Loch Earn, thirty miles west of Perth, must be one of the loveliest parts of central Scotland. Seven miles long, on the edge of the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park, and flanked by some magnificent mountains (among them Ben Vorlich), yet easy to reach and centrally located for exploring in all directions, it offers all you could want in a holiday location.
The same could be said for Balmeanoch Cottage, a charming, traditional stone cottage, now carefully renovated to provide, within its thick walls, most comfortable and cosy family accommodation, efficiently heated by oil central heating and a wood-burning stove. It is accessed by the quiet road on the south side of the Loch and, surrounded by the Ardvorlich Estate and reached by a good track, it stands in a quite heavenly situation, peaceful and serene on the hillside with the waters of the loch sparkling through the trees below it. The cottage faces south, so receives its full quota of sun, which can be enjoyed from the terrace to the front. Beyond that, there is a sloping and enclosed grass garden (furniture, BBQ). In fact this is an ideal location for children who can run wild in safety, far from traffic. (There is a pretty burn nearby).
Loch Earn is renowned for its watersports, with sailing, water-ski-ing and wind surfing all available either at Lochearnhead (3m shop/hotel) or the pretty village of St Fillans (5m shop hotels) at the eastern end of the loch, where there is also a delightful golf course with excellent snacks and meals available in the club house. Fishing can be arranged with the Estate.
The main road runs along the north side of the loch, so Balmeanoch is off the picturesque and tree-fringed 'road less travelled' and families can spend many happy hours playing and picnicking on the shore just at the bottom of the track. The more energetic can climb Ben Vorlich or the other hills round about - there is excellent walking at all levels right from the cottage.
But if the mood takes you to venture further afield you are truly spoilt for choice, with some of the best that Scotland has to offer within easy distance. To the south, by way of the Braes of Balquhidder (Rob Roy Country to the historically minded) and lovely Loch Lubnaig, you can be in Callander and heading for the Trossachs in just half an hour. Continue a few miles further, and the kids can enjoy a day out at the Blair Drummond Safari Park and on to historic Stirling with its castle and Wallace Monument.
To the east, via Comrie and Crieff, you can be in Perth (excellent shops, theatre, leisure centre etc) in under the hour. Another excellent, peaceful and unspoilt picnic spot is by the dam at the head of Glen Lednock (turn left in Comrie.)
North will bring you to Lochs Tay, Tummel and Rannoch, all scenic marvels, and heading west, you can be on Loch Lomond within an hour or the west coast near Oban in about an hour and a half.
Heating, logs for the wood-burner and bed linen are all INCLUDED and towels may be hired. Water is from a private spring and UV-filtered. The owners can organize shopping for your arrival on request. A camp bed can be made available. Dogs are welcome by arrangement but we regret NO CATS.
