Summer Serenity: Exploring the Best of Rural Scotland.

If you’re dreaming of misty lochs, winding scenic drives, and the kind of peace that only birdsong and babbling burns can bring — then welcome to Stronachlachar, the quiet heart of the Highlands. Tucked just beside the sparkling waters of Loch Katrine, our little slice of paradise is everything you imagine when someone says rural Scotland — and so much more.

This summer, whether you’re in search of restorative calm or gentle adventure, we’ve rounded up our favourite Stronachlachar attractions, local happenings, and soul-soothing rural retreats in Scotland for your next getaway.

Summer Holidays in Scotland: Why Here, Why Now?

Ah, summer in Scotland — where the days stretch on forever, the midges are only mildly menacing (bring your spray!), and the scenery is straight out of a storybook. Unlike the packed streets of Edinburgh or the busy beaches of the west coast, Stronachlachar offers a gentler rhythm. It’s a place to breathe, to wander, and to rediscover the joy of doing nothing at all. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous…

Scenic Drives That Steal the Show

Let’s talk roads — the good kind. You know the ones: no traffic lights, barely another soul in sight, and enough bends to make your heart sing (and your passengers slightly carsick).

Here are our top picks for summer scenic drives around Loch Katrine:

• Duke’s Pass: A swooping, winding stretch of road between Aberfoyle and Loch Katrine — best driven with a picnic packed and a playlist queued.

• Loch Arklet to Inversnaid: A short but mesmerising drive with postcard-worthy views over the loch, wildflowers galore, and red deer if you’re lucky.

• The Three Lochs Forest Drive (near the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park): Off the beaten path and brimming with that quintessential Highland magic.

Top tip: Make time for plenty of pullovers. Not just to stretch your legs — but to soak in scenes so lovely, you’ll start to question reality.

Summer Events Around Stronachlachar

Though we’re a quiet bunch here, summer brings a little buzz to the Highlands:

• Loch Katrine Cruises (Daily from Trossachs Pier) – Step aboard the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott for a dreamy loch-side view of the surrounding glens.

• Callander Jazz & Blues Festival (Late September) – Okay, it’s early autumn, but we’ll count it. Expect toe-tapping tunes and tartan-clad trumpeters in one of the prettiest towns nearby.

• Aberfoyle Summer Market Days – A local delight! Think handmade crafts, Highland fudge, Scottish cheese, and more than a few dogs in kilts.

• Guided Walks & Wildlife Tours (Trossachs National Park) – Keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles, pine martens, and the ever-elusive Scottish wildcat.

Woodland Walks & Wildlife Trails

Step right outside the cottage and you’ll find trails winding through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park—perfect for nature-spotting, den-building, or a family game of ‘who can find the weirdest-shaped tree’. (Spoiler: there are some strong contenders.)

Pop by the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre in Aberfoyle for walking routes and interactive exhibits. There’s also a café with cake—need we say more?

Hidden Gems & Local Favourites

• Loch Katrine Cycle Path: A smooth, scenic trail ideal for cycling or walking — rent a bike or bring your own!

• The Pier Café: Coffee and cake with a view? Yes please. Grab a scone and sit out on the deck.

• Glen Finglas: A rambling network of trails, from gentle loops to hearty hill walks.

• Falls of Falloch: Just under an hour’s drive away, but worth it. A stunning waterfall framed by pine and mist.

Old Smiddy Cottage: Your Cosy Base for Rural Retreats in Scotland

Of course, the best part of any Highland adventure is where you lay your head. And here at Old Smiddy Cottage, we’re all about slow mornings, long walks, and evenings by the fire with a dram of whisky (or two).

Located just minutes from Loch Katrine, our cottage is a warm, welcoming hideaway perfect for couples, small families, or anyone craving a break from modern madness. With original stone walls, soft linens, and views that could make a poet weep, you’ll see why so many guests return year after year.

And while the Wi-Fi is decent, we hope you’ll spend more time staring at the stars than your screen.

A log burner for chilly nights (and marshmallow roasting!)

A well-equipped kitchen for cooking up feasts

Plenty of outdoor space for running wild or sipping wine while they do

Wood-fired hot tub and sauna with a stunning view coming September 2025!

Your Summer Serenity Awaits

Whether you’re curled up with a book, cruising across Loch Katrine, or watching the clouds roll over the hills with a mug in hand, there’s a certain something here. A peace. A pause. A promise that some corners of the world are still wild and wonderful.

So if you’re plotting your next summer holiday in Scotland, skip the crowds. Choose Stronachlachar. Choose stillness. Choose stars.

A beautifully situated cottage for an idyllic Scottish getaway break nestled amongst snowcapped mountains (we went in February) right by the Loch. You can cosy up with a good book by the roaring log burner. A lovely little tearoom is a short walk away. Right from the doorstep you feel you have the freedom to roam on beautiful walks.

We stayed at the old smiddy cottage September 22, absolutely beautiful cottage, perfect getaway with amazing views, cottage stunning. More than adequate comforts. Remote but not totally isolated. The pier cafe does an amazing breakfast and so friendly. Just loved loved it here. Went for a walk and picked some beautiful flowers to send out in the loch for my son who I lost in 2018 and my partners father who we also sadly lost. Could not believe the beautiful rainbow we witnessed shortly after doing this .

We had a wonderfully peaceful time here. Fantastic location, a well equipped cottage and helpful hosts. Thoroughly recommend.

A wonderful location, and a gorgeous little cottage owned by very lovely people!

Such a Lovely place! Great location was the perfect place to stay for a special occasion! We would love to return one day!

The Old Smiddy Cottage’s location is perfect, waking up to the beautiful view of Loch Katrine, and the hills surrounding it is a great way to start your day. The cottage is very clean and comfortable, it has everything you need for your time away. The beds are great, the kitchen is fully equipped, and the best view from a shower I’ve ever experienced. The brand new hot tub and sauna are a fantastic addition, you could spend hours just sitting looking out at the loch. We had a great time, and would highly recommend booking this cottage.