walking

You will be surrounded by world class walks from the very easy but rewarding to seriously challenging Munros. 

Across from the house behind the ancient church and rob roy Mcgregor's grave is the walk up to the clan McLaren's old gathering ground called Creag an Tuirc described as the best bang for your buck walk in Scotland by @Scotland’s Stories you can see a video on their socials.

There is a book in the house called Munros which gives specialist advice for tackling local mountains.We are in the heart of the Rob Roy Way and the Clan Circle walking routes.

Walk highlands is a great resource.

 

Cycling and mountain biking 

Cycle route 7 is literally on the doorstep; It’s Bradley Wiggins favourite cycle route in the whole of the UK. There is a lovely quiet back road to Mhor84 where you can stop for a pint or something to eat . 

There are fabulous mountain biking trails all around Aberfoyle (40 mins drive) is a premier, challenging mountain biking destination.This is Danny MacAskill’s stomping ground. Gravelfoyle is a great resource. The house was used as a base for shooting a top class mountain bike commercial. 

Comrie Croft has bike trails and hire for all ages as well as a flower and organic vegetable farm, cafe and farm shop 

 

Wild Swimming, paddle boarding and wellness 

There is great swimming/paddleboarding a short walk from the house in Loch Voil or the river Balvaig. Monachyle Mhor hotel the top of our glen has a sauna beside the loch which you can hire. Glen Etive in Glencoe offers amazing pools with a dive and deep channels, clear water and ancient pink granite boulders it features in Skyfall. The instagram famous pool at the meeting of the three waters is also in Glencoe. The falls of Falloch is at the top of loch Lomond its lovely big pool with a waterfall and is known as Rob Roy’s bathtub. There are fabulous pools with a natural Jacuzzi just before Tyndrum. Loch Lubnaig and Loch Lomond are also great for swimming and paddle boarding. Luss at loch Lomond has a beach and amazing sunrises and is a picture postcard village, Millarochy bay on Loch Lomond offers a beach and sunsets.The terrace or nearby glade by the loch are perfect for yoga or workouts and running is a joy.

Loch Tay has a unique sauna, plunge pool and slide into the loch called hotbox. There are spectacular waterfalls and pools at Acharn at the top of loch Tay with a lovely path, hermits cave and standing stones. Venechar loch side has a restaurant and wild sauna for hire in a beautiful setting.

 

Kayaking and white water rafting

lochs Voil ,Tay and Lubnaig  are lovely places  to Kayak and there is a great local  kayak hire shop called Killin outdoor. Around Aberfeldy is the place for thrill seekers check out splash and beyond adventure there is plenty in the area for non kayakers too. The Highland Chocolatier for fabulous hot chocolate and hand made chocolates, the Taybank Inn ,the salmon leap and theatre at Pitlochry and the house of Bruar known as the harrods of the north there is a lovely walk behind here called the falls of Bruar 

 

Fishing 

There is good fishing on loch Voil the River Balvaig and the Tieth on your doorstep. Baynes fishing shop in Callander will give you local tips.

There is world class fishing available on the river Tay and experts available to hire.

 

Stalking and clay pigeon shooting ,archery and falconry, wildlife  

Contact Auchlyne estate to go stalking in the immediate area. 

Loch Lomond shooting school provides a wide array activities 

Check out hidden glen safaris  run by  lovely, highly amusing and knowledgeable local Alan Sneddon he’s been a guide for Princes Andrew and Harry who were regular visitors to Balquhidder until recently, there are golden eagles and herd of deer in the glen Alan knows where to find them. You can expect stunning scenery, amazing photo opportunities, wildlife and a laugh at Alan’s many brilliant stories. I think its incredible value and he’ll pick you up from the house if you fancy a wee dram. 

Monachyle Mhor offers farm tours .There is also a kinda crazy sounding activity called afternoon tea with naughty sheep which has consistent 5 star reviews nearby. In the field next to the house you will regularly see whole families of deer particularly early in the morning. Canada geese return here every year and we have swallows which nest on the terrace. Its also nice to be surrounded by lambs and sheep.

Fabulous sunsets and sunrises are also commonplace.

 

Golf

In common with most of Scotland you are never far from a good course St Fillans is really lovely. It’s an hours drive to the award winning world class golf course at gleneagles, non golfers can find solace in the 5 star hotel.

 

 

Days out 

Great days out for kids and grown ups under an hour away 

Blairdrummond safari park and next door Briarlands strawberry farm. Crieff hydro, Go ape, Cycling and boat trip at Loch Katrine Loch Lomond boat trips at Tarbet, rent a boat from Balmaha Loch Lomond and visit wallaby island. Crieff hydro has lots of activities from pony riding to quads.Action Adventure Activities for off road and archery and water sports.

 

Nice lesser known towns and villages and places  to visit under and hour away 

Aberfeldy, Comrie, Crieff, Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Killin, Ballahulish, St Conan’s Kirk, Kilchurn castle, Doune castle (Outlander)

Inveraray, Port Appin, Fortingall, Castle stalker (monty python), Kinlochlaich garden centre, Stirling castle, The Wallace monument 

 

Distilleries under and hour away 

Deanston, Glengoyne, Glenturret and Rosebank are  all fabulous and offer tastings and tours 

 

food

Recommended 

@ChefNickRedmond our private chef.

Loch Fyne seafood shack on the pier, samphire seafood restaurant, the George hotel all Inveraray.The Pierhouse hotel  Port Appin, Moss Glencoe, Mhor84 and Monachyle Mhor local, Nicks lake of Mentieth, Venacher loch side the Taybank inn and Aran bakery Dunkeld . Lalique at Glenturret 2 Michelin stars 

Andrew Fairlie gleneagles 2 Michelin stars 

 

Independent shops 

Campbell & sons butcher Callander, Mhor bread Callander, Fish in Creiff , Crieff food company. Wild hearth bakery Comrie, Comrie Croft farm shop, Aran bakery Dunkeld, Stiff Peaks Bakery, Ballahulish