Although the following places are grouped close to Aberfoyle and possible to
visit in a day, you cannot do justice to it all in less than three days.
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park Visitors Centre
Formerly known as The David Marshall Lodge. Audio visual exhibits introduce
you to the forest park with displays, exhibitions, resident craftsmen,
cafeteria, wheelchair access, picnic sites and toilet facilities. The centre
is situated on the Dukes Pass and is less than one mile from Aberfoyle.
For the fitter and more able, there is a small footpath leading from Trossachs
Road to the Centre. There are walks for all around the centre taking in the
waterfalls and forest paths.
Open Easter to October 10.00 - 18.00 and weekends only until Christmas.
The Scottish Wool Centre
The Wool Centre is situated in the main car park in Aberfoyle. The Centre
has live shows telling the history of Scotland involving its sheep!! A light
hearted show with demonstrations three times daily from Easter to October and
weekends the rest of the year. The Centre also has spinning and weaving
demonstrations, a gift shop and coffee shop. There is much to interest people
of all ages.
Open October - March 10.00 - 5.00, April - September 9.30 - 6.00
Inversnaid and Loch Lomond
Drive through Aberfoyle and pass Loch Ard and Loch Chon enjoying some of
the most beautiful scenery on the way. Please drive with care as most of this
road is single track. On the way visit Stronachlachar boat pier on Loch
Katrine and drive on passed Loch Arklet to Inversnaid and the "Bonnie
Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond". Here you can stroll along the banks of Loch
Lomond which is Britain's largest expanse of water. It measures 23 miles long
and 5 miles wide. From here you can also walk part of the West Highland Way,
view the Inversnaid waterfall, or relax with a drink from the Inversnaid
Hotel. Inversnaid is an R.S.P.B. reserve and Golden Eagles, Ospreys and
Redstarts can be observed.
Please Note: The Hotel does not as a rule serve food.
The Trossachs and Loch Katrine
Historically The Trossachs are a small area defined by the peaks of Ben
A'an and Ben Venue, and the Lochs Katrine and Achray. This magnificent area
has much to offer in terms of beauty, peace and places of interest. The hills
of Ben A'an and Venue are easily accessed by good footpaths and the views from
both are spectacular. A good eating place on your way possibly to Callander,
is the Brig 'O' Turk Tea Room or The Byre Inn.
A trip to this lovely loch which can include a sail on the S.S. Sir Walter
Scott should not be missed, this is such a serene location. This area is at
the heart of Rob Roy country. Loch Katrine is 8 miles long and less than 500
ft deep. It was enlarged in 1859 to become the chief water supply for the city
of Glasgow. The Loch is noted for it's beauty and celebrated in the literature
of "The Lady of the Lake", the romantic poem by the Scottish poet
and novelist Sir Walter Scott. The village of Glengyle, at the south-eastern
head of the loch was the birthplace of the famous Scottish brigand Rob Roy.
There is a gift shop and restaurant beside the loch open to all visitors. From
the lake you can hire a bicycle and cycle around the lake to see the real
beauty of the area.
Please check sailing times carefully.
Achray Forest Drive
The Achray Forest Drive is a seven mile leisurely drive through a beautiful
part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, visiting both Loch Achray and Loch
Drunkie. An optional walk takes you further along the shores of Loch Drunkie.
Beautiful highland scenery, plenty of parking areas and ideal places for
picnics.
Open Easter - October.
Dukes Pass
The Dukes pass on the Trossachs trail offers superb views over the Achray
Forest with view points along its route. The drive over the pass is splendid
and you could have a chance meeting with a lone piper.
Rob Roy and Trossachs Visitor Centre - Callander
Situated in Ancaster Square in an elegant building previously a church, the
Rob Roy Tourist Information Centre not only provides tourist information
services but also an excellent exhibition and audio visual show about Rob Roy.
Callander Main Street offers a shopper's paradise of woollens and gifts.
One shop not to miss is 'View Finder's
Gallery' which offers
spectacular landscape photography of the area.
The Lake of Menteith and Inchmahome Priory
Situated approximately five miles from Aberfoyle is the Lake of Menteith.
On the larger of the three islands in the Lake are the ruins of a 13th
century priory, which provide an idyllic setting for a peaceful picnic which
in Spring is full of daffodils, Bluebells and rhododendrons. Take the small
ferry from the Port of Menteith for the short trip to the island keeping a
watchful eve out for the many birds that make the lake their home. These
include the Great-Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, Red-Breasted Merganser, tufted
duck, mallard, geese, herons, swans and Ospreys.
The priory was founded in 1238 and in 1547 was used as a safe haven from
the English army for Mary Queen of Scots. Though now in ruins there is still
enough standing to give an impression of how the whole priory looked when it
was in use.
When you have finished looking at the priory be sure to take a walk around the shoreline of the island. This tranquil walk is less than twenty
minutes and should not be missed. Particularly interesting are the wild
flowers and ancient trees. If you have a sharp eye or a pair of binoculars you
may be able to pick out the remains of a castle on the adjacent island.
Open April - September, Monday to Saturday 09.30 - 18.30 and Sunday 14.00 -
18.30.
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Another great place for the children with all the usual animals, petting
area including Vietnamese Potbelly Pigs, Llamas and sheep. The wild animals
include elephants, tigers, giraffes, zebras and white rhinos. Amusements
include a Great slide, adventure playground, pedalos on the lake and boat
trips to see the monkeys. For those who enjoy barbecues and picnics there is a
well equipped area available. (Take your own food). Kennels are provided for
pets and a Safari Bus for those without a hard topped car.
Open March - October 10.00 - 5.30
Glengoyne Distillery
The lowest of the lowland malt distilleries situated at the foot of
Dumgoyne, approximately 10 miles from Aberfoyle. The distillery has a short
video presentation and guided tours with groups of 10 or more. All tours start
on the hour and offer a free taste of their 10 year malt.
Open Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00, Sunday 12.00 - 16.00.
Stirling Castle
The mighty royal castle of Stirling towers above some of the most important
battlefields in Scotland's history; including the site of Stirling Bridge -
William Wallace's victory over the English in 1297 and Bannockburn where
Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe in 1314.
Open all year 9.30 - 6.00(summer)/5.00pm (winter)
Wallace Monument
It's well nigh impossible to drive around Stirling without seeing the
National Wallace Monument. This 220ft tower dominates the surrounding plain.
Take the 240 steps to the top and you'll enjoy spectacular views.
Open all year with seasonal hrs, check before going.
