Suggestions for Days Out from Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead.
Here's a delightful day out suggestion for Comrie and an 18 minute drive
- Start your day with a visit to the Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre. It's a fantastic place to see a variety of wildlife, including red deer, otters, and birds of prey. Check out Dizzy Ducks cafe and seasonal exciting events.
- Check out Cultybraggan near by. Once a prisoner of war camp, it now offers a museum and is home to local businesses.
- Head to the Earthquake House to learn about the area's unique geological history. Comrie is known for experiencing more earth tremors than anywhere else in the UK!
- Lunch at The Deil’s Cauldron. This charming stone build restaurant offers a mix of European and British dishes, with a great selection of seafood and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Snack lunch? You could grab a pastry and coffee at The Wild Hearth Bakery or deli takeaway food at Hansens Kitchen, a pie and strawberry tart at Campbells bakery or a pub lunch in Melvilles Lounge.
- Afternoon: Scenic Walks and Gardens. Take a leisurely walk along the Glen Lednock. The path offers beautiful views and a chance to enjoy the tranquility of the Scottish countryside. Or tackle The Deils Cauldron and its steps leading down and down or climb up to find The Melville Monument!
- Visit Drummond Castle Gardens. These stunning formal gardens are one of Scotland's most impressive and have been featured in films and TV shows like Outlander.
- Evening: Relaxing and Dining- Dinner at the Royal Hotel. Enjoy a meal in this historic hotel, which offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious British cuisine. There is a chippy in Comrie if you are not in the mood for formal dining.
- Comrie is a conservation village with charming shops and cafes, perfect for a relaxing day out.
- Golf? Guests are welcome to play or use the club bar at https://www.comriegolf.co.uk/
- Another must visit is Comrie Croft where you will find a mountain bike centre, food shop, The Garden Tea room and more.
- Map of Briar Cottages to Comrie
- Doune
At 6.8 miles on the left you will see signs for The Scottish Antiques & Arts Centre. Easy parking, Go through the interesting gift shop (great greeting cards) and discover room after room of antique and second hand items whether you like books, clothes, furniture, military collections, paintings, china, glass and so much more. You should come back out at the gift shop and across you will see Cafe Circa if you are ready for a coffee or bite.
Go back up the long drive and turn left. In less than a mile turn left in to Doune. There is a car park on the left before Doune if you prefer to park and walk. There is another car park once you are in Doune, second right turn at the treasure trove that is The Desirable Curio Antique shop and right again past the Co-op. Handy if you need to pick up amy groceries or treat yourself to an ice lolly. A lane from the car park will bring you walking in to town to discover a few shops and eating places.
We like The Buttercup Cafe for breakfast, beverages, cakes and light lunches or afternoon tea. The cafe has additional rear and outdoor seating with rain cover in the lane and this leads to more individual shops, gardening, clothes etc.
Back on the main road going through Doune you will see the right turn for Doune Castle. In addition to Monty Python filming, the castle has appeared in Game of Thrones and Outlander.
Carry on this road past Doune Castle, out of Doune and take the first right turn, up a hill and round a left bend. Keep going until you see the magnificent statue of David Stirling of SAS fame on the left. Turn left and park to get close up for photos, interesting stories and a magnificent view. If you continue on this road you will simply come to the Kier Roundabout for exits, M9/Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane or back to the A9 Perth slip road first left to Doune.
If you had carried straight on from Doune and not gone right to see the David Stirling statue, you would come to the left hand sign to Argaty Red Kites where you can see and photograph Kites feeding and beavers. There is also a garden centre on the main road here at www.molawn.com/garden-nursery-dunblane-stirling with James Speciality Coffee bar on site for outdoor covered seating areas and feshly prepared sandwiches, breakfast rolls and more. If you keep on this road your choices are, straight ahead to visit Dunblane, a right turn slipway to join the A9 taking you back to the Keir roundabout or a left hand slipway or a left hand turn to A9 Perth.
Another option near Doune is the Woodside Hotel. A refurbished hotel with good off road parking, magnificent wall papers and furnishing, excellent choices for drinks, snacks and main meals inside and out and above all, an excellent, friendly service team. You can either reach it be continuing right on the A84 past the Doune turn off, or go left in to Doune and first right, down a small road then right in to the car park before you are back on the A84.
The other place that is worth checking out, had you continued on the A84, over the 16th century Bridge of Teith, then right, is Deanston Distillery. Discover it in the old village of Deanston by The RIver Teith. In addition to a fascinating history, this is also a great place for breakfast, lunches and cakes.
- Forth Valley Food Trail - Here is a day out with a difference. Follow the Forth Valley Food Trail and discover local producers brands and flavours along the way. The map is downloadable including deli's, coffee and picnic sports along the route.
- Glencoe via A85, A82, Port Appin, Oban, Loch Awe round trip.
When through Tyndrum keep to the signs for Glencoe. You will come to a forked road. Choose Glencoe forking right (not Oban) as the round trip will bring you home via Oban if you choose to continue on the round trip. Of course you can do it the other way round. Keep on the road and pass The Bridge of Orchy. You will eventually see the Glencoe Mountain Resort 40 miles from Briar Cottages, on your left. You may wish to check out the cafe and the chair lift for another time, either walking or skiing. You can also sledge in winter. Sledges are free and you can book the chair lift on line in advance if you want to secure a place. A snow machine is used in winter to guarantee sledging if the weather does not gift snow.
Travel on past the ski slopes and look out for the stone entrance to the Kingshouse Hotel on the right. Worth a stop off to photograph area deer and the mountains, use the facilities, have a coffee, snack or lunch. Get back on the road and travel through the majestic Glencoe mountains. Guests tell as that they experience goose bumps when dribing through the montains! You may wish to stop off at safe parking spots to take photo's.
Carry on through Ballachulish towards Appin. You will see castle Stalker on the journey. If you are looking for a special lunch, deviate right at Appin and follow signs to The Pierhouse Hotel in about 8 miles. Exceptional seafood and other dishes with a romatic view over the water. Or just check it out over coffee, maybe for another time. There is even a wee ferry to Lismore if you time it right! Back on track? Go back to Appin and turn right. From Appin village hall you are about 32 miles from Oban, Go over the Connel Bridge and you are circa 5 miles from Oban.
Oban - you can park for a modest fixed price in the centre of town at the railway station or look at a map of alternative parking and prices in Oban. If you are near the station, check out the Green Shack selling seafood caught and landed fresh by local fisherman (There is a retail fish shop near by too in a lane between the shack and the rail station if you want to bring fish back to cook). The green shack is very informal. An outdoor experience, however the seafood could not be fresher. Look at the expression on the faces of those indulging in oyster and langoustines to know that the produce is excellent. There are plenty of options if you prefer to sit down for casual fish and chips or seafood specials. When in Oban you might want to walk around the bay and take in some of the shops. Discover The Oban distillery, The chocolate factory, Oban war and peace museum, McCaigs Folly with the best views over Oban and neighbouring islands. The charity shops have some interesting finds too.
Look for A85 leaving Oban and journey on to Loch Awe. Discover Inverawe Smoked Salmon at Taynuilt circa 15 miles. Keep travelling towards Loch Awe and look out for the Ben Cruachan visitor centre on the left. Have you ever been inside a hollow mountain? Fascinating engineering history including the brave soles who hollowed out the mountain for others to benefit from hydro power. Now on to Loch Awe. Now stop off at the historic visitor attraction that is St Conan's church. It has quite a history. Everyone is welcome to pop in and its free. This Kirk is unique housing just about every style of church architecture possible! Visit the website to avoid booked wedding dates.
- Loch Katrine - Click the link for all you need to know about a visit to Loch Katrine from Trossachs Pier FK17 8HZ. Book a steam ship experience. The website has all you need to know about taking pets, cafe's, toilets, parking, bike hire and more. See Briar Cottages to Loch Katrine map and directions, circa 39 minutes by car via A84 and A821.
Depending on the time that you leave Briar Cottages you might e.g, stop off at The Golden Larches for breakfast 2 miles south on the A84. A very pet friendly place boasting a "World Famous Shark Toilet". Visit The Strathyre Village shop for a newspaper and snacks or visit The award winning Broch cafe in Strathyre for coffee and cake or lunch. They hand bake scones and cakes with love! Take in and photograph some of the BLiSS trail art installations in Strathyre. Travelling on past Loch Lubnaig, look out for The Falls of Leny viewpoint before you reach Kilmahog. Visit the Scottish gift shop at Kilmahog and take photos or feed the Highland Cows there. Turn right on to the A821 and drop in to The Scottish Real Ale shop at The Lade Inn on the left. Journey on to The Trossachs pier. Discover the Steamship Cafe.
- Loch Tay, Kenmore -
A Crannog was an Iron age dwelling. There is evidence of Crannogs on Loch Tay as well as Loch Earn. Visit the website for this heritage site and book to see the replica Crannog and find out about seasonal events.
Other things to See and Do in Kenmore
- Taymouth Marina Hot Box spa and watersports hire centre. Enjoy a range of watersports including kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more. A great way to experience the beauty of Loch Tay.
- Glen Lyon: Take a short detour to explore this picturesque glen, known for its stunning landscapes and historical sites
- Castle Menzies: Located near Aberfeldy, this historic castle offers guided tours and beautiful gardens
- The Square and Parish Church: Stroll through the charming village of Kenmore, visit the historic parish church, and enjoy the local shops and cafes
- Kenmore Heritage: Learn about the history of Kenmore, which dates back to the 16th century. The village was originally known as Balloch and was later renamed Kenmore, meaning "big head" in Gaelic
- Taymouth Castle and Hotel - Currently being renovated by private developers
- Scenic Stops - Drummond Hill: Enjoy panoramic views of Loch Tay and the surrounding countryside
- Visit the Courtyard Shop. An excellent store full of food and drink gifts, special fudge and arran icecream, deli foods, cards, toys and more. A great place to pick up a present for someone or treat yourself.
- Loch Lomond
- Lake of Menteith, Trossachs
- Crieff, Glenturret Distillery, Aberfeldy
- Inverary
- Strathyre, Callander, Doune
- Mallaig
Here's a delightful day out suggestion for Comrie.
- Start your day with a visit to the Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre. It's a fantastic place to see a variety of wildlife, including red deer, otters, and birds of prey. Check out Dizzy Ducks cafe and seasonal exciting events.
- Check out Cultybraggan near by. Once a prisoner of war camp, it now offers a museum and is home to local businesses.
- Head to the Earthquake House to learn about the area's unique geological history. Comrie is known for experiencing more earth tremors than anywhere else in the UK!
- Lunch at The Deil’s Cauldron. This charming stone build restaurant offers a mix of European and British dishes, with a great selection of seafood and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Snack lunch? You could grab a pastry and coffee at The Wild Hearth Bakery or deli takeaway food at Hansens Kitchen, a pie and strawberry tart at Campbells bakery or a pub lunch in Melvilles Lounge.
- Afternoon: Scenic Walks and Gardens. Take a leisurely walk along the Glen Lednock. The path offers beautiful views and a chance to enjoy the tranquility of the Scottish countryside. Or tackle The Deils Cauldron and its steps leading down and down or climb up to find The Melville Monument!
- Visit Drummond Castle Gardens. These stunning formal gardens are one of Scotland's most impressive and have been featured in films and TV shows like Outlander.
- Evening: Relaxing and Dining- Dinner at the Royal Hotel. Enjoy a meal in this historic hotel, which offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious British cuisine. There is a chippy in Comrie if you are not in the mood for formal dining.
- Comrie is a conservation village with charming shops and cafes, perfect for a relaxing day out.
