Balquhidder
Loch Voil, Balquhidder
Balquhidder Glen is where history, legend, and fantastic scenery blend beautifully. Here's a guide to exploring this less-visited area of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. This is ‘Rob Roy Country’ (more of him to come). The Rob Roy Way trail, between Drymen and Pitlochry, passes through Balquhidder. Several walks around the glens and up into the surrounding mountains of Stob Binnein and Ben More are also available.
Getting to Balquhidder
Balquhidder is easy to reach by car and public transport:
• By Car: From Stirling, take the A84 towards Callander and continue to Kingshouse, where you’ll turn left towards Balquhidder.
• By Public Transport: Buses connect Balquhidder to nearby towns of Callander and Crianlarich. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Balquhidder Church
Rob Roy’s Grave
Our journey begins at Balquhidder Parish Church, built in 1855.
The original Balquhidder Kirk, built in 1631, is in ruins and is next to the resting place of Scotland's most famous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor.
Rob Roy, born in 1671, was a cattleman, soldier, and rebel, often described as the "Scottish Robin Hood", providing a defence of clan honour during a turbulent period of Highland history. A folk hero to many, a criminal to others, Rob Roy's story has inspired books, films, and poems, including Sir Walter Scott's famous novel Rob Roy. He died in 1734 and was buried at Balquhidder Kirkyard. His grave is marked with the defiant clan motto, 'MacGregor Despite Them', a lasting symbol of the clan's survival despite being outlawed for many years.
There are a few parking spaces directly outside the parish church.
Creag an Tuirc
Don't leave before taking the path on the right-hand side of the church, following signs for Creag an Tuirc (The Rock of the Boar), a rocky outcrop.
This short, steep forest trail is 1.2 miles long. From the top clearing, there is a superb panoramic view stretching across the Braes of Balquhidder, Loch Voil, and beyond, a spot said to have been a historic rallying point of the MacLarens. I think this is one of the best viewpoints in the National Park.
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The BLiSS Trail
I am a big fan of the BLiSS Trail, a series of art installations that blend into the local landscapes of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans. An example of one is the repurposed telephone box by the village hall that now contains a library.
Read more about the BLiSS Trail at the link below, download an audio guide to accompany you on your trip to see the various art pieces.
Loch Voil
Loch Voil
Follow the narrow single-track road alongside Loch Voil. This long, slender loch is often quieter than some of the more famous lochs nearby, and a good place to kayak or canoe. Steep hills and woodland frame the smaller Loch Doine at its far end.
Tucked between the two lochs is the 'Look Out' Mirrored Box, a striking art installation that's part of the BLiSS Trail, which is a creative route linking Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre, and St Fillans. Designed to reflect the surrounding landscape, the mirrored shelter allows you to sit and enjoy a double perspective: facing one loch while catching the reflection of the other.
Nearby, you'll find Monachyle Mhor, a boutique hotel and restaurant housed in a former farmhouse.
Read more about this and other scenic viewpoints in the National Park at the link below.
Aerial Views of Balquhidder
Secenes from Balquhidder Glen feature in this short promotional film for See Loch Lomond.
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Monachyle Mhor
I'd like to give a special mention to Monachyle Mohr, an outstanding boutique hotel renowned for excellent Scottish food and drink. The hotel is close to the end of Loch Voil. The journey is special, and the scenery around the hotel is outstanding.
Cycling NCN7
Check out our cycling guide along the Lochs & Glens Way - NCN7 (click below). The route is close to Balquhidder at Kingshouse, but you can detour through Balquhidder.
Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
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