Balquhidder and Creag an Tuirc "Boar's Rock"
A hidden gem in the heart of Perthshire Scotland
This tranquil glen is a real find for anyone looking to find and feel a REAL Scottish village and glen. Not far from the town of Callander (once voted the best place to live in the UK) , the pretty Highland town of Balquidder lies to the west of the Scottish Heart 200 Road Route which loops round from Stirling heading north along Loch Tay to Pitlochry and back down to Perth and Kinross before heading east again past Comrie down to Stirling.
Balquhidder Glen is itself a hidden treasure and less known than other glens in Scotland but offering just as much beauty. The single-track road that runs through the glen passes a number of trailheads leading into the hills and forests, ideal for walkers and cyclists.
Our secret hidden gem is up one such track, leading up into the hills on the north side of the glen with incredible views over Balquhidder and beautiful Loch Voil.
One of my all-time favourite Scottish boutique hotels sits in the heart of the glen on the banks of Loch Voil. The wonderful Monachyle Mhor Hotel has an award-winning restaurant with a focus on wild and foraged Scottish produce.
1.Rob Roy’s Grave, Balquhidder
The one place up Balquhidder Glen that you are likely to find some other tourists is at the old graveyard beside Balquhidder Church where Rob Roy’s grave can be visited.
Rob Roy MacGregor was a Scottish outlaw, folk hero and later a respected cattleman. He is often compared to Robin Hood due to his reputation as an outlaw with a code of honour. He is remembered in history as a symbol of resistance against authority, particularly in the context of Highland clan culture.
Born in 1671, at a time in Scotland that led up to the Jacobite rising and eventually to Culloden in 1746, Rob Roy was born in Glengyle at the head of Loch Katrine. Rob was born into Clan MacGregor, a clan that had been declared outlawed by the Scottish government due to various feuds and conflicts.
His own notability as an outlaw began in 1712 when after borrowing a large sum of money to invest in cattle, his chief drover ran off with the funds leaving him bankrupt. Unable to pay his debts, he was declared an outlaw by the Duke of Montrose, his chief creditor.
Rob Roy’s Legacy
Whilst not playing a major military role in the Jacobite risings which aimed to restore the Stuart monarchy to the thrones of England and Scotland, Rob Roy’s notoriety and legacy grew from his reputation as a man who was defiant against oppressive landlords.
Rob Roy has remained an enduring symbol of the Scottish Highlands and their tumultuous history as he embodies the spirit of resilience and independence that characterizes Scottish history.
2. Loch Voil and Loch Doine
These two interconnected lochs run west through the glen and sit perpendicular to Loch Lubnaig that runs north from Calendar. At a fairly shallow depth of up to 29m, Loch Voil is my favourite inland loch for wild swimming in – being relatively warm! I have everlasting memories of lying floating on my back in the loch looking up at the surrounding lush green mountains and blue sky at Loch Voil. Swimming in one of Scotland’s lochs, surrounded by lush green hills and woodland is far more luxurious an experience than any spa pool could offer you!
On a clear day the Lochs are made even more stunning by the surrounding mountains reflecting on the water making the whole glen feel alive with the rugged green landscape in every view. The loch is equally beautiful on a more ‘dreich’ day with the mist rolling over the water giving a more mystical quality.
For keen cyclists, Loch Lubnaig and Loch Voil are linked by a series of cycle paths and roads that run between Calendar and Strathyre on the A84.
Top Tips when visiting Balquidder Glen
Top Tip 1: The aptly named Mhor 84 is located on the A84 on the eastern side of Balquhidder glen and a great place to stop for homemade cakes, breakfast dishes as well as gourmet meals
Top Tip 2: There is a wonderful quirky gift shop next door called Mhor in Store, full of super interesting homewares and fashions – ideal for gifts or something to remember your trip by.
Top Tip 3: There is a small car park near the church and cemetery but it fills up quickly so get there early if coming at weekends. If full, there is alternative space with a voluntary charge at the community hall a short distance further along the road.
3. Our Secret Hidden Gem – Creag an Tuirc or Boar’s Rock
And so to our secret hidden gem…a short steep hike up the hill that sits behind the village of Balquhidder to Creag an Tuirc. The summit provides stunning views over Loch Voil, the surrounding hills and Balquhidder with a perfectly placed bench to sit and relax on as you survey the incredible scenery!
The name of Boar’s Rock is thought to have come from the wild boars that once roamed the area. One popular local legend says that a fierce boar once terrorized the area around Balquhidder and according to legend, a warrior killed the boar at Creag an Tuirc, demonstrating bravery and protecting the community. The hill was named Boar’s Rock to commemorate this act of valour.
The rock is also a significant cultural landmark as it was the traditional rallying point for Clan MacLaren who had a long history in the Balquhidder area. The elevated position of the rock offered good visibility as well as a defensible location. It was so important to Clan MacLaren that they incorporated it into their clan crest which features a lion with the motto Creag an Tuirc.
4. Monachyle Mhor
This charming Scottish Highland Hotel is a real find and known across Scotland to those who love fine dining in a relaxed and informal setting. The menu features seasonal Scottish produce, including seafood, game and locally grown vegetables and foraged foods. Owners Tom and Lisa Lewis are incredibly hospitable hosts and talented restauranteurs/ hoteliers and offer a unique and charming venue as well as 5 star food and drink!
The hotel grounds house a variety of unique and interesting accommodation units which are wonderful to wander around and be inspired by.
As well as their restaurant and hotel accommodation, Monachyle Mhor hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular music, food and drinks festival Mhor Festival and incredible Hogmanay parties which I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying.
You can also book up for their Wine and Whisky Safaris which involve a meet up at Mhor 84 for breakfast followed by a 2 mile stroll up the glen to Creag an Tuirc where there is an outdoor food and wine pairing demonstration. You then walk a further 2 miles up Loch Voil to the next fun food and wine pairing before the final two mile walk to the Dutch Barn at Monachyle Mhor for a hearty Perthshire produce lunch before your taxi back up Balquhidder glen to Mhor 84.
Getting to Balquhidder
Balquhidder Glen sits to the east of the A84 which runs from Stirling to Lochearnhead up past beautiful Loch Lubnaig and one of my favourite hills Ben Ledi, otherwise known as Hill of God. Take a turn off at Kingshouse just beyond Strathyre if heading from the south and then loop under the A84 to head west towards Balquhidder village and Loch Voil.
Where to stay
In a campervan
Immervoulin Caravan and Camping Park near Strathyre
Maragowan Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite at Killin
Cruachan Farm Caravan and Camping Park by Loch Tay
Alternative Accommodation
Monachyle Mhor Hotel , Balquhidder Glen
Mhor 84 near Kingshouse on A84 north of Strathyre
