Balquhidder Parish Church & Kirkyard
A Highland kirkyard where saints, clans, and the outlaw Rob Roy rest in a glen of ancient spiritual power and dramatic history.
Nestled in the quiet glen of Balquhidder, this 19th-century Church of Scotland parish church stands beside an ancient kirkyard steeped in Highland history. The graveyard is the final resting place of the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor and contains the ruins of an older church on a site of continuous worship for over a millennium. Visitors can explore the peaceful church interior, view historic artifacts like the ancient font and St Angus’s stone, and wander among carved gravestones that tell stories of clans, saints, and centuries of Highland life.
A brief summary to Balquhidder Parish Church
- Off C33, Road, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the metal plan near the Old Church to locate Rob Roy’s grave and other notable burials; it also explains the history of key stones.
- Take time to examine the interior of the 19th-century church, where the ancient font and St Angus’s stone are displayed along with a small historical exhibition.
- The kirkyard is peaceful and atmospheric at any time, but early morning or late afternoon light enhances the mood and offers the best photo opportunities.
- Combine a visit with a walk in Balquhidder Glen to appreciate the wider landscape that shaped the lives of St Angus, Rob Roy, and the Highland clans.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
From Callander, follow the A84 west toward Lochearnhead, then turn onto the C33 minor road toward Balquhidder. The church is a short distance off the C33, with a small parking area nearby. The road is narrow and winding, suitable for standard vehicles in dry conditions, but care is needed in winter or heavy rain.
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Public Transport
Take a bus from Callander or Stirling to Lochearnhead, then a local taxi or a walk of about 3 km along the C33 to Balquhidder. Bus services are infrequent, especially outside summer, so check timetables in advance and allow extra time for connections.
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Walking
From Balquhidder village, the church is a gentle 10–15 minute walk along a quiet road with pavement in parts. The path is level and well-maintained, suitable for most walkers, including families and those with limited mobility.
Balquhidder Parish Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Balquhidder Parish Church
A Place of Ancient Worship
Balquhidder Kirkyard lies on the lower slopes of the glen, a place where spiritual and earthly worlds have long been felt as close. Long before the first church was built, this was a sacred Celtic site, believed to be a 'thin place' where the veil between realms was especially fine. The hill above, Tom nan Aingeal or 'Hill of Fire', was once used by Druids to light sacred fires at Beltane and Samhain, whose flames would be carried down to rekindle hearths in the glen. In the late 500s or early 600s, St Angus brought Christianity here, building a small stone oratory and being buried on the very spot where the old church now stands in ruins.From the Little Church to the Old Church
The first known church in the glen, the Eaglais Beag or 'Little Church', was constructed around 1250 on the site of St Angus’s grave. Built by Abbot Labhran, it became the burial place of his heirs, who later became the Clan MacLaren. In 1631, this medieval church was replaced by what is now known as the Old Church, whose weathered stone walls still stand in the kirkyard. Though now a roofless shell, its presence speaks of centuries of worship and community life in this remote Highland parish, where faith and clan history are deeply intertwined.Rob Roy and the MacGregor Legacy
The kirkyard is most famous as the burial place of Rob Roy MacGregor, the 18th-century outlaw and folk hero. After his death in 1734, he was laid to rest a little to the east of the Old Church, alongside his wife Mary Helen and their sons Coll and Robin. Their graves are among the most visited in the kirkyard, drawing those interested in Highland history and clan legends. The outlawing of the MacGregor name in 1603 and Rob Roy’s long feud with the Duke of Montrose are part of the dramatic story that echoes through these stones, making the site a powerful place for anyone drawn to Scotland’s turbulent past.The 19th-Century Parish Church
In 1855, a new parish church was built just to the north of the old kirkyard, designed in handsome dressed stone by the noted architect David Bryce. This Church of Scotland building remains in use for regular services and is open to visitors. Inside, it preserves important historic items, including the ancient, boulder-like font, probably of early medieval origin, and the stone traditionally associated with St Angus, which once marked his grave in the medieval church. A small exhibition tells the story of the church and the glen, connecting the present congregation with its deep roots.Exploring the Kirkyard
Wandering through the kirkyard, visitors encounter a rich tapestry of carved stones and family memorials, many telling of the MacLaren, MacGregor, and Stewart families who shaped the glen. A metal plan near the Old Church helps locate notable graves and explains their significance. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, with the surrounding hills and the presence of so many generations creating a sense of timelessness. It is a place that invites reflection, whether for spiritual reasons, historical interest, or simply to absorb the beauty and stillness of this Highland glen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Balquhidder Parish Church
0.0 km
A Highland kirkyard where saints, clans, and the outlaw Rob Roy rest in a glen of ancient spiritual power and dramatic history.
Grave of Rob Roy MacGregor
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Discover the tranquil grave of Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland’s legendary Highland outlaw and folk hero, nestled in the historic glen of Balquhidder.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve Office
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Kinnell Stone Circle
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Finlarig Castle
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Trossachs Pier
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The Highland Cows
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Loch Venachar
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Callander Visitor Information Centre
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Callander
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Essential places to dine
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Nick's at Port of Menteith
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Slanj Restaurant
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Village Inn
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The Gargunnock Inn
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The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant
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Oak Tree Inn
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Colquhoun's Restaurant
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Clachan Inn
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The Village Rest Luss
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Coorie Inn Restaurant & Rooms, Crieff
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The Crook bar and Bistro
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Nick's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Braeside Stores
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Unique
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Caithness Glass
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Nutcracker
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St Mocha Coffee Shop and Ice Cream Parlour
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Balmaha Village Shop
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Loch Lomond Rocks
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Highland Art Studios
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Coach House Coffee Shop and Store
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Village Shop
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Luss General Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
