Cabin a luxury time in wood wonderland

Aug 10 2008 by Colin Patterson, Sunday Sun

COLIN PATTERSON enjoys a luxurious outdoors break in Scotland

IF you go down to the woods today you will really get a surprise, as buried beneath the swathes of Scots Pine trees are some of the most luxurious timber cabins you could ever hope to find.

The one we stayed in was at Stathyre, four miles from Callander, deep in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

A more beautiful setting would be hard to find. The towering 3000-feet high mountain of Ben Ledi looms large in the background, with its lower slopes and foothills covered in acres of trees, which almost sweep down to the shores of Loch Lubnaig.

The view from the living room of our cabin — complete with its own veranda — was simply breathtaking. It changed in accordance with whether there was sunlight dancing on the surface of the lake or the rain beating down upon it. Whatever the weather, the place is beautiful.

The cabins are run by Forest Holidays, which has introduced a new luxury upgrade to its range . . . the Golden Oak.

They provide three-bedroom accommodation, with a stunning en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom and a shower room downstairs.

The kitchens have been upgraded too, and feature the latest integrated appliances, and the private veranda also comes with an outdoor hot tub, where you can lie back and relax while still taking in the fabulous view. It really doesn’t get much better than this.

There are 32 cabins of various grades on the Strathyre site and each comes with its own parking space.

There are miles of forest trails and pathways, ideal for both walking and cycling.

The wildlife is also amazing with osprey, red squirrel, pine marten, and roe and red deer . . . the latter visible to us one evening only yards from the cabin.

Mountain bikes can be hired from the reception area of the site, along with canoes and kayaks. We put our name down for the kayak tuition and took to the lake.

Just as our instructors were reeling off the safety procedures a swarm of midgies descended upon us. Standing there in our wet suits, there was still plenty of exposed flesh for them to feast on . . . and they did as they launched wave after wave of attack with military precision.

It was a relief to get in the kayaks and paddle away from the shore to safety. So please take note, make sure you buy a healthy stock of insect repellent before embarking on a holiday in the great outdoors!

You can walk or cycle the four miles each to Callander or the village of Strathyre without having to venture onto the main road as a path winds its way along the riverbank through woodland.

There are numerous places to dine out in the area but one of the most interesting can be found along the path trail to Callander at a little place called Kilmahog . . . the Lade Inn. Here you get a really good choice of food, all sourced locally. The added advantage is you also get an excellent pint!

The Lade Inn has come up with its own recipe for three kinds of beer, which they get brewed and then sell on the premises. They are of various strengths, with the weaker one called WayLade, the middle one Ladeback and the final one Ladeout, an aptly named brew which can live up to its name if not treated with respect.

Another little gem is the Inn and Bistro in Strathyre. This family-run business also offers a selection or real ales, vibrant wines and a delightful menu of locally-sourced dishes.

If you do find you are missing your urban environment and need a shopping fix, you can travel into nearby Stirling, which has all the usual high street stores, together with a number of historic sights to see.

There is so much to do and see around Strathyre, but if you do not want to get out into the glorious fresh air then you can relax in the luxury of your cabin and just enjoy the view.

5 things to do

TAKE the trail to the top of Ben Ledi and admire the tremendous view.

VISIT the Lade Inn and sample their range of beers made from their own recipe.

DRIVE through the Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park and see rhinos, tigers, lions, giraffes, elephants and much more.

HOP on the Stirling Tour bus, where you can see all the important sights in and around the town, including the Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle and Stirling University.

VISIT the Falls of Leny, a spectacular falls in the Pass of Leny, an ancient entrance to the Highlands.

Fact file

THE log cabins are available throughout the year and your visit can be tailored over a week, weekend or mid-week break.

PRICES range from £475 for a week in January, rising to £1259 a week at the height of the summer holidays, and £1399 over New Year.

FOR more information or to make a booking, telephone 0845-130 8223 or visit www.forestholidays.co.uk

ARCHERY tuition and canoe, kayak and mountain bike hire are all available at an extra cost.