Local Attractions & Activities
Gartclach Holiday Homes are perfectly located to explore Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the surrounding area. This is an area that is very popular with walkers whether it be conquering a Munro, taking a gentle stroll or completing a leg of one of the popular routes that pass through the area. Cycling is also very popular with miles of cycle paths suitable for all, from families to keen mountain bikers. There are many amazing places to visit and activities in the surrounding area. The following websites are useful for finding a huge range of activities in the surrounding area and throughout Scotland:
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yourstirling.com
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myvoyagescotland.com
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Walking
With miles of forest trails, numerous hills and 21 Munros in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the area is a walkers haven.There are walks to suit everyone from tackling Ben Lomond, walking a leg of The West Highland Way, The John Muir Way or The Rob Roy Way, or having a stroll along one of the many pathways available.Further information on walking routes can be found on the websites below. There are also books available in the Holiday houses.
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Cycling
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Gartclach Luxury Holiday Homes are located 1.7 miles from national cycle route 7 which runs through the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.This is an area very popular with cyclists and it caters for everyone from mountain bikers to young children being transported in a cycle trailer.2022 saw the opening of “Gravelfoyle”, gravel cycling routes that begin and end in the centre of Aberfoyle. Bikes can be hired from Aberfoyle Bike Hire and Katrine Wheelz.
Details of cycle routes can be found on:
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Loch Katrine is a beautiful location just 25 minutes drive away. It is a perfect traffic free place for walking, cycling or for kids to use their scooters. You can hire bikes suitable for most ages from Katrine Wheelz. You can also admire the breathtaking views from the loch itself by booking one of the cruises that leave regularly through the day. There is a café, gift shop and public toilets. Please note there is a charge for the car park.
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Based on the edge of Loch Lomond in Balloch, Lomond shores has something for everyone. You can shop, eat and play. There is a number of outdoor activities, you can see on the website, such as tree zone, suitable for children over 8, and a variety of activities on the Loch. Lomond shores is also home to Sea Life where you can explore the underwater world. Some activities are only available in the summer months and need to be booked.
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Blair Drummond Safari Park offers a fantastic day out for all ages. As well as the animals you can see they have a Dinosaur exhibition and large play area for children. The Safari Park has many dining outlets but also a barbeque area where you can cook up your own food. Look out for seasonal activities and late night openings. Pre-booking is essential. Closed from Christmas to March. Please check website for opening times.
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Located in the Village of Thornhill, 20 minutes away. A variety of trekking experiences are available as well as meeting the other animals onsite. Pre-booking is required.
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Bird Of Prey Experiences
Meet and learn about different birds of Prey at Strathblane Falconry, located 25 minutes away in the village of Stathblane.
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Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located in Balloch, on the edge of Loch Lomond. As well as meeting and learning about the birds of prey, they have a number of experiences on offer too.
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Located 20 minutes away Edenmill hosts a range of activities from soft play, Alpaka petting and trekking to team building events. The soft play area is more suited for younger children, 10 and under, with a toddler area too. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the café . Edenmill also offers an enclosed dog running field so you can exercise your furry friends off lead. This has to be pre-booked.
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Great for entertaining younger children. Here you can feed and pet animals, take tractor and trailer rides, jump on the massive jumping pillows, play in the outdoor play areas or on the go carts. There is a small soft play area that is suitable for children up to the age of 7 years. Briarlands Farm has a café and in the summer you can pick you own strawberries (website will say if strawberry picking is available). You can walk in but if you book online you get a 10% reduction on your ticket price.
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Located in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, 20 minutes away, Go Ape is great for those seeking outdoor adventure with either a tree top challenge or a zip line experience. Minimum age is 10 years and there’s a minimum height restriction of 140cm. Pre-booking is essential.
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For others not wishing to join the Go Ape activities, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park has much more to offer with a number of walking trails, a wild watch hide and orienteering courses. There is also a visitor centre and café. Please note there is a charge for parking.
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Based in Gartmore, less that 10 minutes drive away, can be found this outdoor activity Centre. Mainly aimed at groups of adults. Activities include quad biking, water sports, warrior sports, activity trails, target sports, climbing and abseiling. Booking essential.
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Based in Kinlochard, 20 minutes away. Go Country hosts a range of activities to suit everyone’s tastes. There is a variety of water sports including a waterpark wipeout and a mini waterpark, for children aged 4-10. The water parks are open June-October but some activities are available all year round. There are also a range of dry land activities such as quizereering, hill walking and mini highland games.
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Helix Park Falkirk, The Kelpies
Head to Falkirk to see the Kelpies in Helix Park. The Kelpies are the world’s largest equine sculptures. This will be about a 50 minute drive. You can book a tour or just enjoy the park. There is a visitor centre with a café and outdoor play areas. Charges apply for parking.
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Visit some of the area’s historical sights such as Stirling castle, Doune Castle, the Wallace Monument or Bannockburn.
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Glengoyne distillery is only a short drive away, located at the base of Dumgoyne hill. It is described as “Scotland’s most beautiful distillery”. There are a number of tours and experiences to choose from.
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Learn the history behind this Scottish dish as well as cooking and eating it. There are a number of experiences available based at Glenside Farm, 15 minutes drive away. Booking essential.
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With so many lochs and rivers nearby, Gartclach Luxury Holiday Homes are perfectly located for those who fancy a spot of fishing. A popular fishing location is Lake of Menteith Fisheries which is located 15 minutes drive away. Widely known for trout fishing, it has everything onsite for a great days fishing in a beautiful location. For more information on locations and permits see the websites below.
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Golf
There are several very scenic local golf courses which all host beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and hills. Aberfoyle, Buchanan Castle, Balfron and Callander Golf Clubs are all 18 hole courses and Strathendrick Golf Club in Drymen is a 9 hole course. Further a field you have Carrick Golf Club on the edge of Loch Lomond. It has 2 courses. The Carrick is an 18 hole course which has hosted the Ladies Scottish Open, the PCA Cup and the Europro Tour. Then there’s the 9 hole Wee Demon course.
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Spas
Maybe you want to treat yourself to a relaxing spa day. Forest Hills is located 20 minutes away on the edge of Loch Ard. They offer a selection of treatments and spa days, a relaxation room and swimming pool.
The Cameron Spa is located 30 minutes away and also offers a selection of treatments and spa packages. Or you can book in for a hydro and thermal experience, a great way to relax!
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Swimming Pools
There are a number of swimming pools nearby. A nice option for rainy days! Buchanan Arms Hotel in Drymen has a small heated pool. They hold quite a few swimming classes so if you wish to avoid these check the website or call in advance. Balfron High School has public swimming times which vary throughout the year so check the website before you go along. Arnprior Farm has a private swimming pool where you can book swim sessions in advance. These are usually booked up quickly so if you’re hoping to go, book before your stay. There’s also The Peak in Stirling and a number of swimming pools in Glasgow.