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Location:

The award winning Loch Tay Highland Lodges are located four miles from Killin in Perthshire, occupying an enviable position on the edge of Scotland’s sixth largest loch.

Getting there:

By car: From Glasgow, there are two routes to reach Killin. Follow the A82 north for 56 miles, by way of Loch Lomond and Crianlarich then onto the A85 in the direction of Killin. Alternatively, an equally scenic journey is by following the M80 north and then onto the A84 at Stirling, following signs for Callander and eventually Killin. We opted to take one route northbound and return home via the other enjoying Scotland’s scenic beauty along the way.

Arrival and check-in:

The entrance to the Loch Tay Highland Lodge Holiday Park is clearly signposted along the road and is accessed through a traditional stone gateway. The reception building is located a short way down the drive. Check-in is available from 4.00 p.m. and for guests arriving after 5.00 p.m. when the reception is closed, welcome envelopes containing keys and maps are available for collection from the Late Arrivals room next door.

It was approaching 5.30 p.m. when we arrived and although we had notified the reception of our late arrival, this wasn’t actually necessary. Along with our lodge key there was a detailed site map with our lodge circled for ease of access. Back in the car, we followed the winding lane down to the waterfront passing numerous lodges and glamping pods along the way. First impressions were extremely good as the estate appeared to be beautifully maintained with neatly tendered lawns and rhododendrons in bloom.

The Lodge:

Our home for the next four nights was to be in Waterfront, one of Loch Tay Highland Lodges two bedroom Signature range. As the name suggested, our lodge was positioned on the lakeside, affording splendid views all around.

Allocated parking is provided next to the each lodge making it quick and easy to unload our belongings from the car. I’d viewed photos of the accommodation prior to confirming our reservation but when I unlocked the door and stepped into the open plan lounge I was blown away with how delightful it was.

The contemporary styled lounge had two full height windows with uninterrupted views overlooking the loch with a door leading out onto a large wooden deck furnished with a table and four chairs.

The living area boasted two sofas upholstered in a grey fabric, an additional armchair, coffee table, wall mounted television and a wood burning stove. A log basket beside the fire came readily equipped with a good supply of firelighters, kindling, logs and matches for a cosy evening around the fire.

The stylish kitchen / dining area came equipped with an oven, hob, microwave, fridge and dishwasher. High quality crockery, pots, pans and utensils were to be found in the cupboards and drawers and I was pleased to find a cafetière next to the kettle and toaster for my morning cup of fresh coffee. Thoughtful touches included a complimentary box containing washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and spare bin sacks.

A circular dining table was positioned by the window between the kitchen and living areas where we ate most of our meals when it was a bit chilly to dine out on the terrace. The table also doubled up as a perfect place to watch the sunset whilst sipping a glass of wine and playing a game of Scrabble.

Moving into the sleeping areas, the lodge had two attractively furnished en-suite bedrooms with plenty of storage space in the wardrobes and drawers. Both en-suites were identical in size with recently installed rain-showers, washbasins and heated towel rails. Each lodge comes fully equipped with high quality bed linen, towels, tea towels etc. so we only needed to bring along our own personal items and food supplies.

Dining:

Although each of the Lodges are fully equipped for self-catering, it wouldn’t be a holiday without enjoying at least one meal out. Located on the water’s edge just a stones throw from our lodge stands The Boathouse, which is open daily in high season and is a wonderful spot to enjoy a drink and or a meal. Last orders from the kitchen are at 8.00 p.m. and I’d definitely encourage reserving a table in advance as it’s very popular and noted locally for its excellent, well priced meals.

We were seated in the conservatory overlooking the small marina and over glasses of wine we studied the menu. I couldn’t resist fish and chips as I’d spotted two portions being taken to a nearby table and they looked irresistible. Meanwhile, my husband settled on the home made steak and sausage pot pie served with creamy mash and seasonal vegetables. Needless to say both our mains were delicious and cooked to perfection.

For dessert we were both of the same mind, plumping for Cranachan, a distinctly Scottish sweet treat, which didn’t disappoint. Served in tall glasses we savoured every last spoonful of the plump raspberries, toasted oats coated in whipped cream flavoured with a wee dram of Scotch whisky and a drizzle of honey, it was the perfect end to our meal. Service was relaxed and friendly providing us with a lovely evening out without having to use the car.

On-site Activities:

Frisbee Golf

We found lots of fun things to do whilst staying at Loch Tay Highland Lodges. Available from the reception building are frisbee and putting equipment. We decided to have a go at both. First we tried the 18 hole frisbee golf course which has been imaginatively designed around the upper parts of the estate. Hire of frisbees is only £2.50 per person and on collecting them we were provided with a course map, scorecard and pencil. I’d tried frisbee golf several times before and even taken part in an actual lesson a few years ago in northern Finland where the sport is very popular. I’m not sure whether it was the Scottish breeze or my lack of skill but we both took so many shots to each basket that we decided to give up counting. It was great fun though and an enjoyable way to spend a late afternoon after returning from some sightseeing.

Putting Green

We fared better on the putting green with the 18 hole course being positioned close to the Boathouse restaurant. There’s even a traditional red telephone kiosk there creating the feel of a village green. A round of putting is only £1.50 and with golf clubs of varying lengths is great fun for all the family. We enjoyed it so much that we opted to repeat the activity on a second day.

Self-drive boat hire

Self-drive motor boats can be hired from In Your Element who are located next to The Boathouse restaurant. We spent a morning out on the loch viewing it’s scenic beauty from the perspective of the water. The boat was easy to handle with full instructions provided along with life jackets prior to departure. Boats can be hired out for entire day fishing trips with two setting off equipped with their rods and tackle at the same time as us. Other activities include Stand Up Paddle Boarding and kayaking. Further details can be found here.

The Facilities:

Alongside the luxury lodges, other accommodation choices are available ranging from cosy glamping pods to wooden cabins, most with breathtaking views. Some options even feature hot tubs whilst others are dog-friendly. There’s a small shop for essentials located inside the Reception building and an on-site adventure playground for younger visitors.

Out and About:

Loch Tay Highland Lodges is perfectly placed in the central Scottish Highlands with a range of interesting things to see and do close by.

The Falls of Dochart, Killin

Located at the western end of Loch Tay and just four miles from Loch Tay Highland Lodges, the famous white waters of the Falls of Dochart can be viewed from the village bridge. Killen has some attractive buildings, pubs and a small supermarket and is definitely worth a visit. The Head of Loch Tay is beautiful and is easily accessible from the village centre. In fact the walk between the Head of Loch Tay and Falls of Dochart is just over a mile, along the former route of the long-gone rail line.

Castle Menzies

This spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society welcomes visitors. It has been the Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and importantly situated, was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands. It is where Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746. The inside of the castle resembles a French chateau and with most rooms fully furnished it’s well worth the short drive to visit. Castle Menzies

The Scottish Crannog Centre

The Scottish Crannog Centre is just a short drive from Castle Menzies with admission including a guided tour of the museum as well as demonstrations of ancient crafts and technologies in the Iron Age Village. It’s a great place to learn something about pre-historic life and to be able to observe the skills and lives of people 2,500 years ago in the newly reconstructed Iron Age Village. The centre is also home to an attractive cafe and gift shop. Scottish Crannog Centre

Finlarig Castle Ruins

The ruins of Finlarig Castle stand on top of a large wooded mound that rises to the north of a minor road that links the north end of the village of Killin to the west end of Loch Tay. It is said that in 1651 the Scottish Parliament was summoned to assemble at Finlarig Castle, but that only three members actually turned up. There is free parking five minutes walk from the castle ruins making it a pleasant for a short stop.

Moirlanich Longhouse

Moirlanich Longhouse is a rare example of a cruck frame Scottish cottage. It is located in Glen Lochay near Killin and is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Opening hours are limited to Wednesday and Sunday afternoons between May and September and it was unfortunately closed when we visited. Moirlanich Longhouse

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve takes its name from the highest mountain in the central highlands. Owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the reserve includes nine mountains in the Lawers and Tarmachan ranges and is one of the most important nature conservation sites in Britain.

It’s a designated conservation area for its mountain plants, including several nationally rare species. There are ample opportunities for walking in the Nature Reserve including hiking trails up to Ben Lawers. Parking is available close to the trail head (free for National Trust members).

Overall:

Our four night stay at Loch Tay HIghland Lodges was absolutely beautiful. The lodge was luxuriously appointed and with its uninterrupted views across the loch made for a very relaxing place to stay. I’d recommend Loch Tay for families, romantic getaways and for groups of friends as there is accommodation available with up to five bedrooms. The holiday park is very well cared for and with lodges well spaced between the trees it feels very private. Accommodation is available either for a 3 night weekend, 4 night mid-week stay or for an entire week. The time flew by so quickly on our visit that I wished we were staying longer.

Details: Loch Tay Highland Lodges, Milton Morenish Estate, by Killin, Perthshire, FK21 8TY

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I was a guest of Largo Leisure and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.