IN THE AREA
We are at the gateway to the highlands and islands.
You will enjoy beautiful scenery from the Studio and only a 7 mins drive away you have access to our National Park with all that is has to offer. But your enjoyment doesn't stop there - as so much more to experience beyond this wonderful, local attraction. Most of our guests wish they had stayed for longer. Our Studio is just off the A875 which is the main road from the village to the National Park and Stirling shops and motorway. It is generally a very quiet road, but at 'rush half hour' with villagers heading to and from work, you may hear a handful of cars per minute .... and then back to quiet! Within a few minutes drive we have wonderful cafes and restaurants and friendly villages with shops to meet your daily needs. So no matter whether you like resting in lovely surroundings, touring, hiking, walking in forests or beaches, climbing mountains, sailing, visiting cities or just simply enjoying the scenery at your own pace, this place has everything. I know - I smile when I am heading home! We invite you to enjoy it too. LOCAL SUGGESTIONS
EXPERIENCES |
You will be spoiled with choice as there is so much to see and do.
LOCH LOMOND - of course! East loch is 18 mins drive from us and boasts opportunities to try many activities, experience wonderful scenery, visit loch side beaches, enjoy forest walks and climb hills - including at the end of the road at Rowerdennan the infamous Ben Lomond for a wee walk! The route takes you through the lovely village of Drymen (with Scotland's oldest licensed pub) to Balmaha where you can climb the less ambitious Conic Hill for a view over the Highland Fault Line and then join the West Highland Way alongside the loch and the opportunity to enjoy some food or coffee at the Oak Tree Inn on your journey. At the south point of the loch in Balloch you will find good shopping at Loch Lomond Shores which also has a weekly farmers market. The west side of the loch (30 mins drive) is the busiest side with Cameron House Resort (golf and spa), quaint Luss village and many great stop off points for photo opportunities on the way up north. There are opportunities to take a sea plane trip or to sail on the loch and see it from another view point. This road gives you access to the west of the country. WEST COAST North of the River Clyde Estuary and west of Loch Lomond you can venture out to the west coast and the islands and visit Helensburgh, Inverary, Mull of Kintyre, Oban, and Fort WIlliam and cross to the islands of Mull, Islay and Skye - to mention a few. THE LODGE at ABERFOYLE is in the hills to our right (north) and is only 15 mins drive away and gives you access to a lovely village en route to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park where you will find spectacular views and walks, as well as Go Ape Experience if you fancy flying through the trees on a zipline and following an adventure course in the trees. Or there are the birds and the red squirrels...! Passing through Aberfoyle you can choose to continue on instead of up into the hills, and find Loch Ard and then on to Stronachlacher with spectacular views all the way and boat trips at both ends of the roads. LOCH KATRINE is at the heart of the national park and is directly north of us driving through Aberfoyle and up into the mountains. A 30 minute drive through beautiful landscapes , going over the hills via the Duke's Pass and you will arrive at the scenic Loch Katrine. The loch provides fresh water to the city of Glasgow and was made famous by Sir Walter Scott's poem 'Lady on the Lake'. Here you can sail up the loch on the steam ship 'Sir Walter Scott' and you might want to get off at the end of the loch in Stronachlacher for a coffee. You can walk or cycle (or sail) back along the loch for some more scenic views. If you are feeling more energetic, a hike up Ben A'an will enthrall you with views down onto the loch. Breathtaking. FAMOUS TRAILS West Highland Way lies a couple of miles away and is 96 miles of path following an old railway track from north Glasgow to Fort William and passing along the east side of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond up through Glencoe and eventually passing Ben Nevis. Rob Roy Way is 5 miles from us and provides 92 miles of trail from Drymen in the National Park to the picturesque village of Pitlochry. John Muir Way - a coast to coast route from Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar in the east. WHISKY.... Anybody?? Glengoyne Distillery is amazing and provides a wonderful tour and tasting. only a 10 min drive south of us ... though someone has to drive back! Deanston Distillery is 20 mins north and located in Doune - another beautiful wee village. PORT of MENTEITH Is located beside the Lake of Menteith. (The cartographer made a mistake with the name and it has never been changed to loch!). The Lake of Menteith Hotel has a wonderful restaurant overlooking the lake, where you might spot ospreys. You can also do some fishing or take a boat trip out to the island of Inchmahome for a gentle stroll around the old priory where Mary Queen of Scots once hid. In the village you will find the ever popular Nick Nairn Cook School - a very enjoyable treat, either for restaurant or you can pre-register for a class. DEVIL'S PULPIT, near Killearn Becoming a very popular visitor attraction, this gorge has become famous because of Outlander TV series. It is a very busy place and because of the steep descent, we recommend sensible footwear and clothing. There has been many a tourist stuck at the bottom putting a strain on our local rescue service! Also please park safely and do not endanger others on the road - advise if the very small carpark is busy that you park at the bottom of the village of Killearn and walk to the gorge - an easy 20 mins. STIRLING AREA
CITIES Glasgow with the River Clyde through it, art galleries and museums and shops. Edinburgh for its castle, Holyrood Palace and Houses of Parliament, food and culture. We are 25 mins from the A9 motorway which gives you access to all places north and direct access to Perth, Pitlochry, Aviemore, and Inverness. It keeps on going! |