Nether Glenny farm is nestled in the Menteith hills and is situated on the Highland Fault line which divides the Highlands from the Lowlands. Within a few hundred metres of the farmhouse there are 75 neolithic cup and ring markings which date back some 4000 years BC.
The farm overlooks the Lake of Menteith. During the neolithic period it is believed that the one of the islands was a cranog which would have been home to a group of people. During the Roman Empire occupation of Britain a temporary fort was built on the western edge of the Lake. This formed part of the Great Glen campaign when the Roman Empire explored the more remote parts of Scotland. The enchanting ruins of Inchamhome Priory sit proudly on the largest of three islands on the lake. A small community of Augustinian canons established the priory around 1238 and the sanctuary functioned for over 300 years. The Protestant Reformation effectively brought monastic life at Inchmahome to an end. We know that Robert the Bruce visited three times as king, and Mary Queen of Scots visited once, in 1547, aged four. Mary was brought from Stirling to Inchmahome for safety, with her mother Mary of Guise. It is quite feasible that the main house at Nether Glenny along with other properties in the area contain stone from the priory as when during its demise local people took boats across to the island and brought back stone to build their homes. Cut stone was a valuable commodity. Visitors can visit the island by small ferry boats that regularly sail out of the Port of Menteith fisheries from spring until late autumn.
The many hikes from Nether Glenny reveal some very famous landmarks. Hike towards the ridge over which you will see the Trossachs unfold. To the east you will see the Wallace Monument, often projecting from an eerie mist, and the hulk of Stirling Castle. High on the ridge look to the west and you will see the summit of Ben Lomond and the many hills surrounding Aberfoyle as well as the famous bristly peak of Ben A’an, one of the most popular destinations in the National Park. The Lake of Mentieth will be at your back on this hike so on the return journey you will see it sitting proudly in the valley floor and perhaps you will be lucky enough to witness the low lying mysterious mist if walking in early in the morning.
An alternative walk or cycle, and equally magical, is along the forest track leading to Loch Venachar. Whilst you are there look for the ghostly shells which were once households and thought to have been emptied during the brutal highland clearances of the late 18th /early 19th century. Stop at the hidden Pot of Glenny which is a deep pool beneath a considerable waterfall, have a picnic and make a wish.
To learn more and enjoy chatting about some of these stories, seeing some of the sites mentioned above and learning more about Nether Glenny Farm, book a farm tour with Matt.
We look forward to meeting you when you come and stay.