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 the trail connects (see map below for their locations).

You can download the app for both IOS (Apple) and 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, and maybe make 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 

Half Way Totem Pole

Half Way Totem Pole

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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.

Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.

Paul Saunders

Paul Saunders Marketing, producer of promotional video, professional photography and marketing solutions to help businesses and charities in Scotland to grow. 

http://www.paulsaundersmarketing.co.uk
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