The best self catering cottage after Lockdown...

Luxury self-catering for eight in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Appletree Cottage, Loch Lomond, Scotland

When things ease up after lockdown Appletree Cottage is the place come and visit.  Set in beautiful rolling countryside at the southern edge of Loch Lomond it is the perfect location for walking, cycling and exploring in clean fresh air.

Appletree Cottage, in the centre of the picture, is on Shandon Farm where we grow apples. The cottage is separated from the farm buildings by ancient barns giving privacy and seclusion in its private garden

The cottage itself has its own private garden and every bedroom has its own private bathroom with shower, w.c. and wash basin making it ideal for post-covid get togethers.
​The one downstairs bedroom is ideal for elderly friends or relatives who find difficulty climbing stairs.   A large open plan downstairs communal living area and patio provide plenty of space.

A closer shot of Appletree Cottage (on the left) as viewed from the south west. The cottage, which has its own entrance from the main road, was sited to provide maximum separation and privacy for the occupants of the cottage and the white farm house building.

To avoid crowds and visiting busy supermarkets, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Asda and Tesco all deliver to the cottage.  For last minute requirements there is a well-stocked mini market within a four minute drive as well as a pharmacy, newsagent and excellent butcher.  These shops operate strict rules of allowing only one or two people in the shop at one time (depending on which shop it is) maintaining the safety of shop staff and customers.

A pretty back road in the area (photographed in early spring) forms part of Sustrans Cycle Route 7. Ben Lomond can be seen in the distance on the left of the picture.

The roads around Appletree Cottage are all quiet single-track roads with occasional passing places.  The road past Appletree and beyond forms part of the national Sustrans Cycle Route 7 which in its entirety runs from Sunderland in the north of England to Inverness in the highlands of Scotland.  As these roads are quiet, they are also popular with cyclists and walkers who are just exploring them for a day out.

The quiet single track road approaching Appletree Cottage and Shandon Farm. The red roof of one of the farm's barns can be seen just above the hedge line.

John Muir, founder of the National Parks in the United States

The road past Appletree Cottage and Shandon Farm does not only form part of the national cycle route 7, it also is part of the route known as the John Muir Way.  This walk and cycle way which runs from Dunbar in the east of Scotland to Helensburgh in the west was created to commemorate John Muir (April 21, 1838-December 24th 1914). Also known as "John of the Mountains" and "The Father of the National Parks" muir was a naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, glaciologist and perhaps most importantly an early advocate for the preservation of wilderness.  

In the United States Muir is credited for being instrumental in the protection and foundation of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.  More can be read about John Muir here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir.   In Scotland the John Muir Trust was formed to protect wilderness and more can be found about the trust here: www.johnmuirtrust.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrKnu7czl6QIVQuztCh0OAQ9jEAAYAiAAEgJI0_D_BwE

Cycling and Walking, Loch Lomond

From Appletree Cottage there are plenty of places to cycle and walk.  One of our favourites is to cycle down to the village of Gartocharn and from there to go along the path through the nature reserve by the shore of the loch.  At the end of this beautiful trail through the woods the views up the loch are spectacular as are the collections of wading birds to be seen.

End of the nature trail by Loch Lomond shore

Cottage Garden enhancement

Whilst Appletree Cottage has been closed to visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic we have taken the opportunity to enhance the garden area by adding a small rockery with a picket fence and gate to protect it from any harsh wind.  We have also planted up rows of willow and refurbished the lawn areas.  We hope that you'll chose to come and visit us when we re-open (hopefully July / August) and are able to enjoy the many advantages and beauty of Appletree Cottage!

Appletree Cottage looking south