Visitor Attractions in
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

 
 
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The view from the bridge in Callander over Calladender meadows to ben ledi

Attractions in and around the Trossachs

The Trossachs 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.


Loch Katrine Pier Complex

The perfect place to enjoy the timeless beauty of The Trossachs.

Classic Steamship Cruises on the world famous Sir Walter Scott - with accessible on board facilities and panoramic lounge. Sailings to Stronlachnachar and 1 hour afternoon cruises. Daily departures from 1st April to 31st October 2010. First sailings depart Trossachs pier at 10.30am.

The Scottsland Cruise: Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott's poem 'Lady of the Lake'. Enjoy the magnificent landscapes which inspired the famous author on this special cruise. Daily departures at 2.30pm from the Trossachs Pier (22nd May to 6th June and 26th June to 28th September 2010).

Family Cycling Adventures: Hire the bike of your choice and enjoy a different view of Loch Katrine, or stroll by the peaks of Ben A’an and Ben Venue. Watch out for wildlife - or find a quiet spot to stop for a picnic.

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).


Loch Lomond ShoresLoch Lomond Shores is Scotland’s most spectacular visitor destination.  Located on the banks of Loch Lomond it offers visitors a unique mix of shopping, leisure and dining experiences.  Shopping includes Jenners department store as well as high street names and boutique style shops.  Leisure activities include a children’s adventure playpark, outdoor amusements, bike, canoe and pedal boat hire and the Loch Lomond Sealife Aquarium.  There are two cafes as well as the Kilted Skirlie restaurant at Loch Lomond Shores, all offering a wide range of modern Scottish fayre as well as fantastic views of the loch. Throughout the year there is also a packed calendar of events – see website for details.  Free parking. Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch G83 8QL.  Tel 01389 751035.  www.lochlomondshores.com.


Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, Stirling.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 Mar - 31 Oct 2010. Adult £11.50, Children (3-14 yrs incl.)/Seniors/Special Needs/Carers (with ID) £8.00 Under 3’s free. 4 miles from Stirling on A84. www.blairdrummond.com  Tel: 01786 841456


Glengoyne Distillery by Aberfoyle, Trossachs

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 Real Ales: 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. Featuring 130 products from 30 micro breweries spanning Scotland from Shetland to the Borders. We hold a Beer Festival every year (Fri 27th August to Sun 5th September 2010) and have tastings throughout the summer weekends so you can try before you buy! The Lade inn, Kilmahog, Callander FK17 8HD (junction of the A84/A821. Tel: 01877 330152  www.scottishrealales.com


Hill House Helensburgh

The Hill House is a stunning example of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's domestic architecture and stunning design and said to be his finest domestic creation. This traditional Scottish home is complimented by a beautiful garden , sympathetically restored to the early Mackintosh design suggestions. Tearoom and vibrant design-led gift shop. A second shop specialises in Mackintosh inspired goods and books of architectural and historical interest. Parking and disabled access. Open 1 Apr to 31 Oct daily 1.30 - 5.30pm. Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh. Tel: 0844 4932208. www.nts.org.uk


Deanston Distillery, Doune.

Deanston Distillery rests on the banks of the River Teith, with the stunning Trossachs countryside and the foothills of Ben Ledi in close proximity. Home to Scottish Leader Blended Scotch Whisky and the Deanston 12 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The distillery is open for tours, by appointment and there is a distillery shop selling the whiskies and branded merchandise including polo shirts & fleeces. Shop Open Mon-Thurs 10am-4.00pm, Fri 10am-2.00pm. Closed 12.30pm to 1.00pm for lunch. Before reaching Doune (from Stirling), turn left before the bridge and turn right to the distillery. Tel: 01786 841422. www.burnstewartdistillers.com


Sweeneys CruisesSweeneys Cruises : Enjoy Loch Lomond in all its seasonal beauty in style and comfort on one of our luxurious passenger boats. Take the 1 Hour Experience Tour (11.30, 1.30, 2.30 3.30 and also 4.30 in the summer months). 2 Hour Island Discovery Cruise (1pm - 3pm) or the Evening Sunset Cruise (7pm July and August). All trips subject to demand. Whether for business or pleasure, we will endeavour to make it a day to remember. Located in the centre of Balloch, by Balloch Train Station (G83 8SW) Tel: 01389 752376. www.sweeneyscruises.com. Click here for cruise information and to book tickets.


Loch Lomond Birds of Prey

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre. Learn about the rescue and conservation of birds of prey where you will see a various range of  breeds including owls, hawks, buzzards, falcons and eagles. Additional activities range from 'The Flying Experience' to a full 'Introduction to Falconry' day (additional fees apply). Situated at the rear of the Loch Lomond Homes and Gardens Centre and open all year from 9.30am to 5pm (summer) and 10.30am - 3.30pm (winter). Admission: Adults £3.50, children/concessions £2.50, families £8-£14. Under 5's free. Tel: 07751 862416. Situated at Ballagan, on the A811 to Stirling, just 1/2 mile past Balloch. . www.lochlomondbirdofprey.co.uk Number 9 on the map


David Marshall Visitor Lodge Aberfoyle

The David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre (FK8 3SX) is the ideal location for a family adventure. The centre is one of the most popular locations within Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. The site has the longest zip line in the UK, as part of the Go Ape high wire course. You can enjoy fabulous walks to the waterfall, or enjoy a cycle on the Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails. We have a wildlife room were you can watch live and recorded footage of Ospreys and Squirrels. The views and food in the Bluebell café are a worth the visit in itself. In addition to the café the site is also ideal to have a picnic. Opening hours vary: Feb &March 10am-4pm, April, May, June 10am-5pm July-August 10am-6pm
Sept-Oct 10am-5pm, Nov-Dec 10am-4pm.
The David Marshall Lodge (FK8 3SX) is situated on the A821 just outside Aberfoyle. From Stirling/Callander, follow the A81 to Aberfoyle via DukesPass. For more details look at www.forestry.gov.uk/qefp  or Tel 01877 382258.


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.


Balquhidder GlenBalquidder 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 MacLarens Gathering Point, Balquhidder.

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 Thornhill Park.

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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