Attractions in the Trossachs

The Trossachs area is a unique area, as it has so much to offer amongst the magnificent Highland scenery that inspired the likes of Sir Walter Scott, Wordsworth and Coulridge the English Poets in the early 19th century. Here we give you details of the main visitor attractions in the area that are well worth visiting.

The perfect place to enjoy the timeless beauty of The Trossachs.
• Cruise Loch Katrine to fully enjoy these spectacular landscapes. Take in the view from Lady of the Lake on a panoramic cruise, or experience a classic steamship cruise on board Sir Walter Scott, nobly cruising these waters for over a century.
• Hire your bike from Katrinewheelz, or enjoy a stroll by the shores of the loch, cradled by the peaks of Ben A’an and Ben Venue. Watch out for wildlife - or find a quiet spot to stop for a picnic.
• Listen as a real Highlander reveals the Legends of the Loch, and retells the story of Rob Roy McGregor. Presentations every Saturday and Sunday (Easter to September).
• Browse through Katrine Gifts to select a souvenir of your visit, then relax in The Anchor’s Rest. Stop for a coffee and a freshly-baked scone, or linger over an evening meal and a glass of wine as the sun sets behind the hills of The Trossachs.
Plan your Loch Katrine experience at www.lochkatrine.com, or call (01877) 332000 for information and advance bookings. Cruises depart from Trossachs Pier every day from 10:30am. (7 mls from Aberfoyle; 10 mls from Callander)

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park: Drive through our wild animal reserves and see rhinos (inc. baby Mazumba), giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers, bears, zebra, bison and Lemur Land! Enjoy our sea-lion shows and bird of prey displays. Take a boat trip to visit our chimps on their island. Restaurant, café, picnic and barbecue areas. Disabled access and parenting facilities. Open 15 Mar - 20 Oct 2008. Adult £10.50, Children (3-14 yrs incl.)/Seniors/Special Needs/Carers (with ID) £7.00 Under 3’s free. 4 miles from Stirling on A84. www.blairdrummond.com 
Tel: 01786 841456

 

Glengoyne Distillery
Often described as Scotland’s Most Beautiful Distillery, Glengoyne is open all year for guided tours, whisky tastings and in depth blending & Masterclass sessions. Enjoy a taste of Glengoyne Single Highland Malt whisky, watch a short video presentation and see how the perfect dram is created. Before you leave, browse our superb shop which is full of different whiskies, gifts and collectables. Guided tours hourly from 10am-4pm Mon to Sat and from 12pm-4pm on Sundays. 13 miles south of Aberfoyle on A81. www.glengoyne.com  Tel: 01360 550254.
 

Scottish Wool Centre
Visit the Scottish Wool Centre: 4* visitor attraction in the heart of the Trossachs, Aberfoyle. Here you can discover the story of Scottish Wool, before browsing the extensive selection of Cashmere and Wool garments for the whole family; jumpers, fleeces, jackets, skirts and much more. Our Food Hall offers you a wide selection of typical Scottish food including the well stocked Whisky shop. Why not take some Scottish haggis or shortbread home with you, or try some delicious fudge and a whole array of confectionery. Our friendly CostaTM coffee shop and restaurant with indoor and outdoor eating areas, serves a superb range including freshly prepared sandwiches, hot dishes and bakery products. Free car parking with full disabled facilities. Coach parties welcome. Open 7 days. Events run from Easter to December. Situated in the centre of Aberfoyle. Tel: 01877 382850.
 

Scottish Real Ales
The Scottish Real Ale Shop: Located at the Lade Inn, we stock the largest range of bottled Scottish beers, gift packs and merchandise under one roof, anywhere in the country. Come along to a place where you can purchase that elusive bottle from the Hebrides or that delicious blonde from Islay. We hold a Beer Festival every year and have tastings throughout the summer weekends so you can try before you buy! The Lade inn, Kilmahog, Callander FK17 8HD
Tel: 01877 330152  www.scottishrealales.com
 

David Marshall Lodge
The David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is open daily from 10am to 6pm, March 1st to December 24th and then at weekends only during January and February (although times may vary). Audio visual exhibits introduce you to the forest park with displays, an Osprey & Wildlife viewing room, exhibitions, the newly refurbished Bluebell Café, wheelchair access, picnic sites and toilet facilities.
The forest park itself covers 50,000 acres of land consisting of a mixture of commercial forest, semi-natural and ancient woodland and is managed by Forest Enterprise. Within the boundaries of the park are 3 main forests; Loch Ard Forest, Achray Forest and Strathyre Forest. These are particularly suitable for walkers and cyclists with many waymarked paths. The David Marshall Lodge is situated on the A821 just outside Aberfoyle. From Stirling/Callander, follow the A81 to Aberfoyle via Dukes Pass. See page 5 of this guide for detailed information on popular walks and routes around the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Tel: 01877 382258

Jazz up the Trossachs
Friday 3rd Oct – Sunday 5th Oct 2008
Line up includes Trossachs Big Band, Daniel Smith’s Blues Band, Lights Out By Nine, Brass Impact, George Penman and much more!
For further information and to purchase tickets:
e-mail: info@callanderjazz.co.uk 
www.callanderjazz.com 
Telephone: 01877 339399/ 339455

 

Strathyre
Strathyre: (meaning sheltered valley) is situated 8 miles north of Callander, in between Callander and Balquidder. St Columba and St Cuthbert both stayed here on their journeys around Scotland. It is a very popular stop off point for travelers and affords a good selection of food outlets and places to stop and watch the world go by. It is an ideal base from which to explore Balquhidder and Rob Roy country. With the coming of the railway in the 19th Century, stopping by the west shore of Loch Lubnaig, it forced the village to move to its present site on the east bank of the river. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer, osprey and eagles among other specimens. In the late summer and Autumn, the woods and forest are adorned with berries and wild mushrooms.
 

Balquidder Glen
Balquhidder Glen has been important to Scottish history since neolithic times. Below the Manse there are remains of a stone circle, the Pudreag Stone, and there is a Neolithic chambered cairn further east. Robert the Bruce defied Edward I of England, and escaped through the glens. He rallied the surviving men in his army and won back Scottish independance at Bannockburn in 1314. There is a Bruce Cave (one of many), above Loch Voil at Craigruie in Balquhidder glen where he reputedly hid. The MacGregors made their first appearance in Balquhidder Glen after losing their ancestral lands in GlenStrae to the Campbells. There is a small ruinous MacGregor burial ground at the head of Loch Doine at the foot of Glencarnaig. The first burial here was early 18th century. Balquidder Glen is also famed for being the home of Rob Roy Macgregor. He died here in 1734 and was laid to rest in the churchyard. Follow signs to Balquidder from the A84 which takes you to and from Callander.
 

Clan MacLaren’s Gathering Point. In times past, Clan MacLaren occupied these lands. When under threat, runners would be sent throughout the clan’s territory to rally the clansmen with their weapons to this point, known as ‘Creag an Tuirc’ (Rock of the Boar). A short walk from Balquhidder Church and Rob Roy’s grave. Stop at the Kingshouse Hotel for a free walk guide to find your way.

The Moss Lairds. The 35,000 acre swamp of the Flanders Moss was impenetrable except for a few desperate outlaws & the MacGregors who used secret tracks & causeways to escape back into the Highlands after their Lowland raids. Learn how in 1768 the Moss Lairds where given 38 year leases to clear the Moss. The descriptive plaque is located in the centre of Thornhill. Park at the Post Office and walk across to the far corner of the playing fields, then follow the path for 30m to the plaque.

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