The Mirrored LookOut At Loch Voil, Trossachs
A Trossachs National Park day trip with a difference: exploring the quirky LookOut mirrored box at Loch Voil.
Most travellers to the Trossachs National Park don’t make it as far as Loch Voil and it’s quirky mirrored box. There’s a much bigger, much more famous, body of water that draws the crowds. And I understand. You’ve come to the Trossachs to dip your toes into Loch Lomond, hike Ben Lomond, and hang out in Luss. But travel a little further to find a really magical little spot, where two lochs almost meet and a quirky mirrored cabin twinkles in the sun.
So, instead of sticking to Loch Lomond, why not go off-the-beaten track and discover some unusual things to do in the Trossachs - like the LookOut at Loch Voil.
Loch Voil and Loch Doine
There’s no denying it - in the Trossachs National Park, the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond are the jewel in the crown. Yet it is not without its downsides. Putting aside the fact that it often feels like all roads lead to the same few spots, in peak months the villages around Loch Lomond can get crazily overcrowded. In fact, you have to search pretty hard amongst the streets of pretty Luss for a parking space on a weekend.
Loch Voil and Loch Doine at Balquhidder are an exception to all this, where even on a sunny Saturday morning in early autumn there are very few people around.
Getting to Loch Voil
In a part of Scotland that’s crazily popular with tourists, Loch Voil and neighbour Loch Doine are a peaceful snapshot of everything that makes the Trossachs such an incredible place. A myriad of mountains, lochs, forest trails, valleys and ancient ruins steeped in history stand alongside some of the most stunning of scenery the Trossachs has to offer. Beautiful views are everywhere, but are by no means the only reason to come here.
Loch Voil lies in a glen steeped in history. This area is the National Park’s only core wild land and was known by the Celts as a ‘thin place’ - where the boundaries between Earth and Heaven are especially narrow. Also narrow is the single-track road on the way to Loch Voil, perhaps one of the reasons the glen is one of the park’s least disturbed places; if you’re new to our narrow roads and passing places read my guide to driving in Scotland - and take your time!
What is the LookOut mirrored box?
For those who prefer to mix their scenery with something cool and quirky, the surreal LookOut should definitely be on your list. The LookOut is a mirrored cabin designed to mysteriously vanish into it’s surroundings.
Nestled in the glen, where Loch Voil meets its smaller neighbour Loch Doine, you can climb inside the LookOut and park yourself on one of the benches; ideal for taking in the rather perfectly framed view across the water. Whilst it may be small in stature, it’s quirky design packs a punch. The cabin is covered in mirrored stainless steel and every reflective surface creates the illusion of the whole structure disappearing, only to reappear in the glistening sunlight. Very cool.
The Scottish Scenic Route
The LookOut mirrored box is part of a group of hidden artworks dotted around the Trossachs, and you can lose yourself for a whole day trying to find them all. The viewpoints are the creation of young architects for the Scottish Scenic Route and Bliss Trail projects, trying to enhance tourism in less visited parts of the national park. Check out the Faeries Hollow at Loch Lubnaig, the towering timber pyramid of An Ceann Mor at Inveruglas, and the funky Woven Sounds at Falls of Falloch.
Hotels (and eats) at Loch Voil
If you’re looking to spend the night in this peaceful corner of the Trossachs, then you need to spend the night at the pink-washed Monachyle Mhor Hotel. This hotel is pretty special - overlooking Loch Voil, you can watch out for deer whilst having tea and freshly baked scones in their glass fronted café. Despite its boujee charm, it’s an easy-going place which serves soup and sandwiches all day and doesn’t seem to mind hikers and their muddy boots. It’s also perfectly placed for a luxurious yet adventurous staycation. I have my eye on an overnight getaway in one of their courtyard rooms!
Other Loch Voil hotels are nearby Mhor 84 (part motel, part restaurant, part café). This laid-back stay also makes an excellent pit stop for a delicious meal or a restorative cup of earl grey and cake (try the meringues, epic). They welcome everyone from walkers, cyclists, joggers, to furry four-legged friends.
The Best Loch Voil Walks
You’ll find an array of walks near the LookOut, all perfect for taking in those beautiful Trossachs views. Some of the best Loch Voil walks are:
Hikers are spoilt for choice in nearby Balquhidder, which has many scenic walking routes, including: the Rob Roy Way, Kirkton Glen and Creag an Tuirc. Find detailed walking routes on Walkhighlands.
For those feeling inclined to adventure higher, there are also paths leading out into the surrounding mountains including the Munros Cruach Ardrain (1046m) and Beinn Tulaichean (946m).
In Balquhidder Village you’ll find historical sites, including the Old Kirk, the rather beautiful and crumbling church where Rob Roy MacGregor is buried. There’s a short but lovely walk in the woods around the Old Kirk, passing through the forest and past a beautiful waterfall.
Walk up through the forest at Kirkton Glen to the McLaren Stone. This viewpoint above the church is perfect for a panoramic view along the entire length of Loch Voil.
Or combine a short walk down to The LookOut itself with a wild swim in Loch Voil.
How to find The LookOut
Due to the lack of public transport – and the remoteness - the only way to reach the LookOut at Loch Voil is by car. If you’re driving from the south then take the A84 to Mhor 84, just after the village of Strathyre. At Mhor 84 take a left, signposted for the village of Balquhidder. From the village it’s a 5-mile drive to The LookOut at the end of Loch Voil.
Where to park at the LookOut
The visitor's car park is located at the nearby Monachyle Mhor. If you use Satnav head for the hotel and you will spot a tiny sign for the LookOut but don’t park here, it’s field access for the local landowner. Drive another minute up the hill to the hotel; The LookOut is a 10-minute walk back down the hill.
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