“Never underestimate an old man with an axe” was very much on our minds as we watched in awe as Kenny launched yet another sharp one at the target.
Such was his delight at hitting the bullseye more times than not, Kenny was cock-a-hoop as he celebrated his success.
The setting could not have been more perfect, just yards from beautiful Loch Tay, Scotland’s sixth largest.
And lucky for us, the conditions were great too, with not a cloud in the sky and only a smattering of people, all happy with their lot too.
We were at Loch Tay Marina, enjoying the activities providing by In Your Element, a family friendly firm which has a host of activities on and off the water to enjoy.
Ritchie our instructor made sure we not only knew how to aim straight but gave us a fun history lesson on the types of axes available and it was soon clear, the smaller hand ones were easier to hurl, than the big heavy ones.
It was strangely relaxing aiming at the wood targets which had been set up on the grass next to the activity centre.
Just yards away is Largo Leisure Park’s Loch Tay Highland Lodge, sister park to Braidhaugh in Crieff, where we were staying for three nights.
Founded in 2003, the leisure company owns four idyllic sites in the natural beauty of the Kingdom of Fife and The Highlands and there is availability to own as well as rent at the parks. A Summer Lovin campaign runs until 31st August 31, offering a 15 percent discount on holidays booked.
The Loch Tay site has a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and finances and for those looking for something a little more out of the box, there are two quirky properties, The Bothy Stable conversion which sleeps eight in bunkhouse style accommodation, with a log burning stove and a pool table and Ivy Cottage, available for small families, friends or couples with lovely views over the water.
Our accommodation, at Braidhaugh Holiday Park, positioned just a short walk from Crieff town centre, offers glamping and lodges, all luxury and mod cons, as well as room for campers and tourers. There is also a small bar and food outlet.
We opted for a two bedroom lodge, which had the added bonus of a hot tub, something which was popular with the children, Ruaridh (16) and Flossie (13).
Nestled on the banks of the River Earn and with a spectacular backdrop of rolling hills, the lodges are well set out to ensure maximum privacy from the neighbours.
Inside they are equipped to very high standards with swish fittings, linen and top end cooking facilities and the outdoor decking and garden areas are well maintained.
It’s a peaceful and well run park, which obviously prides itself on cleanliness and privacy and there is even a large deck chair for mum and dad to sit on, while the wee ones enjoy the swings.
Crieff itself oozes class and old-fashioned family fun and the market town is steeped in history, with individually owned shops rubbing shoulders with Glenturret Distillery, Scotland’s oldest and home to The Famous Grouse Experience.
Just a few miles down the road is the small village of Muthill, once an important religious centre as the site of a Celi De monastery.
Largely destroyed in the 1715-1716 Jacobite rising, it boasts a rich history and has more than 100 listed buildings and some beautiful floral displays.
Scone Palace and Drummond Castle, two important places in Scottish history, are within driving distance, and less than an hour away takes you to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
But it was outdoor activities we wanted to experience, and Loch Tay is a handy 60 minutes away and as well as offering axe throwing, In Your Element provides off road Segway, canoeing and paddle boarding.
For us it was a great chance to try out another dry sport, archery and we had great fun playing a series of flight games to see who had the best eye for the target.
The marina also boasts The Boathouse Restaurant, which sits close to the water and uses local produce to serve up some hearty dishes.
Starters range from Stornoway black pudding fritters with fried soughdough and topped with a fried egg to Arbroath smokie cullin skink, and for vegetarians, delicious red pepper and goats cheese croquettes.
Mains include freshly landed fish and chips, old favourite chicken Balmoral and vegetable lasagne, with traditional cranachan and chocolate whisky brownies for desserts.
The restaurant also has a lunch, children’s afternoon tea and even a dog’s menus and a special cocktail one too.
It’s a great place to fill up and enjoy a celebratory whisky or two to mark all that top target axe throwing!
For more information on Crieff, please visit: www.largoleisure.co.uk and https://iye.scot/.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of Largo Leisure and In Your Element
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