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Balquhidder via Pass
of Leny, Strathyre |
The Route is shown in Blue This is a good morning or evening drive from Callander to Balquhidder via Pass of Leny, Strathyre. |
A scenic drive with historical interest. 25m 'A roads' Unclassified 16m.
As you approach Kilmahog, look over to the east to see Leny House, the scene of a famous murder during the 45 rebelion and for many years the historic home of the Buchanan Chieftains. It is now a rather splendid private home offering self catering accommodation in lodges and cottages.
Continue through Kilmahog and about a mile after Kilmahog, watch on the
right for the car park for the Falls of Leny which can be approached by a guarded walkway
above the river. (Take care crossing the road).
A mile or so further on, pass the sign on the left for the forest enterprise log cabins and at the end of the long straight, notice the remains of St Bride's chapel on the left. The grave stones mark the burials of the McKinlays, the ancestors of America's president McKinley. If you wish to visit here, park in the lay by on the long straight as this is a dangerous corner.
Continue up the A84 and enjoy the views of Loch Lubnaig, Ben Ledi and Ben Vane
on the left. One or two parking areas afford good views.
Toilets at Strathyre
Accommodation and food may be had at 'The Inn at Strathyre'
A Strathyre welcome awaits you at Rosebank House Bed and Breakfast
After passing Strathyre watch on the left
for the old Long Houses, one of which has been modernised and occupied. These are the
remains of a village which once housed the victims of land clearance in Balquhidder Glen
after the '45. On the right after about 4 miles is Kings House, once an Inn on the early
military road. Turn right here then double back to the right under the main road and onto
the Balquhidder road.
Take care now - the road is narrow and winding! After about half a mile you will pass through the ancient village of Achtubh (pron 'achtoo').
Note the old crofters house on the left (recently restored) and then watch on the left among dense trees for the mausoleum of the last of the MacGregor clan chiefs.
Five minutes later you come to Balqudhidder village where you can park at the
church on the right whilst you visit Rob Roy MacGregor's grave.
See section on Rob Roy!
The castle like structure east of the church is a modern fake.
Continue on the narrow road to drive up loch Voil with some excellent views.
On the south side of the lochs between the end of Loch Voil and little Loch Doine, you may notice some farm building and a stone circle. This is Monachyle Tuarach (now a self catering cottage) which was Rob Roy MacGregor's first home after his marriage to Mary (Helen) Campbell (born McGregor but the name was proscribed at the time).
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At the west end of Loch Doine, watch on the left for a stone enclosure with a tree growing out of it! This is an ancient burial ground of the MacGregors of Glencarnaig, often known as the children of the mist.
Continue to the carpark at the end of the public road, enjoy the views of Ben More and Stobinian, then return to Balquhidder village.
Turn right here and over the hump back bridge. Keep left now all the way back to Strathyre - two gates on the road may need opening (and closing after you).