Travel: A family friendly survival course at Strathyre

I don’t ever plan to end up lost in the wilds of the woods, however I feel I would be a little bit more equipped to endure such an ordeal, having completed a survival skills course at Strathyre Forest Holidays, the highlight of our recent four-day stay.

Accompanying me were my partner Graham, our daughters Eve (9) and Hope (6), and a friend of the family, another Eve (also 9). We rendezvoused with Nikki, our instructor and ranger at the on-site Forest HQ at 1100 hours. After a quick chat, we set off on foot to explore the natural environment. Despite the persistent drizzle, we maintained good spirits, pausing to collect Scots pine needles to infuse in a Thermos for a delicious warming brew for later on in our walk. We ambled along a disused railway track, in search of edible species and learning valuable nuggets of information about our country’s amazing flora and fauna and the traditional folklore surrounding them.

We stopped every so often to learn how to identify trees, and to forage a light snack of wild sorrel and brambles. Heading uphill, to an area of dense woodland, we built a lean-to shelter, which thankfully we wouldn’t have to sleep in, as we were already comfortably billeted in one of the luxurious, Scandinavian-styled golden oak log cabins on site.

Strathyre is a Forest Holidays settlement of around 30 log cabins nestling beside the pine-fringed banks of Loch Lubnaig not far from Callander. Located down a quiet mile-long track, it’s an ideal place to get away from the stresses and strains of modern life. Our cabin was a spacious open-plan affair, with three decent-sized bedrooms and a double-height living area. The site is currently undergoing a programme of modernisation to make it even better for this summer. Our homely cabin came with a covered verandah, complete with barbecue for al fresco dining, and a little roof to make sure your outdoor cooking is never a wash-out.

The best bit, as far as the girls were concerned, was the hot tub. I lost count of the number of times they took a dip – they were in serious danger of turning into wrinkly prunes. They even braved a dip in the loch before retreating back to the lodge to warm up in style.

The survival course is just one of the extra activities that can be booked in advance. You can hire bikes, go on dawn and dusk canoeing trips, give archery a go – even embark on a highly recommended 4x4 Land Rover natural history safari, by Alan of Hidden Glen Safaris, Balquhidder. On this tour you can get up close and personal with some of our wildest creatures in some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, having been driven there in comparative luxury. You can spot majestic red deer and even golden eagles soaring up high, but the best bit is learning more about the history. However, if the great outdoors is not your bag, you can indulge yourself with a luxurious spa treatment, without having to leave the comfort of your cabin.

Ben A’an to the north and Ben Venue are all within striking distance for walkers and Loch Katrine and Loch Achray are also close by.

The nearest town is Callander, a few miles away, where we treated ourselves to a fantastic sit-in fish tea, as a reward for a refreshing stroll to the impressive Bracklinn falls bridge. The Mhor Fish shop came highly recommended from friends who live nearby and neither the company nor the food disappointed. If you tire of Callander’s charms you can also explore nearby Aberfoyle. You’ll need to take a detour, and drive along the stunning Duke’s Pass, with sublime views round each corner.

When we reached Aberfoyle we made a beeline for the sweetie shop, and spent an age deciding what to buy. If you can, catch a performance of The Quack Commandos, highly trained Border collies who herd Indian runner ducks, who are based at the Scottish Sheepdog School in The Trossachs. Alternatively, let the kids run off some steam in the playpark or, if you are in the mood for more views, drive along Loch Ard. If you’re still peckish, stop at Kinlochard village, for a scone in The Wee Blether Tea-room.

Our holiday may have been short, but we made the most of every second. We were stunned by the area’s wild wooded beauty and we breathed in lots of fresh air, which was just the tonic.

• THE FACTS Four nights in a three-bedroomed Golden Oak cabin (sleeping up to 6) with outdoor hot tub starts from £261. The survival skills ranger activities are £10 per adult, £8 per child and £28 for a family (two adults, two children). For information or to book tel: 0845 130 8223 or visit www.forestholidays.co.uk