SPRING AT ARDOCH LODGE

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Spring is in the air around Ardoch Lodge and we are so excited to start the summer with some freshly planned packages and offers.



To kick-off the excitement, we are now completely dog friendly to all dogs in ALL the cabins, and at the moment they stay for FREE! Ardoch Lodge is dog heaven, where they can be in a wilderness world of their own; you are spoilt for choice with walks, adventure and challenges of all sorts, Ben Sheen a stunning walk accessible from your door, for example. As dog lovers ourselves, we know how much of a comfort and a joy it is to have your four legged companions with you on your travels, and we want to make sure your stay with us is as special as possible. To add even more enticement to the pooch-friendly party, our local pub-restaurant-coffee shop, Mhor 84, is as dog friendly as we are, so your dining out experience can be enjoyed by all!




We have been so lucky to meet so many wonderful guests who have loved their experiences here with us, so we want to offer all returning guests 20% off your next stay if you book this year and really look forward to seeing you again.  :)







Our Packages




Did you know we have a stunning apartment in the heart of Edinburgh? https://www.ardochlodge.com/edinburgh-apt






Imagine being able to combine the busy excitement of a city break with the tranquility and exploration of a wilderness getaway…well if you wanted to have a taste of Edinburgh and also a few days staying in the beautiful Trossachs, we could put a package together for you to make the most of both in one trip, whichever way around you would prefer to do it.






To make it that more special and memorable, here are a few ideas of unique experiences we are lucky enough to have at our fingertips;






What we are offering






A trip to Loch Voil for some of Scotland’s most breath taking and ever changing scenery, and if you’re brave enough, a plunge in the waters, with hot tea and delicious nibbles to warm you up afterwards.






Go on a guided bike tour with Cornelius, an enthusiastic cyclist himself, he knows all the best

local routes that offer a variety of degrees of challenge so that everyone can get involved.

And if like Mette you love your yoga, she will guide you through a morning flow to wake you up ready to embrace your day with the clarity and refreshed mindset that you’ve been longing for.





If you are interested in any of the above please contact us prior to your stay so we can discuss

your plans and tailor make your package, with prices and an itinerary made specially for you.





We have received such warm, glowing reviews recently, especially from Tilly and Jo who took the time to detail their stay, we have added them below so you can get inspired from their experience.













What are others saying





“From arrival to departure and everything in-between, Ardoch Lodge is the most wonderful getaway to truly immerse yourself in a Scottish escapism getaway.

Whether staying in the cabins, the Mews Cottage or the Annexe, each accommodation available is fully equipped to provide a home away from home feel but with an indulgent luxury of being on holiday. Kitted out with every appliance required as well as beautiful furnishings, excessively comfortable beds and bathrooms to envy, the spaces are wonderful.

It is evident right from the off that the hosts of Ardoch Lodge, Cornelius and Mette, prioritise your enjoyment and comfort during your stay, ensuring that you have both independence and contact wherever needed.

The surroundings are breathtaking, to be so immersed in the wilderness of the Trossachs yet with both Edinburgh and Glasgow, or smaller towns like Stirling and Callander so close by, you really do get the best of both worlds. Absolutely perfect for those looking for adventure.

We would return in an instant and cannot recommend it enough to anyone and everyone looking to visit Scotland.” - Tilly, stayed with friends





“We had a lovely few days in the Mews Cottage at Ardoch Lodge with our son plus my sister and her lively cockapoo. We had a great stay in a cabin 3 years ago and have been wanting to return ever since.

It's a beautiful place - so peaceful and with great views to the mountains and pine forests.

Really cosy in the cottage with the log burner. We slept so well and could have just stayed in, honestly! A nice location for pottering about, just relaxing. Some things we did:

- mooch around the shops and cafes in Callander and Bridge of Alan. The chef Nick Nairn has a restaurant here but we didn't have time to try it - the menu looks good.

- Mhor 84 down the road is a top spot for lunch or tea and cake (we did both) and you can bring the dog which is a bonus. Very relaxed vibe and the food is great. Those cakes!

- Mhor 84 shop is also really good. I bought some prints and cards

- Mhor bakery in Callander is amazing! The sourdough bread and the pies are epic ... Definitely worth a visit for treats during your stay.

- We want to visit the restaurant at Monachyle Mhor next time for a special birthday celebration. Our friends have stayed there and said it's outstanding.

- Walk by Loch Lubnaig, just stunning and there's a little cafe at the car park

- Walk to Ben Sheen from the cottage

  • Pubs a short walk away in Strathyre village nearby

The owners Mette and Cornelius are really friendly. Cornelius is an artist and you can see some of his art in the cottage - it was nice to hear more about it.

It's perfect for dogs here. The owners have 2 cute dogs of their own - Max the labrador and Tillie the collie. We all went for a walk which was one of the highlights of our stay.

We heard that there are lots of possibilities for cycling, outdoor swimming and canoeing here (Cornelius is a keen cyclist) and triathletes love it but being lazy, we just enjoyed a leisurely walk!

A very laid back place to stay and a perfect contrast to city life. We will return.” - Jo, stayed with family

Riding the Classic Badger Divide on a Gravel Bike in May ?

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Use Ardoch Lodge as a well earned comfort stop on your last leg to Glasgow before attacking the classic forest trails of Aberfoyle.

The Badger Divide is known as a long-distance 210 mile cycle route in Scotland between Invernees and Glasgow, it may not be officially designated as a cycling route, and some parts of the route may be more challenging than others for biking, depending on the type of bike you are using.

That being said, if you are planning to ride the Badger Divide on a gravel bike, you can expect to encounter a range of terrain, including rugged mountain trails, forest tracks, and remote country roads. Gravel bikes are designed to handle a variety of surfaces, and are well-suited to the terrain on the route.

Riding the Badger Divide on a gravel bike can offer a unique and rewarding experience, as you'll have the opportunity to explore some of Scotland's most stunning and remote landscapes. You'll also have the chance to encounter wildlife, including red deer, eagles, and other birds of prey.

However, it's important to be prepared for the challenges of the route, particularly if you're riding on a gravel bike. Some parts of the route may be very rugged and require technical handling skills, and you may encounter unpredictable weather conditions, particularly if you're riding in the highlands.

Overall, if you're an experienced gravel biker and you're prepared for the challenges of the route, riding the Badger Divide can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Just be sure to plan your route carefully, check the weather forecast, and bring appropriate gear and supplies for the journey.

Why not use Ardoch Lodge as a a base to explore the Trossachs on a gravel bike explore the classic gravel forest trails of Aberfoyle and the Trossachs national park. With over 5 years of exploring the area off road we have local knowledge of all the best trails. We can point you in the right direction sharing our rides on gps or can guide you for the day.

Edinburgh and the Trossachs all in one

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Imagine a holiday that incorporates city life AND allows you to relax in a stylish cabin surrounded by stunning, dramatic Scottish countryside.

We are so happy that we can offer you both…..

Enjoy our beautiful central located apartment in the historic Scottish capital of Edinburgh.  Explore the fascinating Old Town and the magic of the Royal Mile, then head to the great outdoors and relax in one of our stylish cabins in the gorgeous Scottish Highlands, a culture fix and a beautiful breath of fresh air.

You can start your holiday in Edinburgh finishing with a relaxing break in the Trossachs or you can start with chilling in one of our cabins and finishing your trip with a few days exploring Edinburgh from our elegant Georgian  apartment, however you want to plan it we can make a perfect package for you, just get in touch with us and we will help you plan the perfect break for you.

Spa day with a difference !

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As a birthday treat and a well deserved break I treated Cornelius to the Hot Box spa day at the Taymouth Marina, and then lunch next door at the Ferry Inn.

Only 40 minutes from Ardoch Lodge this is a such a special day trip and it starts with probably one of the most beautiful car journeys on the south side of Loch Tay.

Taymouth Marina is situated on picturesque Loch Tay in the village of Kenmore, Perthshire. Loch Tay is one of the largest and deepest freshwater lochs in Scotland and is widely regarded as one of the best in the country due to its picture-perfect setting.


The Hot Box experience

This 2 hour invigorating and relaxing experience includes full use of Outdoor HotPool, HotBox Sauna, Steam Room, Jetty, Loch Tay Slide and a relaxing outdoor terrace all surrounded by magnificent views,  Ben Lawers sits opposite, seen best in the sauna room.

Sliding down the slide and plunging into the Loch is exhilarating to say the least, then we pulled the buckets of cold water over us, and  plunged into the hot tub, there's on tap waiter service, and of course those stunning views!!( we recommend trying the Hugo gin spritzer 👌)
Fresh towels, selection of fresh fruit, fruit-infused water, are also included, plus slippers and robes, what more could you want from a spa day that allows you to blend in with nature as well as jumping into it!

The Ferry Inn is a Gastro- bar recently refurbished, it has a wood burning pizza oven and decking that looks over the Loch. We had mussels which weren’t great, probably best to stick to pizza or burgers.

If you want to book do it as early as possible, it’s very popular, they have a limit on the numbers allowed in each session which is perfect as it doesn’t feel crowded.

www.taymouthmarina.com

February half term at Ardoch Lodge

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DOUNE CASTLE

One of Scotland’s most iconic heritage attractions and star of hit TV series Outlander, and where Monty Python’s iconic Holy Grail was filmed.  Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle and only 40 mins away from us, great day out with the kids in the half term.

Plus Blair Drummond Safari and adventure park, and you can go flying through the trees at Go Ape in Aberfoyle, and don’t forget the stunning lochs that surround us for fishing, paddle boarding and our favourite swimming!

At the moment we are running a special promotion of an amazing 20% off one week bookings plus no fees for your fury friends.

We can’t wait to welcome you, it’s been a long dark winter but we can see the snow drops popping up, it won’t be long before we see the blue bell in our surrounding woods and Ardoch Lodge will start to come alive again.  

With the smell of spring in the air we are thinking of putting a wood burning hot tub in the wall garden so guests can relax and enjoy the incredible surroundings after a day out in the mountains, and for the more adventurous you can dip in the Balvaig river that boarders our wild flower meadow 🧚‍♀️

One last thing unfortunately our business Face Book page has been hacked so please like 👍 the new page that Cornelius has made, we would really appreciate it and happy to give you 10% off your booking if you request it on the page 😊

Autumn is coming

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Autumn is coming to Ardoch Lodge, our favourite time of the year, the autumn colours here are spectacular.

You will find us in our wall garden, getting it ready for it’s winter sleep, lighting a few bonfires to burn the leaves, and getting as many starry nights in by warming ourselves by our fire pit.

Cornelius will be forging for mushrooms to make his famous risotto, his also been on a mission chopping up wood so we have plenty for the wood burners inside the cabins, making sure everyone will be warm and cosy.

Long walks for Tilly and Max, the bite in the air makes it perfect for biking and running, and if we are feeling brave a bracing swim in Loch Voile, it’s the best way for feeling super charged!

The Mews Cottage is now doing one night stays, if requested we will leave fresh bread, eggs, bacon, and everything else needed for a delicious breakfast to get you back on the road.

Don’t forget we welcome dogs in the Mews cottage and The Hillside, it’s dog heaven here Tilly and Max can vouch for that!

We really look forward to welcoming you this winter,  and thank you for your support in advance.

A winter mini break here will be just the ticket to stave off any winter blues, not forgetting that  Christmas and New Year here is awesome!!

Love Mette, Cornelius, Lilla, Violette Max and Tilly

Our life through your lens Photography Competition

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We’d like to invite our wonderful customers, old, new and prospective, to share your wonderful pictures or videos, of our cabins, our gardens, Strathyre, Lochearnhead, Killin, Balquhidder and surrounding areas. Your pictures should capture the natural beauty of which we are so proud, or your favourite pastime in the area. 
In return for sharing your picture, we will then put your entry into our Competition to win a 3 night stay in one of our luxury cabins at a mutually agreeable date.
To be successfully entered into our competition you must :
1. Like our Instagram page. 
2. Share the competition to your story 
3. Tag us in your entry.

Date for last entry is 31st August. 

Terms and conditions apply. 
All entrants agree to giving copyright to Ardoch Lodge to use images or videos on their social media platforms and website
All entry requirements must be met to be considered for competition. 
Winner will be selected by 11th September. 
Entrants can enter as many images as they choose, ensuring all requirements are met for each.
#ardochlodge #strathyre #callander#somesecretsaremeanttobeshared #visitscotland#selfcateringscotland #coolstays#petfriendlyaccomodationscotland #cyclescotland#climbscotland #walkscotland #homefromhome#hillclimbingscotland #munrosscotland #cycleroutesscotland

Th Annexe is Back ...and it's even better→

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The Annexe B&B | Ardoch Lodge | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Yea!! Our Annexe at Ardoch Lodge is back on-line for the summer 😊

We’ve put a lot of thought into making this what we feel is the perfect self catering B&B. The bijou kitchen comes stocked with delicious breakfast treats, including fresh eggs from our chickens, sour dough bread and for the evenings you can sample our local whiskey from Deanston brewery and Carol’s signature homemade shortbread.

We look forward to welcoming you, if it’s just for a one night stop over or a couple of days hiking in the stunning surroundings, The Trossachs, finishing off the day with the last of the sun in our secret walled garden!

Book your stay here now https://www.ardochlodge.com/annexe-

RING MAKER

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Silver Ring Making Workshop with Darren Rice

Venue

The Old Stone Bothy
Immeroin Farm
Balquhidder
Stirlingshire
FK19 8PF

Ring Making | Balquhidder | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

This experience was given as a gift from my mum Mette to my boyfriend Ben and I. Having seen the flyers advertised in the cabins I had always really wanted to try this and loved the idea of making my own ring!

The workshop being situated in the highlands has a road leading to it dotted lambs and highland cows. It looked like something out of a film and made the experience even more special.

Darren was very welcoming and incredibly funny. He was also very knowledgable about all the aspects of silversmithing (being a talented silversmith himself) and took the time to explain the different ways in which you make jewellery .

We were able to decide which design we wanted for our rings and picked the silver we wanted to use. Having looked at ring making workshops in London and Glasgow, I had always found that you have to follow a design they have picked and you are not able to contribute  ideas as to what you are wanting to make. Darren feels that his customers should be able to decide what they want to do. Ben and I were incredibly happy and shocked with the amazing quality and standard in which our rings turned out. Darren was extremely patient and helpful in guiding us through the ring making process.

The workshop took place over three and a half hours and Darren was funny and chatty throughout. Ben and I throughly enjoyed the experience and have now recommended it to multiple friends of ours. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area as it is a unique, special and inspiring experience.

Running & Fishing Opportunities around Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

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Are you a keen runner or angler? Loch Lomond & The Trossachs is a stunning area of forests, lochs, and hills. We love sharing this area with guests from near and far. Our beautiful national park offers fantastic opportunities for walking, running, cycling, and fishing; so, why not grab your running shoes or fishing rod and head to Ardoch Lodge? We would love to have you as our guests this summer.

Fishing Holidays | Ardoch Lodge | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Running around Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is fantastic for running, with lots of running routes suitable for all ages. Whether you’re a beginner to the sport (like us!) or a running champion, there’s something for everyone.

There are many running routes straight from our door, including woodlands, roads, hills, rivers, and Munros. Ben Shian and Stùc a' Chroin are situated on the edge of our village and are great for a steep uphill run. Ben Ledi, Ben Lomond, Ben A’an, Ben Venue, Ben Vorlich, Ben More, Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean are also close by, with many of our guests choosing these beautiful mountains as their running routes. Or, if a woodland run is more your cup of tea, head out and explore the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Forest – it’s simply breath-taking!

 

The Stùc a' Chroin 5000

The Stùc a' Chroin 5000 is a Scottish Hill Running Championship Race, founded in 1988. This year, the race is due to take place on 30th April; providing a fun day out for keen hill runners. We have hosted runners of this championship race in the past, offering some much-needed rest and relaxation after a hard day of running.

Named after its approximate ascent of 5,000 feet, the race starts and ends in the Strathyre recreation grounds behind the Munro Hotel – only a 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk from our lodges. The hardest part of the race is arguably the torturous climb up the west face of Beinn Each! The race ends with a prize giving ceremony, before heading to The White Stag, our local inn, for a well-deserved pint.

Fishing around Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs are ideal for fishing, with dozens of lochs, rivers, and lakes for you to cast your rod into. Salmon season runs from 1st February – 31st October each year, and we see many of our guests catch a range of fish including trout, salmon, pike perch, and many more. You could rent a boat and cruise across the waters, or fish from the shores of the many lochs and rivers – the choice is yours.

The river Balvaig borders the grounds here and we have rights for all our guests to fish – it has been known for people to catch brown trout here. James Bayne, a fishing shop in Callander, is just 15 minutes away from the lodge. They organise permits for other local fishing areas and can also arrange private lessons or days out on a boat.
Our favourite fishing spots in the National Park include:

 

Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs at Ardoch Lodge

Ardoch Lodge is an idyllic 12-acre retreat, surrounded by spectacular scenery in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Choose between our luxury log cabins, the Mews cottage or the Annexe and enjoy exploring this beautiful part of Scotland.

We are currently offering 10% OFF for all stays taking place between now and the end of May 2022. Click here to book your break at Ardoch Lodge today.

Hillside has had a face lift !

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The Hillside cabin has had a face lift with a new more compact and fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher , new logburning stove and bright white tiled bathroom, we are taking booking for Spring, Summer and Christmas 2021