Outdoor adventures

Scotland's natural playground

At Strathyre you are on the edge of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, 720 square miles of forests, mountains, rivers and lochs. Strathyre itself is in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park where you can take one of Scotland’s most scenic drives, along Duke’s Pass or try the Three Lochs Forest Drive and look out for red squirrels, deer and ospreys. Over in Aberfoyle, get your tribe up and out into the treetops at Go Ape.

Walking and climbing

Lochside strolls and mountain hikes

Strathyre is in Scotland’s walking country and the clean mountain air is matched by stunning landscape views. Pick up the Rob Roy Way for some enjoyable lochside walks or head up to the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre to explore the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The local mountains offer something for the more serious walkers and climbers, with Ben Ledi, Ben A’an and the Callander Crags all close by.

Walking and hiking

Cycling trails

Explore on two wheels

It couldn’t be easier; the National Cycling Network Route 7 runs past our Strathyre location. This seven-mile traffic-free stretch is great for all the family. If your cycling appetite is whetted, or you are more of a mountain bike thrill-seeker, the Trossachs have wild trails to test your spirit of adventure.

cycling

Scotland’s hidden lochs

Peaceful havens for quiet contemplation

You don’t have to go far to find a loch in this part of the country. Beside our cabins at Strathyre sits Loch Lubnaig, which is overlooked by mountains and forests. Within a short drive, discover some of Scotland’s smaller and more undiscovered lochs, including Venacher, Voil and Earn. Visit the Falls of Dochart at Loch Tay and Cruise Loch Katrine on the world-famous steamship, Sir Walter Scott.

Pubs and restaurants

Eating and drinking out

“Great Food, Good Beer, Real Cheer”. That’s how local pub, The Lade Inn, describes itself. A family friendly venue with a large beer garden, the Lade Inn is a 10-minute drive – or taxi ride - from your cabin at Strathyre. The Mhor Bread tearoom in Callander is another great favourite with our guests and we also recommend Ciro’s family-run Italian restaurant for that special night out.

Scottish castles

Mighty fortresses to ancient ruins

The magnificent Stirling Castle dominates the view for miles around. Up close, it is one of the UK’s finest castles, steeped in history and full of surprises. The castle is also home to Regimental Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. On a smaller scale, Doune Castle is a magnificent example of a courtyard castle dating from the 14th century. In more recent history, it was a location in Monty Python’s Holy Grail. In a neat touch, the audio tour of the castle is narrated by Terry Jones of the Python team.

Family days out

Local attractions for all the family

Blair Drummond Adventure and Safari Park promises “the wildest day out in Scotland” – and it delivers! Visit the Wildlife Animal Reserves, play in the Adventure Playground, enjoy a boat trip around Chimp Island and go wild at the funfair. For more typically Scottish wildlife, pack a picnic and head out to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park for red squirrels, red deer and red kites. Away from nature, take a day trip to Stirling city or head up to Edinburgh; both have lots of attractions for all the family.

Rainy day activities

Have fun whatever the weather

Rainy days happen occasionally so what can you do when the heavens open? While away an hour or two at the Hamilton Toy Collection in nearby Callander, a collection that spans almost two centuries. Or take a steamship cruise on the Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine. It’s Scotland though, so don’t let the weather force you indoors. Woodland walks provide some shelter and it’s often when the rain comes down that the wildlife appears.

Shopping and sightseeing

Cities, towns and villages

Nearby Callander is known as the gateway to the Highlands and is most closely associated with the Rob Roy legend. Shop for souvenirs on the busy high street before escaping to the banks of the River Teith for a peaceful picnic. Slightly further afield, Aberfoyle is a must, for its breath-taking scenery, bustling town and many festivals. City life can be found at nearby Stirling, and Strathyre is also well-placed for a trip to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.

History and heritage

Scotland of the past

Visit the National Wallace Monument, which overlooks the scene of Scotland’s victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. Here you can learn the story of Scotland’s national hero, Sir William Wallace. For another side to Scotland’s history, escape to the countryside for a day of family fun at the National Museum Of Rural Life, a five-star museum and historic working farm. Discover how 300 years of farming and rural home life have shaped and altered Scotland’s countryside.