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The Trossachs
Callander Town The Trossachs Local Transport

Introduction

This is an area of Scotland popular with tourists with plenty of bed and breakfast accommodation of which Lenymede Bed and Breakfast is a fine example of a Victorian family home. Historically The Trossachs is the small wooded glen bordered by Ben Venue to the south, Lochs Katrine and Achray to the west and east respectively, and Ben A'an to the north (See Map). But even in Sir Walter Scott's day, when he walked throughout the area, it was taken to include a wider area, and now in the days of tourism the 'Trossachs Trail' encompasses an area from Loch Lomond in the west to Callander in the east, and from Doune to Aberfoyle and the Loch Ard Forest to the south, and in the north bounded by the Balquhidder and Crianlarich Hills.

It was the publishing of Sir Walter Scott's 'Lady of the Lake' (1810), set by Loch Katrine, followed by 'Rob Roy (1817), that established The Trossachs as the place to visit in Scotland.

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The Towns

The wider area of the modern Trossachs contains a number of small towns all of which have points of interest for the visitor.

Aberfoyle

The southern gateway to The Trossachs, Aberfoyle is situated at the foot of Duke's Pass between the Forth Valley to the south and the first of the Scottish Highland to the North. Driving north you cross over Duke's Pass with superb views of Ben Venue, Lochs Katrine and Achray, Ben A'an, Ben Vane and Ben Ledi, and the Achray Forest. Facilities include Tourist Information Centre, bank, Post Office, bus services, garage and petrol services, and church.

Balquhidder

The site of Rob Roy's grave, Balquhidder lies in a peaceful glen beneath the Braes of Balquhidder and at the eastern end of Loch Voil. Here you can visit The Bygone Museum or take a walk up Kirkton Glen. Other possible walks from Balquhidder include up Glen Buckie branching to either Strathyre and then along the old railway track to Callander or through Glen Finglas and to the Brig o'Turk. A short walk of 3 kms starting behind the church leads to Creag an Turic a small rocky hill that offers an absolutely magnificent viewpoint overlooking Loch Voil and down the length of the Glen. There is a Post Office, bus services and a church.

Brig o'Turk

With its name originating from the Gaelic Tuirc meaning 'wild boar', this small village sits between the Lochs Venachar and Achray at the foot of Glen Finglas. Brig o'Turk has about eighty inhabitants, a village hall, primary school, Post Office, inn and tea room.

Brig o'Turk is a good starting point for a number of walks including those in the Achray Forest, the Glen Finglas circular walk and Brig o'Turk to Balquhidder via Glen Finglas. Alternatively make an ascent of the nearby Ben A'an and afterwards stop at the Tearoom or The Byre Inn for refreshments.

There are two interesting old bridges here each worth a visit if you are interested in such. The first is the Brig o'Turk which bridges Finglas Water just to the west of the village on the A821. The other, the Brig O'Meikle, lies just behind the Byre Inn and is enchanting. The track over this bridge leads to a number of walks through the Achray Forest or to a lochside stroll along the southern shore of Loch Achray.

Callander

Gateway to the Highlands and the eastern entry point to The Trossachs, Callander is ideally situated for exploration of the area. Callander has a nice range of shops selling Scottish woollens and souvenirs, restaurants, hotels, guest houses and B and B's. The Meadows and woodlands offer many attractive walks, while there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a range of activities including pony trekking, golf, tennis, mountain biking and sailing. For further information go to the Callander Page. Facilities include Tourist Information Centre, bank, Post Office, bus services, garage and petrol services, and church.

Doune

A small farming community once known for its cattle market and the manufacture of pistols, its main point of interest now is its castle.

Gartmore

A delightful village with fine examples of traditional architecture situated on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. There is a Post Office and bus services.

Killin

Located at the western end of Loch Tay, this small village is best known for the attractive Falls of Dochart and the Breadalbane Folklore Centre. Facilities include Tourist Information Centre, bank, Post Office, bus services, garage and petrol services, and church.

Kinlochard

Situated at the western end of Loch Ard it provides a view of the west side of Ben Lomond and access to trails in The Loch Ard Forest. Facilities include a Post Office and bus services.

Kippen

Just outside the Trossachs area are a number of small interesting towns and villages. One of them is Kippen and you can find out more about it at the Kippen Street Fayre web site.

Lochearnhead

situated at the western end of Loch Earn this is one of the major centres of Scottish water sports. Facilities include a Post Office, bus services, garage and petrol services, and church.

Port of Menteith

Situated on the shore of Scotland's only lake, Lake of Menteith, this hamlet was the point of embarkation for the ferry to Inchmahome Priory. there is a church and bus services

Strathyre

This small pleasant village, once a cattle drover's stop, is now a popular centre for walkers with the Strathyre Forest providing many enjoyable walks. Set between mountains on either side its Gaelic name means 'sheltered valley'. Canoeing is available on the river and the nearby Loch Lubnaig. There is a Post Office and bus services.

Thornhill

An attractive village situated on the edge of the Carse of Stirling. Its elevated position provides wonderful views including the Gargunnock Hills to the south.There is a Post Office, church and bus services.

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Places to Visit

The Trossachs and nearby areas are full of places of interest, both historic, man made and natural, and beautiful breath taking scenery abounds. Listed below are a few of the places of interest to visit in or near The Trossachs organised loosely by area though they do overlap.

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Activities

A wide range of activities are available to Trossachs residents and visitors. These include sailing, pony trekking, cycling, mountain biking, walking, hill walking, fishing, golf, wind surfing and water skiing visit these pages;

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Caber Tosser

Trossachs Highland Festival

Every year this festival, which was inaugurated in 1985, provides a variety of events over a two week period. This year the Festival culminated in the Callander World Highland Games on the 25th and 26th July. The festival offered a variety of entertainments. Every morning in Ancaster Square, Callander there were special programmes for young children including magicians, jugglers and musicians followed by musical performances and in the afternoon Highland Dancing and pipers. In the evenings folk nights, classical music, ceilidhs, concerts, film shows and theatrical performances took place at a number of venues throughout The Trossachs.

For further information click Trossachs Highland Festival and the Callander World Highland Games.

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Other events included

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