Highland hideaway and dark night skies
Suie Hunting Lodge, in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, is the very definition of off the beaten path. No wifi, no phone signal — just you and the Highlands. Seize the chance to see the wild, ancient, and often macabre side of Scotland, and enjoy stars sparkling in dark skies as night draws in.
Where to: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Length: Three to four days
The trip
If you’ve ever taken the train out of Edinburgh or Glasgow, you’ll know how quickly the landscape turns from city into countryside into wilderness. From rolling glens to vast lochs, it’s very easy to fall in love with Scotland. If you’re travelling from the south, the famous Caledonian sleeper from London whisks you out of the city and into the heart of the Highlands while you dream. Alight at Crianlarich, a short taxi ride away from the Suie Hunting Lodge. The Lodge dates back to 1780, where as the name suggests, it was a shooting lodge for the Suie estate, which over the years played host to earls, dukes, and even an Indian prince. Explore the stunning grounds by day, and by night, stare up at the dark, starry sky and in this amazing stargazing spot.
Sinisterly named Killin is very close by, and has few spooky spots well worth checking out. First up, the Clan McNabb burial ground is a small private island in the middle of the River Dochart. Accessed by bridge, there’s a mausoleum that’s the resting place of 15 McNabb clan members, and nine chieftains. Explore even further and you’ll find their beheading pit. 20 minutes north is Finlarig Castle, home of the Campbell clan, and another picturesque site with a strange and spooky checklist. Beheading pit, hanging tree, mausoleum — it has it all.
Other highlights
Take a walk through the Trossachs - there are a number of trails of varying lengths accessible from Suie Hunting Lodge
Cycle around Loch Lomond - explore the shores of the famous loch, or take a boat trip across it
Get stuck into some watersports on Loch Long
Climb the Arrochar Alps - the distinctive rocky crags surrounding Loch Lomond make for great hill climbing