VILLAGE TRAIL THAT’S SIMPLY BLISS TO FOLLOW

WHERE can you spot a baby elephant, a tiny mill house and a cockerel mile marker?

They are all on the BLiSS arts trail which links the villages of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre, Stirlingshire, and St Fillans, Perthshire, in the heart of Rob Roy Country.

This innovative arts trail around the A84 and A85 is an initiative led by the Loch Earn Tourism Information Group to encourage visitors to stop at and enjoy these attractive villages and their spectacular settings.

The trail is punctuated with ornamental features including the carved elephant better known as the Airlielephant, a totem pole road sign, the cockerel and an old red phone box. All are highlighted along the route together with handy food and drink stops.

Drive along the trail and enjoy an outing with drinks, lunch and dinner stops. Or view sections of it one village at a time by bicycle or on foot – bikes can be hired at Strathyre Bike Hire. Sustrans Cycle Route 7 (also part of the Rob Roy Way) on the old railway walkway connects sections of Strathyre, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead off-road.