Rob Roy country provides a great adventure on your doorstep

A FEW days away from home, no matter the short distance, can really help you switch off from mundane 9 to 5 work routine.

We all need time to chill and wind down. So that’s why we headed to the Forest Park Holidays Strathyre site near Callander.

There are 35 luxury cabins in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, stretching along the shore of Loch Lubnaig. As staycations go, you couldn’t ask for more.

Cabin choices include Golden Oak or Silver Birch accommodation with private hot tub, with other cabins also available.

On arrival we’re given a warm welcome from staff within the Forest Retreat.

Armed with a helpful information pack, we head to our Silver Birch accommodation. As an extra bonus, it’s dog-friendly – perfect for wee Mickie, our 11-year-old Jack Russell.

Plus there’s a Scrabble board “welcome” awaiting us. A nice touch!

Tearing ourselves away from the luxury accommodation is no mean feat, but it’s so worth it. Step outside and the views are breathtaking, the setting idyllic.

Amenities are good, too. Within the Forest Retreat there’s a restaurant and well-stocked shop.

You can also meet the Forest Ranger here, book activities and hire bikes – even Segways if you feel more daring!

You’ll be spoiled for choice at Strathyre. How about an in-cabin spa treatment? Could be handy after all the walking we have planned.

For the more adventurous there’s canoeing, paddle-boarding, archery and even a hidden glen safari on offer. There’s also a ghost walk after dark with the Forest Ranger.

Still, breaks aren’t always about being on the go. If you feel like staying in your cabin for the evening you won’t be stuck for entertainment or food.

We have the in-cabin entertainment TV package, which includes various sports and movie channels. You can even order popcorn and ice-cream from the Forest Retreat to be delivered.

One activity well worth booking is the Forest Ranger tour.

Ranger Pauline was our guide and she has a wealth of information on not only the local wildlife but also the history of the forest itself.

Her knowledge is astounding and her enthusiasm infectious. It’s well worth booking this guided walk soon after your arrival, as it makes you feel comfortable in your surroundings and the tips help when setting out on your own walks.

After enjoying lunch on our cabin terrace, it was walking boots on again.

We headed out on one of the longer trails in the afternoon, up Ben Ledi – the views were a given.

You could easily spend all your time in Strathyre, but it would be a shame to miss out on a wander around nearby Callander.

We came upon the Rob Roy Experience, which is housed within Lady Kentmore’s Antiques.

We paid our £1 each (yes £1) for which you get to see a film about the man himself. Hero or villain? You decide – a bit of both, I think!

Callander has such an abundance of coffee shops Scone Spy would be spoiled for choice.

So after a quick refreshment, we were back to the cabin as again I could hear the call of the hot tub. What a luxurious way to end a packed day.

After a hearty breakfast, we headed out early. It was just after 8am on a bright, sunny Sunday morning with a wee nip in the air – perfect walking weather.

We enjoyed a shorter two-hour walk. No climbing this time, but walking alongside the loch with the mist rising was just stunning. Then, out of nowhere we heard bagpipes, drifting from the other side of the loch. Just the perfect scenario.

Forest Holidays Strathyre is a great location with lovely walks, lodges, dog friendly, and the service is very friendly.

Would we return? You bet. It’s a fantastic place to just stay on site or use as a base to explore local attractions.

Now, where are those walking boots?

Enjoy a three-night weekend from just £295 for four people in a Silver Birch cabin in Strathyre. That’s just £25 pp.

SPECIAL OFFER – Book your summer holiday for June, July or August now for a 10% discount on all Silver Birch and Golden Oak cabins. You will also receive the in-cabin entertainment package for free (unlimited wifi, films on demand, and Sky Sports channels) and only need to pay a 10% deposit. (Offer ends November 30, 2016)

For more info visit: www.forestholidays.co.uk