The BLiSS Trail
The BLiSS Trail in Breadalbane is one of the most read guides on this website. The trail consists of a series of art pieces along the route.
BLiSS stands for Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans, the four communities that the trail connects (see map below for their locations).
I've put links below to the accompanying Geo Tourist app free to download either for IOS (Apple) or Android devices. Each art installation is described on the app. through recorded audio by either the artist or a local person; there are also photographs and maps to show you the locations.
Planning Your BLiSS Trail Visit
It is worth looking at the locations on the app's map before heading off so you can plan your route and stopping points. You could cycle between them, as some are either on or close to the National Number 7 cycle route. If you're driving, think about where to park, maybe making plans to stop at some of the excellent cafes, pubs, and restaurants on the route.
Here is a full list of the art installations, with photographs of some of them.
1. Sloc-Nan-Sitheanach
by Ruairidh Moir. Also known as Faerie Hollow, this is at Car Park 1 of Loch Lubnaig (west of Callander). It is the first of two viewpoints on the BLiSS Trail that are also part of the Scottish Scenic Routes and provides a beautiful viewing point of the loch. By the way, as you are following the BLiSS Trail, look out for the signs below to help guide you.
2. Soaring Eagle
by Iain Chalmers. There are three pieces of art to see on the grounds of the excellent Broch Cafe which is located just before Strathyre on the A84.
3. Ride Out Seats
by Jeremy Cunningham, also located at The Broch Cafe.
4. Thistle The Heilan' Coo
by Wee Coo Co the third item from the trail that is at The Broch Cafe.
5. "Airliephant" -
It is at Airlie House B&B and Ice Cream Parlour on Main Street at Strathyre. There's a free car park on the left-hand side of the road, by the Village Shop. Park here to walk to all the ones that are in Strathyre.
6. Drover's Bho
by Kev Paxton, opposite Munro Hotel, before Balvaig Bridge, Strathyre
7. Miniature Mill House
Strathyre Old Road, over the Balvaig Bridge, Off the A84, Strathyre
8. MHOR Coo
You'll find this on the grounds of MHOR84 Motel, at Balquhidder, just off of the A84.
9. Old Victorian Signpost
near MHOR84, off A84, Balquhidder. Lovely to see the classic restored signpost.
10. Red Phone Box Book and DVD exchange
It can be found at Balquhidder Village Hall and is very neat and tidy inside!
11. Half Way Totem Pole
by Edward Chadfield, on the road close to Balquhidder Village Hall
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12. The Lookout
by Daniel Tyler & Angus Richie. Another from the Scottish Scenic Views collection. Park at Monachyle Mhor and then walk onto the field between Lochs Doine & Voil, where you will see the mirror box. You will probably disturb a flock of sheep admiring themselves in the mirrors! Sit in the lookout and look out to Loch Doine whilst simultaneously seeing Loch Voil reflected in the mirror. Very cleverly, it blends beautifully into the landscape too. So much so that it can be difficult to see sometimes from Monachyle Mhor.
13. The Sheiling
Is on the grounds of Monachyle MHOR Hotel.
14. The Cockerel
by Iain McColl, A84. Edinchip nr. Lochearnhead, this is a mile marker on the Number 7 Lochs & Glens Way Cycle Route, between Strathyre and Killin.
15. Dragon Bike
I love this Willow work by June McEwan. It's just outside Mansewood Country House just before you turn onto the A85 and into Lochearnhead
16. Ewen - Westies of Craggan
by Kev Paxton. You'll find this steel West Highland Terrier at St Angus Church, Lochearnhead.
The Three Sisters by Perth College UHI Art students in Lochside Cottages garden on the A85 at Lochearnhead
17. Blawn Wi The Wind
by Kev Paxton ArtFe Blacksmiths, to show how the thistles battle the Scottish elements. The first of two in the garden of Briar Cottages on the A85 at Lochearnhead.
19. Stan The Stag
Another very photogenic piece of art on the BLiSS Trail is also in Briar Cottages Garden, with Loch Earn as the backdrop. Stan contrasts well against the different weather that reflects off Loch Earn, and he also lights up at night.
20. Fish Out Of Water
by Lynne Shroder. Lynn is an artist based in Callander, and the fish that she created is in the garden of Achray House Hotel in the beautiful village of St Fillans.
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21. Craggan Croc (Crocodile Rock)
Head just outside of St Fillans and National Park to the old railway embankment on the A85 towards Comrie for the final piece of the trail.
Well done to LETi and all involved in creating the BLiSS trail. I enjoyed following it and highly recommend getting the app and exploring it yourself.
Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
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