LUXURY SELF CATERING FOR EIGHT, FULLY EN-SUITE, LOCH LOMOND 2021
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Magical mist at Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond

24/1/2021

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Self Catering for eight Loch Lomond
Still waters at Milarrochy Bay
Another misty January day here at Appletree Cottage and Shandon Farm.  So we hop in the car and head up to Milarrochy Bay, just past Balmaha on the east shore of Loch Lomond and about 15 minutes away.  The car park is nearly empty and just a handful of people have come to exercise here..
Family Self catering Loch .Lomond
Is this the most photographed tree on Loch Lomond?
As we arrived the mists were beginning to clear.   Looking to the north the sun was beginning to warm the hills
Loch Lomond luxury self catering
Looking north from Milarrochy Bay Loch Lomond
Milarrochy bay is a hugely popular place for swimmers, sunbathers and paddlers in the summer.  However hardly a soul was to be seen there today.
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Balmaha self catering Loch Lomond
Tom Weir resting on his travels
After a bit of a walk at Milarrochy we headed home stopping off briefly at Balmaha.  The boatyard is currently closed to all visitors but we walked round to the pier past the statue of Tom Wier the famous climber and walker who for many years hosted his travelogue of Scotland on Scottish Television.  Brother of Molly Weir ("Cleans baths without scratching" and star of Rentaghost, he must have covered hundreds of miles in his pursuit of exploring the remoter parts of Scotland.
Balmaha from Appletree Self Catering Loch Lomond
The pontoons and moorings at Balmaha were encased in ice
The moorings and pontoons at Balmaha were frozen over but the ice nearest the shore had been broken - perhaps by the ducks which seemed very keen to greet us!
Self catering near Balmaha Loch Lomond
A duck (male mallard)
Self catering near Balmaha Loch Lomond
Another duck (female mallard)
After our brief stroll down to the passenger pier it was back in the car and return to Appletree Cottage and Shandon Farm.
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Beautiful Sunset at Appletree this evening

20/1/2021

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Appletree Self Catering Loch Lomond
Looking west (of course) from Appletree's patio
A dry but overcast day which gave way to this magnificent sunset.  Rushed indoors to get the camera and just made it in time.
Luxury self catering for eight Loch Lomond
Appletree Self Catering Cottage and the sunset.
Hopefully this means that the weather will be good tomorrow!
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Sun, snow and blue skies - a perfect day

15/1/2021

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We've had a few days of snow here at Appletree Cottage which gives a whole different appearance to the area.  Stunning when the sun is out.  By way of exercise we went for a walk around Strathendrick Golf Course which is one mile away from Appletree Cottage
Luxury self catering accommodation Drymen
Looking down the 6th at Strathendrick Golf Course

Strathendrick Golf Club

This excellent and beautifully maintained nine hole course was created in the early 1900s,  by Willie Fernie.  As well as some challenging holes it has some of the bet views you will find on a golf course anywhere.
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The original distinctive clubhouse is still in position but there was not a should around when we visited on this snowy day apart from a couple of dog walkers in the distance.  
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A herd of deer occupied the fourth hole - taking their opportunities whilst the course was empty. they quickly legged up to the 5th as we approached.
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Sun, snow and blue skies were the order of the day. We appeared to be the first people to cross the bridge over the gorge on the second hole that afternoon.
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The course is open to visitors and charges a modest fee for a day ticket.  Apart from competition days there is usually plenty of space.  It is well worth a visit.
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As we walked back to the car we walked along the bank of the Endrick Water which runs along the western side of the course.  Ice was beginning to form on the water as the temperature dropped.
Luxury self catering for eight people
Appletree Cottage Luxury fully en-suite self catering for eight people.
After an excellent walk it was back to Shandon Farm and Appletree Cottage for a cup of tea.
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A beautiful day to go up the Whangie!

12/1/2021

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On a gorgeous crisp clear sunny January day we take a walk up the famous Whangie.
The Whangie from luxury self catering Loch Lomond
Part of the famous Whangie rock formations
The Whangie is a bizarre and most unusual rock formation at the eastern end of the Kilpatrick hills.   To get to it we drove for ten minutes south from Appletree Cottage and along the A809 until reaching Queen's View car park.  From there a track leads up the side of the hill to the site.
The Whangie luxury self catering for eight
The path from Queen's View car park up to the Whangie
Although the path has been made up and maintained - with good styles, gates and walks over the boggiest bits it is recommended that secure stout footwear is worn.  
The path follows the north flank of the hill and can be icy in winter.  
The walk up to the Whangie takes about 30-40 minutes.
luxury self catering for eight Loch Lomond
View to the north looking up Loch Lomond. Ben Lomond is the highest peak on the right.
The views on the ascent are fantastic.  To the north one can see Loch Lomond with Ben Lomond towering above it on the eastern side whilst the Arrochar Alps in the distance look exciting for further adventure on another day!  
​To the east there are views down the fourth valley with Killearn and Balfron villages nestling in the dip..
Killearn luxury self catering for eight
Looking east down the Fourth Valley with the villages of Killearn and Balfron in the middle distance
And to the south east lie the Campsie hills..
Family self catering Loch Lomond
The western end fo the Campsie Hills with Drumgoyne being the lump centre of frame. At the foot of Drumgoyne is the famous (and excellent) Glengoyne distillery

Arriving at the Whangie

The Whangie arrives quite suddenly and unexpectedly.  It is not like any of the hills or geology which surround it.
Luxury family self catering Loch Lomond
Part of The Whangie
An unusual geological phenomenon the Whangie is the result of what is called "glacial plucking". This is caused when extreme low temperatures froze slabs of the basalt rock to the glacier.  As the glacier moved the rocks stayed attached and were plucked from the hillside, causing a split and lean sheer rock walls rising above either side of the gap.
Family self catering for eight loch lomond
Looking through the fissure in the rock
Family self catering for eight loch lomond
It is possible to walk all the way through the cleft in the hillside
PictureFamily self catering for eight loch lomond
The craggy vertical sides are very popular with climbers
Family self catering for eight loch lomond
Ancient rocks shaped by glaciers and wind
The Whangie is hugely popular with local climbers due to it being easily accessible.  The craggy stable rocks form many faces, gully and chimneys for the climbers to try out, practice and learn their skills.
More about climbing at the Whangie and its various routes can be found here: ​https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/the_whangie-193
Luxury holiday cottage Loch Lomond
Looking north from the Whangie to Loch Lomond and its surrounding hills
After a good look around we climbed to the trig point at the top of the hill and thence to a cairn on the east.   From there the views were panoramic.  As well as Loch Lomond and its surrounding hills to the north, the Forth Valley to the east and the Campsie, we could see south to Glasgow with the distant high rise flats on its outskirts clearly visible in the bright sunshine
Luxury cottage for eight Loch Lomond
Looking down to Glasgow and the south.
We followed the crest of the hill on the journey back to the car.  This we agreed was preferable to the initial climb route as it was in the sun and less icy - although a little boggy here and there.
As the terrain began to tail off down hill we were treated to an excellent view of Glengoyne Distillery at the foot of Drumgoyne hill.
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Glengoyne distillery is the white building on the left, Drumgoyne is the smaller pointy hill centre right.
Glengoyne is one of the few whiskies in Scotland to be made without the use of peat.  The water for its superb distillation is taken from the burn which runs down the hillside.
Appletree Cottage luxury self catering Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park
Looking towards Ben Lomond in the distance. Appletree Cottage is the building to the left of the white farmhouse and red roofed barn in the centre of frame (Shandon Farm)
After a great walk we made our way down to Queen's view car park and drove back to Appletree Cottage at Shandon Farm - with perhaps the prospect of a dram of Glengoyne later!
Luxury Self catering holiday cottage drymen
The cairn looking east along Forth Valley towards Killearn, Balfron and Stirling
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Foggy day and a feathered friend

7/1/2021

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Freezing fog around Appletree Cottage today.  I was out taking photos when I came across this pheasant looking a little surprised to see me.  The cottage has been empty for some time due to covid and he may have become used to having the run of the place with nobody around to disturb him.
Luxury self catering cottage Loch Lomond
Best foot forward
Luxury holiday rental Loch Lomond scotland
Male pheasant by the corner of Appletree Cottage
Luxury self catering for eight Scotland loch lomond
Appletree cottage with pheasant foreground
Luxury self catering for eight Scotland loch lomond
Appletree Cottage on a foggy day

Trees in the fog

The day had a feeling of Sleepy Hollow about it...
Luxury self catering for eight Scotland loch lomond
Solitary tree
Luxury self catering for eight Scotland loch lomond
The road to Croftamie village
Luxury self catering for eight Scotland loch lomond
Oak tree in the paddock
Luxury self catering for eight Scotland loch lomond
Our apple orchard in the mist
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Happy New Year from Appletree Cottage 2021!

1/1/2021

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Stunningly beautiful Weather here in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Self Catering for eight Trossachs
Mighty peak of Ben Lomond
luxury self caters Loch Lomond & Trossachs
Ready for a new adventure
Luxury holiday home Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
The Arrochar Alps looking west
Luxury Self Catering Loch Lomond
Boats patiently awaiting for the return of visitors

We're looking forward to when visitors are allowed to return to this wonderful area...

Self Catering cottage for eight Loch Lomond
Can't wait to have you back
Self catering for eight Loch Lomond
Unspoilt scenery
Self catering holiday cottage Loch Lomond Scotland
Clean fresh air and peacefulness
Vacation rental for eight Loch Lomond scotland uk
Ceaselessly stunning vistas

Haste ye back!

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Autumn Colours in the Trossachs

29/10/2020

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Fantastic waterfall trail at David Marshall Centre

David Marshall centre from Appletree Self Catering Cottage
View from the car park of the David Marshall Centre
David Marshall Lodge is just north of Aberfoyle on the famous Duke's Pass road, about fifteen to twenty minutes from Appletree Cottage.  Once going through the picturesque village of Aberfoyle turn right, just after the Coop and go up the hill, heading north for about a mile.  The David Marshall Centre is on the right.
David Marshall centre from Appletree self catering cottage
Main entrance to the David Marshall centre
The David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre was established in the 1960s as a new brand of outdoor centre.  David Marshall was then the chairman of the Carnegie Trust and funds for the trust built the centre.  There is a restaurant, a sit out picnic area a red squirrel feeding station and numerous walks through the woods.  It is also the location of Go=Ape tree top experience with one of the longest zip wires in the UK - see below...
David Marshall Centre from Appletree luxury Self Catering Cottage
The Sitooterie (or sit out area) at David Marshall Centre
Autumn Colours Trossachs, Appletree Luxury Self Catering Cottage
Looking west from the David Marshall Centre. Above the cliffs in the distance, about a mile or two to the north lie the Aberfoyle Slate Quarries, setting for the "Bridge of Death" scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail film.
The Trossachs has been host to many films - a couple of the more memorable are Monty Python and the Holy Grail and the Kenneth More version of the Thirty Nine Steps as well as the most recent version.  All inspired by fantastic scenery.  As the David Marshall Centre is in an elevated position the views are quite awesome.
David Marshall Outward bound centre from Appletree Luxury Self Catering Cottage
Stunning views looking south can be had from the terrace of the David Marshall Centre
Waterfall from Appletree holiday home for eight
A helpful guide board on the Terrace of the David Marshall Centre shows the various path options available to reach the waterfall
From the terrace a well made path leads down the the valley floor where timber walk ways and bridges take you over the boggy bits and the little picturesque  bubbling burns, 
Waterfall visit from Appletree Self Catering Cottage
Pretty burn runs under the path
Waterfall visit from Appletree Self Catering Holiday Cottage
Well made and maintained walk ways aid your journey through the woods
Throughout the walk there are interesting sculptures here and there.  One of the most interesting was a number of human figures made out of mirror which appeared like ghosts in the woods.
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One of the most imaginative bits - the mirrored figures in the woods. Can you make them out?
Waterfall visit from Appletree Holiday Rental for eight
A bridge over a burn
David Marshall centre from Appletree Holiday Cottage
Great colours are everywhere at this time of year.
Soon and quite suddenly we come upon the waterfall.  High and magnificent with a mass of white foaming water.
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Throughout the walk there have been good bits for kids.  A badger pokes out if its set whilst a couple of roe deer graze in the autumn leaves.  There is also a game of water channeling and many sculptures to amuse the young.
Trossachs exploring from Appletree Luxury Self Catering Cottage
A badger pokes out of its set
Waterfall walk at David Marshall Centre
Deer graze amongst the fallen foliage
Go Ape from Appletree Holiday RentalA person in yellow and black traverses one of the longest zip wires in the UK as part of the Go Ape Tree Top experience.

As we made our way up the hill back to the David Marshall Centre we noticed people flying through the treetops at some speed.  These were visitors to Go Ape - a fantastic tree top experience with high walkways and swings through the upper branches of the mature forest as well as one of the longest and perhaps the most attractive zip wire in the UK. 
Go Ape from Appletree Self Catering Cottage Loch Lomond
The entrance to Go Ape
So at the end of our waterfall walk we jumped back in the car and followed the road to the north end of Dukes Pass where we got this fantastic view down Loch Achray.  
Truly fantastic scenery, all so close to Appletree Cottage!
Loch Achray from Appletree self catering cottage for eight
Autumnal view down Loch Achray
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Apple time at Appletree Cottage

15/10/2020

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Apples Galore!

Apples at Appletree Self Catering cottage
Apples awaiting picking on a misty morning
Its Harvest Time at Shandon Farm and Appletree Cottage.  The trees have begun dropping their fruit so its time to pick.  There are around 350 trees on the farm with 48 varieties of apples including many old Scottish varieties.
Quality apples at Appletree Luxury Self Catering Cottage
Iron in the soil enhances the redness of the Discovery apple
The soil in some parts of the farm has quite a high iron content which can mean that the red apples turn out very red!  The variety shown here is Discovery.
Beauty at Appletree Luxury Holiday Cottage Loch Lomond
Beauty of Moray is a very popular variety when juiced.
Once the apples are picked they are juiced, bottled pasteurised and sold locally.  One favourite is a variety called Beauty of Moray which is shown here.  A green dual purpose apple (cooker and eater) it produces a very clear sharp fruity juice.  Once tasted many people come back for more.
Apples at Appletree Luxury Self Catering Cottage for eight
Red apples awaiting pressing
Each year we do a pressing entirely of red varieties.  This produces quite. a red medium sweet juice.  Another very popular choice.
Apple juice at Appletree luxury holiday cottage Loch Lomond
A selection of bottles awaiting pasteurisation and labelling
The bottles we sell contain pure apple juice and nothing else - no sweetness, preservatives, salt or pepper.  Just pure apple juice.  
Once bottled the juice is pasteurised which means a bottle will keep for over a year.
In addition to the apple juices we produce apple jellies and marmalades - again from our own fruit.
Be sure to ask about our produce when you come to stay at Appletree Cottage.
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Flanders Moss Nature Reserve

10/9/2020

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Day out from Appletree Self catering cottage Loch Lomond
Viewing Platform at Flanders Moss Nature Reserve
About a twenty minute drive from Appletree Cottage along the A811 towards Stirling takes you to Kippen roundabout.  Turn left here and a couple of miles down the B road takes you to the entrance of Flanders Moss Nature Reserve
Day out from Appletree Self Catering Cottage Loch Lomond
The entrance for Flanders Moss Nature Reserve from the main road
After turning off the main road at the sign a single track road takes you down to the free car park.  Here, in this peaceful setting are a couple of picnic tables.  Thoughtfully the tables have a block on which to place a portable barbecue.
Day out from Appletree Self catering lodge Loch Lomond
Picnic table with portable BBQ block
From the car park a path takes you over a small bridge and along a woodland path which winds its way between the birch trees...
Day out from Appletree Holiday Rental Loch Lomond
Bridge leading into the Nature Reserve
After a short walk along the pretty woodland path you emerge at quite a substantial viewing platform.
This is a great place to bring the kids or bring the dog for a walk - no traffic and on the occasions we have visited the Nature Reserve there have only been one or two people.
The reserve was created to protect one of the last sections of landform which used to be typical before the carse of the Forth Valley was drained in the eighteen and nineteen hundreds.  During this period fertile land was much in demand and the farmers drained the bogs and removed the peat to get at the fertile clay below.  This particular section had been dug for peat and some of the diggings are still in evidence.  
The ends of the rows were dammed to prevent the loss of water enabling birds, butterflies and other wildlife to thrive in this peaceful sanctuary.    
The Nature reserve is open throughout the year but the best times to visit are spring and summer when the wild flowers and wildlife are present.  
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We chose to climb to the top of the viewing platform before going any further.  A couple of stories high and timber built the platform is a substantial structure giving fantastic views across the Forth Valley
Day out to Flanders Moss from Appletree Self Catering Cottage Loch Lomond
Looking up inside the viewing platform
From the top of the platform one can see Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, the village of Thornhill and the mountains from Ben Ledi in the north across to Ben Lomond in the west.
Flanders Moss from Appletree Holiday Cottage Loch Lomond
Panoramic view from the tower looking north west. Ben Ledi is prominent in the centre of the image.
The reserve has a long circular path running around it so once back on ground level we began to explore, keeping an eye out for birds, butterflies and bees...
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Part of the circular path around the site
The paths are all decking built above the bog to prevent visitors' feet getting wet..  A great place for kids to run about.
Flanders moss from Appletree Luxury Accommodation Loch Lomond
A giant Curlew sculpture provides an element of surprise
All over the reserve there are information boards to tell you about the flora and fauna dan history of the site.  For more information you can visit this website: www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves/flanders-moss-national-nature-reserve
​
Flanders Moss Nature Reserve is a great place to visit for nature lovers and walkers alike..  We'll be back again.
Day out from Appletree Cottage Loch Lomond
A pond lying beside the path
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Local inhabitant out for a stroll
Day out from Appletree Self Catering Cottage Loch Lomond
Butterfly Exploring
Appletree Self Catering Loch Lomond days out
Lonesome tree
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Appletree Cottage is now Good to Go

22/7/2020

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Appletree Cottage has completed certification for Visit Scotland's "Good to Go" scheme.
The good to go scheme verifies that self catering properties and other businesses are invoicing and adhering to government guidelines during the Covid 19 pandemic thus providing an additional security for guests welfare.
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  • HOME
  • SEE INSIDE
    • Why Appletree is fantastic!
  • STEP OUTSIDE
    • Local shops, pubs & eateries
    • About Shandon Farm
  • THINGS TO DO
    • Highland games dates
  • BOOK HERE!
  • ACCESSIBILITY
  • CONTACT US
  • BLOG & INFO