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Scotland |
Lake Menteith
Lake Menteith, looking towards Ben Aa'n
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The answer to many a trivia question, Menteith is the only lake
in Scotland (as opposed to 'loch'). Curiously, the designation as a
'lake' is a fairly recent invention; it appears that until Victorian
times at least, Menteith was as much 'loch' as all the other
similar bodies of water in Scotland! The lake is only 1.5 miles long
and 1 mile wide.
The easiest access is via the A81 between Aberfoyle and Thornhill.
In the centre of Port of Menteith the B8034 branches off the A81,
and winds through lovely forest along the shores of the loch ... sorry
... lake. After only a few hundred yards you come to a Historic Scotland
parking area and pier.
This is the ferry to Inchmahome
Priory, the
remains of a 13th century priory on an island in the middle of the
lake. The priory was founded by Sir Walter Stewart, first Earl of Menteith.
Robert the Bruce visited here, and Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here
for several weeks when she was a child. On a nearby island are the
ruins of a castle built by the Stewart earls.
Lake Menteith is a popular fishing destination, and boats can be rented
at Port of Menteith for this purpose.. Any fine day - and quite a few
not-so-fine days - sees boats dotting the waters of the lake. Gray
herons hide in the reeds along the waters edge, and ducks and geese
nest in abundance.
Early morning in late September |
Port Menteith, once a market town, now an attractive hamlet |
From Port of Menteith you can get a ferry to an island in the middle
of the lake where the ruins of Inchmahome Priory stand |
Sunset over Lake Menteith, looking towards Aberfoyle and Ben Venue |
More of the same. Its a beautiful spot, blessedly
overlooked by tourism. |
There is at least one hotel at Port of Menteith,
and cottages along the lakeshore for accommodation. |
Location
OS Grid: NN579002
map
OS Maps: Explorer
365 - Landranger 057
Related:
Inchmahome Priory
All photos are © David Ross and Britain Express
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Ordnance
Survey Maps
for the Trossachs - 10% off retail
price! |
Explorer
OS maps (1:
25,000)365 and 364
Landranger
OS Maps (1:50,000)057 and 056
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| Featured
Accommodation |
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Poppies Hotel Callander
Located in the charming town of Callander, in close proximity to numerous historical attractions and rambling routes, this rustic and comfortable hotel is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. The hotel is nestled in the heart of the Trossachs, the only National Park in Scotland, in a peaceful area, away from the hustle and bustle and yet only an hour’s drive from Glasgow centre and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. Spend long days walking in the countryside, touring the surrounding castles or fishing for sea trout and salmon in the challenging nearby rivers, before enjoying a welcome break and sampling the whiskey at the Glenturret Distillery. You could also make use of the hotel’s fantastic conference and team-building facilities if you are travelling on business. In the evenings, you can curl up by one of the roaring fireplaces, surrounded by antique artifacts and fresh flowers, or enjoy a meal at the hotel’s elegant restaurant.
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| Featured
Accommodation |
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THE CRAGS HOTEL Callander
The Crags hotel is a small, family run hotel, with excellent food, charming atmopshere and comfortable rooms. The hotel also boasts a traditional, Scottish pub that serves the best pint in Calander! If you touring through Scotland, on business or if you simply want to get away for a couple of nights, the Crags is the perfect small hotel destination.
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