Scottish scenery is absolutely stunning on its own no matter the time of year, with its dramatic contrasts of hills and lochs. However, what if we told you there is a special trail with eye-catching art and architecture installations ready to be discovered just an hour from Glasgow? The BLiSS Trail of Art and Architectural Installations offers one of the most unique walks out there, and it’s a long one, too!
The BLiSS Trail is a permanent attraction spreading over 48.1 kilometres over the villages of Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans on the A84, A85 and Sustrans NCR7 cycle path. The name BLiSS stands for the villages it goes through, with the “i” being for “information” and “innovation”.
Created by Loch Earn Tourism Information (LETi) and up all year round, the trail is filled with quirky pieces that invoke one’s imagination, making for a fantastic day trip for the entire family. Visitors can expect to see pieces like a colourful Highland cow, a huge mirrored box and a stag overlooking the loch.
All works have been created by Scottish artists, including Kev Paxton, Jeremy Cunningham, Iain Chalmers, June McEwan, Ian McColl, Lynne Schroder, Ceri White and Chelsea Rodger.
And that’s not it: hikers and cyclists can uncover plenty of smaller surprises along the way, like a totem pole, Airliephant, red phone box book exchange, clan tartan fish and more.
How do I best navigate the BLiSS Trail?
Practical information
The best way to embark on the BLiSS Trail is to download the Geotourist app here, and search for the trail name.
Visitors can then listen to the audio tour, where locals, artists, architects, students, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and Sustrans Scotland Cycle Charity tells stories behind each piece, bringing it to life in front of one’s eyes.
As always, plan ahead: look into parking and any further arrangements needed before going, as there are plenty of wee spots to stop for a coffee or lunch.