All Posts by Gartmore House

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Our Top 10 Cafés Around Gartmore

We’re spoilt for choice for great places to grab a cuppa and slice of something nice or a light lunch if you’re planning to venture out around Gartmore. Remember, we also have a restaurant here on site too! Here are our Top 10 cafés to try around Gartmore (no particular order really – they are all good!) … They are all great places to sit down and relax – whether you’re chilling out in the Scottish sunshine or warming up in the cooler months.

1. MacMillan’s Kitchen @ Ben View Garden Centre, Ward Toll

This lovely and welcoming café is found just 5 minutes from Gartmore, at the friendly Ben View Garden Centre. Enjoy sweeping views to the Trossachs as you tuck into some delicious, fresh, home-made fare – their gourmet burgers are legendary and you’ll be spoilt for choice with their delicious cakes and great coffee. The team there are super friendly and lovely – nothing is too much trouble. If you fancy something a bit more traditional, then try their yummy Cullen Skink – a flavour-packed fish stew/soup which you lap up with crusty bread… nommmm.
https://www.facebook.com/BenviewGarden/

2. The Wee Blether Tea Room, Kinlochard

Take a scenic 20-mins drive out to this hidden gem of a café – you head through Aberfoyle, then along the water’s edge of Loch Ard to picturesque Kinlochard where you’ll find the Wee Blether Tea Room – situated overlooking the loch, there’s an amazing array of sweet treats to tempt you, or for a hearty lunch try a jacket tattie, toastie or sandwich, or bowl of steaming hot soup. In the summer it’s pure delight to sit outside and drink in the views and tranquillity.  Walk or cycle-off those calories on one of the forest trails after, or gently doze off listening to the wind in the reeds surrounding the loch. Bliss.
https://www.weeblethertearoom.co.uk/

**UPDATE** Sadly the Wee Blether has now closed its doors. The drive out to Kinlochard is still well worth-while, and you can book for afternoon tea or just grab a coffee at nearby Forest Hills Hotel.

3. The Pier Café, Stronachlachar

A real favourite is this wee café at Stronachlachar Pier at the western end of Loch Katrine – well worth the winding, stunning drive to get here! You’re venturing into true Rob Roy country – wild and mysterious – with incredible vistas you’ll feel totally remote and then stumble upon this wonderful rest stop, with a panoramic glass conservatory overlooking the loch. Vegans will be very happy with the delicious cake choices on offer daily. The food is delicious and the staff are super friendly. The Pier Café is reached either by road (heading towards Aberfoyle then on via Kinlochard to Stronachlachar), or you can drive over the Duke’s Pass then take the steamer from the Loch Katrine Pier to Stronachlachar Pier, or from the Loch Katrine Pier take the breathtaking 14 mile lochside cycle path to the café (then either cycle or take the steamer back….). Check the steamer timetable at https://www.lochkatrine.com/cruises/book-a-cruise/
https://www.facebook.com/thepiercafestronachlachar/ 

4. The Coffee Kiln @ The Pottery Shop, Buchlyvie

Just over a 10 mins drive away you’ll come to the Stirling village of Buchlyvie, where you’ll find the Coffee Kiln and Pottery Shop, on the main street through the village. Filled with stunning ceramics, it’s the ideal cosy spot to stop off and grab a slice of cake and hot drink, whilst also being tempted by the surrounding shelves full of cups, saucers, and host of other delightful pottery on offer.  The pottery is created in the workshop just out the back (there’s a wee hatch you can peer through and that’s also where you purchase any goodies).
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1489481-d6364183-Reviews-Coffee_Kiln_at_The_Pottery_Shop-Buchlyvie_Scotland.html

5. The Woodhouse, Kippen

If you’re headed towards Stirling, this is a perfect pitstop, just off the A811 ( 20 mins drive from Gartmore) and close to Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve.  Their breakfast/brunches are outstanding – with Eggs Benedict choices to boggle the brain, and changing specials such as cheese soufflé and haggis toasties. What’s more, the farmshop is foodie heaven, with a huge array of goodies – from Scottish cheeses to artisan breads, fruit wines and even bottled beer from Kippen’s Fallen Brewery. With views of the majestic Gargunnock Hills, what’s not to love?
https://www.thewoodhousekippen.co.uk/

6. Brig o’ Turk Tea Room, Brig o’Turk

If you take the spectacular drive up over the Duke’s Pass (just past Aberfoyle) in half an hour you’ll come across this 1920s tea room, now run by Hungarian owners, resulting in a wonderful melange of Scottish and eastern European food.  Expect more than your usual café – dishes are beautifully presented and deliver in spades on taste. The pared-back and authentic interior is reminiscent of a traditional Scottish bothy. Highly recommended.
https://www.facebook.com/brigoturk.tearoom/

7. Three Sisters Bake, Killearn

Head south towards Glasgow and just a short diversion off the A81 you’ll find the pretty village of Killearn, and the delightful Three Sisters Bake Craft Café (15 mins drive).  Run by three sisters (and Glasgow gals), Nichola, Lindsey and Gillian, the café offers distant views to Loch Lomond and is a popular spot for a family lunch.  If you’ve a bit more time on your hands then the spectacular Afternoon Tea (book 48 hrs in advance) is a real treat.  Pick up a copy of their cookbook to drool over at home, where you can create a mess trying to replicate their delicious cakes and tarts.
https://www.threesistersbake.co.uk/killearn/

8. Liz MacGregor’s Coffee Shop, Aberfoyle

One of Aberfoyle’s long-established cafés, you can expect fabulous home-made cakes and scones as well as tasty hot food at Liz’s place.  It’s a popular spot with walkers and cyclists that flock to the ‘Gateway to the Trossachs’.  In fine weather grab a table on the pavement and watch the world go by. Just a 5 mins drive from Gartmore House.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-MacGregors-Coffee-Shop/194838880542154

9. The Scottish Wool Centre, Aberfoyle

As well as offering a great shopping opportunity, The Scottish Wool Centre at Aberfoyle (5 mins drive) has a nice coffee shop to stop and ‘wet your whistle’. During the summer season you can also watch collie dogs herding Indian runner ducs through an obstacle course in the paddock! There are a variety of sheep on show in the surrounding paddocks too.
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/shopping/simply-the-best-destination-the-scottish-wool-centre-p845601

10. The Station, Aberfoyle

A relative new-comer to Aberfoyle, having opened in July 2019 (and a 5 mins drive away) and located in the old station, the interior offers a chilled, rustic vibe, or you can take a pew outside on the veranda.  Run by the  Fraser family, who also run the popular Oak Tree Inn and St Mocha Café at Balmaha, the Station Café is a welcome addition to the village.  Toasties, sausage and bacon rolls are washed down with mugs of freshly-ground coffee from their very own Loch Lomond Coffee Company. At the last glance, the cake cabinet boasted 5 types of vegan treats! Yum!
https://www.lochlomondcoffee.co.uk/st-mocha

The Black Bull Community Hub and Pub is also opening in September 2019 in the village – so you’ll be able to grab a coffee and slice of something nice there.
Do you have any recommendations of cafés to visit around Gartmore? Please let us know if so!

#gartmoreexperience

gartmorehouse.com | Tel: 01877 382991 | mail@gartmorehouse.com

 

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Q&A with our Sewing/Dressmaking Tutor Gill McBride

Our lovely Sewing Tutor, Gill McBride is an absolute whizz with a sewing machine. She’s the go-to guru for all things involving dressmaking and patterns. In this Q&A blog Gill shares her top tips and answers some questions about the course – we hope you find it helpful!
Q      What are your top 3 tips for great sewing?

1. Get to know your sewing machine! It’s the first thing any new sewer, or any sewer with a new sewing machine, should do.  Over the years I have found that a ‘fear’ of the sewing machine is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to being a happy sewer.  Once you understand how to de-tangle it, re-thread it, sort the tension and so on, then you’ll be able to go straight to sewing without worrying about ‘what if’ the machine ……!
2. Sew in stages! Most of us don’t have time to sit and make a whole garment at one sitting!  I’ve learnt this over the 45 years that I’ve been making clothes. So, break your project up into stages. Cut and prepare your pattern as one stage; pin your pattern and cut your fabric as the second stage; prepare for sewing and start sewing as a third stage and finally, do your finishing. In this way, you’ll make far fewer mistakes, you’ll manage to fit in an hour here and hour there and you’ll get your garment/project made – even though you have a full time job or are a full-time family and house person – without disrupting normal routines.
3. Press as you go! Lack of pressing is one of the key things that makes a project look ‘home made’.  If you press as you go, you will be amazed at the difference in your finished garment/project!

Q       What is your favourite thing to make and why?

A        I just love to tailor a jacket.  Even though I use modern speed tailoring techniques, it takes quite a long time and in fact the preparation takes most of the time and the sewing probably the least of the time.  But it is so satisfying.  And because the prep work has taken so long, the sewing to me, is less likely to have to be undone and redone!  I suppose that’s because I’m really taking my time to make the jacket properly and not hurrying as I do with so many other sewing projects!!  Ready to wear jackets never fit me very well because of my shape, so the pure pride and satisfaction of wearing a jacket that fits me really well, is immense!
 
Q        Who are your courses at Gartmore House aimed at?
A          The courses are aimed at all levels of sewers. The beauty of the sewing holiday is that we have 4 sewing days, so there is lots of time for everyone.  So if you are not so confident with your sewing, or you don’t have a lot of experience, you will still have time over the 4 days to learn and to sew and you won’t hold anybody up. The number of people on the course is small, so I have lots of time to spend with each person at whatever stage of sewing they are at.  The only course that probably demands more experience is the speed tailoring course.  It is much more demanding and it is better suited to more experienced sewers.
Q         What about Sewing Machines?
A          Sewing machines come in all shapes and sizes and the best advice is to buy according to your budget.  Don’t ever be persuaded to buy more than you will use.  It’s easy to upgrade at a later date, but to buy a machine and not use most of it is a pity!  At Gartmore House, I can provide sewing machines (hire is £40 for the longer course or £20 for a weekend course), and I also bring along an overlocker.  So if you can’t manage to bring a machine with you, that’s not a problem at all.  Just let me know beforehand via the team at Gartmore House, and I’ll bring a machine for you to use. And, if you’ve never used an overlocker and are curious, then you can try one out!
 
Q         What’s the best thing about a sewing/dressmaking holiday at Gartmore House?
A          Having the time to sew without distraction; having company to sew with; having someone there to help with the sewing problems and questions; having loads of laughs, loads of fun and making new friends!  I love it!
If you’re interested in joining Gill on a Sewing Patterns/Dressmaking residential course at Gartmore House, please take a look at the course webpage, give us a call on 01877 382991 or email our team mail@gartmorehouse.com – we look forward to seeing you!
#gartmoreexperience

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Art Cloth Doll Making Courses at Gartmore House – hello from Tutor Angela

Tutor Angela runs our Art Cloth Doll Making courses at Gartmore House and explains a bit more about what you can expect from the course:
It is such fun making cloth character dolls. In March the participants in the other craft class at Gartmore House couldn’t understand why there was so much hilarity in our workshop!  All our work was closely scrutinized by a very cute four-footed friend (well-behaved dogs are welcome at the House) – I think he approved, although he liked the home bakes better…
Making a cloth doll is a lot easier than you might think. You do not need expert sewing skills, just the courage to give it a go. Forty 12 year-old school pupils who worked with me in 2018, some of whom couldn’t use scissors far less a sewing machine at the start, all achieved fantastic results with their marionettes/dolls.
The school pupils worked in pairs on one doll. There was only one pair who couldn’t manage to compromise on their design, so they made a half man, half panda!! If you enjoy holidaying with a friend, why not come and create something unique together.
Over the 4 days that the course runs at Gartmore House, I will explain each step in detail with demonstrations, worksheets, samples, diagrams and personal one-to-one support. As this class is an introduction to the craft, we will use a fairly basic pattern to get you started, thus avoiding complex joint construction. However I will still ensure you learn all the skills needed to make a characterful cloth doll – both to finish your doll and create more at home.
Everything you could possibly need and more, is provided for your first foray into doll making. But please feel free to bring with you any inspiring pictures, photos, fabrics, buttons, braids, ribbon, beads etc that you already have and might want to use. Just be aware that the dolls themselves often take on a character of their own, and so your plans might just play second fiddle to those of your creation!

I recently went to a doll making class myself as part of my continuing professional development and “made some mistakes”, shall we say. However I used those mistakes as inspiration. Come and meet “The Jester” and “The Last of the Mole Hecans” and I’ll let you in on their secrets.
Hope to see you at Gartmore House soon for some creative Art Cloth Doll Making fun!
Angela
Tutor – Art Cloth Doll Making 
Visit our course webpage for Art Cloth Doll Making to find out more about dates, prices and a day-by-day itinerary. To book, visit our website, call us on 01877 382991 or email mail@gartmorehouse.com.

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Tutor Clare Workman talks about her new Millinery course 'Fabulous Fascinators'

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Felted Accessories – beautiful pieces from a fun course with Ewa

Some beautiful pieces were created at last week’s ‘Fashion Felt Accessories’ course with the lovely Ewa Kuniczak.  We couldn’t help but show them off here – looks like the ladies had a wonderful time and learnt so much. We are, as ever, blown away by the creativity flowing through Gartmore House! We’ve further courses this year if you fancy trying your hand at felting or learning a new felting technique; many of Ewa’s students return to try something new.  In September we have ‘Fancy Feet and Magic Mitts’, in October ‘Felt Like An Artist’ and in also ‘Felt Figures Great and Small’. And of course there’s lots of courses running in 2020. So there’s plenty to choose from… Find out more on our Felting Course webpage. To book, or if you  need any further information, give us a shout on 01877 382991 or email mail@gartmorehouse.com #gartmoreexperience
 
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Celebrating National Walking Month this May – Walking Resources and Top Tips

May is National Walking Month! Being situated in the midst of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, and surrounded by the Queen Elizabeth Forest , we’re lucky to have some amazing walking routes on our doorstep and even some famous national trails nearby. If you fancy joining a guided trip then Gartmore House offers Introduction to Hill Walking Holidays with expert local guide Gavin Clarke.
In celebration of all things hiking and walking, here are some great resources and top tips if you fancy a wander around these bonnie parts!
 
 
– A nice article by Countryfile talking about walks in our national park – Countryfile’s Best Walks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
– Walk Highlands – a huge array of walking routes are listed on this fantastic website, with details of start/end points, route notes, downloadable GPX tracks and even the route marked on online OS maps – here’s the link to the ever-popular Ben Lomond – Scotland’s most southerly Munro
– Ordnance Survey maps via the App – essential for safe hill walking. The App also has a lovely feature that allows you to point your phone or device at a certain vista and see all the mountains and features of the landscape named on your screen (such as towns/villages, lochs and lochans, hills and Munro’s)
– Ordnance Survey videos and leaflets – a handy blog linked to videos and downloadable leaflets which you should view if you need a refresher on map symbols, safety when hill walking, or advice on choosing the right scale map for you
– Iconic long distance National Trails the West Highland Way and the Rob Roy Way are within easy reach of Gartmore House – these are linear walks so if you have 2 cars you can easily dip in and out of part of the route, or give us a call and we can assist with arranging a taxi transfer back to your car to make your life easier!

– A lovely longer walk at picturesque Loch Katrine; drive to the pier (approx 30 mins from Gartmore House), then take the Sir Walter Scott Steamship out to Stronachlachar Pier and then walk the 13km along the loch-side back to your car (or walk to Stronachlachar and take the boat back) – make sure you check sailing schedules first. Both ends of the ferry have good cafes to replenish your energy with tea and cake!
And our TOP TIP if you do one hill walk in the area – make it Conic Hill – this is a popular and ‘short but stiff’ walk from the pretty village of Balmaha – you’ll be rewarded with some stunning views over Loch Lomond.
Happy Walking!
#gartmoreexperience
To book or enquire further please visit https://gartmorehouse.com/walking-holidays/ or call us on 01877 382991, or drop us a line mail@gartmorehouse.com
 

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Student Feedback: A crafty little break at Gartmore House – intuitive felting with Ewa

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Greenwood Spoon Carving Course – what you need to know – from tutor Steve Bretel

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Outlander Film Locations in Scotland

In recent years Scotland has proven a popular location for lots of different films and TV series, most notably Outlander.  Some of Outlander’s film locations are very close to us here at Gartmore House – not more than half an hour away by car!  Visit Scotland has even created an interactive Outlander map so you can find your way around this ‘living film set’!
 
 
The Outlander locations closest to Gartmore are as follows:

• Loch Katrine (season 2) – this pretty loch is just a 25 mins drive away. You can cruise on the water, hire a bike or take a walk. There are a couple of good cafes where you can relax and enjoy the views. Day trips to Loch Katrine are included on all craft & activity holidays of 5 nights or more.
• Deanston Distillery (season 2) – one of our favourite local whisky distilleries, it’s just a 30 mins drive away.
• Doune Castle (season 1) – just 30 mins away,  Doune Castle turns into the fictional Castle Leoch – 18th century home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan. It also features in the 20th century episode when Claire and Frank visit the ruined castle on a day trip. Doune Castle is also used in Game of Thrones as ‘Winterfell’.

The interactive map features an incredible 36 Scottish Outlander film locations! You can even download a FREE OUTLANDER FILM LOCATIONS MAP from Visit Scotland’s website.
If you’d like to plan your visit to Gartmore House or book your craft and activity holiday, take a look at  gartmorehouse.com or just give us a call on 01877 382991, and we’ll be happy to help.

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Your (included*) Loch Katrine Day Trip

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.20.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]Here at Gartmore House we’re lucky to have some truly stunning lochs on our doorstep.  Loch Katrine is one of Scotland’s hidden gems, and a visit there (with a one hour cruise on the water) is a real highlight of your holiday.  *We include a trip there in all craft and activity holidays of 5 nights or more. The trip is usually after lunch on Wednesdays (sometimes a packed lunch is included instead of a sit-down lunch in the restaurant – dependent on the time of the sailing that day).
You’ll sail on either the world-famous steamship Sir Walter Scott or the more modern MV Lady of the Lake. Both have indoor covered seating as well as outdoor seating, and hot drinks and snacks are available (at extra cost) on board. We include return transportation from Gartmore House (approx. 25 mins each way, by minibus), and the cruise itself is around an hour.  Find out more about the different vessels.
Loch Katrine has a fascinating history of supplying water to the people of Glasgow for over 160 years through a sytem of pipes and viaducts. It was opened by Queen Victoria in October 1859 and is still going strong!  Scottish Water (who are currently doing refurbishment work) have unearthed some amazing Victorian-era pictures. If you’ve ever visited Loch Katrine then you’ll no doubt be interested to take a look!   Watch the video about the recent discovery of these historic images on Scottish Water’s YouTube Channel.

Loch Katrine is also the setting for some of Sir Walter Scott’s most beloved poems, and is linked with legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.  Queen Victoria ordered a cottage and jetty be built for her on the loch, however she never stayed there as the windows were all shattered by the 21-gun salute to Her Royal Highness!
For further information about your cruise on Loch Katrine, visit Loch Katrine Cruises’ website, watch their video, or contact our friendly team in the Gartmore House office![/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]