I hope everyone is having a wonderful 2022! As part of the ‘Top Places to Visit’ series, we love providing inspiration on how to spend the day in various locations. This blog post will be discussing fantastic places to visit in Strathyre. These landmarks and activities include visiting the Broch Café, exploring amazing lochs such as Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig, discovering nature spots such as Ben Sheann, Sustrans Route 7 and Strathyre Forest and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park alongside The Lade Inn. If looking to book your holiday in Strathyre, we have lovely properties such as The Byre and St. Ola.
Broch Café
If looking to visit a local café in Strathyre, why not visit the Broch Café. The Broch Café is a family run business that is set in the heart of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. The café provides amazing treats which range from bread, cakes to homemade soup. The ingredients are locally sourced from quality butchers and cater to various dietary requirements such as being gluten free, vegetarian and vegan. The café prides themselves on their Italian Rossini heritage and offer lovely hot beverages such as their lucaffe coffee alongside many teas and hot chocolate with all the tasty trimmings. Additionally, if looking for a celebratory cake, the Broch Café are specialised in making fantastic cakes for the past 5 years. Examples include birthday cakes, wedding cakes, christening cakes and many more, which are customised and tailored to your requirements. There’s a cake for every occasion!
Loch Earn & Loch Lubnaig
If looking to explore picturesque stretches of water, check out some fantastic lochs such as Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig. Loch Earn is a fresh water loch that is 17km, located in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. If looking for fun water activities to embark on, nearby is the Loch Earn Watersports Centre that provides numerous water based activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding and kayaking. Loch Lubnaig is a beautiful stretch of freshwater that is situated between two mountains. Strathyre, which is to the north of Loch Lubnaig is a great starting spot for nature walks and admiring the scenic views! Some of the nature walks you can embark on include the ‘Strathyre Circuit’ and there is also a 4 mile walk which reaches to Beinn Each. Loch Lubnaig is also the perfect location for various outdoor activities such as paddling, fishing and an ideal camping spot!
Loch Earn
Ben Sheann
A great way to explore more of nature is the Ben Sheann walk, which leads to the summit of Ben Sheann which is 1870ft sitting directly above the village. The Ben Sheann gained popularity from the Victorian era as it was considered the enchanting hill of the faeries or hollow mountain. Once climbing up this impressive feat, on top lies a stunning view into the two valleys below. Fun fact – each year in May, a race event is held in which the fastest runners would race to the summit and back to the fields in the village below for around 25 minutes or longer!
Sustrans Route 7
There are also various cycle and walking routes within Strathyre, such as Sustrans Route 7 as part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. Sustrans is a charity that aims to make it easier for people to walk and cycle. The organisation’s vision is to cultivate more clean air and green places, and promote a healthier lifestyle. Incorporating cycling into your summer is a fantastic way to explore Scotland as it is a cheaper, healthier alternative to other means of transportation. The Sustrans National Cycle Network offers great cycling routes between various various towns within the National Park. Some examples include the Aber Valley Cycle Route (14 minutes), Alnmouth to Druridge Bay (45 minutes) and Barrow in Furness to Windermere via Kendal (3 hours, 45 minutes). There are also some amazing walking routes that run through stunning rural countryside and passes through many hidden urban gems! Examples include The Caledonia Canal (8 miles), Maerdy Mountain to Rhigos (9.3 miles) and Penistone to Dunford Bridge (13 miles, return journey). Experience the landscape and sights of rural Scotland by exploring the lochs, rivers, forests and valleys.
National Cycle Network Route 7
Strathyre Forest & Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
Another great nature spot to explore is the Strathyre Forest and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Strathyre Forest aka the ‘Sheltered Valley’ – a breath-taking woodland forest which is the ideal spot for hiking, walking or climbing. The Strathyre Forest is part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, located in a classic S-shaped glen that was forged by the last ice age. This beautiful forest is a home to various wildlife creatures such as squirrels, forest birds and deer. Inside the forest, there are numerous waymarked routes and established paths to explore by walking, cycling and horseback riding. The Strathyre is also part of Scottish history with various stories depicting the tales of local legend Rob Roy MacGregor, whose grave can be found in the kirkyard at Balquhidder. Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is a breath-taking area that is comprised of mountains, forests, woodlands, lochs within various routes. Loch Ard Forest and Achray Forest make up parts of the Forest Park and are ideal for exploration.
The Lade Inn
If looking to try some delicious meals, check out The Lade Inn. Just off the A84, in the small hamlet of Kilmahog, alongside both Rob Roy Way and Cycle Route 7, The Lade Inn is the ideal resting spot to discover beautiful landscapes. The Lade Inn is a family and dog friendly pub restaurant that offer freshly-prepared, hearty meals with delicious real ales, which includes their exclusive House Ales. On Saturdays is when their Bothy Bar comes to life with live Scottish folk music. The restaurant offers a beautiful garden, a cosy bothy bar and large open space for group parties, family gatherings or a romantic dinner for two.
