Stepping out of the front door of Balmenoch Cottage transports guests into the spectacular surroundings of Glen Lyon, a steep valley with towering mountains, ancient plantations of trees, and heather-covered moorlands.

From the door, there are lovely walks along the glen and on the surrounding hills. If you enjoy a challenge, head to nearby Schiehallion, also known as ‘The Fairy Mountain,’ or Ben Lawers, Scotland’s 10th highest Munro. Alternatively, drive to Rannoch Moor (approx. 30 miles) for outstanding views of Scotland’s peaks and excellent walking and mountain biking.

If you go back to the 'main' road and continue west, you will come to the remote village of Bridge of Balgie (with shop/PO). From there, you can turn left and continue down to Loch Tay, where there are plenty of watersports opportunities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and wild swimming. Several companies in Aberfeldy offer white-water rafting, and Highland Safaris runs loch cruises for a more relaxed way to take in the scenery. Taymouth Marina’s Hot Box (18 miles) provides an outdoor spa experience with a hot pool, sauna, steam room, and a slide that whizzes into Loch Tay!

Golfers are well catered for, with courses at Killin (6 miles), Kenmore (14 miles), and Aberfeldy (20 miles). Fishing is available at Loch Tay and the River Tay. Glen Lyon has an excellent reputation with both mountain bikers and road cyclists, and there are several mountain bike tracks in the neighbouring hills and glens.

For those interested in history, Fortingall (6 miles) is home to the world-famous Fortingall Yew, reputedly the oldest living thing in Europe. Legend has it that Pontius Pilate was born here, the offspring of a Roman soldier and a local girl. Just 2 miles beyond Fortingall is Keltneyburn Smithy, where blacksmiths create incredible works of art from scrap metal. The award-winning Crannog Centre, a living Iron Age museum, is only 30 minutes away and offers a fascinating insight into Scotland’s ancient past.

To the north, you can drive over the hill to Tummel and Loch Rannoch, where more breathtaking scenery awaits. Aberfeldy has a good selection of shops, restaurants, and hotels, as well as a supermarket, traditional butcher’s, art galleries, and The Watermill—a dream bookshop/café for avid readers. The town’s art deco cinema, The Birks, offers a nostalgic movie experience, and there is also a leisure centre with a swimming pool and an excellent children’s playpark.>/p>

Closer to home, Killin provides a great choice of tearooms and pubs, several overlooking the dramatic Falls of Dochart, where the River Dochart tumbles over giant stone slabs and boulders. Meanwhile, at Highland Safaris (17 miles), visitors can feed red deer, see a barn owl in flight, take a jeep safari, and enjoy great food at the café.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Balmenoch Cottage is the perfect base to explore Highland Perthshire.