The Rob Roy Way 2013
Accommodation review
I found accommodation relatively easy to find along the way, and only had a problem at Ardtalnaig. But the alternative turned out very well. I find the easiest way to book places to stay and eat is simply to look up the trip advisor site, ignore the reviews and have a look around the various websites. But to be honest whatever you think of 'Trip Advisor' it has always been a very good pointer to the standards of various properties. I didn't bother much with sandwiches most days although all the B&B's will make them and there are shops in the bigger villages.
Drymen - The Braeside B&B
Right next door to the Clachan Inn and on the north side of the village green. There's a few places to eat and take your chance. We ate at the Drymen Inn and after the annoyingly loud music was turned down it was good pub grub. The B&B was very comfortable and had everything we needed, even if the owners Mum was a bit grumpy serving breakfast. It set me up nicely for day one.
The Braeside is on the right - the road is very quiet and is the start of the Rob Roy Way
The lounge from the breakfast table - great to get the
weather forecast
Aberfoyle - Creag Ard House
About one mile to the west of Aberfoyle is the delightful B&B. I arrived early and sat and gazed over the loch. Very peaceful location and best if you have transport to get back to Aberfoyle for a meal - otherwise it's a mile walk there and back. We were recommended the Lake of Monteith Hotel. What a great location looking over the lake as the sun went down - they could have served up anything and it would have been great.
The B&B was fine, very quiet and well laid out. Everything was comfortable with a good breakfast served up. A wonderful view towards Ben Lomond from the house.
I've had worse viewsStrathyre - Rosebank B&B
Another stay at a top rated B&B and it was very comfortable. To be honest all of the places I stopped at were good - bedrooms, beds, breakfasts. Because a lot of them are in small hamlets and villages they are good value as well. The only downside at Strathyre was the lack of decent grub. They tried their best at the Inn at Strathyre but it was poor fare - deep fried pub grub. But it didn't spoil the day. The owner Mal kindly walked along the RRW diversion to show me the way forward - a very peaceful start to the day except for being down wind of two windy Jack Russells.
Parp! The B&B is on the road, but it was fairly quietKillin - The Old Smiddy
Probably the most enjoyable stay of the week for me. When I arrived in Killin and crossed the bridge there was the Old Smiddy sitting in the sunshine. So I introduced myself and was served up with a beer and an ice-cream. Great start to a great stay. the room was comfortable and the food and service down in the bistro was superb. We had a good chat with the owners, sat in the lounge for a while supping a few more drafts. I liked Killin - a nice little town with all you need.
the Old Smiddy from the bridge over the Falls of DochartAcharn - Acharn B&B
Stupid me didn't get a picture of the B&B, which is a shame because I got great service. An old world type of B&B. Run by a lovely old lady who went out of her way to provide a really good service at a very reasonable price. I'm glad that the B&B at Ardtalnaig was booked up and the Acharn B&B is a much better choice. I was picked up from Ardtalnaig, given another lift to Kenmore for my evening meal, another lift back. A good nights sleep (choccie bars in the room), a good breakfast, packed lunch and a lift back to Ardtalnaig. Probably the best value B&B of the week.
Aberfeldy - The Steading
My luxury stay of the week, but only as I had transport, otherwise you'd have to stay down in Aberfeldy. It was near Dull, but was anything but. Luxury accommodation, great lounge, small terrace to sit out on, and superb breakfasts. I stayed here after my walk to Amulree and also the next day walking to Aberfeldy. Very relaxing, but far away from the town.
they're thinking about joining up with a town called Bland as well
The Steading - our room on the left, lounge in the
middle
The Fortingall Hotel - one posh meal and a bar meal the next night
All in all a fine selection of B&B's to suit all pockets