Sketches of Perthshire
( The Rev P Graham (1812 )
From The North By Dunblane
The great road ,which furnishes a communication between north and south of Scotland ,
passes through Dunblane . In coming from Perth , the nearest route is by Auchterarder ,
in the vicinity of which , by the roadside ,stands the ancient cemetery of the noble family
of Montrose. This road is soon to be made a turnpike . Crieff is a neat village , picturesquely
situated , and furnishing comfortable accommodations to the stranger .
Should he have the leisure to enjoy in detail ,the beautiful and sublime scenery of this
neighbourhood , he will do well to extend his excursion , by the vale of Erne , to the opening
of the lake of that name , the distance from Crieff being about twelve miles.He will remark
several elegant seats in his course , particularly Ochtertyre ,the residence of
Sir Patrick Murray Bart. ; and Drummond Castle the mansion of the Honourable Mr Burrell
Drummond . Passing the village of Comrie , in the very emboucheure of the Highlands ,
about two miles , he arrives at Dunira , the romantic seat of Lord Viscount Melville , and the
creation of his ever- to- be- revered father .Nature and art have happily combined in the
embellishment of Dunira . Nature has given lofty mountains , precipitous rocks , waving
woods , and a beautiful river. All that taste and genius could suggest is added ; an elegant
house and garden , flourishing plantations judiciously disposed , and a lawn , which , in the
very bosom of rugged rocks and mountains , surprise the eye by its extent, contribute to
render this one of the most interesting places in the Highlands of Scotland . To give some
idea of the extent of the pleasure grounds of Dunira , it may be added , that it is reckoned
that there are about thirty miles of gravel walks and artificial foot- paths , with fog or moss
houses at convenient distances , within their bounds . On the higher eminences , by the side
of the foot- paths, the arbutus uva ursi , of such use as an astringent medicine , may be
found in great profusion .
But it may be permitted to remark , that in contemplating this favourite residence of our late
lamented statesman and patriot , so justly his country’s pride , some feelings of a higher
order than the mere admiration of scenery , however magnificent , will irresistibly rush upon the mind .When we call to our recollection attempts which were made , soon after the French Revolution to involve us in similar anarchy , and when we consider the means by which , under the favour of a kind Providence , we have been rescued from this ruin ; when we look around us at the moment to the wreck of empires which is exhibited upon the continent of Europe ; and when we consider the proud pre- eminence which Britain still maintains amongst nations , can we forget that it was William Pitt , seconded and supported by his undaunted and energetic friend Henry Dundas , who stemmed the torrents of revolution in our country , and laid the foundation of that security which we now enjoy ? Whilst the feeling of this security and independence , which the contemplation of your yet unimpaired constitution inspires , remains among Britons , the memor of Henry Lord Melville will live . The meed of those also , who had the honour of co- operating in the public measures of those great men , will be rich in the estimation of posterity , and precious to their own minds .
Lochearn is about seven miles long. There is a good road , by both sides of the lake , to
Lochearnhead . ; its surface is about 300 feet above the level of the sea ; it is for the most
beautifully skirted with coppice wood . On the southside , Ben Vorlich towers majestically
to the height of 3000 feet above the level of the lake Ardvorlich House - the seat of Sir
William Stewart ,Esq. Is situated on the margin of the lake , at the very base of the mountain .
On the north east shoulder of Ben Vorlich , the botanist will find that rare plant the
azelia procumbens , in a profusion which does not often occur . The Minutest of all the
British shrubs is said to sell among the London nurserymen and florists at half a guinea
each plant . At this rate the laird of Ardvorlich may make more by an acre of this shoulder of
his mountain , than can possibly be made by an acre of the richest land in Britain .
By either side of Loch Earn , the tourist may proceed to Lochearnhead , where he will meet
with comfortable accommodations. He may find his way to the same place from Killin by a
good road through Glen Ogle , of about eight miles . From Lochearnhead he may proceed
to Callander , by Balquhidder . In this route , he will be gratified with many interesting objects .The vale of Balquhidder is traversed through its whole course , by the water of Balvac ( or the silent , from the tranquillity of its current . ) At its western extremity , a little beyond the church , Loch Voil opens , and Luich duine is joined to it on the west by a narrow channel . These lakes are bounded on each side by lofty precipitous mountains , affording rich sheep pasture.
From Lochearnhead to Callander is 13 ¾ miles ; the road through Strathire by the northern
bank of Lochlubnaig is excellent , and the surrounding scenery delightful ;about mid-way
down the lake , we pass Ardchullerie , where Mr Bruce of Kinnaird resided for some years
for the sake of retirement , whilst engaging in composing the valuable account of his travels
in Abyssinia, relieving the severity of his studies occasionally with rural sports , for which
this romantic spot is so admirably calculated . Just opposite to Ardchullerie , Benledi bathes ,
as it were , its sable skirts in the gulf below , which seems to be tinged with its solemn
hue .
Without anticipating , however, the description of Benledi , which seems more properly to
belong to an excursion from Callander , let it suffice to say that the road from Balquhidder
by Lochlubnaig , passes by St Bride’s chapel , through the pass of Leny , to that village .
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