The Trossachs Trail

The Birthplace of Scottish Tourism

Artists and poets of the early 1800s first put the Trossachs on the map. Attracted by the romantic and dramatic contrasts in Highland and Lowland landscapes, their poems and paintings were so vivid that they drew many visitors. The birthplace of tourism in Scotland. 

The Trossachs Trail Route

The 40 mile Trossachs Trail draws inspiration from the original historic Trossachs Tour of the 1800s. A series of brown road signs sign the route; now upgraded, part of a major initiative led by independent conservation charity Friends of Loch Lomond & Trossachs (we need to update the one pictured above before it was refreshed!). The route takes in Doune, Callander, Aberfoyle, Blair Drummond, Deanston, Brig o’ Turk and Kilmahog.

 

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Introducing the Trossachs

The Trossachs has come to describe a large area of woodland, lochs and mountains between Callander and Aberfoyle, though the name comes from a small wooded glen that leads from Loch Achray to Loch Katrine.

Trossachs Trail Website

We have created a new website for the Trossachs Trail that, along with new local visitor information panels around the route, will help to guide visitors.

Trossachs Trail Website

Ben A’an in the Trossachs

Trossachs Trail Highlights

Here are some of the highlights that you can discover along the Trossachs Trail, a range of activities to discover by foot, boat and bike.

DOUNE CASTLE 

Visit Doune’s medieval castle, the backdrop for many films and TV programmes, like Outlander and Monty Python’s Holy Grail.

INCHMAHOME PRIORY 

Island hop by ferry on the Lake of Menteith to explore the 12th century ruined priory where Mary Queen of Scots hid in 1547.

BAG A BEN

Enjoy a hill walk and great views from a Trossachs Ben - choose from Ben Ledi, Ben Gullipen, Ben Venue, Ben A’an, or Ben Vorlich.

VISIT LOCH KATRINE 

Experience the loch on a cruise, stroll by the historic shore, cycle the loch-side path or stay in a luxury glamping pod. 

Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine with Sir Walter Scott Steamship and The Lady of the Lake

BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI PARK

Enjoy a family day out at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, with wild and exotic animals and a dinosaur playpark.

SPIRIT OF THE TROSSACHS

Taste the spirit of the Trossachs in a gin crafted by gin lovers and meet the team at McQueen Gin distillery shop near Callander. 

GET ACTIVE IN THE FOREST 

Visit the Lodge Visitor Centre in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and zip slide above the trees, watch red squirrels or explore forest paths. 

CALL IN ON CALLANDER 

Explore shops, cafes, restaurants and enjoy woodland or riverside walks. Callander is the gateway to the Highlands overlooked by the majestic Ben Ledi.

FAMILY FUN AT BRIARLANDS 

Play and family fun in the fresh air at Briarlands Farm – adventure, animals, farm tours, pick your own strawberries, soft play and café. 

TROSSACHS HIGHLAND MALT

Take a tour of Deanston Distillery in a 19th-century cotton mill followed by tastings of their world-class Highland Single Malt.

GRAVEL BIKE ADVENTURE

Discover Gravelfoyle - a network of way-marked off-road gravel trails in the forest that all start in Aberfoyle.

WONDERFUL WETLAND

Stroll the boardwalk or climb the viewing tower at Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve to spot birds, animals, insects and plant life. 

THREE LOCHS FOREST DRIVE 

Drive, walk or cycle the seven-mile forest loop around three lochs - Reòidhte, Drunkie and Achray. Open for cars from Easter to October.

ARGATY RED KITES

Watch or photograph wild and majestic red kites, red squirrels and other wildlife in one of the hides at Argaty Red Kites, near Doune. 

PLAY ON THE WATER

Dive into Loch Ard on the water assault course at Go Country, sail to an island by kayak or canoe or swim in the clear water.

EXPLORE GLEN FINGLAS 

Learn about the glen at the Gateway Visitor Centre, let your children explore the interactive play trail or head for the hills on foot or by bike.

ANTIQUES ROAD TRIP 

Browse antiques, art and collectables and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the café at the Scottish Antiques & Arts Centre near Doune.

DRAMATIC WATERFALLS 

Feel the power of Trossachs rivers at Bracklinn Falls or the Falls of Leny near Callander and Arklet Falls at Inversnaid.

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Bracklinn Falls, Callander

REMEMBER ROB ROY

Visit the resting place of outlaw legend Rob Roy MacGregor, made famous by Sir Walter Scott, at Balquhidder Parish Church.

FOLLOW THE FAIRIES 

Learn about the Fairies at Doon Hill, Aberfoyle, and then relax with a coffee and cake from a cafe on Main Street before browsing the brightly coloured gift shops.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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