Balmaha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balmaha
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 The Main Street in Balmaha |
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 Balmaha
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| Population | 60 (approximately) |
| OS grid reference | NS420909 |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Glasgow |
| Postcode district | G63 |
| Dialling code | 01360 |
| Police | Central Scotland |
| Fire | Central Scotland |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Balmaha (in Gaelic: Baile Mo Thatha) is a small village in Scotland. You can find it right on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. It's part of the Stirling area.
This village is a really popular place for tourists. Many people from Glasgow come here for picnics or day trips. It's also a big stop for walkers on the famous West Highland Way trail. The only main road through Balmaha is the B837. From here, you can take fun boat trips to places like Balloch, Luss, and the nearby Inchcailloch Island.
Balmaha is located at the bottom of a hill called Conic Hill. If you're walking the West Highland Way from Milngavie, Balmaha is about 30 kilometres (20 miles) into your journey.
What's in a Name?
The name Balmaha comes from the Gaelic words Bealach Mo-Cha. This means 'the pass of Saint Mo-Cha'. The 'pass' is a narrow route between hills at the north end of the village. Today, it's called The Pass of Balmaha. This pass carries the road north along Loch Lomond.
The saint mentioned is Kentigerna. She was a very important saint for the local area. People especially honored her on the nearby island of Inchcailloch, which means 'Island of Nuns'. 'Mo-Cha' is a special nickname for her, often used to show love or respect. You can also find a well in the hills above the village named St Maha's Well, which remembers her.
Balmaha's Weather
Balmaha has an oceanic climate. This means it has mild winters and cool summers, with rain throughout the year. It's a common type of climate for places near the ocean. There's a weather station close by that helps track the local weather patterns.
Fun Things to Do and See
Balmaha has some great places for visitors. There used to be a visitor centre for the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, but it's not open anymore. However, you can still find a restaurant and a bed and breakfast called the Oak Tree Inn. There's also a bar and a shop.
Because Balmaha is on the West Highland Way, you'll find many places to stay. It's also home to the St Mocha coffee shop and ice cream parlour, which is perfect for a treat!
The Macfarlane and Son Boatyard is a very old business in Balmaha. It was started over 150 years ago by John Macfarlane and has stayed in his family ever since. This boatyard offers ferry services to Inch Cailloch and other parts of the loch. They even deliver mail to the islands where people live!
Just a bit further along the road from Balmaha, you'll find Milarrochy Bay. It's another lovely spot to visit.
Images for kids
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The harbor and Macfarlane and Son Boatyard on Loch Lomond at Balmaha
