St Ronans Place is situated in one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland with Loch Lomond only a few miles away.
From the Cottage we have a fantastic panoramic view of the mountains on the west side of Loch Lomond, and of Conic Hill and Ben Lomond, Scotland’s southernmost Munro (mountain over 3,000 feet).
Conic Hill is a less challenging walk but has spectacular views on the ascent and at the summit. It is approached from Balmaha or Drymen (if you want a longer walk).
Drymen is a stopping point on the West Highland Way.
We can organise and pick up from Drymen if you are walking.
Buses run from outside our property to Balloch and to Drymen and Balmaha. A time table is available in the Manse.
There are many walks and activities around Loch Lomond and the surrounding area.
There is useful information on the following websites:
The new RSPB Loch Lomond Reserve is approximately half a mile west of the Manse. It is worth a visit and has car parking on site.
There are many lovely areas to walk only a short drive away.
Drymen (3 miles) has several eating places. All provide a good standard of food and there is often live music in The Drymen Inn.
In Balmaha, (6 miles) on the East side of Loch Lomond, we recommend The Oak Tree Inn. They do not accept reservations.
Half an hour’s drive away, is set right at the edge of Scotland’s only lake. The restaurant and bar have wonderful views and the sunsets are stunning. The food is good and it is worth a trip for lunch or dinner.
We can recommend The House of Darrach in Gartocharn, Oakwood Garden Centre, Killearn, The Woodhouse near Kippen on the A811 to Stirling. Also The Smiddy at Blair Drummond, The Pottery at Buchlyvie (A811) and Benview Coffee Shop on the A81 near Gartmore.
Information on dog-friendly places to eat are available at the Manse.
The city of Glasgow is half an hour’s drive away, and can also be reached by train from Balloch, 5.5 miles away. Glasgow is a vibrant city with many cultural and historic attractions, fantastic restaurants and shopping.
Stirling is half an hour away, and has many attractions, including the Castle and the Wallace Monument.
Our capital city, Edinburgh is 1.5 hour’s drive away. We recommend a visit there if you have time. The Castle and Princes Street Gardens are iconic. There are many fine restaurants for a leisurely lunch.
During the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe in August, the city is lively with many street performers and shows throughout the day.
The Trossachs, Scotland’s Lake District, is only half an hour’s drive north and has some amazing scenery and many walks of varying levels. We recommend a visit to the Lake of Menteith and a boat trip to Inchmahome Priory with it’s beautiful monastic ruins dating back to the 13th century.
On the shore of the Lake is the Lake Hotel which serves teas, coffees, bar meals and dinner in the conservatory overlooking the Lake.
As you travel north from the Lake toward the lovely town of Callander which nestles under Ben Ledi, we recommend taking the scenic route from Aberfoyle over the Duke’s Pass. You can detour on the way to take in the ‘Three Loch’s Drive, which is breathtakingly beautiful.
Returning to the road you will come to Loch Katrine, which offers cycling walking and trips on the steam ship Sir Walter Scott.
Just north from the tearoom by foot is beautiful Glen Finglas with lovely wilderness walking.
