Gartmore House Craft & Activity Holiday Brochure 2020

Cra f t & A c ti v i ty Holidays 2020

H olidays i n The Tr ossac hs N a t i o n al P ar k Gartmore House is an historic country house, set in the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland. It is the ideal place to enjoy a craft or activity holiday.

Stay in comfortable accommodation and enjoy the activity of your choice with our friendly expert tutors. Groups are welcome.

Choose from a wide selection of activities ranging from 2 to 6 night stays.

From craft breaks including knitting and sewing to photography and walking.

Yo ur st ay at G artm or e H ous e All bedrooms in Gartmore House are en-suite and many have beautiful views towards Stirling Castle. This beautiful 18th century property is set in 75 acres of private land.

All holidays include freshly prepared, wholesome meals and homebaking, made by our chefs using local produce.

Experienced and friendly tutors we have worked with for many years bring a wealth of local knowledge and a passion for what they do.

Holidays of 5 nights or more include an optional visit to Loch Katrine or The Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle. Transport is provided for this trip.

www.gartmorehouse.com

What our g ues ts s a y “Excellent all round. Thank you for a great stay.

Staff always friendly and helpful.”

“Samira was absolutely brilliant - very patient and gave us great ideas - many thanks.”

“Perfect stay in perfect surroundings.”

“A thoroughly great experience. Never thought at my age that anyone could teach me how to crochet, however, Samira succeeded where all others failed. Will be back!”

“Enjoyed sail on the Loch, the tuition was excellent and supportive. Dining room staff pleasant and patient.

Well done for a wonderful experience.”

“Really enjoyed the weekend – excellent tuition and very helpful staff.”

“Another lovely week. Clare is very patient and helpful.

Lots of tips to improve my quilting, I didn’t want the week to end.”

“Can’t wait to come back!”

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Content s 7

Knitting and Crochet

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Patchwork & Quilting

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Watercolour Painting

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Lace Making

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Painting with Mixed Media

12 Sewing 13 Photography 14 Felting 15

Eco Printing and Indigo Dyeing

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Art Cloth Doll Making

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Introductory Hill Walking

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Willow Work

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Greenwood Spoon Carving

20 Millinery

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Corset Making

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Christmas Crafts

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Day Trips

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Example Activity Holiday Schedule

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How To Find Us

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Booking Information

K nit ting and Cro chet Knitting and crochet holidays at Gartmore House appeal to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Enjoy the comfortable surroundings and relaxed company while developing your chosen skill. Guests are welcome to bring along their current projects, or any unfinished work, and our professional tutor Samira Hill will provide help and advice. Alternatively we provide a selection of themed workshops for guests to choose from prior to arrival. These include: Beginners, Introduction to Aran Cables Knitting, Introduction to Multicolour Knitting, Introduction to Fair Isle Knitting and Steeking, Entrelac Knitting, Brioche Knitting, Sock Knitting, Introduction to Crochet, Advanced Crochet or Tunisian Crochet.

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Samira Hill What you need to bring: • Materials for the class (wool, needles, crochet hooks and accessories will be available for sale during the activity week) 5 night breaks - £695 per person 26th to 31st January 2020 16th to 21st February 2020 15th to 20th March 2020 19th to 24th April 2020 17th to 22nd May 2020 19th to 24th July 2020 6th to 11th September 2020 11th to 16th October 2020 22nd to 27th November 2020

6 night breaks - £745 per person 13th to 19th June 2020 8th to 14th August 2020 2 night breaks - £385 per person 31st January to 2nd February 2020 21st to 23rd February 2020 20th to 22nd March 2020 24th to 26th April 2020 22nd to 24th May 2020 9th to 11th October 2020 20th to 22nd November 2020

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Patchwork and Q uilting Patchwork and quilting holidays will appeal to both the seasoned and novice quilter.

From our studio, with its panoramic views, you can enjoy the comforts of Gartmore House while receiving expert tuition and guidance from your tutor Clare Workman.

There is a choice of a varied selection of taught techniques and projects (for details see website) or bring your own WIPs (works in progress) or UFOs (unfinished objects) for a busy yet relaxed creative holiday.

During your stay you will work on your project at morning and afternoon sessions.

By the end of your holiday you will have completed your chosen small/medium project or be well on your way with a larger quilt.

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition What you need to bring: • Materials for the class (a list will be sent to you on booking) • Your own sewing machine is preferred however a limited number of machines can be hired at a small extra charge 5 night breaks - £695 per person 26th to 31st January 2020 22nd to 27th March 2020 26th to 31st July 2020 6th to 11th September 2020 8th to 13th November 2020 6 night breaks - £745 per person 8th to 14th August 2020

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2 night breaks - £385 per person 3rd to 5th April 2020 8th to 10th May 2020

Wate rcolour Painting Join Steve Bretel for an exciting experience painting in expressive watercolour, suitable for beginners, those with some experience and returners.

Studio subjects cover land, sea or cityscape, flowers and artificial objects, creating mood and atmosphere, or placing figures and animals within a scene. Working from still life, projected and print references, we will also explore different mediums for texture and effects. Depending on the weather, we may also paint outside.

Following a commercial art career in London, Steve has taught creative arts in Scotland for 20 years, and holds a BA in Visual Communication.

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Steve Bretel and all painting materials What you need to bring: • Outdoor clothing 5 night breaks - £695 per person 19th to 24th January 2020 22nd to 27th March 2020 10th to 15th May 2020 27th September to 2nd October 2020 8th to 13th November 2020 6 night breaks - £745 per person 13th to 19th June 2020 8th to 14th August 2020 2 night breaks - £385 per person 21st to 23rd February 2020 24th to 26th April 2020 30th October to 1st November 2020

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L ace Mak ing Join us for a lace making holiday with professional tutor Jean Leader. You will have the opportunity to learn Torchon, Bucks Point or Bedfordshire lace from beginner to advanced level.

Jean will also cover the basics of other laces including Honiton, Bruges, and Milanese together with needlelace and tatting.

Jean is also an expert in lace identification and history of lace, for those interested in a deeper understanding of the topic.

All breaks include: • En-suite accomodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Jean Leader What you need to bring: Your tutor Jean will contact you before the course to advise what you need to bring.

A starter pack will be provided for beginners, which can be purchased after the course.

5 night breaks - £695 per person 19th to 24th January 2020 15th to 20th March 2020 10th to 15th May 2020 5th to 10th July 2020 30th August to 4th September 2020 8th to 13th November 2020 2 night breaks - £385 per person 3rd to 5th April 2020

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Painting w ith Mi xe d Me dia A mixed media painting holiday at Gartmore House with Nigel Overton gives you the chance to develop your drawing and painting ability using a range of different media.

Our painting holidays are for all abilities and we purposefully do not take large numbers to allow our tutor to give you personalised instruction based upon your level of experience.

We will provide all materials, boards, paper and brushes, but feel free to bring your favourite materials if preferred.

Depending on the weather we would plan to have some outdoor sessions, so you might want to include outdoor clothing.

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition and all painting materials What you need to bring: • Outdoor clothing 5 night breaks - £695 per person 5th to 10th April 2020 4th to 9th October 2020

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S ew ing Dedicate some time to yourself and enjoy a relaxing sewing break in an inspiring location. Get to know all about patterns, cutting, fabric layout and fitting.

By the end of the holiday, you’ll be able to produce a simple toile (practice garment) and transfer your fitting adjustments back onto your paper pattern before you make your final garment. Sewing breaks are suitable for both beginners and returners.

All breaks are £695 per person and include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Gill McBride What you need to bring: • Sewing materials for the classes and your own sewing machine is preferred (a limited number of machines can be hired at a small extra charge) Dressmaking – Understanding and Fitting Sewing Patterns Sunday 8th to Friday 13th March 2020 Fitting and Sewing Trousers Sunday 10th to Friday 15th May 2020 Dressmaking – Understanding and Fitting Sewing Patterns Sunday 6th to Friday 11th September 2020 Speed Tailoring a Jacket Sunday 22nd to Friday 27th November 2020

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Photography Improve your photography skills under the guidance of professional photographer Ewan Barry. Enjoy relaxed company and comfortable surroundings.

What you will learn: • Theory and approach to photography • Identifying potential subjects • Creative composition • Understanding light • Mastering camera controls • Image processing and finishing (The photographs you will take will be specific to Gartmore and the surrounding area but the approach and techniques learned can be used anywhere).

What you will need: • A camera – ideally digital with a manual control option, spare batteries • Tripod (limited number available to borrow) • Laptop All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Ewan Barry 5 night breaks - £695 per person 31st May to 5th June 2020 19th to 24th July 2020 27th September to 2nd October 2020 2 night breaks - £385 per person 13th to 15th March 2020 16th to 18th October 2020

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F e lting Join Ewa Kuniczak for a felting adventure at Gartmore House. With a lifetime of experience in Art & Design, Ewa thrives on helping others to develop their ideas and master their technical skills.

Sunday 16th to Friday 21st February - ‘Fancy Feet and Magic Mitts’ (£695 per person) Discover the delights of making your unique slippers and cosy boots using seamless felting techniques.

Sunday 8th to Friday 13th March - ‘Painting with Wool’ (£695 per person) Discover ways of creating compositions using magical painterly wet or dry felting techniques, or a combination of both.

Sunday 5th to Friday 10th April - Nature in Wool’ (£695 per person) Discover the magic of felting natural materials into beautifully delicate felts, suitable for window blinds, lamp shades, and panels.

Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th May - ‘Rainbow Nuno Scarves’ (£385 per person) Explore the delights of dyeing wool and silk in unique colours, and then using them to create beautifully fine original scarves and shawls.

Sunday 28th June to Friday 3rd July - ‘Inspired to Felt’ (£695 per person) A unique opportunity to explore ideas based on Gartmore’s architecture and its natural surroundings.

Sunday 18th to Friday 23rd October - ‘Mixed Media Felting’ (£695 per person) An exciting opportunity to investigate a wide range of possibilities of transforming fabric and felts into sculptural forms and new compositions.

Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November - ‘Felt like Christmas’ (£385 per person) Make your own unique felt Christmas decorations using wet and dry felting techniques that are sure to make each one a delight to give and to own.

For further information on individual felting breaks, please visit our website www.gartmorehouse.com

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Eco - Printing and Indigo D yeing Join textile artist and Eco Upcycler, Elisabeth Viguie Culshaw, for a weekend in Gartmore to discover the magical process of Eco Printing and Natural Dyeing.

Eco Printing uses botanical material to create a beautiful natural printed pattern on paper or fabric through a steaming process. You will forage the grounds at Gartmore for the best leaves to create prints and locally sourced elements to create natural dies to use with our home made brushes. On day one, you will learn about the basic preparations of our fabric/papers for Eco Printing and set up a small Indigo Vat before spending day two creating patterns.

This mark making technique is perfect for any creative participants with an interest in printing or Eco techniques. Whether you are a professional quilter, a sketchbook lover or just want to come and have a creative time, you will find this technique fulfilling and greatly rewarding.

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Expert tuition by Elisabeth Viguie Culshaw • Full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner • Materials for printing 2 night breaks - £385 per person 13th to 15th March 2020 8th to 10st May 2020 9th to 11th October 2020

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A r t Cloth Doll Mak ing Suitable for beginners and more experienced stitchers alike, this doll making holiday is led by Angela Neilson, a retired GP who has a lifetime of experience in dressmaking and embroidery.

Angela will lead you, step-by-step, through the whole process of making an art cloth doll. You will start by drawing out and machine stitching body parts, then turn and stuff the parts, wire the fingers, needle sculpt the face, draw or embroider features, make a simple wig, attach the arms and legs and finally dress the character doll.

Basic sewing machine skills are helpful but not essential. A bit of creative imagination and a willingness to let go of preconceptions goes a long way because, as these character dolls emerge, they develop a life of their own - telling you how they like their hair and what they want to wear.

You may wish to bring your own ideas that inspire you such as pictures, photos, books, vintage fabrics, jewellery and shells. But if you don’t know where to start Angela will bring samples of her work for inspiration.

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Angela Neilson • All materials needed for the course 5 night breaks - £695 per person 17th to 22nd May 2020 4th to 9th October 2020

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Intro duc tor y Hill Walk ing Walking holidays are a wonderful way to experience the beautiful sights of Scotland.

The aim of this holiday is to help budding walkers to ultimately climb their first Munro and, in the process, pick up some advice on map reading and safely negotiating the way round some of the best hills and glens in Scotland.

The idea would be to start the week off gently and slowly build up over the next few days to potentially climb Ben Lomond or Ben Ime (weather dependant).

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Packed lunches to take out on your walking trips • A selection of walks guided by our expert Gavin Clarke What you need to bring: • Layered outdoor gear • Non cotton trousers • Walking boots (waterproof if possible) • Waterproof jacket and over-trousers • Day pack for food and spare kit • Gaiters (advised but not essential) 5 night breaks - £695 per person 31st May to 5th June 2020 5th to 10th July 2020 23rd to 28th August 2020

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W illow Work Learn the principals of making a round stake and strand basket and experiment making your own creations, under the guidance of Anna Turnbull.

Anna is a basket maker and willow sculptor. She is a member of The Basketmakers’ Association, Scottish Basketmakers’ Circle and Heritage Craft Association.

“It is a privilege to help others along their creative journey, sharing skills, overcoming challenges and supporting them as they produce something of which they can be proud.”

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Anna Turnbull • Materials needed for the course 5 night breaks - £695 per person 8th to 13th March 2020 31st May to 5th June 2020 11th to 16th October 2020

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Gre e nwoo d Sp oon C ar v ing This new craft weekend is aimed at adult beginners. During this intensive weekend, you will have the opportunity to make both a spoon and a spatula using specialist Scandinavian carving knives and working with wood fresh from the forest.

You will start with practising the basics at your own pace, while gaining a thorough understanding of the safety and awareness needed when using these tools. Once learnt, you are then free to experience this highly enjoyable, often immersive and relaxing creative art form.

Selecting from ‘blanks’ – rough shapes cut for you with an axe and draw knife from sustainable greenwood - you are then encouraged to carve your own unique contemporary design. This may be functional, or purely decorative and artistic, working with the form the wood has suggested, following the grain once cleaved.

You will leave with a thorough understanding of the process, and given ideas for finishing your piece at home. You may even have made something you decide to give as a gift!

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner • Tuition from Steve Bretel • All materials required for course 2 night breaks - £385 per person 8th to 10th May 2020 16th to 18th October 2020

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Milline r y Join Clare Workman for two exciting weekends and learn how to make your next fashion accessory. Clare studied millinery in Glasgow and at The London College of Fashion before setting up and running her own very successful millinery business. Clare specialises in designing and making unique and stylish hats with contemporary flair yet a firm foundation in traditional millinery techniques. Clare loves to share her knowledge and skills through teaching in a relaxed friendly style and looks forward to welcoming you to Gartmore House.

Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2020 – ‘New’ Hats for Old! £385 per person Restyle your once favourite old hat with a fresh new look! Complete a stylish contemporary makeover and wear and enjoy your hat again. Using traditional millinery techniques and materials as well as fun alternatives we will upscale, rescale, recycle, re-purpose and be fabulously ‘green‘ as well as deliciously gorgeous.

This is a relaxed creative fun weekend suitable for all. Full design and construction advice will be given.

Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd November 2020 – Fantastic Fascinators! £385 per person Spend a weekend creating your own very special fascinator!

Suitable for all, this will be a relaxed, creative and fun weekend and you will take home with you one or two useful and beautiful fascinators suitable to wear for any occasion!

Full design and construction advice will be given for each individual guest and a basic kit of foundation supplies will be provided with a selection of materials and trims and embellishments.

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Cor se t Mak ing Create a beautiful piece of corsetry, reminiscent of the eras of Outlander and Marie Antoinette, under the eye of Scottish corsetiere Alison Campbell. This unique course is NEW for 2020, and takes place at historic 17th century Gartmore House in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

A corset is the perfect garment for expressing your creativity - as shapely as any piece of sculpture, it can be as simple or as elaborate as your imagination can make it. During the course you will create 18th century stays. You will learn about the history, techniques and where we can substitute new materials and shift from historical accuracy to modern fashion (as seen in the gowns of Vivienne Westwood).

Waist constriction is very mild compared to a Victorian corset and it’s more about the conical shape and bust lift.

Whether your approach is historic, romantic, high fashion or with a more alternative edge, there is always a place for a corset.

2 night breaks - £385 per person Friday 24th – Sunday 26th April 2020 5 night breaks - £695 per person Sunday 18th – Friday 23rd October 2020

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Chris tma s Craf t s Join us for a creative weekend of Christmas crafting. Arrive on Friday evening, meet your tutor and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner in historical Gartmore House. On Saturday and Sunday you will learn an array of skills including: flower arranging, cracker making, simple tinwork, wirework, simple stitching with felt plus crafting Christmas candles!

Themes will vary for the weekend breaks to accommodate return guests who wish to make something new.

All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Tuition by Clare Workman • Full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner • Materials to create your Christmas decorations* What you will make: You will make a beautiful evergreen foliage door hanging decoration to welcome your guests this Christmas at your front door, and a lovely festive candle decoration for your Christmas table. You will also make your own very special personalised crackers – simple, sophisticated and fun!

Discover lots of creative ideas for gift tags and gift wrapping and learn how to make the perfect bow. If there’s time, you will decorate a seasonal rustic wreath with your new skills to display throughout the year in your home – or to give as a gift.

2 night breaks - £385 per person 27th to 29th November 2020 *All materials will be provided but bring small gifts or chocolates to include in your crackers if you would like to. You will need to bring your own secateurs and gloves for the floral arrangements.

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Day Trip s For holidays of 5 nights or more an optional visit to Loch Katrine or The Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle is included in your activity holiday. Transport is provided for this day trip.

Loch Katrine One of Scotland’s hidden gems, Loch Katrine is a set amongst stunning scenery.

During your visit you will enjoy a boat trip on either the world-famous Steamship Sir Walter Scott or the more modern MV Lady of the Lake. Sit back, relax and take in the beautiful landscapes.

For further information on Loch Katrine visit www.lochkatrine.com The Scottish Wool Centre Located in the picturesque town of Aberfoyle, just a short drive from Gartmore House, The Scottish Wool Centre has a wide variety of things to see and do.

You can enjoy the daily dog and duck show, where their shepherd will give you a history of Scottish sheep and work his dog ‘on hand’ with ducks.

If you enjoy being outside, take a wander around the outside paddocks where there are rare breeds of sheep and goats.

For those who love shopping, you can choose from many Scottish gifts including Cashmere, Harris Tweed, whisky and local crafts.

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E xample Ac ti v it y Holiday S che dule Sunday 16:00 18:00 18:30 21:00

Arrive and settle in. Tea and coffee available.

Welcome talk in Lounge Dinner Tea/coffee in Lounge

Monday 08:30 10:00 13:00 18:30 21:00

Breakfast Course begins (course will run until 4pm) Lunch Dinner Tea/coffee in Lounge

Tuesday 08:30 10:00 13:00 18:30 21:00

Breakfast Course begins (course will run until 4pm) Lunch Dinner Tea/coffee in Lounge

Wednesday 08:30 10:00 12:30 13:30 18:30 21:00

Breakfast Course begins Lunch Day Trip to Loch Katrine/ The Woollen Mill Dinner Tea/Coffee in Lounge

Thursday 08:30 10:00 13:00 19:00 21:00

Breakfast Course begins (course will run until 4pm) Lunch Dinner Tea/coffee in Lounge

Friday 08:30 10:00

Breakfast Departure

Please note: for weekend breaks the courses will run from 4pm on Fridays until 4pm on Sundays.

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How To Find Us Please follow the directions below, which direct you to Gartmore House from the A81. We do not recommend accessing the Estate via the village of Gartmore as the road is unsuitable for vehicle access. Please note, if using Sat Nav, it will direct you through the village. Use the following instructions to ensure arrival via the main drive – By road from the south (Glasgow) Take the A81 from the city centre; travel via Milngavie and Strathblane towards Aberfoyle. Continue past the signs for Gartmore village and Gartmore House is well sign-posted on the left off the A81.

By road from the north (Perth) or East (Edinburgh) Travel towards Stirling on the M9 and leave the motorway at Junction 10 (marked for Stirling). Follow the A84, signposted for Callander. After 4 miles (just beyond the Safari Park), take the A873 for Aberfoyle. After 17 miles, at the T-junction (next to the Rob Roy Motel), turn left onto the A81 towards Glasgow.

In less than a mile, pass the sign for Gartmore village (continue on the A81), and you will see Gartmore House clearly sign-posted on your right.

By rail Stirling train station is 18 miles from Gartmore House and has links to Glasgow or Edinburgh train stations. Complimentary pick-ups are available on the day of arrival at 3:30pm.

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B ook ing Information To book your 2020 activity break at Gartmore House please contact our team directly or book online at www.gartmorehouse.com.

Call: 01877 382991 Email: mail@gartmorehouse.com Guests are welcome to bring partners who do not wish to take part in activities.

There is a charge of £60 per night for full board.

Complimentary pick up is available from Stirling train station at 3.30pm for all activity breaks. Drop off at the station is also available after breakfast on departure day (or 4pm for weekend breaks).

For guests who wish to attend courses but not stay at Gartmore House we can offer a day delegate rate from £55 per day.

Terms and Conditions A £100 per person deposit is required to secure your booking.

Full payment is due 6 weeks prior to arrival.

For breaks booked within 6 weeks, full payment is required at time of booking.

Breaks are subject to availability and subject to change.

There is a minimum number of guests required in the building to run the activity courses. Should a course be cancelled due to lack of numbers, bookings can be moved to an alternative date or a full refund will be issued.

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Stirling, FK8 3RS, Scotland Gartmore House is a Scottish Charity, No: SCO29484 Tel: 01877 382 991 | mail@gartmorehouse.com | www.gartmorehouse.com Re-print September 2019