Trossachs activities and things to see and do

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 see and do whilst in The Trossachs plus a few things which lots of people never get round to trying.

The Trossachs
The Trossachs with Loch Achray & Ben A'an on the right & Ben Venue on left

Pleasure Cruises in The Trossachs

Loch Katrine - MAP

The steamer Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine is probably the most popular attraction in the Trossachs 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.

See 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
    Leaving from Inversnaid on the western shore of Loch Lomond, the small cruiser Tarbet Explorer departs for the village of Tarbet where you can spend some time ashore for a meal or a walk. Other cruises offer various novel options for experiencing the wonders & dramatic beauty of Loch Lomond including Rob Roy McGregors cave & the most northerly island's ruined strongholds.
  • Sweeneys Cruises - Balloch
    Sweeneys have been offering cruises on the loch for over a century. The Scottish Tourist Board gave a high rating for our one hour experience tour which operates year round. A two hour Island Discovery Tour is available in the summer. Evening Cruises are also available in July & August. Organised groups are especially welcome.

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

Ben Ledi in The Trossachs
Ben Ledi in The Trossachs

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. One very suitable and comparatively easy hill for the novice is Ben Ledi near Callander - not quite a Munro at just under 3000 feet but with exceptional views over the Trossachs. Many local walks and rambles as well as some of the better known Munros are fully described in our Trossachs walking section.

Go 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 Ttossachs cycling section.

Horse Riding and Pony Trekking in The Trossachs

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 and things to do 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

Distilleries

Glengoyne Distillery - +44 (0)1360 550254
Glengoyne is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world. An award winning malt, its the product of an unconventional process, remarkable ingredients & the pride & passion of its people. Located near Loch Lomond, the Glengoyne Distillery has Tours, Masterclasses, Whisky Tastings, Meetings & Private Dining. If you can't make it in person, we have an on-line shop for Special Bottlings, Personalised Bottles & Collectables. Perfect.
Address: On Scenic A81 Road, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, G63 9LB

Visit Museums, Galleries, Discover History & Folklore

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

Trossachs Museums, Heritage and Galleries

Hamilton Toy Collection +44 (0)1877 330004. In Callander Main Street this is a collectors Shop and Toy Museum with a collection including Model Soldiers, Dolls, Tin Toys, Teddy Bears, Die Cast Vehicles, Model Railways, Games, Books Slot Cars, TV and Film Toys. Spread over five rooms and numerous display cases, plus 2 collectors shops selling old and new toys and books.

Breadalbane Folklore Centre, Killin +44 (0)1567 820254 .The history of the area is explained to the visitor. The giant waterwheel which powered the old mealmill still turns today. Visit Breadalbane Folklore Centre to discover the story of Scotland's 'High Country'.

The Lake of Mentieth & Inchmahome Priory +44 (0)1877 385294. On an island in the Lake of Menteith, Inchmahome is an Augustinian monastery dating from 1238. Much of the 13th century building remains. There is a wide range of plant and wildlife on the island. Access is only possible by boat from the jetty at Port of Menteith. To call the boat - turn the signal post round.

Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Stirling +44 (0)1786 812664. The site of Robert the Bruce's victory at The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, this heritage centre brings the Wars of Independence to life. Figures of Wallace and Bruce, a large model of the Battle of Stirling Bridge and an audio-visual presentation tell the story of Bruce and the battle. Display boards and photographs tell you about recent investigations to find the actual site of the battle. A bronze statue of Bruce on his war-horse stands outside on the Rotunda.

Stirling Castle +44 (0)131 668 8800. One of Scotland's grandest castles and favourite of the Stewart Kings of Scotland, Stirling Castle commands the countryside at the only place an army could pass through the narrow strip between the rivers Forth and Clyde - a strategically vital crossing of the Forth. It overlooks some of the most important battlefields of Scotland's past including Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace defeated the English army in 1297, and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce repeated the victory in the summer of 1314. The regimental museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders is also housed in the castle.

The National Wallace Monument +44 (0)1786 472140. Open all year, The National Wallace Monument is packed with fascinating exhibits and displays - so come and visit one of the country's most magnificent sights, and meet Scotland's national hero - William Wallace. Re-live William Wallace's life and trial, see William Wallace's sword and enjoy fantastic panoramic views from the top. Visit via the free minibus shuttle which operates all day, or walk through the wooded slopes of Abbey Craig to reach The Monument.
Address: Hillfoots Rd, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK9 5LF
www.nationalwallacemonument.com

Stirling Old Town Jail +44 (0)1786 450050. Stirling Old Town Jail stands at the heart of the city's historic quarter. The Victorian reformers practised what they preached - which wasn't exactly comforting for the poor inmates. 'Coarse food; a dress of shame; hard, incessant,irksome labour; a planned & regulated & unrelenting exclusion of happiness & comfort'.

Green Gallery, The Coach House, Ballamenoch, Buchlyvie, Nr Stirling, FK8 3NX
After fifteen years in Aberfoyle we have relocated to the picturesque village of Buchlyvie, to another custom built building, this time a victorian coachhouse which we hope you will enjoy visiting. We will have four exhibitions a year, usually in March, May, September and November in between times we will be closed or open by appointment. We will still showcase the very best artists and artists craftsmen working in Scotland today,and hopefully continue to provide a visual treat whenever you visit.
Phone: +44 (0)1360 850180, Email: greengallery@sol.co.uk Website: www.greengallery.com

The Smith Stirling Museum & Gallery +44 (0)1786 449523. Located in Stirling's Dumbarton Road, the Smith Art Gallery and Museum was founded in 1874. It is the home of a significant collection of rare & unique artefacts, spanning centuries of Scottish, British & World history. The collection contains many remarkable objects, including a great many items of interest from the worlds of social history, ethnography, women's history, natural history & fine art.

Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery +44 (0)141 276 9500. Argyle St, Glasgow. Kelvingrove is a very special museum. For generations of people it has a deep, personal significance linked with every stage of their lives. Visits to 'the art gallerie' are highlights of their lives. Visitors develop favourites, which they drop in to see whenever they get a chance. And although everyone thinks their cherished local institution is special, the sense of Kelvingrove's uniqueness is backed up by facts ? it is the largest civic museum and art gallery in the UK, with collections of international importance.

National Museum Of Scotland +44 (0)131 225 7534. Chambers Street, Edinburgh. The National Museum of Scotland's collections tell you the story of Scotland its land, its people and culture. There is plenty to see and do! We cover life, the universe and everything in it. Some exhibits are millions of years old, others less than a decade. Your journey of discovery starts here.

The Museum Of Edinburgh +44 (0)131 529 4143 The Museum of Edinburgh in the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is home to important collections relating to the history of Edinburgh, from prehistoric times to the present day. If you know the story of ' Greyfriars Bobby ', you will be thrilled to see his collar and feeding bowl, and the original plaster model for the bronze statue in Candlemaker Row. One of the museum's great treasures is the National Covenant, signed by Scotland's presbyterian leadership in 1638, while the collections of Scottish pottery and items relating to Field Marshal Earl Haig are of national importance.

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 Trossachs Accommodation pages