COVID-19 and Forestry and Land Scotland
FLS has reduced its operations to felling that is contributing to essential business requirements to help keep Scotland ticking over. Our staff are working from home where possible; staff who are working continue to practise social distancing rigorously following Government and NHS guidance to keep safe.
Fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and well-being, and for local visitors the majority of walking trails on Scotland’s national forests and land remain open. Be aware that staff cannot maintain our standard checks and maintenance. All our mountain biking trails and all car parks are closed.
All visitors are reminded to maintain social distance at all times.
Strathyre Village
Rugged forest in a sheltered glen
Strathyre's name comes from the Gaelic Strath Cor, interpreted as 'broad winding valley', which describes the surrounding landscape perfectly. Start exploring this quiet wooded glen from the car park and picnic site in the village or head for the southern end of tranquil Loch Lubnaig to find trails at Ben Ledi and the Strathyre Cabins.
This area is steeped in Scottish history and many stories abound, especially of Rob Roy MacGregor, notorious 18th century outlaw and local legend. Visit his grave at the peaceful kirkyard at Balquhidder.
Walking trails
Tighanes Burn Trail
Follow the busy Tighanes Burn up through the Scots pine past waterfalls for fine views across to Ben Vane and the Braes of Balquhidder.
Long steep slope for 400m. Narrow earth and grass paths with muddy sections. Includes one bridge and a road crossing.
Allow 1½ hours
This is a great walk for spotting wildlife – look out for red squirrels and deer, particularly early in the morning, and listen for shrieking jays and the mewing of buzzards overhead. There’s the option to extend the route by diverting on the descent onto the Coille MacCaskill Path. This grove is an excellent example of a native pinewood and is dedicated to Don MacCaskill, a local forester and naturalist. This trail starts from Strathyre village car park.
Activities
Stay at Strathyre Cabins
Take full advantage of the dramatic landscape and variety of activities that this area has to offer by staying at Strathyre Cabins, about 6 miles (10 km) south of the village on the tranquil western shore of Loch Lubnaig. There’s plenty to see and do, including fishing, archery and a children’s play area. You can book bikes and canoes here too.
Cycling
National Cycle Route 7 winds through the glen and links Killin and Callander. This section follows the route of the old railway line, originally built in 1880 to link Glasgow to Oban and closed in 1965. If you haven’t brought your own bike, you can hire one at Strathyre Cabins.
Canoeing and kayaking
Lochs Lubnaig and Voil provide opportunities for scenic open water canoeing. You can hire canoes at Strathyre Cabins. Advanced kayakers can challenge themselves in spate conditions at Monachyle Burn at the head of Loch Voil and at Calair Burn south of Balquhidder village.
Facilities & access
There is a café, a shop and a hotel in Strathyre. The nearest public toilets are in Callander.
Getting here
Our car park at Strathyre is on the west side of the main road (A84) at the very south of the village.
National Cycle Route 7 winds through the glen, linking Killin and Callander.
Using SatNav?
FK18 8NJ is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
Buses between Callander and Killin stop at Strathyre village. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
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