The Trossachs Collection

02/09/2024

In early autumn you can enjoy the last remnants of summer temperatures and the start of the cosier season.

Come between late September and early November to enjoy the gorgeous changing foliage and autumnal colours. In Scotland, trees change from green to golden, with orange, yellow and red hues.

Head for forested areas to make the most of it. We recommend the Loch Lomond area, Highland Perthshire and Deeside, where the landscapes are exceptionally beautiful.

Why not head for an adventurous drive through the Scottish Highlands. You’ll see the changing landscape of the mountains and valleys, like Glen Coe or Glen Affric? Try dipping your toes, or simply admiring the the autumn foliage in the lochs reflection - maybe Loch Lomond or Loch Ness?

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19/08/2024

No visit to Scotland is complete without a trip to The National Wallace Monument.

Stirling’s famous landmark stands above the fields where William Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge and tells the story of the patriot and martyr who became Scotland’s National Hero.

Generally known as the Wallace Monument, the monument is a 67m / 220ft tower on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig. It is open to the general public and visitors can climb the 246-step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument’s crown, which provides expansive views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley.

A number of artifacts believed to have belonged to William Wallace are on display inside the monument, including the Wallace Sword, a 1.63m / 5 ft 4in longsword weighing almost three kilograms.

It’s a 30 minute drive from

Tell us, have you watched the film Braveheart?



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21/06/2024

With the weather heating up next week why not give Ben Lomond a go?

Ben Lomond is the most southerly Munro in Scotland, standing at 3,193ft/974m. It’s one of the most popular hill-walks in Scotland.

The mountain is a central, prominent feature of the landscape of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, together with its namesake loch.

The hill’s name translates as Beacon Mountain and it makes for a great family hike as the path is good all the way to the top – a stone staircase. There is plenty of room at the top to sit with a picnic and admire the mountain panorama – from Arran to Ben Nevis – as well as Lowland vistas which include the Wallace Monument in Stirling. The views are spectacular.

Reminder that the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so even on a sunny day, it is best to carry waterproof and warm layers with you, just in case!

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01/05/2024

Glen Lyon (Scottish Gaelic: Gleann Lìomhann) is a glen in the Perth and Kinross region of Scotland. It is the longest enclosed glen in Scotland and runs for 34 miles from Loch Lyon in the west to the village of Fortingall in the east.

This glen was also known as An Crom Ghleann (“The Bent Glen”). It forms part of the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area, one of forty such areas in Scotland, which identify areas of exceptional scenery. Sir Walter Scott described Glen Lyon as the “longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland”. Apart from a few scattered farms and cottages throughout the glen, the only real settlements are at Fortingall and Bridge of Balgie. The glen contains several small hamlets and has a primary school where Gaelic is taught weekly.

It can be travelled by bike or by car and it’s an hour and a half from us.

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28/03/2024

Scotlands National Flower - The Scottish Thistle

Latin name: Onopordum Acanthium

The thistle has been the national emblem of Scotland since the reign of King Alexander III (1249–1286) and is the oldest recorded ‘national flower’. It has become so well-know and is so easily recognised that it is probably one of the first things to pop into the minds of most when thinking of Scotland- well of course alongside a few other matters of national pride, like the Scottish Kilt, the Highland Cow, and of course the delicacy that is Haggis!

The Scottish thistle, named a resilient w**d by some, claimed bold and beautiful by others, has always featured across the landscape of Scotland. And whilst nobody quite knows for certain what reason it was chosen as a national Scottish emblem, there are a number of historic legend that allude to its origin.

One of the best-known thistle legends takes place in the mid 13th century during a surprise invasion by the soldiers of the Norse king, Haakon, at Largs.

The story has it that after coming ashore, this Viking force planned to creep up on the Scottish Clansmen and Highlanders and overcome them while they slept.

This amount of stealth required that they go barefoot - which proved to be their undoing.

Unfortunately for these unwary invaders, one of their soldiers bare feet came down hard on a Scottish thistle and his cries of shock and pain were enough to wake the sleeping Scots.

Leaping to their feet, the clansmen charged into battle and the rest, as they say, is history…

We’re sticking with this one!

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📍 Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

19/03/2024

Spring or “the season of hope” symbolises the resurgence of life after the challenges of winter. This rising energy helps us feel more optimistic and driven to make the most of the our days.

The entrance of this new season means it’s time for our hibernation cycle to end, to remove ourselves from the sofa and tidy away the winter blankets. Our minds and bodies benefit from this seasonal shift and begin adjusting to align with the longer days and extra sunlight.

Ever so slowly, nature is waking up and everything around us begins anew—the flowers bloom, trees put on their green spring wardrobe and the volume of birdsong rises steadily each day. It’s a perfect time to think about our own intentions or goals for the year ahead and dust off the cobwebs on any plans we side-lined during the past few months of stillness and duvet days.

Here are a few ways to harness the energy of the spring season:

• Make plans to spend time outdoors - This time of year it gets a little easier to squeeze in time outside before or after our working hours.

• Contribute to positive collective change - If there is a cause close to your heart which you can support, the spring season is an opportune time to get involved.

• Direct your attention to where we want to see change in your life - could it be to reduce your weekly phone usage?

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09/12/2023

Bidean nam Bian (peak of the mountains) is the whole majestic range of mountains on the south side of Glen Coe. It’s the highest summit in the Glen Coe region and the highest point in historic Argyll. As its name suggests, it is surrounded by a complex web of dramatic ridges, buttresses and satellite peaks. Its dramatic northern ridges are known as the Three Sisters, whilst the highest summits of the group are hidden behind and cannot be seen for the road.

It’s 1.5 hours from us and the drive there itself is spectacular!

Are you braving a Scottish mountain this winter?

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25/11/2023

🎄C A B I N✨S T A Y✨G I V E A W A Y🎄

With Black Friday deals coming into the inbox thick and fast, and the bank balance dwindling thick and fast, we thought it was time for a break!

We are offering a FREE two night stay with us in Forest Cabin, one of our luxury cabins with outdoor bathtub, hidden away in the Scottish countryside, with the Trossachs National Park as your natural backdrop. 🛀 🌳

To enter

✨follow us

✨repost to your story (remember to tag us or we won’t see!)

✨ comment who you’re bringing with you

This giveaway will run until 27th Nov and will be announced on stories 28th Nov. Your stay is redeemable until 31st May 2024 (exclusions apply).

You will only be contacted by us and we will never ask for your bank details. We have no need, this stay is free of charge! So please look out for fake accounts.

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07/11/2023

Around 1,500 years ago, an Irish missionary, St Kessog, arrived at Loch Lomond, bringing Christianity to the area. At the time Luss was called Clachan Dhu (the dark village) because it lay in the shadow of the surrounding hills. St Kessog was martyred and his body embalmed with sweet herbs. Legend has it that the herbs grew and covered his grave, providing a new name for the village – lus is Gaelic for herb.

The picturesque conservation village of Luss sits on the western shore of Loch Lomond. Occupation of this area dates back to medieval times, but much of the village you see today was created in the 18th and 19th centuries to house workers from the nearby slate quarries. The neat rows of cottages come alive in spring and summer with elaborate flower displays on all sides as visitors make their way to the loch shore. No visit to Luss is complete without taking in the view from the end of the pier with Ben Lomond standing proudly over Loch Lomond.

The Luss Hills are easily accessible and popular with walkers. These hills have pronounced conical peaks, curving ridges and steep, smooth slopes which are often cut by birch-filled gullies. They form a prominent backdrop to Helensburgh and the Loch Lomond basin and contribute to the dramatic scenery around the Loch.

From the pier visitors can catch loch cruises, exploring the loch’s islands and linking to Balloch, Inchcailloch and Balmaha. Luss has a long beach which is popular for picnics and paddling when the sun is out.

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10/10/2023

The gardens at Drummond Castle are some of the most important formal gardens in Scotland and are among the finest gardens in the whole of Europe. They were first designed in the early 17th century and then revamped and terraced in the 19th century.

As the gardens stand today, they have preserved the traditional features including the ancient yew hedges and the copper beech trees that were planted in 1842 by Queen Victoria. Pictured here, a mile-long driveway lined with stunning beech trees leads up to Drummond Castle, making a grand entrance for visitors.

The gardens are open to the public between 1 May - 31 October and are 50 minutes drive from us.

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12/09/2023

Autumn in Scotland is simply stunning.

From mid September until early November, the landscape bursts into a riot of red, orange, yellow, bronze and crimson.

Perthshire, known as “Big Tree Country”, is an area covered in beautiful forest. The Hermitage is one of the best locations to go for a forest walk and admire the autumnal colours contrasting with the dark green hues of the tall Douglas fir trees.

Breathe in the earthy woodland and tang of pine needles as you wander along the banks of the River Braan.

It’s easily reached by car from us.

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31/08/2023

What do you do if it’s raining outside? This.

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04/07/2023

Loch Lomond is famous and it’s easy to see why. It is an out-of-this-world spot to enjoy a loch-side picnic, watch the sunset or sunrise over the loch, take a dip, enjoy water-sports - kayaking, wakeboarding or paddle-boarding, hiking surrounding glens or Ben Lomond itself or simply to experience what is arguably some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK.

Don’t take our word for it though, come see for yourself. And it’s only 20 minutes drive from us!

14/06/2023

We think it’s time you booked that well-needed cabin getaway, don’t you?

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03/05/2023

We are excited to announced that we are now open for food on Wednesdays for the summer season!

Our kitchen team are busy preparing a whole new pub menu to be served in the bar and beer gardens on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and throughout the day and into the evening on Friday, Saturday and Sundays - which will be available very soon. In the meantime, this week on Wednesday, we are serving our current bar menu from 5pm to 8pm. No booking required, so pop in on Wednesday and enjoy a pint or two of Black Bull Lager and order some delicious food.

Our current menus are online at www.blackbullgartmore.com/menu

Our new dinner menu is currently served in our Restaurant Thursday to Sunday, book your table at www.blackbullgartmore.com

03/05/2023

Scotland is made for road trips.

Sweeping roads wind their way through dramatic and moody landscapes, past historic castles and cities, gentle lochs and glens, beautiful coastlines and wild seas.

As you road trip through Scotland, you’ll find yourself stopping regularly for instagram-worthy images, and along the way, you’ll find many adventures to try like hiking munros, wild swimming in lochs and seas, exploring turbulent history, and spotting wildlife.

Late spring is a great time for planning. The countryside comes alive with wildflowers and baby animals as the country starts to enjoy warmer weather and lighter nights.

We’re sure you’ve heard of the North Coast 500, but have you heard of:

The Argyll Coastal Route & Loch Ness - this road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers, and the linear route allows you to cross the highland boundary and enjoy the gentle lowlands giving way to the dramatic and wild highlands.

or

The Heart 200 (this new route can be combined with the Fife Coastal Route too) - a two hundred mile romp around the centre of Scotland. This route throws in the historic cities of Perth and Stirling, and along the route are places of historical interest, world-class golf courses, ancient castles, loch and river based water sports for adrenalin seekers and a few whisky distilleries, of course!

A road trip showcases Scotland like no other way to travel does. Is a Scottish road trip on your list?

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28/02/2023

Step away from all distraction and into the forest.

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14/02/2023

To the north of Loch Tay is a range of seven Munros, the ‘Ben Lawers Group’. This eight mile ridge includes Beinn Ghlas, Meall Garbh, Meall Corranaich, An Stùc, Meall Greigh and Meall a' Choire Leith, centred around its highest peak, Ben Lawers.

Ben Lawers sneaks into the UKs highest mountains at number ten. At just shy of 4000 feet, there is nowhere higher to the south and therefore the visibility is staggering.

Ben Lawers visitors car park starts you at 400m giving you a head start to the climb! For those eager to bag Munros, the entire ridge of seven can be completed in one long(!) day.

Once there, weather permitting of course, the views of Loch Tay and beyond are spectacular. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic sweep of the mountainous landscape.

The ridges geographical location in the Central Highlands, a short distance from us, make them some of Scotland’s more popular and accessible peaks.

And with the clocks due to turn next month, meaning those lighter days are soon approaching, consider adding this ridge to your 2023 list!

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28/11/2022

The scenic drive along the A82 Glencoe Valley is definitely one of, if not, the best drives in the country.

From mountain peaks and deep valleys, to plummeting waterfalls and vast lochs, the scenic sights along the way are breathtaking, showcasing Scotland in all its splendour.

Add this to your itinerary, whatever the weather, it is a must!

🚨 PS. This is the last day to take advantage of our only sale of the year!! Use code “BLACKTROSSACHS” at checkout on our website to enjoy 20% off all of our accommodation. Code expires at midnight. Give the gift of memories made in the outdoors this Christmas. Go go go! 🚨

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21/11/2022

Slow, misty mornings at Forest Cabin. 💭

📣 LAST 48 HOURS! There’s still time (if you run.. fast!) to enter our competition for the chance to win a two night stay here. Check our stories for details on how to enter!! Winner will be announced on stories on Wednesday! 📣

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07/11/2022

01/11/2022

🎄 F E S T I V E ✨ C H E E R 🎄

Christmas is starting early here at the Trossachs Collection!! We’re offering the chance to come stay with us!!

A two night escape in our compact and cosy Forest Cabin, hidden away in the Scottish countryside. Step out onto your private veranda to take advantage of the natural backdrop and slip into the world of slow living. It does wonders for your well-being, take our word for it!

To enter

✨follow us

✨repost to your story (remember to tag us!)

✨ & comment who you’re bringing with you!

The giveaway will run until 22 Nov and will be announced on our stories. Your stay is redeemable until 31st March 2023, exclusions apply.

You will only be contacted by us and we have no need for your card details!

PS. This is the first time we are running the competition on our page too, so if you aren’t following us there, then, why not?!

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04/10/2022

The owners of Faskally House created this model woodland in the 19th century and the house later became a school for young foresters. You can explore the rich mix of tree species along the Foresters' Trail within which lies the tranquil Loch Dunmore, with its boat house and picturesque timber footbridge. The reds, oranges and yellows reflected in the loch during autumn is not to be missed.

The Enchanted Forest is an outdoor sound and light show, using Faskally Wood as a natural backdrop, which takes place from now until Sunday 30th October 2022. The Enchanted Forest creates a dazzling palette of colour within an innovative design, all choreographed against an original music score.

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27/09/2022

Plans for the day.

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17/09/2022

Is autumn a good time to visit Scotland?

Yes! Here’s five reasons why:

1. Fewer crowds - As the tourist season ends, Scotland has an even more remote feel to it. The paths and trails all over Scotland are near deserted giving you a more tangible sense of freedom.

2. No midges - Luckily, once the cooler temperatures of autumn arrive, midges tend to all but disappear. They’re barely to be seen by October, leaving visitors free to enjoy the outdoors in peace!

3. Autumn foliage - It’s the perfect time to enjoy walks through multi-coloured landscapes when the colours are at their fieriest. Intermingled with evergreen Scots pines, the ochres and reds spread across the hills, tinting the woods and reflecting in lochs.

4. Seasonal produce - After a day exploring your wonderful surroundings you can indulge in the local produce from the autumn harvest. Autumn is the time when lamb is at its most succulent, game meats are plentiful and fruits such as apples, plums, pears and damsons are at their best and make delicious deserts and jams. And, have you heard the old wives tale: Oysters should be eaten only in months with an “r” in them? It’s a great time of year for the native Scottish oysters.

5. Wildlife - Summer might be over, but autumn is no off-season where Scotland’s wildlife is concerned. One of the country’s great natural spectacles takes place at this time: the rutting of the red deer, during which males clash antlers to assert their dominance.

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31/08/2022

The perfect place to go for an aimless wander.

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17/08/2022

Everywhere you look we are being encouraged to move faster and use every spare second to do more.

Come put your feet up with us instead.

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05/08/2022

Minimalist off-grid cabins. Built to admire the ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons.

21/07/2022

Regarded as one of Scotlands most iconic drives, The Dukes Pass is a road famous for its undulating twists, turns and steep climbs and descents, leading you through the heart of the Trossachs.

It was originally built by the Duke of Montrose in the 19th century to improve access to his estate. Later it was upgraded to accommodate the Victorian tourists drawn to the area after the publication of Sir Walter Scott's poem 'The Lady of the Lake' which celebrates the beauty of Loch Katrine.

Aberfoyle and Brig O Turk are the start/finish points of this drive which can be joined with the Three Lochs Forest drive. Located along the route are many places to pause and immerse yourself in the wildlife and nature surrounding. Its an ideal environment for a picnic or a forest walk, you can spend many happy hours on this drive. And it’s only 10 minutes away from us.

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