Stirling has been described as the brooch which clasps the Highlands and the Lowlands together so it’s time to explore a little. We leave our base at Quarter B&B Denny, Stirling after a stomach-lining Scottish breakfast to take advantage of the sun to drive to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and further afield.
Whilst we admire the beauty of the reflections in Loch Lubnaig at Callender in the autumn sunlight, a nearby poem reminds of what is in store with the next change of season:
Now Winter’s Wind Sweeps
Now winter’s wind sweeps o’er the mountains
Deeply clad in drifting snow
Soundly sleep the frozen fountains
Ice-bound streams forget to flow
The piercing blast howls loud and long
The leafless forest oaks among.
Alexander Campbell (1764-1824)
We continue along taking in some magical scenery to the picturesque village of Killin perched on the Falls of Drochart.
We take a walk, get some good advice for where to head to next from a friendly woman working at the shop in the old St Fillans Mill, and sit in the sun with a coffee and scone.
We take heed of the recommendation to stop on the way at The Highland Chocolatier, Grandtully, picking up some supplies for the evening.
The village of Kenmore is also worth a stop with its pretty houses and Taymouth Castle.
Great tip to avoid the larger distilleries on route and instead we duck into Edradour, claimed to be the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland and the last bastion of handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery. It is in a postcard perfect setting and is immaculately maintained.
In heart of Perthshire, this distillery has more than 25 varieties of Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. After a few tastings and tour we settle for a fine bottle of Edradour 10-year old Highland Single Malt, resisting other fine batches on display for up to £2500.
We take a late lunch at the 1695 Moulin Inn down the road of salad with three types of salmon – smoked, gravlax and poached – before heading back to Denny via Crieff on the A822.