The Trossachs

The Trossachs refers to the area between Callander and Loch Lomond and is characterised by magnificent views over the heather-clad hills and many lochs, such as Loch Venachar, Loch Katrine, Loch Achray and Loch Ard, and the Lake of Menteith.   The area is famous for the exploits of Rob Roy, a 17th/early 18th century bandit about whom Sir Walter Scott based his novel.  The area was also the setting for another of his novels Lady of the Lake. 

The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park covers the area between Ben Lomond on the east of Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine, Ben Venue and Ben Ledi, and is ideal terrain for mountain biking, hill-walking and climbing.    The David Marshall Lodge to the north of Aberfoyle provides information on the local natural habitat and on routes for bikes and walks.  Three miles east of Aberfoyle is the Lake of Menteith where there is a ferry which takes you to the ruins of the 13th century Inchmahome Priory set on an island where Mary Queen of Scots spent some time as a child when avoiding the attentions of Henry VIII.  Fishing and sailing are popular activities on the Lake.  Visitors can take the Victorian steamer Sir Walter Scott around Loch Katrine but there is also a good road for easy walking and cycling.  The Rob Roy and Trossachs Visitor Centre is located in Callander which has a large selection of gift shops and tearooms.

North of Callander there are pleasant walks to the Falls of Leny and Bracklinn Falls with a steep climb to the summit of the 876-metre Ben Ledi.  North of Strathyre and west of the A84, is Balquhidder, the site of Rob Roy's grave and a good area for hill-walking.

Information
There are tourist offices in Aberfoyle and Callander.  Hotels in the Trossachs include the Forth Inn in Aberfoyle, the exclusive Roman Camp Hotel in Callander, the 18th century Monachyle Mhor Hotel (near Balquhidder) and the Invervey Hotel in Tyndrum (near Crianlarich).  Restaurants include The Conservatory at Ballachallan (near Callander)