Balfron Self Catering Cottage near Loch Lomond National Park

Tariff

A self catering cottage for four near Loch Lomond Location map

General Description :

This charming two bedroom cottage forms part of a lovely old house known as Ballat Smithy, which was built around 1830 by the Duke of Montrose for his Buchanan estates.
Situated on the threshold of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with lovely views of the Campsie Fells and the surrounding fields and woods, the cottage offers a wonderful place from which to explore all that this beautiful place has to offer.

The cottage is located only a few miles from the world famous ‘Bonnie Banks’ of Loch Lomond, and is equally close to Rob Roy Macgregor’s Trossachs homeland; Stirling and Glasgow are a half hour drive away, Edinburgh and Perth one hour, and much of Argyll, Perthshire, Ayrshire and South East Scotland are accessible in less than two hours.

For those who do not wish to venture too far there are many wonderful scenic drives, walks and attractions close to the cottage.

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Accommodation:

Ballat Smithy Cottage was created in 2003 out of the original smithy workshops, using the very best local craftsmen to create a seamless blend of traditional building methods and high quality modern standards. With its thick stone walls and sheeps’ wool insulation, the cottage is the ultimate cosy retreat.
Ballat Smithy Cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms equipped with double or twin beds as required; a cot is available. There is a sitting and dining room with kitchen, and there is a bathroom with electric shower. The accommodation is all on one level, except for one step up to the bathroom. All heating, electricity, linen and towels are included in the price; cleaning materials and a selection of Scottish and Fair Trade produce are also included. For quiet times there are TV, video, DVD & CD player, books, videos and games. Guests may also hire videos and DVDs from the local shop.
There is private parking and a small garden with sheltered patio. Children are welcome, although you may consider the roadside location unsuitable for mobile toddlers; the cottage is strictly no smoking, and we do not allow pets.

Food and Drink:

A starter pack of homemade, Scottish and Fair Trade provisions is included in the price of the cottage.
The nearby village of Drymen has an excellent selection of pubs, restaurants and shops, while the next nearest (Balfron) is the best for everyday shopping, having a first class butcher, bakery and greengrocer, a pharmacy, newsagent and a small supermarket.
Combine these with all the other surrounding towns and villages, plus Glasgow and Stirling within 30 minutes’ drive, and the choice is endless.

Location:

Ballat Smithy Cottage is at the side of the A811 Stirling to Balloch road, a short distance west of its junction with the A81 Glasgow to Aberfoyle road, making it a most centrally located base from which to discover Scotland. There is a bus service into Glasgow from the cottage door, and the nearby village of Balfron has services to Stirling and Glasgow.

Leisure/Things to do:

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are internationally recognised as forming one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world, and there is something for everyone here:

Walking: To suit all, high or low level, long or short, easy or strenuous By the banks of the Endrick Water or Loch Lomond, Queen Elizabeth Forest, Country Parks, Nature Reserves. Many sections of the West Highland Way are easily reached. ‘Easy’ hills such as Ben An, to more difficult such as Ben Lomond or The Cobbler.

Golf: Championship courses at Loch Lomond and Gleneagles, and many smaller local courses, at Aberfoyle, Balfron, Buchanan, Strathendrick, Callander, Stirling. See our comprehensive guide.

Cycling: The cottage has a secure storage area for bikes, or they can be hired in Drymen and Aberfoyle. Very good routes in the Queen Elizabeth Forest, around Callander and from Drymen to Balloch and Aberfoyle.

Riding: Trekking is available from Port of Menteith, and instruction at Drymen.

Fishing: Salmon, trout and pike on the Endrick and Loch Lomond; trout on the Lake of Menteith; several local fisheries.

Wildlife: There are several Scottish Wildlife Trust and RSPB reserves in the area; Loch Lomond is internationally important with many rare species, wonderful for botanists and birdwatchers. Kingfishers on the Endrick, ospreys on Loch Lomond and the Lake of Menteith, ptarmigan on the high tops, capercaillie at Aberfoyle, eagles and otters, bluebells in spring and heather in August, and many small, exquisite sites for wild flowers.

Touring: There are countless beautiful drives in the vicinity of the cottage, and a large part of Central Scotland is easily explored within a day trip - Argyll, Ayrshire, Perthshire, even the Borders.

Anything else?: Yes! Watersports; parachute jumping; historic places - castles, stately homes, battlefields, Robert Burns, Rob Roy; architecture -Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow’s Victorian, Edinburgh’s Georgian; attractions - Glengoyne Distillery, the Falkirk Wheel, Callander House, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Lomond Shores, Deep Sea World, Visitor Centres; museums, art galleries, shopping in Edinburgh and Glasgow; Clyde shipbuilding; National Trust properties; leisure centres for swimming, etc., gardens - the Royal Botanic in Edinburgh, Glasgow Botanic Garden, and many others.

Is that all?: No! Cruise Loch Katrine on the Sir Walter Scott, sail down the Clyde on the Waverley, experience Loch Lomond and its islands by boat. Motorsports at Knockhill, off road driving at Knockhill or Dunkeld. Go karts, ten pin bowling, cinemas Garden Centres and country parks

Or just relax!

Summary of Facilities :

Sleeps four people in double or twin rooms

Tariff:

Ballat Smithy Cottage is open all year.
Lets are normally Friday to Friday April to end September, Saturday to Saturday October to end March, but we can often be flexible so please ask.

Short breaks available from £60 per night.

Payment by cheque or card: Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Electron, Switch, JCB.

Rates include:

• All electricity, heating, hot water.
• There is a small extra charge for use of the tumble dryer.
• All bed linen and towels.
• Selection of provisions.
• Weekly cleaning service for longer lets.

How to find us:

Ballat Smithy Cottage is at the side of the A811 Stirling to Balloch road, a short distance west of its junction with the A81 Glasgow to Aberfoyle road. Look out for the yellow doors.

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