Autumn Reflections

When the sun shines in autumn it creates pure magic through its alchemy with the leaves. If spring and summer are for celebrating the green, autumn is a time of wonder and awe as the trees explode like fireworks into red, yellow, orange, brown and gold.

Ballat Smithy Cottage near Loch Lomond has had a busy summer season, welcoming guests from as far afield as Thailand and the United States. It’s an honour to have this tiny spot on the planet found from the other side of the world, and selected as the place to stay for a Scottish holiday. Each experience is unique, and one of the most enjoyable parts of meeting so many diverse people is to be invited to help shape their visit by making suggestions about places to go, or things to do.

It’s good to take time out (for ‘research purposes’!) and visit local attractions, in order to pass on genuine recommendations. This summer has included a visit with a friend to the world’s largest equine sculpture at The Kelpies, and a family outing to Blair Drummond Safari Park.

For sheer scale, The Kelpies are breathtaking. A guest visited, and her comment agreed with the impression my friend and I had – that these horses LOOK at you. There’s life in their eyes.

Blair Drummond Safari Park is a favourite with families, and it’s easy to see why. Clear information, well designed parking, very well cared for animals with plenty of opportunities to get ‘up close’ and learn more about them, lots of other activities, good food and clean facilities – even the toilet seats are cleverly designed so that little ones can sit safely. And – essential for a children’s attraction – there are dinosaurs!

The Kelpies are open all year round, and the Safari Park is open until Christmas – so plenty of time to book a weekend break at Ballat Smithy Cottage, and visit for yourselves. You’ll be made very welcome.