TAKE THE SEAPLANE TO THE LOCH

When the going was good, as Evelyn Waugh wrote in his book of the same name, it was quite possible to hop around the world, a British Passport in hand providing access across all borders. And for the more remote, sea-crossing hops, the preferred mode of transport was the seaplane.

In its heyday, the seaplane ferried the rich and famous around far away places with strange sounding names. The very best option was the Coral Route, island hopping around the South Pacific, setting down in lagoons and putting up well-heeled passengers at luxury hotels.

Not quite so exotic but ultimately just as luxurious is the service that now runs from the depths of Glasgow to the shores of Loch Goil. Laid on for guests travelling to The Lodge, a gem of a guest house on the shores of the loch, the seaplane ‘hop’ from Glasgow takes just 25 minutes but provides an unparalled panorama of Scottish scenery.

Loch Goil is a sea loch deep in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, surrounded by truly spectacular scenery.

The Lodge, on the edge of the loch, dates back to 1864, built for a wealthy industrialist and his family, as seen here. After his time, it was reduced to a dilapidated hunting lodge, but then reborn as this perfectly delightful venue for small house parties.

And arriving by seaplane allows guests to fly in over the loch, seeing the lodge and surrounding scenery in a grand sweep - provided it isn't wrapped in a soft sea mist, of course. A chauffeured car will be laid on from the centre of Glasgow for a 15 minute drive to the plane's berth on the Firth of Clyde.

For those who prefer dry land, there's an option to hire a classic sports car and drive directly to the lodge from Glasgow or to take an overnight sleeper from London to the small Arrochar and Tarbet station, where they will be collected.

With 7 bedrooms as well as a self contained summer house in the grounds, parties of up to 16 may be catered for.

There's a a resident chef to give a true taste of Scotland and all sorts of healthy activities available - or all sorts of whiskies to sample. Go to www.thelodge-scotland.com for more information.

Above, the tree house on the edge of the loch, trees and sky reflected in the water.

CIVILISED LADS GETAWAY

An up-market alternative to the standard sordid lads outing is being offered by the Ice House hotel in Country Mayo, Ireland. Fishing, golf, surfing, horse riding are all on the agenda in what was once the ice house for the local fishermen, now revamped into a stylish boutique hotel.

The 'Boys Getaway' package offers two nights with full Irish breakfast each morning and dinner in the award-winning Pier Restaurant, and includes one of the activities available, as well as full use of the spa with its aroma steam room, laconium and outdoor hot tubs.

There is also a smart bar overlooking the river. Check out www.icehousehotel.ie