Puidrac Cottage, Balquhidder

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Sleeps up to 4

Callander 13 miles. Situated within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, in the small village of Balquhidder near Callander in Stirlingshire, lies this single-storey dwelling, Puidrac Cottage. The Puidrac Stone lies within the grounds of the cottage, a Neolithic stone platform, where for centuries warriors have tested their strength by lifting a boulder of around 94KG 4 1/2 feet up onto the stone. "Lifters" still visit the site today to attempt the challenge. Offering an open-plan living layout, flexible sleeping arrangements, a private patio with access to a small, wooded forest, and the ideal base for exploring the Scottish countryside, the cottage invites four guests, suitable for both families and friends. Enjoy your time in the social hub of the property, where you can cook, dine, relax, and catch up on your latest programme, whilst gathered around the woodburning stove. Take a stroll through the small, wooded forest within the owner's grounds or take a walk down to the River Balvaig that borders the property, before enjoying your tranquil outdoor space, completed with furniture to lounge upon and admire your incredible surroundings. You'll find two well-positioned bedrooms to the interior, a double and a bunk room, suitable for all types of groups, along with a main bathroom, offering both a bath and shower. Accessed by a single-track road off the A84 you will find the small village of Balquhidder. Set in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park the village lies at the head of Loch Voil. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery and steeped in history Balquhidder has long had connections with the clans of MacGregor and MacLaren. Rob Roy MacGregor, a 17th-century Scottish outlaw, has a close association with the glen and his grave can be found in the grounds of the small local church. Inside the church, which is open to visitors, you can learn about the history of the area. The village has connections back to the stone age, with a number of pre-historic sites that can still be seen, including, cup stones and the Puidrac Stone. Balquhidder is popular with hikers and walkers, with the Rob Roy way running through the village and trails up through the forest to Kirkton Glen and Creag an Tuirc, where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the glen and its lochs. For the more energetic the Munros of Ben More and Stob Binnein lie at the end of the glen. To the west of the village, you will find Loch Voil, an 8km freshwater loch which you can explore by canoe, kayak, or paddle board all available to rent locally. Small fishing boats can also be sourced for use on the loch. The area is ideal for cycling on the quiet roads or lanes, with the number seven cycle route close by offering safe predominantly off-road cycling. Mountain bikes, road bikes and e-bikes can all be hired locally. A long winding single track road hugs the north shore of the loch for 6-miles to the remote location of Inverlochlarig. ideal for walking, cycling or a short car journey taking in the splendour of the glen. For local amenities enjoy a scenic drive to Strathyre 5-miles away, where you will find the Post Office and village store. Strathyre has a village pub and The Broch Café. At the head of the glen road, you will find Mhor 84 (2-miles) for a spot of lunch in the sun or for something a little more special, head to the top of the glen (5 miles) for a fine dining experience to remember at Monachyle Mhor. In the town of Callander, you will find a butchers, bakers, and small supermarkets along with a variety of tourist gift shops, cafes, restaurants, and takeaways. Balquhidder is a magical, mystical setting in which to enjoy a relaxed holiday or use as a base to tour this beautiful area of Scotland. Take to the Stirlingshire countryside with Puidrac Cottage as your base. EPC Rating: Band C

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