!
It used to be such a peaceful Tranquil place when I lived in Glasgow.... I revisited Balloch last year.... true to your word ...the wildlife was quite a bit worse..... as you leave Balloch Station.... turn right out the station and your at Loch lomond within 2 minutes walk.... yes them class 320s are a disgrace....windows and seats are terrible
You may remember you saying that you wanted to do the Tyne and Wear metro.... iwould recommend you do Central station to Tynemouth and reverse.... one its scenic at the coast... but the North shields to St James is a bit wild at times as the metro goes through poor areas.
If you you do visit... ide be happy to be your guide as we do have lots of castles in the North East and the very scenic area of Durham which can't be left out as it is a peaceful beautiful must see.
Hey Richard, great thanks for the offer! I spent a week at Durham uni a few years back doing geology - brilliant place! Plan with Newcastle was to fly up, do the metro then across to Carlisle on the train. Hoping to re-plan this for later in the year atm, dependant on other stuff happening (or not) but yeh will appreciate the local knowledge. Last time I went to Newcastle I ate a dodgy seafood linguine and ended up with food poisoning!
@@LetsMakeaTrip I can imagine mate... As I'm from around here... I know the safe places and the rotters... believe me.... it doesn't matter where you go nowadays... places are going down hill food wise.... I know that this might sound a bit extreme but I ordered a Mitchelin star restaurant guide of Amazon... Best be safe hey 😀👍
@@richardturnbull6333 yeh, I think you can get an app now that tells you those 5 star food hygiene ratings. There’s a fantastic Cantonese though on the corner of our road, been going there years, apparently it’s only got 2 out of 5 😂😬
@@LetsMakeaTrip yeah.... as the famous chef Rick stein said in a recent program.... you are going to get a good place even if it only has 1 star
I just stay up the road from there at dalreoch
Cheers John, I do hope to go back there one day and properly look for the loch. I don’t think I was far off 👍
Its literally 2 mins from the station
yards up the platform
There's a reason why growing up on the east (decidedly more rural and farmy) side of Loch Lomond (in Stirlingshire)
The 'Vale of Leven' - from Balloch down to Dumbarton - was referred to locally as 'Spam Valley'.
Hi Anthony, I’m glad I didn’t know that when I was doing the trip tbh 😂 I would have got even more hate from some people! I cut a lot of stuff out of this video as I didn’t want it to sound overly-negative - it was just my experience on that particular day. I’ll go back to Balloch one day but I’ll probably drive tbh. All the best, Mark
No it wasn't only mollanbowie estate is referred to as spam valley
If your in Scotland more I would suggest visiting the towns of Largs Irvine and ayr
I haven’t been to any of these places. I’d like to try the Largs ferry if it’s worth it?
@@LetsMakeaTrip Haven't really been on the Largs ferry. But I know Irvine is bustling with a lot of history and shops
@@nx181cc2 adding it to my list of things to do in Scotland. Thanks!
gang fights In Balloch all time that's why high police presence other than thats in wonderful loch lomond
Other than the gang warfare then Dianne you would recommend it? 😂
Mate I live in yoker
Liam, must be great having such amazing scenery nearby. Balloch didn’t really work out for me this time but apart from that I loved Glasgow, didn’t get time to try out the Clyde ferry but I’ll be back at some point. All the best!
Just like many branch lines across the UK that are next to large urban areas, you're going to get quite a bit of anti-social behavior. However, compared to the inner city lines across London then trust me, this line is Thomas the tank engine stuff. No stabbings, murders, shootings, etc.
Can’t say I’m that keen on trying either in the future tbh
I stay near Balloch and its lovely, you should really check out lomond shores if you ever decide to return.
I will return Wispa, one day. I need to find the loch next time! 😊
I'm originally from Alexandria and I know exactly where you were. Ironically you were only a 10 minute walk away (up Pier road) from Loch Lomond, where you would have seen the Sea Life centre, the Maid of The Loch paddle steamer and all the shops and water sports. From there you can see Ben Lomond (mountain) too, and just across the bay Cameron House where they have the big golf tournaments. Balloch itself is a dump, plagued by high drugs abuse, unemployment, and lots of gang violence. You were probably lucky not to get mugged lol
Oh dear, mugging doesn’t sound great! I will go back there at some point though I’m thinking now it may be safer to go with someone! Might take a pair of dark sunglasses too 😎👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip As a 75 year old who lives in Balloch this is total nonsense, I cannot remember the last time I heard of anyone being mugged. It has happened in the past but name me a place where it hasn't?
As far as the train journey goes yes, there are problems at times. These are mostly in summer time with gangs of teenagers coming into our village from Glasgow and around. There's not much we can do about that.
Regarding your failure to find Loch Lomond, there's sign pointing you to it on the street outside the station and 50 yards away from the station entrance is the tourist information centre. You are probably the first sighted person to alight from a train in Balloch and fail to find the Loch.