Self Catering choices in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

About Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

​Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is an area of outstanding beauty in Scotland covering 720 square miles (1,865 sq. km.)  Stretching from the west coast to the edge of the central belt the area was designated a national park in 2002 in recognition of its stunning scenery and unspoiled natural habitat.  The park contains one of the UK's largest nature reserves

The terrain varies from mountains reaching up to 3851 feet (1,174 meters), to forests, river valleys and lochs. 

The park is divided into four distinct areas: Cowal to the west and comprising the Cowal Peninsula which stretched down to Campbeltown, Breadalbane to the north which includes the southern shore of Loch Tay,  The Trossachs which includes the famous Loch Katrine and many other lochs and the most popular section Loch Lomond. to the south. 

A map showing the four areas of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park is fully clickable on website: http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/explore-by-map/

Wondering where to base your stay in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park?

The choices of where to stay in such a large park are many – from busy bustling villages to the remoter outposts. 
One thing to consider when choosing a location is to have an idea what walks, activities, shops, restaurants etc. are easily accessed and to hand.  A popular choice is to find somewhere secluded but within easy reach of amenities

Loch Lomond section of the National Park viewed from the south. Appletree Cottage is in the centre of the photograph.

The Loch Lomond section of the park (particularly the southern end) is the most popular. Not just because of the outstanding and varied scenic beauty but also due to this area of the park, offering the greatest variety of activities – both indoor and outdoor for the holidaymaker.  
This list of activities includes: Angling, Boating, Canoeing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Climbing, Cycling, Fishing, Golf , Hiking, Kayaking, Pony Trekking, Tennis, Walking, Water Skiing whilst wet weather cover is within easy reach: Castles (Doune Castle, Stirling Castle and Dumbarton Castle) Indoor swimming pools and spas (Drymen and Balloch) Dumbarton maritime Museum, Balloch Sealife Centre, Stirling Museum, Wallace Monument at Stirling, Glasgow museums (Museum of Transport, Kelvingrove Museum and Huntarian Museum) and four excellent distilleries: Glengoyne, Deanston, Auchentoshan and Lomond Distilleries.

The Loch Lomond section of the park (particularly the southern end) is the most popular. Not just because of the outstanding and varied scenic beauty but also due to this area of the park, offering the greatest variety of activities – both indoor and outdoor for the holidaymaker.  
This list of activities includes: Angling, Boating, Canoeing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Climbing, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Kayaking, Pony Trekking, Tennis, Walking, and Water Skiing

Doune Castle where Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander were filmed makes for a good day out

Wet weather cover is within easy reach: Castles (Doune Castle, Stirling Castle and Dumbarton Castle) Indoor swimming pools and spas (Drymen and Balloch) Dumbarton maritime Museum, Balloch Sealife Centre, Stirling Museum, Wallace Monument at Stirling, Glasgow museums (Museum of Transport, Kelvingrove Museum and Huntarian Museum) and four excellent distilleries: Glengoyne, Deanston, Auchentoshan and Lomond Distilleries.
And if you're not too exhausted after all that there is a great variety of eateries and pubs in which to relax afterwards
Despite the popularity of the southern end of the Loch Lomond  the area does not feel busy or crowded in any way.  There are many secluded spots to be explored and discovered with tranquillity and beauty always close by.
When choosing a holiday destination, it is always good to take into account the closeness of facilities like shops, restaurants and inns.  The ideal place for us when we’re booking our vacation is somewhere peaceful, away from a main road, but within easy reach of these amenities..

Make sure you get a great view

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is full of natural beauty and wonderful wildlife.  Selecting a base with a terrific view is a must as it adds so much to the visitor experience.   Even better is to get a great view with wildlife in it.  A peaceful location will encourage the wildlife to show face.  
After all what is the point of travelling to this magnificent area and not being able to see it at its best out of the window of where you are staying?

Having a good view is essential. This one is from Appletree Cottage

​Self catering accommodation is best in
​Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Renting a self-catering cottage or lodge in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is one of the most popular types of accommodation available to visitors.  Having your own place means that you can relax and have your own space.  No concerns about finding a seat in the hotel lounge or what time breakfast is served.  Somewhere you can be yourself is so much more relaxing.  As well as not having to walk long distances between the bedrooms, bars and restaurants.
Self-catering accommodation can also work out much cheaper than staying in a hotel - especially for groups.
Our own favourite thing about renting self-catering accommodation is having the ability to sample the local produce and cook it for ourselves.  Especially from Farmers Markets - and ideally washed down with a satisfying local beverage!
Fully en-suite self-catering accommodation is the best for groups of people.  Each bedroom having its own bathroom is a big bonus and gives privacy that you might not otherwise get.
A self-catering cottage with a good view is the best – so on the wetter days you can sit in the warmth and still enjoy the beauty of outside – whatever the weather!

​Appletree Self Catering, Loch Lomond has it all!

​Appletree Self Catering Cottage has all of the above benefits and more.

The views are fantastic with the almost all of the south facing wall of the living area being glazed.

Stargazing at night is also excellent as there is not the problem of street light pollution.

Appletree Self Catering Cottage

All the bedrooms rooms are fully en-suite (shower or bath, washbasin and w.c.) and towels and linen are included in the rental price.

A fully equipped kitchen is ideal for cooking and sampling the local produce.  There is a good farmers market on Fridays within ten minute drive.

The tranquil rural location in the south end of the park is within easy access to nearby activities, pubs, restaurants but not near a main road.

An Eco-friendly building (EPC rating B) Appletree Cottage is highly insulated and offers biomass under-floor heating and hot water included in the rental price.

The wood burning stove although not an integral part of the heating system (its usually warm enough without it)  brings an element of cheer on the cooler days and dark nights.  

Deer and pheasants browse the land immediately in front of the cottage.  Wild birds abound with 30 different species being spotted from the cottage itself (see blog "Watch the Birdee" from dated 9/5/17
 
Appletree is open all year round and has received many five star reviews on this website as well as on TripAdvisor, Airbnb, Owners Direct, Facebook and Google

European Peacock Butterfly