My favourite day out closeby …
This is just a short drive from the cabins. It is a lovely day out.
There are a number of small islands on the Lake of Menteith. The largest one is called Inchmahome (meaning Island of St Colmaig) with an ancient monastery. Sir Earl of Menteith, Walter Comyn, founded the Inchmahome Priory in 1238 which attracted Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots to visit The Priory. Set on an island in the Lake of Menteith, Inchmahome Priory is an idyllically-situated Augustinian Monastery. Much of the 13th-century building still remains although much is in ruin. If the sun is out and you like taking photos it has fantastic light and shadows to play with.
In 1547 the priory served as a refuge for Mary, Queen of Scots aged four, hidden here for a few weeks following the disastrous defeat of the Scots army. Rich in wildlife, the woodlands are carpeted in wildflowers. Three Spanish chestnuts on the island are listed in Scotland’s top 100 trees.
Access can only be gained by boat from the Port of Menteith from March until September each year.
The Lake of Menteith is also a popular fishing destination and at Port of Menteith Fisheries, you can rent boats for this purpose. The Lake is one of the finest places for rainbow and brown trout fishing in Scotland. Only fly fishing from a boat is permitted. In the winter, the Lake of Menteith opens its doors to pike fishing for a few days. The lake is well stocked with fish and attracts ospreys in search of a meal.
After a trip to the island, you will see the Lake of Menteith Hotel which is set right on the lake and is beautiful. The food is great and I love to pop in there for a bite to eat. You can sit outside and watch the wildlife on the Lake, sit in the glass restaurant or if it is cold cosy up to the fire in the bar area. Taking a picnic is also a lovely thing to do at the Lake.
The Ospreys seen on the Lake often fly over the cabins. If you have a walk into Gartmore through the estate you will come to a large Lochan which is where the Ospreys are headed as it is stocked with trout. They are a beautiful sight.
