The Trossachs in Scotland - an Adventure Playground

What to See and Do in The Trossachs

However long you stay in The Trossachs here in Scotland, you will always find something more to see and enjoy. On this page we attempt to describe some of the things which most people do whilst in The Trossachs plus a few things which lots of people never get round to trying.

Pleasure Cruises in The Trossachs

Loch Katrine - MAP

The steamer Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine is probably the most popular attraction in the area and has now been sailing the loch for just over 100 years. Cruises begin at the Trossachs pier at the south-east end of Loch Katrine and currently offer two cruises:

  • Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar (the other end of the Loch) with the option of disembarking at Stronachlachar to return either on foot or by bicycle on the (almost) traffic free private lochside road. The walk / bike ride is about 12 miles with magnificent scenery all the way.
  • A shorter circular cruise allowing opportunities to view the shorelines and mountains but without any disembarkation.

Loch Lomond - MAP

  • Balmaha Nature Cruises - Balmaha, Loch Lomond
    Balmaha Boatyard & Marina on Loch Lomond has been owned for 150 years by the MacFarlane family. They run a Loch Lomond Ferry, Mail boat & Inchcailleach Island Nature Trail Cruise. Also Boat Hire & Outboards from £10 per day & Fishing Permits. For a peaceful day or larger groups looking to charter a boat they have the local knowledge ensuring that your experience of Loch Lomond is truly memorable.
  • Cruise Loch Lomond - Tarbet, Loch Lomond
    The 'Tarbet Explorer' departs for the village of Tarbet from Inversnaid on the western shore of Loch Lomond where you can disembark & spend time ashore for lunch or a walk. The 'Northern Adventure' cruises offer exciting options for experiencing the spectacular & dramatic beauty of Loch Lomond passing Rob Roy McGregors cave & the most northerly island's ruined strongholds.
  • Sweeneys Cruises - Balloch
    A family run business & has been offering cruises on Loch Lomond for over 100 years. Rated 4 stars by the Scottish Tourist Board our one hour experience tour operates year round. 2 hour Island Discovery Tour available in the summer. Evening Sunset Cruises also available in July & August. All cruises have live commentary, bar & toilet on board. Private Charter also available. Groups welcome.

Museums, History & Folklore

From a base in the Trossachs you can visit many museums, historical sites and folklore centres. Listed below and more information HERE

  • Hamilton Toy Collection In Callander Main Street, The Trossachs +44 (0)1877 330004.
  • Breadalbane Folklore Centre, Killin, Trossachs. +44 (0)1567 820254 .
  • The Lake of Mentieth & Inchmahome Priory, Trossachs. +44 (0)1877 385294.
  • Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Stirling +44 (0)1786 812664.
  • Stirling Castle +44 (0)131 668 8800.
  • The National Wallace Monument +44 (0)1786 472140.
  • Stirling Old Town Jail +44 (0)1786 450050.
  • The Smith Stirling Museum & Gallery +44 (0)1786 449523.
  • Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery Argyle St, Glasgow. +44 (0)141 276 9500
  • National Museum Of Scotland Edinburgh. +44 (0)131 225 7534.
  • The Museum Of Edinburgh +44 (0)131 529 4143. Edinburgh in the Royal Mile.

Castles in the Trossachs - and nearby

Scotland is famous for its castles and The Trossachs has its fair share of these. Too many to include on this page but a comprehensive list and description can be found in our castles tour

Walking in the Trossachs - Scotland

In the centre of Scotland, famed for its mountains, forests and lochs a base in the Trossachs places you right in the middle of some of the most beautiful and exciting walking country in the British Isles. Walks to suit all tastes - easy rambles, woods full of wildlife, mountains and 'molehills' with views to remember for the rest of your life. Many local walks and rambles as well as some of the better known Munros are fully described in our Trossachs walking section.

Cycling in The Trossachs

The mixed terrain of The Trossachs makes for exciting and interesting cycle routes with grades suitable for all abilities. The best known route is the 'National Cycle Route C& which crosses mostly level areas with a short steep section at the Duke's Pass near Aberfoyle. Starting at Milngavie near Glasgow, the C7 route takes you through all kinds of scenery all the way to Killin. The section from Callander to Killin is especially popular as it follows the track bed of a disused railway and as a result is unusually easy for the occasional cyclist. The C7 is almost all well clear of public roads and Traffic.

Another popular route is the Loch Katrine lochside road - almost traffic free (it's a private road) it runs from the Trossachs pier to Stronachlachar and as the steamer sails between these points it is convenient to sail one way and pedal back - pedal distancs is about 12 miles.

The above routes and many more are described in our cycling section.

Horse Riding and Pony Trekking

The nearest trekking centre to The Trossachs is at Rednock Farm Trekking centre near Port of Menteith on the Callander road. Rednock also have static caravans for those staying for a few days.

There are other centres at:

  • Drumbrae Riding School, Drumbrae Farm, Bridge of Allan, Stirling, FK9 4LT. Tel: +44 (0)1786 832 247.
  • Duncryne Equitation & Trekking Centre, Gartocharn, near Balloch, Loch Lomond, G62. Tel: +44 (0)1389 830425.
  • Loch Tay Highland Lodges & Equestrian Centre, Milton Morenish Estate, Killin, FK21 8TY. Tel: +44 (0)1567 820323
  • Lomondside Stud & Equestrian Centre, Buchanan Castle Estate, Drymen, G63 0HU. Tel: +44 (0)1360 660481

Fishing in The Trossachs, Scotland

With so many rivers, burns and lochs the Trossachs has got to be one of the best places in Scotland for fishing with a variety of species for game and course fishing. Fishing venues are fully described in the Trossachs Fishing section.

Wildlife and Nature in the Trossachs

Several places are of particular interest:

  • The Argaty Red Kite centre where these spectacular raptors may be observed and fed - between Doune and Dunblane
  • The David Marshall Lodge Osprey observation room. Watch live CCTV of the ospreys on the nest closeby
  • The Trossachs bird of prey trail - a circular route visiting known habitations of various species
  • Birds of the Rob Roy Way at the Leny Pass - a gentle walk with the chance to observe many aquatic and woodland species
  • Loch Lomond Bird Of Prey Centre - +44 (0)7751-862416 - Rescue, Conservation & Education, Ballagan, near Balloch, Loch Lomond
  • Blair Drummond Safari Park - +44 (0) 1786 841456. A great day out for all the family with Wild Animal Reserves, Pet's Farm, Sea Lion Shows, Giant Astraglide, Adventure Play Area and much more. On the A84 between Doune and Stirling
  • Loch Loch Lomond Aquarium - +44 (0)1389 721500. In The tower at the Loch Lomond Shores Centre at Balloch.

Other outdoor activities in The Trossachs

  • Go Ape at David Marshall Lodge - fly high over the treetops on the longest zip-wire in the uk.
  • Go-Country at Kinlochard. On land activities include quad biking, archery, climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking & orienteering. The waterpark at the centre also provides canoeing & cliff jumping
  • Canadian Canoes on Loch Tay at Killin outdoor centre

Trossachs Accommodation

Accommodation in the Trossachs comes in a wide variety - B&B, Hotels, Cottages, Log Cabins, Caravans, camping, you name it and you'll find it in this very popular area. To select your accommodation for that never to be forgotten holiday, visit our massive selection on the accommodation pages

Trossacks Scotland spacer The Trossachs - Scotland