The Trossachs Trail

Arrival to Callander which is easily reached by train and short bus ride from Edinburgh or Glasgow airports.  If you arrive in the afternoon why not take a local walk to Bracklin waterfalls and the Callander Crags.

Today you start our Trossachs Trail walking holiday with a beautiful walk alongside the Falls of Leny and Loch Lubnaig to Strathrye. Using well-marked trails you head north, wonder at the colours across the Loch as you walk beside it with the sky and tree-covered hills reflecting in the water.

Today’s first few miles are on quiet country lanes up the glen towards Balquhidder. Balquhidder is famous as the site of Rob Roy’s Grave and enjoys a picturesque location at the head of Loch Voil. A short detour will take you to the little church to see his family grave. Now you head out into open mountain country, walking through glens and skirting the base of heather-clad hills as you head up Glen Meann. This first section leads you up to Glen Finglas, the old hunting grounds of the kings of Scotland, now an important reservoir. Now you descend to Brig o’Turk. Accommodation in the village is limited so if this is full we shall arrange a transfer to Callander (return) where you shall overnight.

Starting today you head into Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Look behind as you ascend to the views of Bens Venue, Ben A’an and Ben Ledi which are spectacular. If you are lucky you may spot Red or Roe deer, Red squirrels and even Capercaillie and the off highland cow! Ascending over Duke’s Pass you shall descend to Aberfoyle a quaint town amongst the hills and the Forest Park.

After a short transfer, your optional walk takes you through Loch Ard Forest with views of Ben Lomond in the distance. The varied forest tracks take you through some old woodland and clearings with wonderful views. Underneath the ground, you are crossing the Loch Katrine water system which feeds Glasgow from the nearby Loch. Aberfoyle is a wonderfully picturesque village with its woollen visitor centre and small animal farm. Often in the summer months you will see exhibitions of sheep shearing, sheepdogs working and even birds of prey exhibitions.

You will walk along the highland fault today with low lands to the south and highlands to the north. A spectacular walk. Crossing the hills you will have in your view Loch Venachar and Ben Ledi in the distance. With Callander, there are many places to eat and visit. Nearby are the woollen mills visitor centres, within the tourist information centre, is the Rob Roy Visitor attraction giving you some further information about this well known local hero.

Depart after breakfast.