THINGS TO DO IN LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK
On the "Blog&Info" tab of this website you can find more about great days out, excursions etc. we have made, with photographs and details of where to go, how to get there etc.
Appletree cottage is situated by a quiet single-track road which forms part of the JOHN MUIR WAY (Helensburgh to Dunbar) and also SUSTRANS CYCLE ROUTE 7 (from Sunderland to Inverness)
Choice of pubs and good food in nearby Drymen village as well as an excellent butcher, Spar mini market, Pharmacist and cycle hire.
Appletree cottage is situated by a quiet single-track road which forms part of the JOHN MUIR WAY (Helensburgh to Dunbar) and also SUSTRANS CYCLE ROUTE 7 (from Sunderland to Inverness)
Choice of pubs and good food in nearby Drymen village as well as an excellent butcher, Spar mini market, Pharmacist and cycle hire.
Appletree Cottage and Shandon Farm with Loch Lomond taken form TV mast nr. Stockiemuir
Great things to do at Appletree Cottage
On the "Blog & Info" tab of this website you can find more about great days out, excursions etc. we have made, with photographs and details of where to go, how to get there etc.
OUTDOORS
Aerial Adventures in trees
These tree-top adventures comprise of ladders, swings, rope bridges and zip wires all up in the tree tops.
Great fun and satisfying to complete.
One is Treezone at Loch Lomond Shores (about a 20 minute drive) https://iye.scot/treezone-loch-lomond/
The other, larger enterprise is Go Ape - which has two of the longest zip wires in the UK - is just north of Aberfoyle (about 30 mins drive from Appletree) https://goape.co.uk/days-out/scotland/aberfoyle
Angling– available at various sites. This is a useful link; http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/angling/
Also see John Bell at https://www.thelomondangler.co.uk
Boating –
Speedboat hire Closest is at Portnellen (follow signs to Ross Priory from Gartocharn) about a 10 minute drive: portnellanfarm.co.uk/speedboat-tours/ is available from Loch Lomond Leisure at Luss and Rowardennan (about 30 mins drive from Appletree: https://lochlomond-scotland.com/boat-hire/speedboat-hire/
Rowing boat hire is available at Balmaha Boatyard (15 mins drive from Appletree) www.balmahaboatyard.co.uk/index.htm
And at Lake of Menteith (about 20 minutes drive). Also at Balloch (15 mins) where there are pedalos for hire too lochlomondshores.com/loch-lomond-leisure/
Pleasure boating is provided by Sweeny’s Cruises on Loch Lomond https://www.sweeneyscruiseco.com
And at the beautiful Loch Katrine https://www.lochkatrine.com
The latter is a good place to take the bikes on the boat to Stronachlacher then cycle back
along the traffic free road along the shore of the loch.
Good sites generally for water sports is and https://lochlomond-scotland.com
Canoeing – available at several locations including
Balloch (15 minutes drive) http://www.lochlomondshores.com/2017/09/canoe-taster-sessions/
Guided Canoe tours at
Clay Pigeon Shooting – Available near Alexandria (about 20 minutes from Appletree)
http://lomondshooting.co.uk
Climbing – The famous Whangy is nearby. This is accessed by a taking fifteen minute walk from Queens View Car Park on the Stockiemuir Road. Climbers of varying abilities are attracted to the unusual rock formations. More about the Whangy can be found here: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/glasgow/the-whangie.shtml
Cycling – Appletree Cottage is on the Sustrans Route 7 which runs from Sunderland in the north of England to Inverness in the north of Scotland.
Local bike hire can be found at Mugdock Park www.mugdockcountrycycles.com (15 mins) (which is itself a great place to cycle round) and at Aberfoyle (15 mins) www.aberfoylebikehire.co.uk.
Slightly further afield is at Loch Katrine www.katrinewheelz.co.uk. A great day out is to hire a bike at Loch Katrine, take it on the passenger steamer up the loch to Stronachlacher and then cycle the ten miles or so around the quiet loch shore road back to where you started.
Fishing – Lake of Menteith Fisheries offer boat and kit hire (about 20 minutes from Appletree): http://www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk/menteith-fisheries.co.uk/Booking%20Status.html.
Locally J. D. Bilsland in the village can issue permits for some beautiful stretches of the Endrick Water.
Golf – there are 14 golf clubs boasting 16 courses all within about half an hour’s drive!
Strathendrick (9 holes) http://www.strathendrickgolfclub.co.uk
Buchanan Castle (18) http://buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk
Balfron (18) http://www.balfrongolfsociety.org.uk
Ross Priory (9) https://www.scottishgolfcourses.com/dunbartonshire/rosspriory.html
Aberfoyle (18) http://www.aberfoylegolf.co.uk
Vale of Leven (18) http://www.volgc.org
The Carrick (18) http://www.cameronhouse.co.uk/cameron-club-loch-lomond/the-carrick.html
The Wee Demon (9) http://www.cameronhouse.co.uk/cameron-club-loch-lomond/the-wee-demon.html
Loch Lomond(18) https://www.lochlomond.com
Dumbarton (18) http://www.dumbartongolfclub.co.uk
Cardross (18) www.cardrossgolfclub.co.uk
Helensburgh (18) https://www.helensburghgolfclub.co.uk
Clober (18) http://www.clobergolfclub.co.uk
Hilton (2 x 18) https://www.hiltonpark.net
Milngavie (18) http://www.milngaviegolfclub.co.uk/the-course/welcome/
Hiking – see Walking.
Kayaking - Loch Lomond Leisure organise Kayaking from Rowardennan and from Luss. Both about a 30 minute drive. https://lochlomond-scotland.com/watersports/kayak/. Also see Venture Caledonia. www.venturecaledonia.co.uk
Pleasure boating is provided by Sweeny’s Cruises on Loch Lomond https://www.sweeneyscruiseco.com
And at the beautiful Loch Katrine https://www.lochkatrine.com
The latter is a good place to take the bikes on the boat to Stronachlacher then cycle back along the traffic free road along the shore of the loch.
There are also Water busses on Loch Lomond: https://www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk/waterbus-ferries
Pony Trekking – Duncryne Equestrian Centre is about a ten minute drive from Appletree: www.takeupthereins.co.uk/listing/17613/duncryne-equitation-and-trekking-centre
There is also Loch Lomond pony trekking: https://www.lomond-ponytreks.co.uk
Segway Segway can also be found at iye.scot/tours/segways
Stand up Paddleboarding - information can be accessed here: https://iye.scot/loch-lomond/
Tennis – Killearn tennis club is about 15 minutes away and welcomes non-members: www.killearntennisclub.org.uk
Tree top activities Great fun can be hat at Tree Zone in Balloch (15 minutes) iye.scot/treezone-loch-lomond/ or at the larger (and slightly further away) Go Ape just north of Aberfoyle (20mins) goape.co.uk/locations/aberfoyle
On the "Blog & Info" tab of this website you can find more about great days out, excursions etc. we have made, with photographs and details of where to go, how to get there etc.
OUTDOORS
Aerial Adventures in trees
These tree-top adventures comprise of ladders, swings, rope bridges and zip wires all up in the tree tops.
Great fun and satisfying to complete.
One is Treezone at Loch Lomond Shores (about a 20 minute drive) https://iye.scot/treezone-loch-lomond/
The other, larger enterprise is Go Ape - which has two of the longest zip wires in the UK - is just north of Aberfoyle (about 30 mins drive from Appletree) https://goape.co.uk/days-out/scotland/aberfoyle
Angling– available at various sites. This is a useful link; http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/angling/
Also see John Bell at https://www.thelomondangler.co.uk
Boating –
Speedboat hire Closest is at Portnellen (follow signs to Ross Priory from Gartocharn) about a 10 minute drive: portnellanfarm.co.uk/speedboat-tours/ is available from Loch Lomond Leisure at Luss and Rowardennan (about 30 mins drive from Appletree: https://lochlomond-scotland.com/boat-hire/speedboat-hire/
Rowing boat hire is available at Balmaha Boatyard (15 mins drive from Appletree) www.balmahaboatyard.co.uk/index.htm
And at Lake of Menteith (about 20 minutes drive). Also at Balloch (15 mins) where there are pedalos for hire too lochlomondshores.com/loch-lomond-leisure/
Pleasure boating is provided by Sweeny’s Cruises on Loch Lomond https://www.sweeneyscruiseco.com
And at the beautiful Loch Katrine https://www.lochkatrine.com
The latter is a good place to take the bikes on the boat to Stronachlacher then cycle back
along the traffic free road along the shore of the loch.
Good sites generally for water sports is and https://lochlomond-scotland.com
Canoeing – available at several locations including
Balloch (15 minutes drive) http://www.lochlomondshores.com/2017/09/canoe-taster-sessions/
Guided Canoe tours at
Clay Pigeon Shooting – Available near Alexandria (about 20 minutes from Appletree)
http://lomondshooting.co.uk
Climbing – The famous Whangy is nearby. This is accessed by a taking fifteen minute walk from Queens View Car Park on the Stockiemuir Road. Climbers of varying abilities are attracted to the unusual rock formations. More about the Whangy can be found here: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/glasgow/the-whangie.shtml
Cycling – Appletree Cottage is on the Sustrans Route 7 which runs from Sunderland in the north of England to Inverness in the north of Scotland.
Local bike hire can be found at Mugdock Park www.mugdockcountrycycles.com (15 mins) (which is itself a great place to cycle round) and at Aberfoyle (15 mins) www.aberfoylebikehire.co.uk.
Slightly further afield is at Loch Katrine www.katrinewheelz.co.uk. A great day out is to hire a bike at Loch Katrine, take it on the passenger steamer up the loch to Stronachlacher and then cycle the ten miles or so around the quiet loch shore road back to where you started.
Fishing – Lake of Menteith Fisheries offer boat and kit hire (about 20 minutes from Appletree): http://www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk/menteith-fisheries.co.uk/Booking%20Status.html.
Locally J. D. Bilsland in the village can issue permits for some beautiful stretches of the Endrick Water.
Golf – there are 14 golf clubs boasting 16 courses all within about half an hour’s drive!
Strathendrick (9 holes) http://www.strathendrickgolfclub.co.uk
Buchanan Castle (18) http://buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk
Balfron (18) http://www.balfrongolfsociety.org.uk
Ross Priory (9) https://www.scottishgolfcourses.com/dunbartonshire/rosspriory.html
Aberfoyle (18) http://www.aberfoylegolf.co.uk
Vale of Leven (18) http://www.volgc.org
The Carrick (18) http://www.cameronhouse.co.uk/cameron-club-loch-lomond/the-carrick.html
The Wee Demon (9) http://www.cameronhouse.co.uk/cameron-club-loch-lomond/the-wee-demon.html
Loch Lomond(18) https://www.lochlomond.com
Dumbarton (18) http://www.dumbartongolfclub.co.uk
Cardross (18) www.cardrossgolfclub.co.uk
Helensburgh (18) https://www.helensburghgolfclub.co.uk
Clober (18) http://www.clobergolfclub.co.uk
Hilton (2 x 18) https://www.hiltonpark.net
Milngavie (18) http://www.milngaviegolfclub.co.uk/the-course/welcome/
Hiking – see Walking.
Kayaking - Loch Lomond Leisure organise Kayaking from Rowardennan and from Luss. Both about a 30 minute drive. https://lochlomond-scotland.com/watersports/kayak/. Also see Venture Caledonia. www.venturecaledonia.co.uk
Pleasure boating is provided by Sweeny’s Cruises on Loch Lomond https://www.sweeneyscruiseco.com
And at the beautiful Loch Katrine https://www.lochkatrine.com
The latter is a good place to take the bikes on the boat to Stronachlacher then cycle back along the traffic free road along the shore of the loch.
There are also Water busses on Loch Lomond: https://www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk/waterbus-ferries
Pony Trekking – Duncryne Equestrian Centre is about a ten minute drive from Appletree: www.takeupthereins.co.uk/listing/17613/duncryne-equitation-and-trekking-centre
There is also Loch Lomond pony trekking: https://www.lomond-ponytreks.co.uk
Segway Segway can also be found at iye.scot/tours/segways
Stand up Paddleboarding - information can be accessed here: https://iye.scot/loch-lomond/
Tennis – Killearn tennis club is about 15 minutes away and welcomes non-members: www.killearntennisclub.org.uk
Tree top activities Great fun can be hat at Tree Zone in Balloch (15 minutes) iye.scot/treezone-loch-lomond/ or at the larger (and slightly further away) Go Ape just north of Aberfoyle (20mins) goape.co.uk/locations/aberfoyle
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Walking – we’re on the John Muir Way, a walking route from Dunbar to Helensburgh to commemorate John Muir, the founder of the National Parks in the USA.
Good local walking routes for all levels of experience and ability can be found at: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/ |
Water Skiing – Available at Balloch from Lomond Water skiing Club http://www.lochlomondwaterskiclub.co.uk/index.htm
And at Luss from Loch Lomond Leisure: https://lochlomond-scotland.com/watersports/water-ski/
Water sports – see boating, kayaking, canoeing and water skiing.
A good site for water sports and other activities is https://lochlomond-scotland.com
INDOORS
Bannockburn Visitor Centre, Bannockburn, Near Stirling (about 40 mins from Appletree) Excellent visitor centre telling you everything you want to know about the famous battle; www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/bannockburn
Cinema – The Vue Cinema is in Stirling: https://www.myvue.com/cinema/stirling/whats-on
Doune Castle, Doune - Excellent tour available. Where Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander among others were filmed: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/doune-castle/
Combining a visit to Doune Castle and nearby Deanston Distillery (see below) makes a great day out.
Dumbarton Castle - this ancient castle has recently been restored.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dumbarton-castle/
Huntarian Museum, Glasgow – situated within the University of Glasgow main building this collection is absolutely fascinating (free) www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/collections/permanentdisplays/hunterianmuseum/
Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow – originally built for the Empire Exhibition in 1901. Room for kids to wander round (but don’t get lost!) www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum
Museum of Transport (aka Riverside Museum) Glasgow – excellent museum (free) in a new award winning building by the river Clyde www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/riverside-museum
Scottish Maritime Museum, Dumbarton – a branch of this is in Dumbarton where they demonstrate the former Denny Shipyard’s testing tank. A great museum with a nice little tea shop!
https://www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org/dumbarton-museum
Sealife Centre, Balloch – about 20 minutes from Appletree. https://www.visitsealife.com/loch-lomond/
Tip: Buy your Sealife Centre Tickets at the Tourist Office in Balloch - much cheaper than on the door!
Stirling Castle, Stirling – a 30 minute drive from Appletree Cottage www.stirlingcastle.scot
Stirling Art Gallery and Museum - a small but interesting museum. Free entry at time of writing
http://www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk
Swimming and Spa – Day membership usually available at the Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen, about a 4 minute drive - 01360 660588
There is a public swimming pool in Alexandria (15 minutes) which has a large pool for adults and a smaller pool for children:
There is also a Swimming Pool in Alexandria - www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/west-dunbartonshire-leisure/leisure-centres/vale-pool/
Ten Pin Bowling – available in Stirling at AMF bowling: https://www.amf-bowling.co.uk/our-centres/stirling
Ten Pin Bowling – available in Stirling at AMF bowling: https://www.amf-bowling.co.uk/our-centres/stirling
Theatre – The excellent MacRobert Centre is within the University of Stirling Complex at Bridge of Allan: http://macrobertartscentre.org
There are also five major theatres in Glasgow as well as some smaller venues:
Citizens: http://citz.co.uk
Kings: http://kingstheatreglasgow.net
Pavilion: https://www.paviliontheatre.co.uk
Theatre Royal: http://www.glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk
Tron: https://www.tron.co.uk
Wallace’s Monument / National Wallace Monument – in Causewayhead near Stirling the climb to the top is worth it for the views. Pick a clear day! https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com and see our blogs (on this site) of 5 and 7 Nov 2018
Tip: Couriers Cafe in Causewayhead is an excellent Italian Cafe / Restaurant at the bottom of the hill for post Monument Climbing Food! www.corrieris.co.uk
SOME LOCAL DISTILLERIES
(Suitable for wet or dry weather. Or any weather actually)
Glengoyne – near Strathblane. About 15 minutes from Appletree. One of the oldest distilleries and still working. Appears in a lot of Glasgow based film and tv dramas including Still Game and The Angel’s Share. Produces some fantastic whiskies. One of our favourites!
http://www.glengoyne.com
Deanston Distillery – near Doune. About 25 minutes from Appletree. This is another interesting one. Formerly a factory it was converted to a distillery in the sixties. Although one of the newer distilleries it is a very interesting tour and its product is excellent.
https://www.deanstonmalt.com
Combining a visit to Doune Castle (see above) and near-by Deanston Distillery makes a great day out!
Auchentoshan Distillery, Clydebank - this is easy to find near the north end of the Erskine Bridge. Producers of excellent whisky.
About 40 minutes form Appletree Cottage
https://www.auchentoshan.com/where-we-make-it
Lomond Distillery, Alexandria. In a little bit more of an industrial location but only 20 minutes from Appletree:
http://www.lochlomondgroup.com/age-verify/
MORE INFORMATION
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SOME GOOD DRIVES IN THE PARK
The Trossachs, Campsie and Ochil Hills
Drive to Stirling along the A811 parallel to the Highland Boundary Fault on your left. This fault line marks the boundary between the lowlands and the highlands with a pronounced line of hills and mountains known as The Trossachs, Ben Ledi being the one of the highest in this range visible from the road before you reach Stirling. After Stirling another range known as the Ochil Hills starts at the Wallace Monument and runs east. On the right hand side along this route is another range known as the Campsie Fells.
The Three Lochs Drive (A half day out)
This 7 mile long forest drive takes you past three picturesque lochs - Lochan Reoidht, Loch Drunkie and the southern shore of Loch Achray. More can be found our about this route at the Three Lochs Drive website: forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/queen-elizabeth-forest-park/three-lochs-forest-drive
The Trossachs, Campsie and Ochil Hills
Drive to Stirling along the A811 parallel to the Highland Boundary Fault on your left. This fault line marks the boundary between the lowlands and the highlands with a pronounced line of hills and mountains known as The Trossachs, Ben Ledi being the one of the highest in this range visible from the road before you reach Stirling. After Stirling another range known as the Ochil Hills starts at the Wallace Monument and runs east. On the right hand side along this route is another range known as the Campsie Fells.
The Three Lochs Drive (A half day out)
This 7 mile long forest drive takes you past three picturesque lochs - Lochan Reoidht, Loch Drunkie and the southern shore of Loch Achray. More can be found our about this route at the Three Lochs Drive website: forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/queen-elizabeth-forest-park/three-lochs-forest-drive
To Aberfoyle, Inversnaid and Stronachlacher. (A good afternoon out)
Aberfoyle is about 15 minutes' drive from Appletree Cottage via the A811 towards Stirling then the A81.
A pretty village with a good ice cream shop, cake shop, butcher, co-op and Scottish Knitwear Centre.
From Aberfoyle follow the B829 which is really an extension of the main street in the village. This very pretty road, single track at points follows the shore of Loch Ard. Loch Chon then Loch Arklet. At the end of Loch Arklet, the road descents to the Inversnaid Hotel on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond with fantastic views across the loch and a spectacular waterfall adjacent to the hotel.
On the return journey take the short road down to Stronachlacher where an excellent tea room awaits you on the shore of Loch Katrine.
Aberfoyle is about 15 minutes' drive from Appletree Cottage via the A811 towards Stirling then the A81.
A pretty village with a good ice cream shop, cake shop, butcher, co-op and Scottish Knitwear Centre.
From Aberfoyle follow the B829 which is really an extension of the main street in the village. This very pretty road, single track at points follows the shore of Loch Ard. Loch Chon then Loch Arklet. At the end of Loch Arklet, the road descents to the Inversnaid Hotel on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond with fantastic views across the loch and a spectacular waterfall adjacent to the hotel.
On the return journey take the short road down to Stronachlacher where an excellent tea room awaits you on the shore of Loch Katrine.
To Aberfoyle, Loch Katrine, Callander and Lake of Menteith (A good day out)
Aberfoyle is about 15 minutes' drive from Appletree Cottage.
A pretty village with a good ice cream shop, butcher, co-op and Scottish Knitwear Centre.
At the end of the main street through the village turn right at the Co-op and go up the hill (A821) which becomes The Duke’s Pass. As you near the summit of this road the David Marshall Nature Centre is on the right (as well as Go Ape and its famous treetop experience with zip wires etc. for the more energetic in the party!) Great views can be had from here.
From David Marshall Centre continue along the A821, and down to Loch Achray. Turn left at the T junction towards Loch Katrine Pier. Boats form the pier sail up Loch Katrine, some stopping at the excellent tea room at Stronachlacher.
From Loch Katrine Pier head back to Loch Achray and continue straight along the shore road, then along the shore of Loch Venachar. The Byre Inn at Brig O’Turk is a nice old pub with good food. http://www.byreinn.co.uk
Also along this road is Venachar Lochside Restaurant which as the name suggests is right on the shore of the loch. It does excellent food and has fantastic views across the water. Best to pre-book this one www.venachar-lochside.com
Continuing along the A821 takes you to Callandar – a pretty little bustling village and the location of the original Doctor Finlay’s Casebook tv series.
From Callander follow the A81 south to Port of Menteith. At Port of Menteith turning left will take you down to the Port of Menteith Hotel which is great for a quick drink of a cup of tea.
A boat will take you from Port of Menteith to Inchmahome Priory in the centre of the lake. A visit to the priory is a good day out in itself.
From Port of Menteith follow the B8034 to Arnprior where you turn right to follow the A811 back to Appletree Cottage.
Aberfoyle is about 15 minutes' drive from Appletree Cottage.
A pretty village with a good ice cream shop, butcher, co-op and Scottish Knitwear Centre.
At the end of the main street through the village turn right at the Co-op and go up the hill (A821) which becomes The Duke’s Pass. As you near the summit of this road the David Marshall Nature Centre is on the right (as well as Go Ape and its famous treetop experience with zip wires etc. for the more energetic in the party!) Great views can be had from here.
From David Marshall Centre continue along the A821, and down to Loch Achray. Turn left at the T junction towards Loch Katrine Pier. Boats form the pier sail up Loch Katrine, some stopping at the excellent tea room at Stronachlacher.
From Loch Katrine Pier head back to Loch Achray and continue straight along the shore road, then along the shore of Loch Venachar. The Byre Inn at Brig O’Turk is a nice old pub with good food. http://www.byreinn.co.uk
Also along this road is Venachar Lochside Restaurant which as the name suggests is right on the shore of the loch. It does excellent food and has fantastic views across the water. Best to pre-book this one www.venachar-lochside.com
Continuing along the A821 takes you to Callandar – a pretty little bustling village and the location of the original Doctor Finlay’s Casebook tv series.
From Callander follow the A81 south to Port of Menteith. At Port of Menteith turning left will take you down to the Port of Menteith Hotel which is great for a quick drink of a cup of tea.
A boat will take you from Port of Menteith to Inchmahome Priory in the centre of the lake. A visit to the priory is a good day out in itself.
From Port of Menteith follow the B8034 to Arnprior where you turn right to follow the A811 back to Appletree Cottage.
Round trip to Dunoon via Gourock and Tarbet. (A good day out)
From Appletree Cottage take the A811 to Balloch then follow the A82 to the Erskine Bridge. Cross the Erskine bridge and follow the M8 then A8 to Gourock.
From Gourock take the car ferry (every 15mins) to Dunoon. It is best to buy your ticket in the news agents near the ferry terminal as much cheaper than on the boat!)
A quick diversion to Loch Striven…
From Dunoon head south along the A815 towards Toward (always wanted to do that) From Toward follow the B road north up the shore of Loch Striven. This very quiet and remote loch is a great place for bird watching. So remote that some of the experiments for the famous Bouncing Bomb took place here. The road is a dead end so you have to head back to Dunoon.
From Dunoon head north along the A815 along the shore of Holy Loch then the long Loch Eck. At Struchur (pretty little village) turn right along the shore of Loch Fyne which offers great views of Inveraray on the far bank.
At the T junction turn right onto the A83 which will take you south down the western shore of Loch Lomond to Balloch and from there along the A811 to Appletree Cottage
From Appletree Cottage take the A811 to Balloch then follow the A82 to the Erskine Bridge. Cross the Erskine bridge and follow the M8 then A8 to Gourock.
From Gourock take the car ferry (every 15mins) to Dunoon. It is best to buy your ticket in the news agents near the ferry terminal as much cheaper than on the boat!)
A quick diversion to Loch Striven…
From Dunoon head south along the A815 towards Toward (always wanted to do that) From Toward follow the B road north up the shore of Loch Striven. This very quiet and remote loch is a great place for bird watching. So remote that some of the experiments for the famous Bouncing Bomb took place here. The road is a dead end so you have to head back to Dunoon.
From Dunoon head north along the A815 along the shore of Holy Loch then the long Loch Eck. At Struchur (pretty little village) turn right along the shore of Loch Fyne which offers great views of Inveraray on the far bank.
At the T junction turn right onto the A83 which will take you south down the western shore of Loch Lomond to Balloch and from there along the A811 to Appletree Cottage
Isle of Bute via Portavadie and Wemyss Bay (a more ambitious full day out)
NB: Don't get stranded - Double check last ferry times!
From Appletree Cottage follow the A811 to Balloch. Go through Balloch and take the A82 north up the western shore of Loch Lomond.
At Tarbet village take the left-hand fork along the A83 (signposted Inveraray)
Follow the road through Arrochar village on the shore of Loch Long and then up the famous Rest and be Thankful pass. After Rest and be Thankful follow the long straight road along Glen Kinglas then take the left hand turn along the A815 signposted Dunoon, Colintraive and Isle of Bute Ferry. Follow this road along the shore of Loch Fyne. After Struchur continue along the loch shore by turning right onto the A886 signposted Glendaruel, Colintraive and Tighnabruaich. Follow this road to Colintraive.
The car ferry from Colintraive to Bute takes about ten minutes. If following this suggested route, it is best to buy a through ticket, ie Colintraive to Bute then Bute to Wemyss Bay – much cheaper. The ferry is about every half hour.
Once on Bute there is lots to see including the famous Mount Stewart mansion, Rothsay Castle or the spectacular western shoreline with fantastic views across to Arran.
From Rothsay take the ferry to Wemyss Bay then the A78 to Greenock, the A8 (becomes M8) to Erskine Bridge. Cross the Erskine Bridge and follow the A82 to Balloch then the A811 back to Appletree Cottage.
NB: Don't get stranded - Double check last ferry times!
From Appletree Cottage follow the A811 to Balloch. Go through Balloch and take the A82 north up the western shore of Loch Lomond.
At Tarbet village take the left-hand fork along the A83 (signposted Inveraray)
Follow the road through Arrochar village on the shore of Loch Long and then up the famous Rest and be Thankful pass. After Rest and be Thankful follow the long straight road along Glen Kinglas then take the left hand turn along the A815 signposted Dunoon, Colintraive and Isle of Bute Ferry. Follow this road along the shore of Loch Fyne. After Struchur continue along the loch shore by turning right onto the A886 signposted Glendaruel, Colintraive and Tighnabruaich. Follow this road to Colintraive.
The car ferry from Colintraive to Bute takes about ten minutes. If following this suggested route, it is best to buy a through ticket, ie Colintraive to Bute then Bute to Wemyss Bay – much cheaper. The ferry is about every half hour.
Once on Bute there is lots to see including the famous Mount Stewart mansion, Rothsay Castle or the spectacular western shoreline with fantastic views across to Arran.
From Rothsay take the ferry to Wemyss Bay then the A78 to Greenock, the A8 (becomes M8) to Erskine Bridge. Cross the Erskine Bridge and follow the A82 to Balloch then the A811 back to Appletree Cottage.
Showing the circular route
Helensburgh, Kikcreggan and Roseneath Peninsula. (A good afternoon - or a day if you take the passenger ferry from Kilcreggan to Gourock and back)
From Appletree Cottage follow the A811 to Balloch. From Balloch take the A82 north towards Crianlarich. At Arden roundabout take the first exit signposted Helensburgh.
Helensburgh, on the shore of the Clyde estuary founded in the late 18th century retains much of its original feel.
There is a market in the square at weekends and a good selection of shops and eateries along and close to the esplanade. (Dino’s, we think does the best ice cream!)
From Helensburgh (very popular with artists because of its ever changing light) head north along the A814 and go through Rhu (very popular for yachts) and past Faslane (very popular with nuclear submarines) until you get to Garelochhead. From Garelochead take the B833 through down the west side of Gare Loch through Clynder and down to Kilcreggan. There is a ferry which goes from Kilcreggan across the water to Gourock. Winter timetable is here – check for summer times..
www.calmac.co.uk/roseneath-gourock-kilcreggan-ferry-winter-timetable
In Gourock the Café Continental on the main drag and an easy walk for the ferry is a great art deco popular establishments with good food and fabulous vistas across the Clyde www.cafe-continental.com
From Kilcreggan continue along the B833 and it will take you through Cove – with all its almost castle like mansions and back to Garelochhead.
Rather than take the main road back you might like to take the turning to Glen Fruin as you approach Faslane. This mostly single track road takes you through the pretty and peaceful Glen Fruin - keep an eye out for Hen Harriers.
On your return drive from Helensburgh, if you are retracing your steps Duck Bay is a good stop with a good restaurant and café on the shore of Loch Lomond.
From Appletree Cottage follow the A811 to Balloch. From Balloch take the A82 north towards Crianlarich. At Arden roundabout take the first exit signposted Helensburgh.
Helensburgh, on the shore of the Clyde estuary founded in the late 18th century retains much of its original feel.
There is a market in the square at weekends and a good selection of shops and eateries along and close to the esplanade. (Dino’s, we think does the best ice cream!)
From Helensburgh (very popular with artists because of its ever changing light) head north along the A814 and go through Rhu (very popular for yachts) and past Faslane (very popular with nuclear submarines) until you get to Garelochhead. From Garelochead take the B833 through down the west side of Gare Loch through Clynder and down to Kilcreggan. There is a ferry which goes from Kilcreggan across the water to Gourock. Winter timetable is here – check for summer times..
www.calmac.co.uk/roseneath-gourock-kilcreggan-ferry-winter-timetable
In Gourock the Café Continental on the main drag and an easy walk for the ferry is a great art deco popular establishments with good food and fabulous vistas across the Clyde www.cafe-continental.com
From Kilcreggan continue along the B833 and it will take you through Cove – with all its almost castle like mansions and back to Garelochhead.
Rather than take the main road back you might like to take the turning to Glen Fruin as you approach Faslane. This mostly single track road takes you through the pretty and peaceful Glen Fruin - keep an eye out for Hen Harriers.
On your return drive from Helensburgh, if you are retracing your steps Duck Bay is a good stop with a good restaurant and café on the shore of Loch Lomond.
Round trip via Crianlarich, Killin, Callandar and Aberfoyle. (A full day out)
From Appletree Cottage take the A811 to Balloch. Go through Balloch and take the A82 north signposted Crianlarich. At Tarbet take the right hand turn onto the A82 and continue along the loch shore to Crianlarich. The Falls of Falloch aka Rob Roy’s Bathtub near the road and on the right a few miles after Ardlui, is worth a look on this stretch.
At Crianlarich go into the village and turn right onto the A85 along Glen Dochart. Take the turn off to Killin A827 and go down to the village to see the Falls of Dochart as they rush under the bridge at the entrance to the village on their way to Loch Tay.
Continuing back up to the A82 follow the road south down through the famous Glen Ogle and Lohearnhead to Callandar.
In Callander turn right at the lights onto the A81 and follow this to just before Aberfoyle where you take the A81 south turning right onto the A811 and back home to Appletree Cottage.
From Appletree Cottage take the A811 to Balloch. Go through Balloch and take the A82 north signposted Crianlarich. At Tarbet take the right hand turn onto the A82 and continue along the loch shore to Crianlarich. The Falls of Falloch aka Rob Roy’s Bathtub near the road and on the right a few miles after Ardlui, is worth a look on this stretch.
At Crianlarich go into the village and turn right onto the A85 along Glen Dochart. Take the turn off to Killin A827 and go down to the village to see the Falls of Dochart as they rush under the bridge at the entrance to the village on their way to Loch Tay.
Continuing back up to the A82 follow the road south down through the famous Glen Ogle and Lohearnhead to Callandar.
In Callander turn right at the lights onto the A81 and follow this to just before Aberfoyle where you take the A81 south turning right onto the A811 and back home to Appletree Cottage.
Round trip to Inveraray (A full day out)
From Appletree Cottage follow the A811 to Balloch. Go through Balloch and take the A82 north up the western shore of Loch Lomond.
At Tarbet village take the left-hand fork along the A83 (signposted Inveraray)
Follow the road through Arrochar village on the shore of Loch Long and then up the famous Rest and be Thankful pass. After Rest and be Thankful follow the long straight road along Glen Kinglas and soon you descend to the shore of Loch Fyne.
Two places worth a visit near the head of the loch - Fyne Ales Brewery www.fyneales.com and the original Loch Fyne Fisheries restaurant and shop: www.lochfyne.com/shop. Well worth booking if you're going to eat there.
Continue along the A83 until you arrive at Inveraray. Inveraray Castle, the distinctive seat of the Duke of Argyle has been used in many films including Downton Abbey (as Shrimpy's castle) and most recently A Very British Scandal: www.inveraray-castle.com
The old town jail is also worth a visit: www.inverarayjail.co.uk as is the excellent Auchendrain Museum five miles along the A83 road towards Lochgilphead: www.auchindrain.org.uk. Also see our blog of 1/9/2021 for further photos and information.
From Inveraray go through the arch and follow the A819 to Dalmally. Just as you approach Dalmally along the southern shore of Loch Awe you will see the magnificent ruin of Kilchurn Castle at the head of the loch. This is well worth a visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/kilchurn-castle/
Follow the A85 past Dalmally along Glen Lochy to Tyndrum (note the new gold mine workings on the hill to the right) and then on to Crianlarich. At the roundabout at Crianlarich take the A82 - this will take you through Glen Falloch and down the western shore of Loch Lomond and back to Balloch then Appletree Cottage.
From Appletree Cottage follow the A811 to Balloch. Go through Balloch and take the A82 north up the western shore of Loch Lomond.
At Tarbet village take the left-hand fork along the A83 (signposted Inveraray)
Follow the road through Arrochar village on the shore of Loch Long and then up the famous Rest and be Thankful pass. After Rest and be Thankful follow the long straight road along Glen Kinglas and soon you descend to the shore of Loch Fyne.
Two places worth a visit near the head of the loch - Fyne Ales Brewery www.fyneales.com and the original Loch Fyne Fisheries restaurant and shop: www.lochfyne.com/shop. Well worth booking if you're going to eat there.
Continue along the A83 until you arrive at Inveraray. Inveraray Castle, the distinctive seat of the Duke of Argyle has been used in many films including Downton Abbey (as Shrimpy's castle) and most recently A Very British Scandal: www.inveraray-castle.com
The old town jail is also worth a visit: www.inverarayjail.co.uk as is the excellent Auchendrain Museum five miles along the A83 road towards Lochgilphead: www.auchindrain.org.uk. Also see our blog of 1/9/2021 for further photos and information.
From Inveraray go through the arch and follow the A819 to Dalmally. Just as you approach Dalmally along the southern shore of Loch Awe you will see the magnificent ruin of Kilchurn Castle at the head of the loch. This is well worth a visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/kilchurn-castle/
Follow the A85 past Dalmally along Glen Lochy to Tyndrum (note the new gold mine workings on the hill to the right) and then on to Crianlarich. At the roundabout at Crianlarich take the A82 - this will take you through Glen Falloch and down the western shore of Loch Lomond and back to Balloch then Appletree Cottage.
Some other good places to drive to:
Doune – to see Doune Castle and Deanston Distillery
Stirling – Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument (lots of steps on the latter!)
Dumbarton – Maritime Museum and Dumbarton Castle
Cardross: Gielston Gardens (National Trust) – fantastic in spring and summer
Helensburgh Upper Railway Station – to take the train to Oban – great day out
Arden Pier – to take the boat across to Inchmurrin Island and have lunch! (see above)
Salmon Leap at Gartness – seasonal – see us for details.
Lomond Shores – pleasant wander along the south shore of Loch Lomond with up market retail outlets and also the mooring of the soon to be completed refurbished Maid of the Loch paddle steamer.
Shopping therapy may be had at Lomond Shores in Balloch (House of Fraser, Mountain Warehouse etc.) and Antartex in Alexandria
Doune – to see Doune Castle and Deanston Distillery
Stirling – Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument (lots of steps on the latter!)
Dumbarton – Maritime Museum and Dumbarton Castle
Cardross: Gielston Gardens (National Trust) – fantastic in spring and summer
Helensburgh Upper Railway Station – to take the train to Oban – great day out
Arden Pier – to take the boat across to Inchmurrin Island and have lunch! (see above)
Salmon Leap at Gartness – seasonal – see us for details.
Lomond Shores – pleasant wander along the south shore of Loch Lomond with up market retail outlets and also the mooring of the soon to be completed refurbished Maid of the Loch paddle steamer.
Shopping therapy may be had at Lomond Shores in Balloch (House of Fraser, Mountain Warehouse etc.) and Antartex in Alexandria
LOCAL FILMING
The surrounding area has featured in several recent feature films and international TV series which draw on the beauty of the countryside for its settings:
Recent feature films include:
Detective Pikachu at Finnich Glen - New Pokemon film with Ryan Reynolds, Bill Nighy, Rita Ora
Outlaw King (Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Cosmo)
Grandpa's Great Escape (Tom Courtney, David Walliams Dawn French)
The Angel's Shaie (2012) at Deanston Distillery - Paul Brannigan, Siobhan Reilly, John Henshaw
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law)
Outlander - TV Series Doune Castle and Finnich Glen(Caitriona Balfe, Sam Helghan, Tobias Menzies)
What we did on our Holidays (Billy Connolly, David Tenant, Rosamund Pike, Ben Miller))
Miss Potter (Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor)
The Eagle (Donald Sutherland, Jamie Bell, Channing Tatum)
Outlander (Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Duncan Lacroix)
Take the High Road. Much of this long running STV series was filmed in Luss, Loch Lomond
Whilst slightly older films made in the area were:
Comfort and Joy - some scenes shot in Stirling Road, Drymen
Monty Python's Meaning of Life - used the Campsie Fells near Strathblane as a back from when shooting the re-enactment of the
first Zulu Wars of 1879.
Rob Roy (1953) with Richard Todd. Much of the fighting took place round Loch Ard
Monty Python and the Holy Grail 0 at Doune Castle, Stirling Castle and Aberfoyle Slate Quarries
There is an information about films shot in the area here...www.yourstirling.com/film-locations/
The surrounding area has featured in several recent feature films and international TV series which draw on the beauty of the countryside for its settings:
Recent feature films include:
Detective Pikachu at Finnich Glen - New Pokemon film with Ryan Reynolds, Bill Nighy, Rita Ora
Outlaw King (Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Cosmo)
Grandpa's Great Escape (Tom Courtney, David Walliams Dawn French)
The Angel's Shaie (2012) at Deanston Distillery - Paul Brannigan, Siobhan Reilly, John Henshaw
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law)
Outlander - TV Series Doune Castle and Finnich Glen(Caitriona Balfe, Sam Helghan, Tobias Menzies)
What we did on our Holidays (Billy Connolly, David Tenant, Rosamund Pike, Ben Miller))
Miss Potter (Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor)
The Eagle (Donald Sutherland, Jamie Bell, Channing Tatum)
Outlander (Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Duncan Lacroix)
Take the High Road. Much of this long running STV series was filmed in Luss, Loch Lomond
Whilst slightly older films made in the area were:
Comfort and Joy - some scenes shot in Stirling Road, Drymen
Monty Python's Meaning of Life - used the Campsie Fells near Strathblane as a back from when shooting the re-enactment of the
first Zulu Wars of 1879.
Rob Roy (1953) with Richard Todd. Much of the fighting took place round Loch Ard
Monty Python and the Holy Grail 0 at Doune Castle, Stirling Castle and Aberfoyle Slate Quarries
There is an information about films shot in the area here...www.yourstirling.com/film-locations/
ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING
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There is an electric charging point for guests use at Appletree Cottage (type 2 charger untethered)
There after the closest charging points are in Balloch and Balfron villages. |
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WEATHER FORECASTS
This is often a difficult one to call! We find the UK meteorological office is usually a good bet. Forecasts (daily and hourly) can be found at www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/ Enter "Drymen" as the location.
Alternatively AccuWeather provides a similar service: www.accuweather.com/en/gb/croftamie/g63%200/weather-forecast/2527346
Alternatively AccuWeather provides a similar service: www.accuweather.com/en/gb/croftamie/g63%200/weather-forecast/2527346
