Comrie Croft, Perthshire

The beautiful Breadlebane or “Bràghaid Alban” (the High Ground of Scotland) area of Perthshire is mostly undiscovered by those who normally venture further north to Glencoe or the highlands.

This is, apart from those in the know! 

Stretching from Glen Lyon to Tyndrum, Balqhuider and Comrie, we’ve been exploring the spectacular wilds of the Breadlebane for the last few years, whilst staying at one of our favourite campsites in Scotland, Comrie Croft. 

With gorgeous views, quiet secluded woodland pitches, sunny camping fields, a hostel, Swedish katas, a friendly vibe, a great little cafe, mountain biking trails, as well a gold award for green tourism, it is safe to say that Comrie Croft ticks all the campsite boxes. 

The sunny weather this weekend saw us pitch our tent in the high meadow, where the views sweep across Strathearn and the river valley to the mountains above Loch Earn.

The views are stunning, perfect for putting your feet up in front of the fire and gazing off into space. Campfires are encouraged at Comrie Croft and as the sun goes down, happy chatter and wood smoke drift across the valley. Just being out in the open relaxes me, work? what work! 

Comrie Croft is one of my favourite campsites in Scotland, and one of reasons we go back to Comrie Croft year on year is because there are so many things to do around the campsite. This weekend we were planning on bagging our first Munro (we made it! more soon) however, if you are feeling a little less energetic here are my favourite things to do around Comrie Croft:

Explore the BLiSS Trail

As part of Visit Scotland’s year of Architecture & Design, the Breadlebane ‘BLiSS Trail‘ links the villages of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans through the i of ‘innovation’. From a hellian coo to an “Airliephant”, soaring eagles, the famous Loch Earn Mirror Man, to The Lookout by Daniel Tyler and Angus Richie there are 13 sculptures and art projects to explore.

Wildlife Watch

The Beadlebane is well known for spotting Red Kites and a feeding station and hide can be found at Argtay, near Doune, just 40 minutes south of Comrie. However, you can watch the kites soaring magnificently across the sky above the croft from your camping chair. The woods around the croft are also filled with bird life, get up early and you might spot a visitor to your tent like this woodpecker!

Family fun at Auchingarrich 

I love a good wildlife centre, and Auchingarrich is one of my favourites. Hold new-born chicks, pet lemurs, spot tiny monkeys, run through the rabbit hole (great fun) and pretend to be kids in the soft play. It’s a little gem in the countryside and if you are in the area (with kids or not) it is well worth a visit. Adults are £8.45, Kids £6.95, there is often good value family tickets available.

Walk to the Deli’s Cauldron

Our favourite walk around Comrie Croft (when we aren’t bagging a Munro) is to walk from the croft to the Deli’s Cauldron waterfalls. The walk up through Glen Lednock and to the Melville Monument is beautiful, and at times it feels like you are in the Yukon rather than the Perthshire countryside! The shaky bridge across the river Lednock is currently closed (boo!) so you can’t complete the full round trip circuit, however, both sides of the walk, either to the waterfalls or up the glen are still worth a visit.

Climb up above Loch Earn

Last time we visited Comrie we headed along the valley to the small village of St Fillians to walk up the ‘scree path‘ which winds its way up the hillside above the loch. The views from the top across the loch to the mountains are superb, and you can finish with an Arran beer at their lochside brewery.

and finally my favourite thing…

Doing absolutely nothing!

Cheers!

Every summer (from July onwards) you can explore the Breadlebane via a free hop on/hop off Explorer Bus which will take you from Comrie Croft to St Fillans, as well as Lochearnhead, Killin, Kenmore, Acharn and Aberfeldy. The bus also drops off at Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre. The bus runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Stay at Comrie Croft 

Love from Scotland x