All about Mhor

The Lewis family come from a long line of farmers. Rob and Jean Lewis sold their farm in Abergavenny and moved up to Scotland in 1983. When they saw Monachyle Mhor, Rob struck a deal there and then, signing on the back of a cigarette packet. Today the business is still family run but has expanded to include an award-winning hotel, the poshest fish and chip cafe in Scottland, a bakery and a library tea room. The farm is still important though and is looking for alternative ways of farming and, introducing traditional breeds of cattle and controlling the whole process from livestock to meat product.

Environmental policy

The new wood pellet (made from compressed wood and sawdust) burner system replaces dependancy on oil and electricity for heat and hot water. Around the farm there are plans to plant traditional hedges to add habitat while working with the CPS and RSS to better manage the native wetlands and moorland. Recycling is extensive and the pigs are happy to eat the green waste from the kitchens. The chickens provide all the eggs for the hotel while venison, beef, pork and plenty of veg come from the estate. What can't be grown or produced on site is usually sourced from within 30 miles.

Wildlife

Set in the heart of the Trossachs National Park you can rightly expect diverse and rich wildlife. There are red squirrels and sparrow hawks, while you can go out stalking red deer. If you are very lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a golden eagle but the glen is a great a spot for birdwatching whether you spot this beautiful rarity or not.

Getting there

Monachyle Mhor Hotel, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Perthshire FK19 8PQ

By Train

Dunblane Station is approximately 30 miles from Monachyle Mhor. Taxi transfers can be arranged and take about 35 minutes.

By Car

Monachyle Mhor is about 35 miles north of Stirling, just off the A84.
Follow the A84 North from Stirling towards Crianlarich. Drive through Doune, Callander and Strathyre and after a further 2 miles turn right at the Kingshouse Hotel. Drive through Balquhidder (2 miles) and on for a further 4 miles up the Balquhidder glen and along the shores of Loch Voil. About 200 yards after the end of the loch Monachyle is set up on the hill to your right.

If you are getting to the Cabin by train, bus or any other non-car means you can think of be sure to take a photo and enter our Go Greenly competition to win a 4 night stay at The Wagon or The Ark.

Things to do

Courses at Monachyle Mhor

Amoghavira Photography

Seafood demonstrations – learn what really fresh fish is all about and gain confidence in preparing and cooking all kinds of delicious ingredients from the sea.

Landscape photography – make the stunning surroundings come alive in your pictures with expert Paul Holloway from Amoghavira Photography, winner of the 2009 Landscape Photographer of The Year.

Highland Safaris – explore Balquhidder Glen to the full with a two-hour safari tour with chance of seeing red deer and golden eagles, along with many of the historic sites of the area.

Red deer stalking – as part of the annual cull join a professional stalker for some target practice and then hit the hills to bag a stag.

Clay pigeon shooting – tuition for complete beginners and more experienced shots is available.

MHOR than Yoga – designed to relax and inspire you, there are a range of courses offered by some of the UK's top teachers including Yoga, meditation, life coaching and body and emotional clearing therapies.

Or simply spend some time on the estate and unwind, play Petanque or read a book and cosy up in the Lovestruck.

Outdoor & active

Take to the mountains with a hike up Ben More just at the end of the glen and there are walks from every direction of the hotel.

There are interesting and largely traffic free cycle routes that encompass historic sites, waterfalls and a spectacular viaduct.

Clamber in to your waders for some fishing at the trout rich Lochs Voil and Doine.

Two beautiful 18-hole golf courses are nearby if you should fancy a round of golf.

Seaplane trips run from the shores of Loch Voil if you have have a bit of the aviator spirit in you or simply want to view the intoxicating panoramas.

Places to visit

Balquhidder Parish Church is the final resting place of the historical Rob Roy who lived farmed and died in the area.

Eating & drinking

Eating & Drinking at Monachyle Mhor

Tom Lewis is both the award winning head chef and owner of the rather chic Mhor restaurant. Gold winner in Eat Scotland in 2010, the food features a heavy emphasis on seasonal and local (extremely local when it's straight from the farm). Alternately, the bar is a great place to relax and plan your next trip after a day of climbing mountains with some top notch light meals.

Pubs & Restaurants

MHORFish, Callander (16 miles). Chippy and cafe that is piled high with fish, oysters, mussels and prawns from the north coast of Scotland caught fresh that day. Voted one of the 50 best cafes in the UK and it's also the local fishmonger.

MHORTea, Balquhidder (3.5 miles). The Lewis's bring the Mhor ethos to afternoon tea. Housed in an old library building, there is a wide selection of organic and herbal teas to go with the homemade cakes, scones and Scottish shortbread. There is also a selection of savouries.

All about Mhor

The Lewis family come from a long line of farmers. Rob and Jean Lewis sold their farm in Abergavenny and moved up to Scotland in 1983. When they saw Monachyle Mhor, Rob struck a deal there and then, signing on the back of a cigarette packet. Today the business is still family run but has expanded to include an award-winning hotel, the poshest fish and chip cafe in Scottland, a bakery and a library tea room. The farm is still important though and is looking for alternative ways of farming and, introducing traditional breeds of cattle and controlling the whole process from livestock to meat product.

Environmental policy

The new wood pellet (made from compressed wood and sawdust) burner system replaces dependancy on oil and electricity for heat and hot water. Around the farm there are plans to plant traditional hedges to add habitat while working with the CPS and RSS to better manage the native wetlands and moorland. Recycling is extensive and the pigs are happy to eat the green waste from the kitchens. The chickens provide all the eggs for the hotel while venison, beef, pork and plenty of veg come from the estate. What can't be grown or produced on site is usually sourced from within 30 miles.

Wildlife

Set in the heart of the Trossachs National Park you can rightly expect diverse and rich wildlife. There are red squirrels and sparrow hawks, while you can go out stalking red deer. If you are very lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a golden eagle but the glen is a great a spot for birdwatching whether you spot this beautiful rarity or not.