Back Roads Great Britain (Eyewitness Travel Back Roads)

(Tina Meador) #1

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Above left Unspoilt Callander, set in the
beautiful Trossach hills Above right Boats on
serene Loch Lomond as seen from Balmaha
Below Lake cruise ship on Loch Lomond
awaiting passengers, Balloch

DRIVE 24: The Heart of Scotland


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

DAY TRIP OPTIONS
Perth and Callander are excellent
bases for day trips.

Gardens and River Tay
Staying at Perth 1 , spend the
morning enjoying its sights – the
river, gardens and galleries – and then
enjoy a tour of Scone Palace, where
Scotland’s kings were crowned. Drive

to Dunkeld 5 to see its cathedral,
and historic trees beside the River Tay,
and walk into Birnam.
Take A93 to Scone Palace and then
return to Perth centre and take the A9.
Return to Perth on the A9.
Romance of the Lochs
From Callander 0 , explore the town
and enjoy a walk by the river, before

driving up the loch to Balquhidder 9
to see Rob Roy’s grave and the glens.
Then return to Callander and head
south to take a boat to romantic
Inchmahome Priory q, set on an
island in Lake Menteith.

From Callander take A84, then follow
signs to Balquhidder. Retrace route and
then take A81 to Inchmahome Priory.

w Balmaha
Loch Lomond; G63 OJQ
Balmaha is a tiny village on the east
bank of Loch Lomond, nestling amid
ancient oak woods. These support so
much wildlife they are a Site of Special
Scientific Interest. Walk the Millennium
Forest Path through the woods or take
a ferry from the boatyard to visit the
island of Inchcailleach. At 39 km (24
miles) long and 8 km (5 miles) wide,
Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of
freshwater in Britain. The loch is dotted


q Inchmahome Priory
Lake of Menteith; FK8 3RA
There can be few more picturesque
places than Inchmahome Priory (Apr–
Sep: open daily; http://www.historic-scotland.gov.
uk). This Augustinian monastery sits on
a small island in the Lake of Menteith,
and can only be reached by ferry. The
priory, built in 1283, was home to a
small religious community for 300
years. Visitors can stroll around the
tranquil ruins, which once provided a
refuge for young Mary, Queen of Scots.
ª Continue along B8034, turning
right on A811. At Drymen, turn right
on B837 to Balmaha and car park.


e Loch Lomond Shores
Ben Lomond Way, Balloch; G83 8QL
Visitors to Balloch should head for
Loch Lomond Shores (open daily; http://www.
lochlomondshores.com), gateway to the
Loch Lomond National Park, to pick up
local crafts and walk maps. Here, it is
also possible to hire bikes, canoes and
kayaks, or book tickets to take a cruise
on the loch itself. Visitors with children
will enjoy a visit to the aquarium,
which offers close up views of
creatures such as starfish and sharks.

EAT AND DRINK

AROUND BLAIR CASTLE
Loch Tummel Inn inexpensive
This inn by Loch Tummel is on the B8019
about 15 minutes from Killiecrankie. Bar
meals include big sandwiches, mussels
in wine or Aberdeen Angus burgers.
Strathtummel, PH16 5RP; 01882 634
272; http://www.lochtummelinn.co.uk
THE FORTINGALL YEW
Fortingall Hotel moderate
Beside the famous Fortingall Yew, this
hotel restaurant serves good Scottish
produce, such as fresh salmon from
the Tay and locally raised lamb.
Fortingall, PH15 2NQ; 01887 830 367;
http://www.fortingall.com
BALQUHIDDER
Monachyle Mhor moderate–expensive
Enjoy chic eating on the north shore
of Loch Voil. The menu is modern
Scottish, and there are vegetarian
dishes, too. Also has nice rooms.
Balquhidder, FK19 8PQ; 01877 384 627;
http://www.monachylemhor.com
CALLANDER
Ciro’s moderate
This popular Italian restaurant in the
centre of town, serves pasta and pizza
dishes, as well as Scottish rib-eye steak.
114 Main Street, FK17 8BG; 01877 331
070; http://www.cirositalianrestaurant.co.uk;
closed Wed

Bracklinn Falls, climbs up nearby Ben
Ledi and bike rides on the national
cycleway – see Tourist Information (left).
ª Take A81 signed Glasgow. Go left at
B8034 to Port of Menteith ferry car park.


with thickly wooded islands, including
Inchconnachan, which is home to an
unlikely colony of wallabies, introduced
in the early 20th century.
ª Return to Drymen, then take A811
towards Glasgow to Balloch. Follow
signs to Loch Lomond Shores car park.
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