Balvaig Cottage Strathyre

The small village of Strathyre (from the Gaelic “sheltered valley”), lies at the head of Loch Lubnaig (“Crooked Loch”) sheltered by Ben Ledi, Ben Vane and Ben Shian (“Mountain of the Fairies”), just 10 miles from the historic town of Callander. This S shaped glen was chiselled out of the land by the brute force of a glacier during the Ice Age. Beautiful scenery and extensive forests cover the hills on each side of the valley attracting walkers, cyclists all year round and fell runners annually, with the Strathyre Stuc a 'Chroin hill race every May. Highland games are held every July at Lochearnhead. This area is steeped in Scottish history and many stories abound especially of local legend Rob Roy MacGregor whose grave is in the Kirkyard at Balquhidder.

Strathyre village (local shop, playground and three Inns providing food) is a short 5-10 minute walk.

Glasgow 50 miles
Edinburgh 65 miles
Oban 60 miles
Stirling 25 miles
Aberfoyle 20 miles
Callander 10 miles
Lochearnhead 5 miles
Balquhidder 4 miles

Walks from the door include woodland strolls, and along the River Balvaig and former railway line. More challenging nearby hills include the Munros of Ben Vorlich, Ben More and Stuc a ‘Chroin. For local walks in the area visit the Loch Lomond and Trossachs page of walkhighlands. There are numerous cycle and mountain bike paths, permit fishing on the River Balvaig and surrounding lochs, watersports at nearby Lochearnhead, and relaxing boat trips on Loch Katrine. Visit the award-winning Go Ape high wire forest adventure course at the David Marshall Centre, Aberfoyle. Nearby Callander has a public swimming pool at the McLaren Leisure Centre and a challenging golf course set in wooded parkland with spectacular views of Ben Ledi. The Loch Venachar Harbour Café and Fishing facilities are worth visiting, as are Blairdrummond Safari Park, Briarlands Farm, and Stirling Castle.