Our Railway Cottage is nestled in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, surrounded by beautiful lochs, mountains, forests and glens. An abundance of activites are easily accessible, some on our doorstep, others a short drive away…..walking, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, stalking, cruising, rafting, kayaking, castles and whisky trails in abundance to name but a few!
Our central location makes day trips further afield easily possible. Much of the mainland (eg The Cairngorms, Fort William) and many of the inner isles (eg Isle of Mull) can be reached via spectacular drives.
Walking...
We have walks and hikes to suit all ages and abilities right on our doorstep.
Fancy a short stroll? Then just step outside and map your own trail in the forest. For a longer walk follow the old railway line east to Killin (75 mins) and Loch Tay or perhaps head down Glen Ogle to Balquidder (3hrs) along part of the Rob Roy's Way to visit the famous outlaw's grave.
For those who prefer a more strenuous high level hike there are Munros (mountains with a height over 3000ft) and Corbetts (between 2500 and 3000ft) aplenty nearby. The Ben Lawers Range and Tarmachan Ridge are just the other side of Killin and to the west a short drive takes you to the starting point for the ascent of Ben More and Stob Binnein. The challenging Glen Lyon Horseshoe (four munros) is 45 minutes from the cottage.
We have books, maps and trail guides at the cottage for your use.
Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve
Steven Fallon - Guide to Munros and Corbetts
Biking...
We're a cyclist's paradise. Whether you prefer a gentle pedal along disused railway lines, road cycling through spectacular glens or challenging high level mountain bike trails we have options to suit everyone. Maps and suggested routes are provided at the cottage for our guests.
Killin meander routes
Road and gravel track around Killin
Mountain biking trails
Watersports...
The beautiful Loch Tay stretches for 17 miles from Killin (10 minute drive from the cottage) to Kenmore. There are opportunities to kayak, canoe, hire a motorised boat, fish or enjoy a safari cruise
Killin Outdoors (kayak hire)
Loch Tay boat hire
Loch Tay cruises
We're close to many other lochs too! Fancy wakeboarding on Loch Earn? Paddleboarding or swimming on Loch Lubnaig? Or how about a cruise on a steamboat on Loch Katrine? All are less than an hour's drive from the cottage.
Loch Katrine cruises
Loch Earn wakeschool
Loch Lubnaig
And we have two great rivers nearby, the Tay and Tummel, which provide fantastic opportunities for more adrenalin-fueled activities including white-water rafting, canyoning, tubing and gorge walking.
Road trips...
There are some spectacular scenic drives on our doorstep that make a great day out on their own. Or perhaps combine one with a walk or cruise? Some ideas include:
Glen Lyon. The longest enclosed glen in Scotland and one of the least known. Thirty miles of spectacular loveliness and loneliness.
Dukes Pass. A stunning and iconic seven mile drive between Aberfoyle and Brig O' Turk (Callander) in the heart of the Trossachs. Detour through the Three Lochs Forest Drive and/or combine with a cruise on Loch Katrine.
Loch Voil. Drive the single track road along the north shore for great views of the mountains hugging the loch. Visit Rob Roy's grave at Balquidder and take a short walk to a wondrous viewpoint to admire the loch in all its glory.
Heritage...
Castles, crafting and (whisky) casks - there's a wide choice of activities to immerse yourself in Scotland's culture. Historic buildings, heritage centres and whisky tours are but a short drive away. These include:
Stirling Castle
Blair Castle
Doune Castle
Scottish Crannog Centre
Distillery map
Dining out...
Our Railway Cottage is blessed with an isolated location yet is only a three mile drive from the idyllic village of Killin, home to several great pubs and restaurants. There are also a couple of favourites nearby just off the main A84/5 to enjoy. A full list is provided at the cottage and includes:
The Falls of Dochart Inn
The Courie Inn
Mhor 84
The Real Food Cafe
Children...
Of course pretty much all the activities mentioned above can be enjoyed by your children. But if you're looking for some family attractions and fun tailored specifically for them, then there are plenty of other options including wildlife centres, adventure parks and high ropes & zip wires.
Auchingarrich Wildlife Park
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Highland Safaris
Go Ape
We also have a play park in Killin and a wee beach at the eastern end of Loch Tay by Kenmore!
