Craft Your Own Silver Highland Keepsake – Immeroin Jewellery Workshop and shop.
Immeroin jewellery Making “Each ring reflects your personal style and the spirit of the Highlands.”
Exceptional value for a unique silver ring and workshop experience.
Perfect for couples, friends, or solo creatives, it’s a truly special way to spend a few hours. Check out Darren's shop for gift ideas from cuff links and copper bracelets to kilt pins and celtic brooches.
Make Waves on Loch Earn – Watersports & Boat Trips
Loch Earn Wakeschool - Wakeboarding and wakesurfing
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Inflatable Ringo rides
- Luxury speed boat charters for a special occassion
Tee Off in Paradise – St Fillans Golf Club
Just 7 miles east of Briar Cottages, St Fillans Golf Club is a hidden gem voted Scotland’s best 9-hole course multiple times. With breathtaking views and a relaxed vibe, it’s ideal for both seasoned golfers and curious beginners. Visiting guests are made to feel very welcome on this immaculate, scenic course. Well behaved dogs can accompany you too. No wonder it is Sandy Lyle's favourite inland course. A scenic and very well kept course ...and only £20-24 a round for visitors. TripAdvisor users regularly give it 5 stars. Check out St Fillans golf club and book a tee time the next time you stay at Briar Cottages self catering.
Walk or Cycle the Old Railway Line – NCN Route 7
Cycling over Glenogle Viaduct Network Route 7, which passes through Lochearnhead, Glen Ogle, and Killin. This traffic-free path follows the old railway line, including the iconic Glen Ogle Viaduct, offering panoramic views of the glen and surrounding hills. In the opposite direction, reach Strathyre, Balquhidder and Callander. A second old railway walk from Lochearnhead to Comrie, passes Briar Cottages rear garden. Access it from the garden stile. A stunning off road experience that dogs love too. Look out for seasonal sights like deer, beavers, wild orchids and more.
Munro Bagging – Ben Vorlich & Stuc a’ Chroin
- 🥾 Distance: 14.5 km round trip
- ⏱️ Time: 6–7 hours
- 📍 Trailhead: Loch Earn
- We recommend WALK HIGHLANDS for its up to date detailed information for walkers, in Scotland.
Explore the BLiSS Trail – Art Meets Nature
Thistle installation by Kev Paxton, ArtFe Blacksmihs BLiSS trail features; sculptures, architectural installations and quirky functional objects like a totem pole road sign.
- Accessible via A84, A85 and Sustrans NCN7
- Use the Geotourist app for an audio route finding tour narrated by locals, artists and others.
Feel free to ask me (Kim) about the trail. I came up with the idea, though, like all good concepts, the trail would not have materialised and gone on to win a Scottish Thistle Award without team work from tourism businesses, community members, artists and many others.
I know every installation on the trail. Two pieces are displayed in Briar Cottages loch garden. Blawn Wi The WInd by Kev Paxton of ArtFe blacksmiths, and Stan The Stag. You will find QR codes on the roadside signs on the fence. The code will lead you to the Geoutourist audio route finder app for mobile phones, so that you can discover the rest of the trail. I was personally delighted when STILL, the mirrored man sculpture by Rob Mulholland, was erected in Loch Earn at St Fillans in May. A popular addition.
Where to Eat & Drink Nearby - You’re spoiled for choice with local dining options:
- Clachan Cottage Hotel – Lochside dining with a dog-friendly bar and views
- MHOR 84 – Quirky bistro with seasonal produce and live music nights
- Golden Larches Café – Famous for its home baking and “Shark Toilet”
- Monachyle MHOR – Fine dining with foraged ingredients and celebrity sightings
- The Courie Inn (Killin) – Cosy pub meals and local ales
- Achray Hotel – Fine dining with lochside flair
- The Broch Café (Strathyre) – Great for soup, coffee and cake after a walk or cycle
Wildlife Tours – Discover the Wild Side of Loch Earn
Based in Lochearnhead, Kestrel Wildlife Safaris offers 3-hour and 7-hour 4x4 tours through the dramatic landscapes of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Led by Gareth, a local ranger with over 25 years of conservation experience, you’ll explore hidden glens and lochside habitats while spotting:
- Red deer, wild goats, and rutting stags
- Golden eagles, ospreys, and buzzards
- Seasonal highlights like “Call of the Rut” safaris in autumn
Discover Nature with Aquila Wildlife & Nature CIC
Just a short drive from Briar Cottages, Aquila Wildlife & Nature CIC in St Fillans offers unforgettable guided walks and wildlife tours through the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Led by passionate conservationists Andrea and Terry, these experiences are tailored to your interests—whether you're keen to spot golden eagles, red squirrels, or simply reconnect with nature.
Whether you're a seasoned birder or just enjoy a gentle stroll with binoculars in hand, Aquila offers a chance to deepen your connection with the landscape and its wild inhabitants. Based in St Fillans – 15 minutes from Briar Cottages
Nature at Your Doorstep
From lochside safaris to forest walks, Briar Cottages put you within reach of Scotland’s wildest and most beautiful creatures. Whether you’re hiking Ben Vorlich, crafting silver memories, or sipping whisky by the fire, Loch Earn is alive with stories—and wildlife waiting to be discovered in the heart of Scotland.
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