​Very Local Easy Walks …
 
Walk up Duncryne Hill – about a 10 minute drive and 15 minutes to get up to the top.  Fantastic views across Loch Lomond.  Very satisfying brief walk.
 
Walk along old railway line over good high bridge over the River Endrick
 
When you’re here we can point out other good walks, local and otherwise.

There are also Nature Reserves nearby if that is of interest.

Buchanan Arms Hotel Swimming Pool and Spa - Day membership usually available, 5 mins drive, for wet weather cover.

(Appletree Cottage has Netflix if things get desperate.)

Sealife Centre in Balloch (buy tickets at the tourist office which are almost half the price of tickets on the door.) www.visitsealife.com/loch-lomond/
 
Tree Zone tree top adventure in Balloch (next Lomond Shores ) – about a 20 minute drive 
iye.scot/treezone-loch-lomond/
A short stroll from the Sealife Centre (above) and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer…
 
Maid of the Loch – paddle steamer www.maidoftheloch.org - open for tea and exploration within.
 
Sweeney’s Cruises on Loch Lomond www.sweeneyscruiseco.com
Various cruises commencing from Balloch, Balmaha and Luss
 
Dumbarton Castle
Medieval Castle on top of a rock with fantastic views over the Clyde Estuary  www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/dumbarton-castle-p248621

Lomond Shored Weekend Market
A weekend market at Loch Lomond shores during October  www.whatsonglasgow.co.uk/event/006318-loch-lomond-shores-weekend-market/

Take the short passenger ferry from Balmaha boatyard across to Inchcailloch nature reserve.  No cars or houses on this island but great exploring paths and nice beach at the far end.  Picnic tables by the beach have a metal sheet on which to place your portable barbecue for an alfresco lunch.  www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-see/inchcailloch/
Back at Balmaha, The Oak Tree is great for lunch with a good menu and nice atmosphere and excellent smoked salmon salads – and sometimes their own beers for grown-ups!  www.theoaktreeinn.co.uk/

North of Balmaha there are good beaches on the loch and paths through the woods.
 
 Lake of Menteith – ferry from Port of Menteith to Inchmahome ruined priory on the island.
(open till 31 Oct)  www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/inchmahome-priory/getting-there/ (about 25 mins drive)
Also see photos on our blog page at www.lomondappletree.co.uk

Loch Katrine Cruise – cruise up the loch to the lovely tea room at Stronachlacher and back again.  Alternatively, hire a bike (at ferry point) and cycle back along the very quiet loch-side road  (about 40 mins drive). www.lochkatrine.com

 
Stronachlachar tearoom right on the loch is attractive and good for a light lunch thepiercafe.uk
 
Alternatively a nice lunch for this day can be had at The Byre, Brig o’Turk which is about 10 mins from Loch Katrine Ferry base. www.byreinn.co.uk

Blair Drummond Safari Park (open till 28th October) www.blairdrummond.com
 
Stirling Castle, Stirling – 35 minute drive. www.stirlingcastle.scot
 
National Wallace Monument, Causewayhead, Stirling – about 15 mins drive from the castle
Great views from the top on a nice day! :  www.nationalwallacemonument.com
 
Pony Trekking and Segway Trekking www.castlerednocktrekking.com/prices_and_booking_info.html
(there are some pony trekking places closer to Appletree but the Segway looked interesting.
 
Bannockburn Exhibition
Excellent state of the art 3d holographic imagery is used to tell the story of this epic battle.
Very much aimed at kits as well as grown-ups. battleofbannockburn.com

Glasgow Museum of Transport (free, small charge for parking) 
Award winning fantastic transport museum in Glasgow (about 45 mins drive to museum car park)
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/riverside-museum
 
Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow (free, small charge for parking)
About a 10 minute drive from the Museum of Transport so a good thing to do on the same day
In the art gallery, as well as Dali’s famous Christ of St. John on the Cross there is a good collection of the Glasgow Boys’ works as well as that of the Scottish Colourists.   
In the museum on the ground floor, there is room after room of varied exhibits within this building, initially built for the Glasgow International Exhibition in 1901 (reputedly 180 degrees round the wrong way!) 
The adjacent Kelvingrove is adjacent - with plenty of space to run around and very pretty bits alongside the Kelvin River with Glasgow University tower above)
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum


The Science Centre, Glasgow (not free) is about 15 mins drive from the Transport Museum and 15 mins from Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery. www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/


 
We’ve tried to check that the above suggestions are open during most of October but recommend you make sure before you travel to any activity etc. and that the activities are suitable for your kids.

​Happy Adventuring!

Appletree opened for business at the end of August 2016 and is now just over two years old.

Not all guests leave us a review but all the reviews we have had are almost five star rated.

Appletree Cottage was built in 2015-16 on the site of an old barn (which even though demolished in 2011 is still on google street view(!)

The cottage is an architect designed timber frame highly insulated timber frame building with large areas of south facing glass to capture the sun and the stunning open views.

Appletree from the start was  designed for self catering holidays.
All of the four bedrooms are fully ensuite each with shower or bath, wash hand basin,  WC, heated towel rail and under floor heating.  Luxury!.

With holidays for families and social groups in mind the living space is open plan with a spacious kitchen and breakfast bar at one end, an overhead lit dimmable dining area in the centre and a comfortable roomy lounge area at the other end which has TV (with Netflix) and wood burning stove.  
To make things even more comfortable the black nut wood floor of entire communal space under heated from an energy efficient district biomass boiler system which serves the whole farm and cottage.

A huge sliding door from the living space opens onto the terrace area where alfresco dining can be enjoyed in tranquillity overlooking nine square miles of open countryside up to the famous Whangy rock formation in the distant Kilpatrick Hills.

Energy efficiency and comfort were foremost in the design when Appletree was constructed - hence the highly efficient thermal insulation.  
A district wood powered biomass system heating the underfloor (living space and bathrooms),  radiators (bedrooms) towel rails (bathrooms) and hot water throughout.  
The solar gain from the expansive south facing windows and roof Velux windows play a huge part in keeping the cottage toasty.

In the two years since opening Appletree has played host to guests from all over the world.

It has proved particularly popular with those from North America and the Middle east who vast variety of spectacular scenery that the surrounding National Park has to offer.  

We have also had may visitors from the UK - even some fairly local who just love to get out of the city and relax in peaceful beautiful countryside.

Groups from abroad tend to be those visiting Scotland for the first time, wanting to explore the best parts of country - many of which are within easy reach of Appletree Cottage. (see below)
The cottage is perfect for family and friend get-togethers and this accounts for a large amount of the UK visitors.

Other folk just like to get away for a few days to be closer to nature and peace.

A universal favourite activity is just sitting in the cottage staring out at the view!

The minimum booking of three nights is very popular.  

People who are on two-centre holidays often say they wished that they were staying longer at Appletree.  

Others say it is the best self-catering property they have come across.

Appletree Cottage has so far received the following rewards / ratings:

Visit Scotland (the Scottish Tourist Board)  4 stars
 
Visit Scotland: I Know Loch Lomond certificate

TripAdvisor: Certificate of Excellence

Association of Scottish Self Caterers: Committed to Quality certificate


Reviews by guests of their stay at Appletree Cottage can be seen at the following:

Airbnb:​ www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/14090422?adults=8&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=false&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2023-04-22&check_out=2023-04-27&federated_search_id=a2288b21-474c-4057-85f6-5a0cc50d0e58&source_impression_id=p3_1681994979_RWS65%2B7Q4Qq%2B3Xzz

Home and Away (formerly Owners Direct):   www.vrbo.com/en-gb/p6856269?preferlocale=true&vgdc=HAUK

TripAdvisor: www.tripadvisor.co.uk/VacationRentalReview-g551935-d10808116-Appletree_Cottage_Luxury_Self_Catering_in_Loch_Lomond_Trossachs_National_Park-Drymen_.html

Freetobook:   via widget on the cottage website at www.lomondappletree.co.uk

Google:  Appletree cottage Loch Lomond  or lomondappletree

Appletree Cottage gets its name from the apple orchard close by.  

The owners (Murray and Alli) bought the small farm in 2013 when it was semi derelict.  The buildings were in a terrible state, the barns had no doors and many of the house windows were boarded up, slates were missing everywhere. 

Those windows which were not boarded up had been broken and large sheets of Perspex screwed to the frames to keep out the elements.  At time of purchase the building surveyor reported that although the building had secondary glazing it had unfortunately no primary glazing!  

It took three months to make the house habitable again.

Shortly after moving into the house in March 2014 the owners commenced planting an apple orchard.  Initially 99 trees the count has now reached 230 with an additional 200 planned for next spring.

Last year the trees bore fruit and Shandon Bottled Apple Juice was born! 
This year with an increased yield it is hoped to have improved on last years' production.

Guided tours of the orchard are available on request to guests staying at Appletree Cottage.

There are currently no animals on the farm but the occasional deer and pheasant are often seen wandering past the cottage - particularly in the early mornings.

A regular group of ornithologists have visited Appletree regularly and spotted a wide variety of birds - including a local Osprey.

Appletree Cottage is in a prime position within the world famous. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.  Lying at the southern end of Loch Lomond it is perfect centre for the huge range of activities the park has to offer.  It is also within easy reach of several of the best places to visit and sights to see.

Here are a few good activities and places within easy reach from Appletree:

Sitting in the cottage staring out at the view (a favourite with many)

.4 distilleries offering tours: Glengoyne, Deanston, Lomond, Auchentoshan

Castles etc. Stirling Castle,  Doune Castle,  Dumbarton Castle,  Wallace Monument, Inveraray Castle, Balloch Castle, Boturich Castle

Inchcailloch Nature Reserve island on Loch Lomond with ferry from Balmaha

Inchmurrin Restaurant on an island on Loch Lomond with ferry from Arden

Inchmahome Priory on Inchmahome Island on Lake of Monteith with ferry from Port of Menteith

Loch Lomond Nature Reserve and  Flanders Moss Nature Reserve

Steamer trip up Loch Katrine (with optional cycle ride returning by traffic free shore road)

The Maid of the Loch paddle steamer on Loch Lomond poised to set sail again in 2019

The sea-life Centre and quality shopping at Loch Lomond shores

Sitting in the cottage staring out at the view (still a favourite)

Loch Fyne Fisheries offering fresh seafood on Loch Fyne

Blair Drummond Safari Park

Go-Ape in Aberfoyle and Tree Zone in Balloch offer tree top high wire adventures

Day round trip across Isle of Bute with two ferries and a spectacular drive

Visit to Oban - for pier-side fresh sea food and wonderful scenic drive (or by train on the West Highland Line)

Loch Lomond Sea Plane experience

Dumbarton Maritime Museum

Salmon Leap at pots of  Gartness

Glasgow Museum of Transport (free) 

Kelvingrove Museum Glasgow (free) 

Shopping day out (by train) Glasgow

Woodland Fairy Experience Killearn and Luss

Benmore botanic Gardens near Dunoon

Many beautiful walks of all levels, hill walking, rock climbing, cycling

16 Golf Courses within a 30 minute drive

Boating, canoeing, kayaking, pleasure boating, loch ferries, speed boating

Angling, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, 

Drifting off to sleep whilst sitting staring out at the view (you can't beat it)

Spa, gym and swimming pool close by with daily membership.

Visit local farmers markets at Gartocharn (10mins drive) and Arden (20 minute drive)

Excellent Tea Rooms at Duck Bay Marina (20 mins) Gartocharn (10 mins) Three Sisters of Killearn (15 mins) and fabulous Stronachlacher, Loch Katrine (25 minutes)

Dining out:
The Clachan and Drymen Inn, Drymen
Old Mill Killearn
Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha
Tully and Loch Lomond Inn
Lake of Menteith Hotel  
The Byre, Brig o'Turk 
Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, Luss
Princess Rose Chinese Restaurant, Balloch
Loch Fyne Fisheries, near Inveraray
George Hotel, Inveraray

At the end of the day...
Watching the sunset from the patio at Appletree Cottage

Appletree Luxury Self Catering Cottage opened its doors at the end of August 2016 and is now just two years old. 
To celebrate we've installed two new signs at the gate of the cottage

The other sign is on the gate opposite the cairn - so now visitors will see a sign from which ever direction they approach.

The fairly high iron content in the soil has resulted in apple varieties such as discovery turning out stunningly large red apples.

Prior to us planting apple trees on the farm in 2014 the land was used for mixed dairy and beef farming.  It has taken some time to get the soil into good shape for apple growing.

​Some of the apple trees on the farm have been so heavily laden with large fruits that the branches break under the weight.  We have had to prop up many branches with sticks to prevent further breakage.

We now have in excess of 200 trees in the ground at Shandon Farm and have another 200 waiting to be planted in the new year.

Varieties include a large number of popular and lesser-known Scottish apples including Oslin, James Grieve, Stirling Castle East Lothian Pippin, Lass O'Gowrie, Scotch Dumpling, Clydeside and Bloody Ploughman

The Bloody Ploughman has a tale about it passed down through generations.   It involves a ploughman who stole some apples and taking them home.  The ploughman's wife disgusted at the harsh treatment of the ploughman for his misdemeanour threw the apples onto the compost heap.  From one of the apples grew the Bloody Ploughman tree - with apples which are veined through with red when ripe - a bit like raspberry ripple ice cream - although obviously a bit different!

One of our favourite trees is the Lass O'Gowrie which is not only beautiful and wispy in appearance - not unlike some of the trees in the orchards painted by Vincent Van Gough - but produces very tasty fruit.  it is one of the earliest to ripen and is now due for harvest.

Did you know that if you plant an apple seed from an apple you will not get the same tree as the apple came from - it will be a new variety.  The way to maintain a variety is to take a scion (cutting) from an existing tree and graft it on to root stock of another apple tree.

Scions can also be grafted onto an existing tree - meaning that that tree will have two varieties within it.   We have heard of a chap in the south of England who has grafted 100 varieties onto the one tree!  Great if your short of space and can't make up your mind!

We have grafted scions every year and now have over 200 trees in our nursery on various rootstocks awaiting planting in the new year.

This year we planted another fifty trees from stock which we had grown in our nursery.  For the first year after planting, we pinch off the blossom to help the roots to grow in the soil.  In two or three years they should start to bear fruit - although some varieties take longer than others.

In addition to the apple trees there is much other fruit around the farm.  We planted some blue berry bushes which have given us our first crop.
The hedges around Appletree Cottage and the farm are full of brambles and blackberries, plumped up by our fantastic summer weather.

To create bit of variety and also by way of experimentation we have planted some Medlar trees.  The unusual fruit from this tree we are told tastes best when nearly rotten.  The accuracy of this information we hope to test later in the year.
We have also put in some Damsons and Greengages and are looking forward to their harvest

We'll report back later in the year but in the meantime, guests staying at Appletree Cottage are very welcome to a guided tour of our orchards.  We hope to see you there!