Strathyre
The village of Strathyre is near Loch Lubnaig, is the first settlement in the Highlands on the A84, about 8 miles north of Callander, has historically been a stopping off point for travellers. St Columba and St Cuthbert both stayed here on their journeys around Scotland. Situated 24 miles north-west of Stirling, it is a useful centre from which to explore Balquhidder and Rob Roy country. The village was originally located on the route of an old drove road on the opposite side of the River Balvag, the modern village developed on its present site with the coming of the railway in the 19th century. The railway to Oban via Strathyre came from Callander by the west shore of Loch Lubnaig and forced the village to move to its present site on the east bank of the river. Strathyre lies in a picturesque location at the head of Loch Lubnaig overlooked by Beinn-ant-Sithean (Ben Shian). This is Gaelic for 'Mountain of the Fairies or Fairy Hillocks'. Celtic fairies were not seen as the fairies of modern tales, but looked very much like us and lived in hollow mountains! Go to Strathyre to see the faery hill of Ben Shian.
The birthplace of the (not so well known) gaelic religous poet Dugald Buchanan is here at Strathyre. He was famous in his time for his religous poetry and is buried in Little Leny Burial ground at Callander, the burial place of the Buchanans of Leny house. The photo below right is of the river Balvaig, just down the little road opposite the phone box and public car park at the Munro Inn. The narrow road leads to Balquhidder via a quiet lane which forms part of the cycleway from Callander to Glen Dochart.
This is the ideal base for hillwalking at all levels of difficulty, from a gentle stroll on the shores of Loch Lubnaig to a vigorous hike to the summit of Ben Ledi … take a boat trip on Loch Katrine … The tree-clad slopes around the village which sweep down to the shores of Loch Lubnaig change from spring greens to autumn russets and golds making the surroundings spectacularly beautiful all year.
Just 2 miles down the A84 is the southern end of GlenAmple, a 6 mile pass through the mountains past Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin to Loch Earn. A wonderful walk for those who are fit enough.
If you are fit enough for something more energetic you may like to tackle Stuc a Chroin or Ben Vorlich so you can claim your first Munro. Within a short distance of Strathyre there is a wealth of opportunities for sports (walking, mountainbiking, canoeing and sailing), field studies and nature trails.
The C7 Cycle route which starts near Milngavie passes Aberfoyle and Callander before joining the old rail track to head north via Strathyre en-route for Killin via GlenOgle. Access the Cycle route in Strathyre Either at the car park at the south end of the village or via the old bridge on the narrow road opposite the Munro Inn.
The birthplace of the (not so well known) gaelic religous poet Dugald Buchanan is here at Strathyre. He was famous in his time for his religous poetry and is buried in Little Leny Burial ground at Callander, the burial place of the Buchanans of Leny house. The photo below right is of the river Balvaig, just down the little road opposite the phone box and public car park at the Munro Inn. The narrow road leads to Balquhidder via a quiet lane which forms part of the cycleway from Callander to Glen Dochart.
This is the ideal base for hillwalking at all levels of difficulty, from a gentle stroll on the shores of Loch Lubnaig to a vigorous hike to the summit of Ben Ledi … take a boat trip on Loch Katrine … The tree-clad slopes around the village which sweep down to the shores of Loch Lubnaig change from spring greens to autumn russets and golds making the surroundings spectacularly beautiful all year.
Just 2 miles down the A84 is the southern end of GlenAmple, a 6 mile pass through the mountains past Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin to Loch Earn. A wonderful walk for those who are fit enough.
If you are fit enough for something more energetic you may like to tackle Stuc a Chroin or Ben Vorlich so you can claim your first Munro. Within a short distance of Strathyre there is a wealth of opportunities for sports (walking, mountainbiking, canoeing and sailing), field studies and nature trails.
The C7 Cycle route which starts near Milngavie passes Aberfoyle and Callander before joining the old rail track to head north via Strathyre en-route for Killin via GlenOgle. Access the Cycle route in Strathyre Either at the car park at the south end of the village or via the old bridge on the narrow road opposite the Munro Inn.