Although the following places are grouped close to Aberfoyle most of them lie along the circular route from Callander and Lenymede bed and breakfast, with a diversion to Loch Lomond. Though possible in a day, you cannot do justice to it all in less than three days. Inchmahome Priory alone deserves at least ¼ day and a picnic.
Formerly known as The David Marshall Lodge, the visitor center for the forest park (see previous item) is open daily from 1000 to 1800 daily Easter to October and then weekends only until Christmas. Audio visual exhibits introduce you to the forest park with displays, exhibitions, resident craftsmen, cafeteria, wheelchair access, picnic sites and toilet facilities. For more information on the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park see the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park Page.
With a live show about the history of Scottish wool,craft displays, demonstrations of spinning and weaving, meet the animals, a gift shop and coffee shop and restaurant there is much to interest people of all ages.
Drive through Aberfoyle and pass Lochs Ard and Chon enjoying some of the most beautiful scenic views on the way, take care tough since parts of this road are single track. On the way, visit Stronachlachar boat pier on Loch Katrine and then drive on pass Loch Arklet to Inversnaid on the shores of Loch Lomond. Here stroll along the banks of Loch Lomond which is Britain's largest inland expanse of water being 23 miles long and up to 5 miles wide. From here you can also walk part of the West Highland Way, view the Inversnaid Waterfall, or relax with a drink or over lunch at the Inversnaid Hotel.
Situated about nine miles from Doune Castle on the larger of three islands in the Lake of Menteith, these ruins of a 13th century priory provide an idyllic setting for a peaceful picnic which in the spring is full of daffodils, bluebells and rhododendrons. Take the small ferry from the Port of Menteith for the short trip to the island keeping a watchful eye out for some of the many birds that make the lake their home, including great-crested grebe, goldeneye, red-breasted merganser, tufted duck, mallards, geese, herons and swans.
The priory was founded in 1238 and in 1547 was used as a safe haven from the English army by Mary, Queen of Scots. Though now in ruins there is still enough standing to give an impression of how the whole priory looked when it was in use.
When you have finished looking at the priory be sure to take a walk around the shoreline of the island. This tranquil walk takes less than twenty minutes and should not be missed. Particularly interesting are the wild flowers, ancient trees, and bird life and if you have sharp eyes you may be able to pick out the remains of a castle on the adjacent island.
Open April to September, Monday to Saturday 09:30 - 18:30 and Sunday 14:00 - 18:30. Admission including ferry rides is £2.80 for adults, £1.80 for Seniors and £1 for children.
Historically The Trossachs are a small area defined by the peaks of Ben A'an and Ben Venue, and the Lochs Katrine and Achray. This beautiful area has much to offer in terms of beauty, peace and places of interest and Callander and Aberfoyle are placed right on its doorstep. For further, more detailed information on The Trossachs go to the Trossachs Page.
Visit the Achray Forest Drive for a 7 mile leisurely drive through a beautiful part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park visiting both Loch Achray and Loch Drunkie. An optional walk takes you further along the shores of Loch Drunkie. Beautiful Highland scenery, plenty of parking areas and places ideal for picnics. Open Easter - October.
This pass on the Trossachs trail offers superb views over the Achray forest with a view point on the west side of the road and another on the east side at the entrance to the Achray Forest Drive. Both are worth a visit and the drive over the pass is splendid with the chance of meeting a Scottish bagpiper at the roadside.
Another one for the kids with farm animals to pet including rabbits and sheep as well as pony and cart rides, and a walking trail. Interesting farming artefacts and illustration of dykeing.
For further information on places to visit see the following pages:
Contents
Introduction
Callander
The Trossachs
Activities
Maps
Stirling
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Walks
Photography
Images
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