Things To Do - Activities and Events - Lochearnhead

www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail

BLiSS trail: Art and Architectural Trail

Working Together For Tourism

• Visit the BLiSS trail of art and architectural installations mapped at www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail.
• Follow the trail around four neighbouring villages: Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans.
• Preview a slide show of the award winning sculpture and outdoor art installation trail. 
• Our local tourism group (LETi) won 2 regional and the national Scottish Thistle Award for this trail  
  
• NEW for 2018 is the BLiSS trail audio tour. Download the free audio tour to your smartphone and trigger stories recorded about each installation as you approach it.
  
• Visit https://geotourist.com/tours/2040 for details of the audio tour and map
  
• Download the free  app to your smartphone:

1. Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/ua/app/geotourist/id948290494
2. Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mlsdev.geotourist 

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Whats On Monthly event information for Lochearnhead, Stirlingshire, The Trossachs  and The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park See Foot of this page!

Annual Highland Games Lochearnhead 21st July 2018

​There are many things to do and see around Lochearnhead including sports and outdoor activities, tourist attractions and unique annual events in the village.

Food lovers are spoilt for choice with area restaurants.

​Lochearnhead is so central within Scotland that you can experience wonderful scenic day trips by car. 

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BLS The Villagers News

BLS The Villagers news.

Buy The Villagers newspaper. £1 in local shops and hotels for "Whats On" Information and stories and contacts from the communities of Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans. Or visit The Villagers  Archives. Click here to order by post or online PDF.
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MSP Bruce Crawford opens the Strathyre to Kingshouse Cycle Path Sustrans Route 7

#BLiSStrail Drover's Bho sculpture on the Lochearnhead to Strathyre cycle path . Sustrans NCR7

Lochearn Watersports Centre -tuition and fun -St Fillans

Water sports

Check out Lochearn Water Sports Centre run by Charlie Leckie on the south side, east Loch Earn Tel 07377447741

Live Band at Hogmanay in Lochearnhead

Regular visitors to Lochearnhead

Play Petanque at Briar Cottages

Fishing Loch Earn from Briar Cottages or contact Drummond Estates fishing and boat hire

Water Sports: Kayak or canoe from Briar Cottages slipway to Loch Earn

Ryder Cup at St Fillans Golf Club, Loch Earn

Lawn putting in the garden on Loch Earn

Bespoke Fishing Central Scotland

Spring Food Fayre MHOR84 Balquhidder

Falls of Dochart Killin -New Smokehouse behind the Inn.

MacRosty Swing Park Crieff

Heavenly Cakes Selection at MHOR84

Book A Canoe Safari with Strathyre Outdoors

The Famous Fraser - Make your own label at Glenturret Whisky Distillery, an ideal gift from Scotland

Jetty at Briar Cottages Loch Earn. Fishing March 15 to October 6th

Hillwalking & Munro Bagging

Stuc A Chroin

BEN Vorlich

We are situated amongst majestic mountains and Munro's. On the south side of Loch Earn are Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin. Achraw Hill is behind Briar Cottages offering a stunning view of Loch Earn in its 6.5 mile entirety. Follow the Glen Ogle trail sign then access the hill from the edge of the forest.  Ben Sheann and Ben Ledi are near Strathyre and Callander and Ben More & Stobinian are about 11 miles by road. For the Lawers range drive 7 miles to Killin, then follow Loch Tay for about 5 miles for the turn off on the left. (NB: You can drive through Lawers range in summer to the Glen Lyon tea room) There are many more Munros,  lesser hills and walks within half an hours drive. Check out these wee hills with big views

Walking

Locals will happily point out walks in this area e.g. The Glen Ogle Trail and the Rob Roy Way along the disused railway line, part of Scotland's National Trail. Or stroll to the south side of Loch Earn and up Glen Ample. See Walk Highlands for excellent information including timed walking guides for Strathyre, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead and The Rings of Breadalbane walks. Also check out the circular walks in St Fillans, Queen Elizabeth 11 forest park walks from Strathyre, walk to The Bracklin Falls in Callander.  Here is another useful adventure guide to hiking in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs.
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Cycling and Hire

The Callander to Killin cycle way passes through Lochearnhead just half a mile from Briar Cottages. Sustrans National cycle route 7 follows the old railway line. This means that the route is almost level or with very gentle inclines for most of its length. The route is also part of The Rob Roy Way and Scotland's National Trail. 

From Briar Cottages turn right and then left at the end of the road A84/A85 crossroads. Follow the road to the end of the village and look for the number 7 sign and St Angus church where a metal BLiSS trail West Highland Terrier sculpture sits. (Turn right just before the national speed limit signs leaving Lochearnhead).

​ These pretty, off road paths are excellent for walking, cycling and dog walking. Look out for wildlife, wild orchids and other flora and fauna. Follow the path and turn right for Glen Ogle and Killin (steep incline at the start until you are level with the viaduct) or turn left for The Golden Larches and MHOR84, and access to Balquhidder, Strathyre then Callander.

To Hire Bikes: 1. Strathyre Bike Hire offers a delivery service to Lochearnhead. Bikes can also be hired in neighbouring villages 2. Killin Outdoor Centre and 3.Comrie  Croft where you can make use of off road mountain bike tracks on their premises or use the 4. Comrie Corft Dial-A-Bike delivery to Briar Cottages.​ 5. Strathyre Forest Cabins also hire out bikes from their base between Strathyre and Callander.  6. See Other bike hire locations in Stirling, Perthshire. Trossachs and Scotland 7. McLaren Leisure centre is now hiring out eBikes. Click here for eBike Hire information

Electric Car Charge Points

Car touring is very popular from Briar Cottages due to it's central location. Here is a quick reference to electric charge points in different directions from Loch Earn. Click on the additional information and maps to make a plan when touring Scotland in a car that depends on an electric car charge point.

1 Clachan Cottage Hotel Lochearnhead 150m
2. MHOR 84 Motel 2.5 miles
3. Car park Killin -7 miles
4.Tay Highland Lodges Killin -7 miles
5 Comrie Croft near Comrie -13 Miles
6 1 Station Callander 14 miles
6. Crieff Hydro Crieff- 20 miles
7. Green Welly Stop Tyndrum 20 miles
8 Real Food Cafe Tyndrum 20 miles
Link to other electric car charge points in Scotland  and see how many are at each location. Useful Scotland electric car charge map

Events

Lochearnhead and Local Villages 

• Burns In The Barn, Monachyle Mhor Balquhidder, 26 January 
• The Great Loch Earn Boat Race, April
• Strathyre Music Festival Fri 31 July 202 to 1st August 2020
• Lochearn Shears championships, 26 and 27th June 2020
• BLS Highland Games Lochearnhead, July 25th 2020, Games Field Lochearnhead
• BLS Country Show August / September 
• Loch Earn open water swim, Lochearnhead- St Fillans Sept TBC
• Lochearnhead Village Hall Hogmanay Hop, December 31st 2020
• ​Other events in neighbouring villages

​​SEE PAGE BELOW for Stirlingshire Events

Wildlife

Briar Cottages guests have seen many wildlife species in the garden and local area. You may witness pheasants in the garden, deer drinking from our stream autumn to winter (and eating our spring plants!), mallards hatching ducklings in Spring and pairs of ospreys fishing in Loch Earn all summer as well as, red squirrels, otters, dippers, bats, red kites, golden eagles, sea eagles, owls, sawfly, grey lag geese, oyster catchers, butterflies and an assortment of bumble bees amongst other creatures.

​Other opportunities to watch wildlife and discover wild plants

• Blair Drummond Safari Adventure Park near Doune,  8 miles south of Callander.
• Ospreys are frequently spotted fishing in Loch Earn and may also be observed at the David Marshall Lodge centre in Aberfoyle.
• Look out for wild goats in fields between St Fillans and Comrie
• Red deer and roe deer may be seen all over the local area but you have to keep your eyes open.
• Spot red kite's locally or visit the red Kite feeding station at Argaty near Doune.
• Observe a range of native and non-native, wild and domestic animals at Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre near Comrie. A lovely little animal park for small children. Look out for feeding times and pick up day old chicks in season. Play barn and cafe with home baking 
• Briarlands Farm Gat for all age groups. n addition to the animals you can try jumping pillows, tractor rides, football golf, archery and a lot more. Hear the scones are good too 
• Book a Hidden Glen Wildlife  Safari Balquhidder on the look out for Golden Eagles, deer and more in Land Rovers
• Go on timetabled walks with St Fillans based Aquila Ecology or ask about bespoke walks, whether interested in birds, bat detection, squirrels, badgers, wild orchids or other flora and fauna.

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Aquila Ecology Nature Walks
Explore the regions flora and fauna accompanied by our local experts. An abundance of creatures and wild plants to spot including bat detection, dippers, eagles, red squirrels, badgers, wild orchids and so much more. Find out about organised walking events or talk to the team about your family or parties preferences. Contact Andrea Hudspeth 07960 391297 based in St Fillans at Aquila Ecology 

Golf

​​There are 8 excellent golf courses all within half an hours drive,  the nearest being just 6 miles away at St Fillans Golf Club (Sandy Lyle's favourite inland course...you might be lucky enough to spot him there) or Killin Golf Club. More on Golf in Perthshire  NB: Free golf for under 18s, when accompanied by a paying adult at St Fillans and other Perthshire golf clubs. Request to borrow a half set of clubs when you pre book St Fillans GC.  Very welcoming members, excellent value and home made food at the club house plus a picturesque course.

NB: The Solheim cup 2019 takes place 13-15 September 2019 at Gleneagles golf resort. Only 47 minutes from Lochearnhead.

Also see Golf clubs in Stirlingshire 

Horse Riding

​Available at Castle Rednock Farm 17 miles, where they also offer Segway and at The Equestrian Centre, Milton Morenish, on the north shore of Loch Tay near Killin as well as via Crieff Hydro.

Fishing

 UK's largest trout caught on Loch Earn 2016! It weighed in at 35lbs.
Loch Earn holds a good stock of native brown trout and rainbow trout which found their way here from a private stocked lochan many years ago. Some wild salmon, arctic char and eels have been landed here too though eels are protected and must be returned safely to the water. Loch Earn is also home to one of the UK's rarest fish the Vendace, traced back to the ice age 13 000 years ago. This fish is protected of course. See a photo of one at Drummond Estates.
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 Permits are required for most waters in Scotland,  however, guests of Briar Steading and Little Briar cottage may fish from our loch-side garden and jetty without a permit during the trout season which is March 15th to October 6th.

The Lochearnhead Village store sells bait, floats and value priced fishing rods. You can also hire fishing rods in the St Fillans Store east Loch Earn. Fishing boats and equipment can be hired from Drummond estates (2 miles) and at the St Fillans village shop (6 miles).  If you prefer to arrange a bespoke fishing service, contact Ghillie Stuart Mathieson who will pick you up and take you fishing then drop you off again. He can even supply all the equipment on request. Email Stuart at fishonscotland@yahoo.co.uk or visit Fish On Scotland. For ghillie led salmon and trout tours, contact Rob, Saltire taxis and tours  07387 982976. See Guide to Angling and Permits in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

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​Sporting Estate

Events, Attractions & Tourist Information

• Whats on activities in Lochearnhead, St Fillans, Strathyre, and Balquhidder
• St Fillans events
• ​Whats On in Killin
• ​What to do in Breadalbane
• Callander Tourist Information
• Things to do in Strathearn 
• What on in Stirlingshire
• Welcome to Scotland Whats on
• Visit Scotland Things to See and Do

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Annual May Music Festival Strathyre

Strathyre Music Festival

Local Village Events

Swimming

Our "go to" swimming pool is called Loch Earn!  Well in summer at least. Help yourself. There is a swimming pool at McLaren Leisure centre (14 miles) in Callander for those that prefer a roof over head. Or how about a pamper day including massage and use of the spa at Crieff Hydro (20 miles) If you are visiting Stirling, The Peak Leisure Centre offers a large swimming pool, climbing wall and ice skating too. Are you in to Open Water Swimming?  You can swim from our garden shore. Always best to ensure someone else is with you. Alternatively check out Vigour Events. This company ensures organised ope water swim training and events in various location and there are annual swim events in Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig.  

Petanque

Play Petanque at The Broch Cafe Strathyre

Guests can play petanque in the loch garden at Briar Cottages. There is also a petanque boulodrome and scoreboard at The Broch Cafe in Strathyre open 7 days.  Free to play though it is customary to at least buy a beverage in return for borrowing the boules, cochonnet,  starting rings and measuring string. You may find that the home baked cakes and scones are too tempting. Why not make a day of it and have lunch between games. Great fun for all ages and the hosts Bill and Lesley can assist with the rules of play. 

​Glenample is one of the finest for shooting and stalking enthusiasts. A varied range of wildgame from woodcock to grouse as well as red and roe deer and stags. Estate manager Mike Holiday was credited for his expertise during the filming of Channel 5's series A Year In The Wild narrated by Gordon Buchanan. Book with Glenample Estates and arrange to be picked up from Briar Cottages on the first day.

Shopping

1:  Visit MHOR-In-Store at Kingshouse Balquhidder (c 2 miles) for cashmere, jewellery, candles, paintings, interiors and other quality gifts and designer artist products.   
2: Stirling Shopping Bus from Lochearnhead to Stirling.  Christmas shopping for £5 return via Stirling Council. The bus stops in Balquhidder and Strathyre. Printed timetables in the cottages and local shops
 3:  Lochearnhead village shop opens 9 to 5 and closes for lunch 1- 2pm. Good selection of essentials, plus newspapers, fishing permits in season and more. Say hello to owner Owen Mckee and his team, Hattie and Noretta. Buy The Villagers newspaper (£1) for local info and Whats on.
4:    Order groceries to be delivered to your cottage using postcode FK19 8PU with Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury'. Visit the Co-op in Killin open 7 days a week until 10pm. Comrie has a butcher, baker plus a fruit and veg shop as well as a Spar and delicatessen, chemist, gift shop and ,more.

Distilleries - Whisky

experience.thefamousgrouse.com/  Ask us for the special 10% discount code for any of the Grouse Whisky Experience options when you stay with us

Holistic Therapy
​Treatments at Briar Cottages

Contact Alison Inglis to discuss your choice of treatment Tel: 07796 327765 and book a session in the comfort of luxury Briar Steading or pet friendly Little Briar Cottage on Loch Earn. 

Energy balancing organic facials, Indian Champissage (head massage), Indian Ayurvedic (foot massage), Swedish style deep tissue massage and more. From £25 for 30 minutes. Visit Rejuvenating and re-balancing massage treatments for full details. 

Learn the art of Indian Head Massage on weekend Diploma Certificate courses. Visit the enchanted cottage pop up shop in Balquhidder for magical gifts and organic beauty and health products and therapies.

For Food and Drink - Click Here

Other Towns, Villages and Attractions 

Visit other towns and attractions in Scotland from Lochearnhead: Lochearnhead is so central within Scotland that you can easily explore other places and attractions, e.g. Killin and The Falls of Dochart,  Horse Riding and segway at Rednock Farm (17 miles), Auchingarrich wildlife park in Comrie,  Sea World at Loch Lomond,  Doune Castle and Stirling Castle,  The Scottish Antique centre Doune, Grouse Distillery Glenturret, Crieff,  The Peak Leisure Centre Stirling (swimming, indoor wall climbing, ice skating). Go Ape Forest Tree Tops rope walk, Aberfoyle,  Crieff Hydro,  Loch Katrine steam ship cruises and cycle hire,  The Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies and The Helix Park plus Callander Park House, Falkirk,  Oban on the west coast with ferries to Mull and Kerera,  Glencoe with a chair lift into the mountains for walks in summer or skiing in winter, Rob Roy MacGregor's Burial Place in the kirk (church) at Balquhidder, Hidden Glen Safaris Balquhidder (a Land Rover picks you up to see deer and eagles off road in the Braes of Balquhidder), Gold Panning and the old Cinema at Aberfeldy,  The Crannog (Iron Age Thatched House in Water) at Kenmore, oldest Yew tree in Europe at Fortingall, Sustrans cycle track 7 on The Rob Roy Way passes Lochearnhead with lovely off road walks on the old disbanded railway line including The Glen Ogle Trail, Inverary Castle and jail.  Stirling (30 miles) Perth city (40 miles). Glasgow and Edinburgh cities (less than 60 miles by road or park at Stirling Railway Station for £3.50 all day and take the train or get on at Dunblane. Day trip to Inverness via Fortwilliam.  Day trip from Crianlarich train station via Fortwilliam to Mallaig. 

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Whats On 2020 
 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 
Find out whats on in Lochearnhead and Stirling

 Please visit www.visitscotland.com/events for national information

Visit the ​BLiSS Trail
National and Regional Scottish Thistle Award winning
Sculpture and art installation trail
Linking; Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St.Fillans villages.
www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail 
Download a free smartphone app here for
​ the audio version of BLiSS trail 
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BLiSS trail - Innovation in Tourism

BLISS trail - Working Together For Tourism

Loch Earn Nature Watch at Briar Cottages 17th May 2020
Lochearnhead Shears, Lochearnhead, 27th June 2020
BLS Highland Games Lochearnhead 25th July 2020
Strathyre Music Festival -31st July -1st August 2020

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For other Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Strathyre, St Fillans events visit robroycountry.com/local-events

and 

https://www.strathyre.smartvillage.scot/events
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 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 
Find out whats on in Lochearnhead and Stirling


Thank Folk It's Thursday
Visiting Folk Musicians
MHOR84 Motel
Balquhidder/ Lochearnhead
Food until 9pm
Summer 9-11pm
Winter 7.30 -9.30pm


The Crown Hotel,Callander
13 Main Street FK17 8DU
Cabaret Singers
Saturdays 9pm—Midnight
info@thecrownhotelcallander.co.uk
01877 330040
Meals served all day until 9pm.
 
The Lade Inn,Kilmahog
By Callander,FK17 8HN
www.theladeinn.com
01877 330152
Scots Folk Music
Saturdays 8.30—11.30
Meals available, booking advised.
 
Killearn Country Market
1st Sunday of the month
Killearn Village Hall Balfron Road
Handmade goods, local crafts
& farm foods. G63 9NL
 
Stirling Farmers Market
2nd Saturday of the month
Located in pedestrian precinct
Outside M&S. FK8 2EN
A wide variety of produce from throughout Central Scotland.
 
Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Farmers Market G83 8QL
1st & 3rd Sunday of the month.
10am—4pm
Panoramic location, with a magnificent range of produce
 
Milngavie Farmers Market 
1st Wednesday of the month
&  3d Saturday : G62 6PE
10am—2pm Douglas Street.  Fresh produce from all over Scotland
 
France Farm Fridays
Fridays 9am—5pm    G83 8NP
Beside Millennium Hall Gartocharn
Family run market featuring a large selection of fresh & cooked meats
Cheese, fruit and veg, eggs.
 
Benview Farm Shop
Monday to Saturday 9.30-4.30pm
Sunday 10.30am—4.30pm
Ward Toll, Balfron Station G63 0QZ
Vegetables, cheeses, preserves biscuits and cakes.
 
Edenmill Farm Shop
Wednesday—Sunday9am—5pm
Stockiemuir Road Blanefield G63 9AX
01360 771707
 
Live Bothy Music Sessions
White Stag Inn FK18 8NL
STRATHYRE
First Sunday of month 2.30—5.30
Featuring local band Balvaig
Free entry. Details on website
www.balvaig.co.uk
 
Dalgair House Hotel
Weekend entertainments
Friday & Saturday evenings
Sunday afternoons.
01877 330283 
 
Callander Ramblers Club
Contact 01877 330444