At the head of spectacular Loch Voil is one of Scotland’s best boutique hotels, Monachyle Mhor. With stunning rooms and great hospitality, we checked into the hotel’s Corr Cabin for a weekend in the Perthshire countryside.
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In the heart of the Perthshire highlands is the small village of Balqhidder, most famous for being the resting place of Scottish folk hero Rob Roy McGregor, home to popular foodie spot Mhor 84 – and its big sister hotel Monachyle Mhor, hidden in one of Scotland best glens.
Best described as cool and quirky, along with being dog friendly, Monachyle Mhor* has held a reputation as one of Scotland’s best hotels for decades. So leave the roaring traffic on the A84 behind and follow the long and winding lochside road to reach a beautifully pink boutique hotel overlooking Loch Voil and Loch Doine under towering Munros above. Let’s check in.
Stay at Monachyle Mhor – Corr Cabin
With luxury rooms in the original hotel (one of the rooms has two baths!) and in the stylish courtyard behind you are spoilt for choice on rooms at Monachyle Mhor. Three of the rooms are also dog friendly, so you can bring your pup.
Or why not choose one of the hotel’s posh glamping options – how about a tiny house or a showman’s wagon? Our destination for the weekend was Corr Cabin, a tiny cabin with a spectacular view up the glen.
From the outside, Corr Cabin is a black box that stands out against the landscape rather than blending in. But the inside is all about the outside – dominated by an amazing picture window, from which you can watch deer strolling past on their way to the forest as you lie in the perfectly positioned bed.
The rest of the cabin is best described as cosy – there is a small self catering area – with a fridge and stove for coffee, and a small sitting area. The bathroom has a shower and loo. Outside is a fire pit and chairs for those sundowner drinks. Wilst Corr Cabin could be described as glamping, you do have power, hot water and a loo – and a fabulous restaurant and bar just outside your door.
Dining at Monachyle Mhor
At it heart, Monachyle Mhor* is a hotel on a working farm – they have Scottish blackface, Simmental cows, and Tamworth Pigs, along with chickens providing your eggs for breakfast – so you can probably guess the food is rather good.
With a kitchen garden providing the veg, venison from the surrounding hills and seasonal approach, this is sustainable Scottish dining at its best. Look out for Blackface lamb, with wild garlic and nettle salsa verde, or go for one of Monachyle’s specialities, oysters and champagne! Vegans and veggies are also well catered for across the menus.
Breakfast is served over looking the glen – look out for the scones on arrival – try the D’Agen prune and Earl Grey tea compote, Inverawe smoked trout with scrambled egg, or a perfectly cooked full Scottish before heading out into the hills.
If you are staying for a couple of nights, it is worth also checking out the restaurant at Mhor 84*, which serves a more informal menu – venison ragout, steaks, and fish and chips along with fabulous platters. You won’t go hungry… although you will need a designated driver for the winding road back!
Back at the hotel there is a cosy bar, complete with log fire and local gin, and lots of whisky!
Things to do at Monachyle Mhor Hotel
Highland Perthshire is stunning whatever the season, and Monachyle Mhor’s location makes the most of it. Here is what to get up to at Monachyle Mhor:
Read my complete guide to things to do in Perthshire
The Lookout – Take a stroll down to the lochside to the Lookout – a mirrored box giving an unusual view of the glen and a great view of the loch.
Climb Creag an Turic – a simply stunning viewpoint high above the small village of Balquidder. This was once McClaren country – and Creag an Turic was used as the look out/rallying point for the clan. You can see why from the top! The view across Loch Voil is simply breathtaking. Distance – 1.5 miles. Creag an Turic walk – route map.
Three lochs Forest Drive – closed to cars over winter, but open to cyclists all year round, the beautiful 7-mile Three Lochs Forest Drive visits Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray and takes you over the beautiful Dukes Pass.
Hike Ben A’an – climb this ‘mountain in miniature’ for an incredible view across Loch Katrine- one of the best in Scotland.
Climb Ben Ledi, Callandar – the mountain of God’ dominates the Trossachs town of Callander. Starting from the edge of Loch Lubnaig it is a steady walk up a good path.
Discover Loch Katrine – take a steam ship out on the pretty Loch Katrine – one of the sources of water for the city of Glasgow!
Visit Callander – one of central Scotland’s ‘hubs’ and a great place to stop and eat as you explore Perthshire.
- Climb up to the stunning Bracklinn Falls and Upper Crags
- Grab fish and chips from Mhor Fish or pies from Mhor Bread, or stop for longer at Mhor tearoom.
- Stop for cakes and coffee at Strathyre at the Broch Cafe
- Visit Doune Castle – made famous by Outlander and Monty Python
Ready to visit? Let’s check into Monachyle Mhor*
Love from Scotland x
The travel blogger and photographer behind Love from Scotland