 Scottish National Rhododendron Show at Garelochhead Nipped over to Garelochhead which is about 30 minutes drive from Appletree Cottage to visit the #Scottish National Rhododendron Show at the Gibson Hall in the village  The beautifully restored Gibson Hall hosted this year's Scottish Rhododendron Society Show Inside the beautifully restored Gibson Hall all manner and types of rhododendron flowers were on display having been judged by experts  Stalls outside the Scottish Rhododendron Show Outside the hall in glorious sunshine people were selling plants (mostly rhododendrons!) from makeshift stalls. The event although small appeared to be enormously popular. A really nick trip across to Gareloch in the sunshine.
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Apple Orchard begins to bloom  Beauty of Moray - pink blossom and green apples Its the beginning of May and our apple trees at Shandon Farm and Appletree Cottage are well underway with their blossom. Festoons of pink and white flowers are starting to appear on many trees  Beauty of Moray - one of our most rewarding varieties Di Different varietis of tree flower at different times. Orchardists need to take this into account when considering cross pollination.  Discovery variety has white blossom and red apples Some trees have white flowers (eg Discovery) and others pink (eg. James Grieve and Beauty of Moray) If the flower is successfully pollinated by insects a small bulge appears on the flower stem immediately behind the flower head. This with luck will develop into an apple  James Grieve apple blossom - apples are red and yellow We started planting apple trees at Shandon Farm in 2014 and now have over 360 trees and 46 varieties. Fingers crossed for a fruitful summer!
Glen Fruin to Helensburgh A great easy walk with beautiful panoramic views is not what we were expecting on this day out from our brilliant #luxuryselfcatering #holidaycottage @lomondtrossachs which is Appletree Cottage How to get there From Appletree Cottage we drove to Balloch and then north along the A82 turning left at the roundabout at Arden following signs to Helensburgh. At the second roundabout along this road we turned right and down a single track road into Glen Fruin. At the bottom of the hill, just over a cattle grid, we parked in a small (free) car park and traced our way back over the cattle grid up the hill for a bout a hundred yards to the beginning of our walk marked by a sign reading Helensburgh 3 miles.
The path is well maintained and the gradient is gentle. After a few minutes of easy climbing we looked back and got our first views of Loch Lomond.  Loch lomond in the distance About a mile further on as we reached the crest of the ridge the #riverclyde came into view. At that point we could see Loch Lomond to the north and the Clyde to the south, stretching up to Glasgow in the distance. Helensburgh hugged the bottom of the hill on the shore of the Clyde  Looking south the the town of Helensburgh on the shore of the Clyde. Greenock and Gourock are on the far shore and Glasgow is further up the river to the left
The path took us through some very pretty woodland until we arrived at a car park just above Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s world famous Hill House.  Pretty birch wood above Helensburgh #Hillhouse is currently undergoing renovation and repair. In order to carry out this work the contractors are building a huge steel cage around the house. This will eventually have glass or clear Perspex to allow maximum light whilst roof repairs and dry rot removal are undertaken.  Building the protective cage around Hill House  A Rennie Mackintosh's masterpiece: Hill House From Hill House it is about a twenty minute stroll down the hill into Helensburgh. We decided however to retrace our steps back to the car once again enjoying the stunning views on our return journey.  The long ahd winding path back to the car Luxury Self Catering Cottage Loch Lomond in prime position for Flying Scotsman Rally
Vintage rally car passes Appletree Cottage entrance
Today, Sunday 7th April 2019, the 11th Flying Scotsman Vintage Car Rally passed Appletree Cottage. A procession of 104 beautifully manicured motors, spaced approximately two minutes apart, kept us entertained for over an hour.
The Rally started in Windermere on Friday and made its way to Slaley, then Donald Trump's Turnberry Hotel finishing at Gleneagles Hotel. Contestants stay in luxury accommodation in all three of these locations, revitalising their driving and map-reading skills for the following day 
Cars were spaced at about 2 or 3 minutes apart
Despite their age the cars passed us at a fair speed making it difficult to photograph them with out motion blurr. The drivers then made much use of their brakes at the junction just beyond us to make their left hand turn.
The quiet single track road past Appletree Cottage was no doubt selected as part of the route because of its stunning views and scarcity of traffic. For drivers it would not be too difficult to imagine that they were traveling in an earlier age. 
The speed of some cars led to motion blur on our photos
More information about the Flying Scotsman Vintage Car Rally and a list of the entrants can be found here https://www.endurorally.com/events/the-11th-flying-scotsman-2019/ along with details of the much more ambitious Peking to Paris Vintage Car Rally! Appletree Luxury Self-Catering Loch Lomond - a nice half day excursion
Looking east across the north end of Loch Lomond
7At the village of Tarbet the road splits. Straight ahead is the A81 to Arrochar and Invararay. We stayed on the A82 by turning right towards Ardlui and Crianlarich.
Although still double track this road has quite a lot of bends in it until we reached Inveruglas Visitor Center and its large car park on the right hand side of the road. Immediately before arriving at this point its worth a look out on the left hand side of the road for the four giant pipes carrying the water from Loch Sloy on the other side of the hill (Ben Vorlich) to the turbine power station beside the main road. (For a great walk to Loch Sloy from Arrochar see our previous blog with pictures from August 2017 
Looking south down Loch Lomond from Inveruglas Visitor Centre
Further along the road we came to Ardlui, the last village before the head of the loch. It has a railway station, a hotel and a marina as well as a handful of houses. About thee miles after Ardlui we passed the Drovers’ Inn at Inverarnan. Well worth a look inside this ancient hostelry is just what it says on the tin – it was a rest for the drovers who were taking their cattle and sheep to the markets in the south to be sold. The walk up Ben Glas beside the waterfall is also worth a visit – but that was for an other day. After the Drovers Inn we began to look out for signs to the Falls of Falloch on the right hand side of the road.
Soon the path arrives at the edge of a huge almost circular pool with a high waterfall flowing into it. The deep peaty pool is about 21 meters (70 feet) across. This is what is known locally as Rob Roy’s bath tub. Whether Rob Roy actually bathed in this pool or not is unknown. It is however the most idyllic spot and popular with walkers and visitors in the summer when swimmers brave the cool waters.
View of Falloch Falls / Rob Roy's Bath Tub looking north
Paths on either side of the pool lead to plunge points where wild swimmers can jump off the top of a cliff into the water. It must be noted however that there are strong currents in the pool – especially around the waterfall and the point at which the water leaves the pool to follow the River Falloch. More information about swimming in Rob Roy’s Bath tub along with information and warnings of certain aspects of the site can be found here: https://wildswim.com/falls-of-falloch-rob-roys-bath tub
Who was Rob Roy?
To those not already in the know, Rob Roy MacGregor (1671-1734) was a Scottish outlaw and cattleman who later became a folk hero. He took part in the eventually unsuccessful Jacobite rising of 1689 to support King James II of Scotland who had fleed to France.
More about Rob Roy can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Roy_MacGregor 
The deep cool waters of Rob Roy's Bath Tub. Jumping in by the waterfall is to be avoided as the water is shallow round there.
 Viewing Platfor at Falloch Falls
For those on foot, not wishing to divest and take the plunge, a steel viewing platform has been built out over one side of the pool to enable visitors to see the site safely.
Looking down at other pools in the River Falloch
After some time at the bath tub we followed the River Falloch for a bit looking at the other smaller pools until we returned to the car park and were heading back down the road enjoying the views of Loch Lomond.
Looking south down Loch Lomond from near Inverarnan
Nearly back home, we decided to have a quick refreshment at the excellent Clachan Inn in Drymen (https://www.clachaninndrymen.co.uk) which is only five minutes from Appletree Cottage. This ancient inn, the oldest licenced establishment in Scotland, was once managed by Rob Roy’s sister. However, as far as we know, there is no surviving account as to where her bath tub was located.
A beautiful time to visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
During the winter months many of our guests at Appletree Cottage are from the UK - particularly Scotland as they know just how fantastic the days can be here in winter and what lovely walking there is to be had in unspoilt countryside.  Looking north towards Loch Lomond on a beautiful hazy day from the TV mast. The bump under the left hand branch is Duncryne Hill aka The Dumpling and the subject of the last blog. Appletree Cottage can just be glimpsed through the branches of the nearest tree. One of our favourite walks is up to the hill with the TV mast on it. From here you can get fantastic views of Loch Lomond and also of the Campsie Hills. It's a really good time of year to do this walk for two reasons: Firstly it is easier to park in the lay-by at Finnich Toll (about 5 minutes drive from Appletree Cottage) as there are fewer people parking up in winter to explore Finnich Glen (The Devil's Pulpit). Secondly, the cattle have all been taken indoors for the winter so there is much less danger of suddenly coming across a hears of cows demanding to know what you're doing in their field.
As we walk along we notice that the snowdrops are out in full flower (it is the 15th Feb 2019) and the whin (gorse) is starting to bloom, brought on by the recent mild weather. After about ten minutes we come to a gate on our right. We go through, remembering to bolt it again behind us - although the cattle are indoors there may well be sheep about - and make our way up the track towards the TV mast in the distance.  Gate leading to the track up to the TV mast It is an easy walk up to the mast along the sometimes grassy, sometimes muddy track. There is one other gate to open (and close) on the way. Once at the top we stop to admire the view. It is a bright but hazy day and although we can easily see Loch Lomond below us with the naked eye, it is not so distinct in the photograph (at the top of this blog) Looking to the east we can again see the Campsie Hills - though all the more clearly.  This wide angle shot looking south east shows the TV mast on the left, the Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar on the right and the Campsie Hills in the distance. In the wood, ahead, ancient ditches survive from what was once the site of a hill fort then a church. The walk to the mast has been across part of Cameron Muir - a wild and lonely place with few visitors. Romantic desolation to some, a nature spotters paradise to others with deer, pheasant, osprey and other birds of prey seeking their dinner. In the distance we can see a notch in the hill where the famous Whangy rock formation nestles under the cliffs. This unusual site is hugely popular with climbers practicing their sport within easy reach of Glasgow.  Panoramic view of Cameron Muir looking south Having taken in all the views which were to be viewed we started to make our way back down the track to the road. On a clear day we would usually be able to see the tower blocks of Glasgow peeking out from the gap between the hills.  Heading back down the track to the road. On a clear day the tower blocks of Glasgow can be glimpsed through the gap in the hills. Two ancient gate posts appear to have survived, now well beyond their useful life! Descent to the River Carnack Once back on the road, walking towards Finnich Toll again we notice that the fence between the field to our right hand side (south) and the road has been removed, presumably for replacement. As the cattle which usually inhabit this field were away in their winter quarters we took the opportunity to explore. Walking due south we came to a precipitous drop down to the Carnack burn. Following a trail, presumably made by the aforementioned cattle, we descended a long steep bank until we were down by the crystal clear fast flowing water.  At the southern edge of the field the steep drop down to the river bank is guarded by a row of contorted ancient oaks. Usually the preserve of cattle we were descending into a rarely visited secret world Arriving by the river bank as the steep sides of the gorge levelled off to level ground we felt as though we were entering a secret world. Usually the preserve of cattle and visited by very few people. Many trees had fallen across or into the water The sun peeped through the trees shining on clumps of snowdrops and a host of bluebells yet to bloom.  Looking west up the Carnack Burn. At this point the banks on either side of the water are level and good for exploring  Some fallen trees span the Carnack from shore to shore providing possible but highly risky crossing points A little further west from where we took these photos the Carnack passes under the A809 Drymen to Glasgow road and then enters Finnich Glen better known to some as Devil's Pulpit. This sheer sided gorge has been used as a dramatic location in films such as The Eagle and the Outlander TV series and has been very popular with younger visitors. More of that in a future blog. As the sun began to set and the light started to fade we made our way back to the top again and walked back to the car feeling that we had discovered a magical spot we hadn't even known was there. Another excellent afternoon out!  Another twisted oak on the edge of the field Winter wonders on the doorstep of Appletree Last weekend (2 Feb 19) after a light fall of snow the skies cleared to a clear blue and a warm sun shone brightly. So took our cameras (er. phones) and went out to take some petty pictures. .Our first stop was about ten minutes away at Duncryne Hill. Known locally as The Dumpling and about five minutes drive from Appletree Cottage this drumlin is just south of the village of Gartocharn. The short ascent (10-15 minutes) from the small lay-by on the road road provides one of the best views of Loch lomond  Looking north up Loch Lomond from Duncryne hill. This photo doesn't really do it justice! - From the small lay-by (free parking) above the village of Gartocharn a gate opens onto the footpath which threads through a pretty beech wood and upwards to the top of the hill. The ascent takes ten to fifteen minuites and is one of the best "hits" for time spent climbing versus fantastic views we've ever come across in this area. And not just for the stunning views up Loch Lomond. Looking to the west one can see the Luss Hills and the ridge above the Vale of Leven.. Laid out to the east and clearly defined is the Forth Valley and the magnificent range of Campsie Hills which separate the Fourth Valley from Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Glasgow and the south. The furtherst right hill of the Campsie range is known as Drumgoyne. Slightly shorter and more pointed than the rest of the range. At the foot of Drumgoyne is the internationally famous and excellent (one of our favourites) Glengoyne Distillery which is well worth a visit for its tours (and only 15 minutes drive from Appletree Cottage) More information can be found here: https://www.glengoyne.com/  Lookng east from Drumcryne Hill - another photo which does not do the view justice. The Campsies hill range can be clearly seen in the distance After descending Duncryne Hill (a little bit quicker than we climbed it!) we got back to the car and took a short drive via Gartocharn Village, (turning left onto the main road). Taking the first right after the village shop we passed the primary school and followed the road down towards Ross Priory - the country centre/club of the University of Strathclyde - but open to the public. It boasts a golf course, bar, restaurant, magnificent gardens and is hugely popular as a wedding venue. Down on the shore by the Priory we are able to get an alternative but siill beautiful view looking up the loch.  Ross Priory slipway looking north up Loch Lomond with Ben Lomond on the right From the shore at Ross Priory we could see the village and anchorage of Balmaha on the east coast of Loch Lomond and so decided to visit there for a drink, if not something to eat (they do a very nice smoked salmon salad) . So we got back in the car and headed back onto the main road, turning left and heading west. Just before reaching Drymen we crossed over the road bridge over the river Endrick and decided to stop to take some more photos. In ancient days, before the bridge a ferry used to ply its trade across the Endrick Water as it is properly known. Now the magnificent stone bridge ferries traffic on the the newly appointed trunk road between Balloch and Stirling. Despite the route now being fairly busy with cars and lorries, only a few meters away from the main road one quickly back is back into rural bliss!  Looking upstream along the Endrick Water to the imposing Drymen Bridge. The red roof of Stathendrick Golf Club Clubhouse can just be glimpsed through the highest arch. There is a huge open expanse of flat ground to the west of Drymen Bridge which as well as being a popular launching pad for microlite pilots is the venue of Drymen Show. The show, which is one of the longest running in Scotland takes place on the last Saturday of May. Featuring many of the usual agricultural competitions the show offers many exhibits and entertainments on the side including a fairground. Generally a very good day out in beautiful surroundings. More information about the Drymen Show can be found here: http://www.drymenshow.com In the past the grounds were also popular for the curling pond.. Unfortunately the days of outdoor curling are not what they were and the curling pond, though still extant has been somewhat neglected over recent years.  The old Drymen Curling Pond looking south into a low wintery sun  Drymen Curling Pond looking east towards Drymen Bridge with the Campsies in the distance After exploring the curling pond we were back in the car and driving through Drymen and up the east side of Loch Lomond towards Balmaha. Balmaha has grown considerably over recent years, mainly due to the popularity of the Oak Tree Inn and the many holiday chalets which have been erected by the owners. It is a pretty place to visit and the boatyard is always interesting to stroll through. What was different on this day was that the recent cold snap had frozen the water of the loch in the bay and marina. The boats in the water were locked solid whilst ducks skidded around on the ice. The ice made a heaving and cracking noise as occasional water surges lapped at the sides of the frozen mass.  Boats locked into the ice at Balmaha marina  Looking back towards the shore at Balmaha and some of the new chalets
 Ater a quick drink in the very busy and popular Oak Tree pub at Balmaha it was time to head back to Appletree Cottage.
All of the places we visited on this day were no more than fifteen minutes drive from Appletree Cottage.. There are many more to discover. Self-catering at its best! First Snow We've had our first flurries of January snow here at Appletree Cottage, Loch Lomond....  Appletree Cottage bathed in sunshine, frost and a light dusting of snow Beautiful crisp days. The red roof of our barn shines bright in the sunshine  Looking south to the midday sun peering through the mist A short walk down our quiet single track road gives another discovery at every corner...  Magical tree - a short stroll from Appletree Cottage sThe mists lift at Appletree Cottage and the trees sparkle in the sunshine
...A short drive away, in stunning rural countryside the mists drift off the distant hills  Mist and fog tickle the foothills of the Campsies in unspoilt countryside Despite the rural appearance of these photos, civilization is close by! Great eateries and pubs are 5 minutes from Appletree Cottage, Glasgow 35 minutes and Stirling 30 minutes drive. Quality shopping on the shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Lomond itself only 15 minutes.  This photo was actually taken in Febuary 2018 when the "Beast from The East" made itself known. We've included it because it shows what an excellent view can be had from the warmth of the underfloor heated lounge area For those of unfamiliar with, Appletree, the cottage or lodge is a recently purpose built high quality self catering holiday home at the south end of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
The cottage sleeps eight people in four bedrooms - choice of twins or doubles. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom with walk-in shower (or shower and bath) wash basin and WC. Underfloor heating keeps the wonderful open plan Lounge / Dining room / Kitchen toasty whilst wonderful views never fail to enthrall whatever the weather. The log fire and free Netflix add interest to the winter evenings. It is suitable for families or groups who have a member with restricted mobility (see our website) Appletree Cottage is on a quiet road, away from traffic noise, but close to shops, pub, eateries etc. as well as handy for Glasgow and Stirling. Come and give us a try - you won't be disappointed! Its a beautiful sunny day at Appletree Cottage and we decide to go for a drive It takes us about fifteen minutes to drive to Aberfoyle. From Aberfoyle we continue straight ahead along the main street (signposted Inversnaid and Stronachlachar) A very pretty road takes us along the shores of Loch Ard where the water is still as glass. Loch Ard is the source of the river Forth which at this stage is just a medium sized burn. After passing the tiny village if Kinlochard the road enters a pretty birchwood forest and soon we see Loch Chon through the trees with menacing slopes towering above it on the far side. Passing places allow vehicles to pass on the narrow track. Eventually the road straightens out and we leave the forest. To our left is Loch Arklet and we can see right down it to the gap in the hills in the distance where the road descends to Inversnaid on the remote eastern shore of Loch Lomond. Soon we come to a T junction and the first house we've seen for a while. We take the right hand turn and descend for about two miles to the hamlet of Stronachlachar.
 Loch Katrine is the setting for "The Lady of the Lake' written by Sir Walter Scott and hugely popular in 1810. Fittingly the two pleasure boats which ferry passengers around the loch are called "The Sir Walter Scott" and "The Lady of the Lake" However, there are no boats out today. The water is beautiful, still and eerie and a mist shrouds the hills and adds to a sense of mystery. The pier lies empty awaiting the visitors in warmer months.  The cafe is closing and although we hadn't been the only customers we were now the only ones left. So we thanked them and started to make our way home. Back at the T junction (the one with the house) we decided to take a quick detour down to Inversnaid. After following the shore of Loch Arklet we passed a small castelated dam at the head of the loch and then commenced our descent towards Inversnaid. It was beginning to get dark when we reached Inversnaid Hotel - a huge building on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. Only accessible by foot, boat or the road on which we had come the hotel is popular with walkers on the West Highland Way which crosses its doorstep. Across the loch we can see the lights of Tarbet village nestling in a gap between the hills.  As light was fast disappearing we decided to make our way home. On the way we again passed Loch Ard, bathed in the fading evening gloaming....
The tree is decorated and lit up for Appletree Cottage's third festive season!
 Enjoy the luxury of heat on the soles of your feet from the underfloor heating through the blacknut wooden floor. Netflix is available on the large TV at no additional charge.
 Dark night skies at Appletree Cottage Enjoy the quiet dark skies around Appletree Cottage at night, free from light pollution from street lamps. Listen for the owls hooting or watch the deer forrage in the garden in the morning.
 Sunset at Appletree Cottage  Let it snow! |
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