Page 245 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 24: The Heart of Scotland 243

Above left Unspoilt Callander, set in the
Bracklinn Falls, climbs up nearby Ben with thickly wooded islands, including beautiful Trossach hills Above right Boats
Ledi and bike rides on the national Inchconnachan, which is home to an on serene Loch Lomond as seen from
cycleway – see Tourist Information (left). unlikely colony of wallabies, introduced Balmaha Below Lake cruise ship on Loch
ª Take A81 signed Glasgow. Go left at in the early 20th century. Lomond awaiting passengers, Balloch
B8034 to Port of Menteith ferry car park. ª Return to Drymen, then take A811
towards Glasgow to Balloch. Follow EAT AND DRINK
q Inchmahome Priory signs to Loch Lomond Shores car park.
Lake of Menteith; FK8 3RA AROUND BLAIR CASTLE
There can be few more picturesque e Loch Lomond Shores Loch Tummel Inn moderate
This inn by Loch Tummel is on the B8019
places than Inchmahome Priory (Apr– Ben Lomond Way, Balloch; G83 8QL about 15 minutes from Killiecrankie. Bar
Sep: open daily; www.historic-scotland.gov. Visitors to Balloch should head for meals include big sandwiches, mussels
uk). This Augustinian monastery sits on Loch Lomond Shores (open daily; www. in wine or Aberdeen Angus burgers.
a small island in the Lake of Menteith, lochlomondshores.com), gateway to the Strathtummel, PH16 5RP; 01882 634
272; www.theinnatlochtummel.com
and can only be reached by ferry. The Loch Lomond National Park, to pick up
priory, built in 1283, was home to a local crafts and walk maps. Here, it is THE FORTINGALL YEW
small religious community for 300 also possible to hire bikes, canoes and Fortingall Hotel moderate
years. Visitors can stroll around the kayaks, or book tickets to take a cruise Beside the famous Fortingall Yew, this
tranquil ruins, which once provided a on the loch itself. Visitors with children hotel restaurant serves good Scottish
refuge for young Mary, Queen of Scots. will enjoy a visit to the aquarium, produce, such as fresh salmon from
the Tay and locally raised lamb.
ª Continue along B8034, turning which offers close up views of Fortingall, PH15 2NQ; 01887 830 367;
right on A811. At Drymen, turn right creatures such as starfish and sharks. www.fortingall.com
on B837 to Balmaha and car park.
BALQUHIDDER
w Balmaha Monachyle Mhor expensive
Enjoy chic eating on the north shore
Loch Lomond; G63 OJQ of Loch Voil. The menu is modern
Balmaha is a tiny village on the east Scottish, and there are vegetarian
bank of Loch Lomond, nestling amid dishes, too. Also has superb rooms.
ancient oak woods. These support so Balquhidder, FK19 8PQ; 01877 384 622;
www.mhor.net
much wildlife they are a Site of Special
Scientific Interest. Walk the Millennium CALLANDER
Forest Path through the woods or take The Riverside Inn moderate
a ferry from the boatyard to visit the Well-rounded central pub with live
island of Inchcailleach. At 39 km (24 music, real ales and dependable bar
food. There’s a decent kids’ menu too.
miles) long and 8 km (5 miles) wide, 8–10 Leny Road, Callander FK17 8BA;
Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of 01877 331 762; www.
freshwater in Britain. The loch is dotted riversideinncallander.co.uk
DAY TRIP OPTIONS to Dunkeld 5 to see its cathedral, driving up the loch to Balquhidder 9
Perth and Callander are excellent and historic trees beside the River to see Rob Roy’s grave and the glens.
bases for day trips. Tay, and walk into Birnam. Then return to Callander and head
Gardens and River Tay Take A93 to Scone Palace and then south to take a boat to romantic
Inchmahome Priory q, set on an
Staying at Perth 1, spend the return to Perth centre and take the A9.
morning enjoying its sights – the river, Return to Perth on the A9. island in Lake Menteith.
gardens and galleries – and then Romance of the Lochs From Callander take A84, then follow
enjoy a tour of Scone Palace, where From Callander 0, explore the town signs to Balquhidder. Retrace route and
Scotland’s kings were crowned. Drive and enjoy a walk by the river, before then take A81 to Inchmahome Priory.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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