The Trossachs, Scotland

Sir Walter Scott and The Trossachs

The Trossachs in Scotland and Loch Katrine have been known for their scenic attractions ever since Sir Walter Scott wrote 'Rob Roy' and 'The Lady of the Lake' in the early nineteenth century. Sir Walter visited the Trossachs and stayed near Loch Katrine with his wife Charlotte and daughter Sofia in 1819. Knowing something of the history and legends, he was moved to write 'The Lady of the Lake'. It was completed and published in May 1810. The Trossachs became better known through this publication and as transport improved, the area became a popular tourist destination.

Trossachs of Old

"Trossachs" was originally the name of a small area between lochs Achray and Katrine but the National Park Authority has given the name  'Trossachs' to the scenic triangle bounded by the head of Loch Katrine, Aberfoyle and Callander and north to Strathyre and Balquhidder.

The Trossachs was the haunt of the highland caterans who hid in its secret glens, and after whom Loch Katrine is reputed to be named - though some say it was named after a lady of that name! Rob Roy MacGregor brought his 'lifted' cattle through the 'Bealach nam Bo' (or ‘pass of the cattle’) on the south side of Loch Katrine and the Trossachs Pass through which the modern access road now leads.

On the slopes above the south shore is a cave named 'Coire na Uriusgean' ('Goblin's cave') and apart from ghosts and goblins, is also reputed to be one of the hiding places of the old highland rustlers.

Things to see and do in The Trossachs

This is probably the most popular area in the National Park for those seeking scenery, walking, cycling and fishing.

This map shows the most scenic locations. The Trossachs area is a natural playground which caters for all tastes, ages and abilities. The National Park authorities and Forestry Commission are re-planting the area with native trees and removing the other species. This will restore the Trossachs forest to its historic condition.

Walking and cycling in The Trossachs

There are walks, cycleways and mountains to climb - see a wealth of wildlife; red deer, roe deer, eagles, red kites and other birds of prey, red squirrels foxes and even the occasional wildcat.

Probably the most popular walk/bike ride is the private road on the lochside from the Trossachs pier to Stronachlachar at the west end of the loch. Another popular ride follows the south shores of Achray and Venachar from The Trossachs Pass to Callander.

Other Trossachs walks and bike routes abound and are described on the walking and cycling pages. Local hillwalks are Ben A'an and Ben Venue.

The Trossachs Pier complex

Loch Katrine complex offers options for a trip on the water: the SS Sir Walter Scott - the old steamer, 'Ellen's Isle', a small cruise launch which reaches the secret corners, and a recent addition to the fleet, 'Lady of the Lake', which originally cruised on the river Clyde. The Trossachs Pier complex also boasts cycle hire, a cafe and a gift shop.

If you come through Brig o' Turk you might like to stop at the Byre Inn for a small refreshment.

How to get to there

The ease of access which made The Trossachs and Katrine district attractive to the raiders of old now encourages thousands of motorists to converge here every year to enjoy its unparalleled beauty and outdoor activities.

The Trossachs and Loch Katrine via the Dukes Pass from Aberfoyle

From Aberfoyle take the Callander road (A821) which leads over the Duke's Pass to Loch Katrine.

About halfway over the pass, on the west side of the road by some huge rocks you'll see access to a parking area. Some wonderful views here and access to a maze of forest roads which allow you to explore the forests and visit Loch Drunkie by car.

The road then descends toward the Trossachs and Loch Katrine. Further spectacular views are obtained over Lochs Achray, Venachar and Drunkie. Also seen are: Bens Venue, A'an, Ledi, the Glen Gyle hills, Glen Finglas, and away in the distance,  Callander, gateway to The Trossachs.

Loch Katrine and The Trossachs from Callander

From Callander where you will find a great choice of accommodation, take the A84 north for 1 mile to Kilmahog and the Trossachs woollen mills then turn left at the A821 towards Aberfoyle.  Carry on for about 4 miles and through the hamlet of Brig o' Turk. Soon after Brig o' Turk, another set of winding bends lead you along the north shore of Loch Achray with its famous reflections. Find more information about Callander.

Pass - or visit the picturesque Trossachs Church on your left.
Follow signs to Loch Katrine at the end of Loch Achray.

Loch Katrine in The Trossachs, Scotland

At the west end of Loch Achray, a narrow road leads away from Loch Achray via the narrow gorge leading to the true heart of the Trossachs and Loch Katrine with it's pier. There is a small fee for the pier car park.

At the pier on Lock Katrine there are toilets, a souvenir  and craft shop, cycle hire and a tea room who's dining room has splendid views over the loch. Loch Katrine is some 8 miles long and nearly a mile wide at it's widest. The level of Loch Katrine was raised three times in Victorian days to provide water for Glasgow via 24 mile long twin aquaducts. A very old photo (about 1860) of the Trossachs pier and boathouse may be seen HERE

The private road up the side of Katrine from the Trossachs pier car park is ALMOST car free and you may walk or cycle the 11 or 12 mile up the Loch Katrine private road to Stronachlacher.

Cycle hire from Wheels Cycling Centre just outside Callander or Mounter's Bikes in Callander. Bicycles may also be hired at the Pier.

A cruise up Loch Katrine on steamship Sir Walter Scott is an essential part of a day out in the Trossachs. The Steamer leaves from the rustic Pier and sails to Stronachlacher at the other end of Loch Katrine in the mornings and provides circular Loch Katrine cruises (without stopping at Stronachlacher) in the afternoons.

At the southern end of the Trossachs Pass is a car park with views along Loch Achray. A footpath leads to the dam road then over a rustic bridge to forest paths and optionally to the top of Ben Venue.

Brig o' Turk

Leave Loch Katrine, return to Loch Achray via the pier road and turn left.

The road leads past the Ben A'an car park on the right, opposite the signposted track up the hill. This is a stiff 1500 ft climb but worth it for the views, (see walks page). Pass Tigh Mhor (Holiday Property Bond) on the left then the little Trossachs Church (Kirk) on the right.

Continue via this twisting lochside road to the ancient village of Brig o' Turk. The name of the village is derived from the bridge and the mountain behind the village 'Creag an Tuirc'  ('an tuiric' = the boar).

The GlenFinglas road at Brig o' Turk leads past a beautiful little graveyard and the village school to GlenFinglas - King James iv of Scotland's royal deer forest. There are some excellent walks, especially in the GlenFinglas area which is being re-planted with native woodland. A testing mountain bike route named 'the Mell' provides some excitement for bike enthusiasts.

Loch Venachar and Kilmahog

Further along the A821 you can soak up the views to the south over Venachar to Ben Gullipen. At the west end of the loch you may see InverTrossachs house, once a favourite residence of Queen Victoria.
Near the east end is 'Coille an Togle' farm, another place mentioned in Scott's yarns. A road on the right leads over an old stone bridge (c1777) then a right turn leads to a car park - worth a visit  for the view of the Venachar and  Ben Ledi to the north.

Opposite the Invertrossachs road is a hill named Dunmore crowned by a well preserved iron age hill fort facing a large glacial erratic  known as 'Samsons Putting Stone'.

A series of bends now take you down a long slope to cross the river Leny into Kilmahog. Reputedly named from 'the cell of St Chug' there is evidence of a pre-reformation church in the old burial ground by the road before you reach the main A84 trunk road. There are many Stewart burials here belonging to families who lived in Glen Finlas prior to its flooding when the dam was built.The Lade Inn is a favourite watering hole offering food, drink and weekend live folk music evenings. A right turn at the main road takes you toward Callander past the Trossachs Woollen Mill and the Kilmahog Woolen mill. You may also catch a glimpse of Hamish, the highland bull in his field just beyond the millson the left.

Things to do when you Visit The Trossachs

• Visit Loch Katrine leisure complex
• Walk or cycle by the Loch or in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
• Fish in any of the lochs
• Go riding at Rednock Farm Pony Trekking & Horse Riding Centre
• Climb Ben A'an for a unique view of the Trossachs
• Don't forget to visit the old steamer SS Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine.
• Go-Ape! - Vertigo - high in the trees
• See the Ospreys at David Marshall Lodge

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

 

Callander Homepage

The Trossachs, Schottland, Scotland - the place to be! Callander - the place to stay.

Callander - the place to be in the Loch Lomond National Park

The Trossachs - Scotland