| Many
of the communities throughout the Trossachs have ancient
origins. Many
of them have adapted greatly through the centuries. Town
or village, bustling or secluded, each is a particular reflection
of life in the Trossachs, past and present. Almost
all offer a choice of holiday accommodation and most offer
interesting shopping for crafts, woollens and souvenirs and
a choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants to enjoy. |
Aberfoyle & Kinlochard
Southern gateway to the Trossachs, Aberfoyle nestles in
the lee of the foothills marking the beginning of the Scottish
Highlands. To the south are the pastured lands of the
Forth Valley to the north, the steeply dramatic Duke's Pass. Shapely
Ben Lomond draws the eye to the west, while a chain of shimmering
lochs in lovely Strathard lead ultimately to the bonnie, bonnie
banks of Loch Lomond. Kinlochard is a quiet hamlet on
the shores of Loch Ard, Aberfoyle a pleasant holiday village
with plenty of amenities and not a little local character!
|
| Aberfoyle even
has deep associations with the 'Other World', as its one-time
minister, the Reverend Robert Kirk, testified in his manuscript,
'The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies'. Aberfoyle
is also the starting point for many walks and cycle routes,
and site of the Trossachs Discovery Centre, a great place
to find out more about the Trossachs. |
Balquhidder
Last resting place of the fabled Rob Roy, this tiny hamlet, with neighbouring
Kingshouse, lies amid the breath taking beauty of secluded Balquhidder
Glen. Overlooked by the steep-sided Braes of Balquhidder, which
inspired the popular folk song, 'Will ye go, lassie go?'
|
Brig O'Turk
Close to the heart of the Trossachs, the hamlet of Brig O'Turk has around
it beautiful Loch Venacher and Loch Achray, the magnificent craggy
peaks of Ben Venue and Ben A'an and, cutting deep among the hills above,
Glen Finglas once an important cattle droving route. The curious
name Brig O'Turk derives from the Gaelic Tuirc, meaning 'Wild Boar'. |
Callander
A major gateway to the Highlands, Callander is set beneath
spectacular wooded crags, with stately Ben Ledi 'The Mountain
of God' overlooking all. This popular resort provides
remarkable contrasts between the vibrant main street and, for
example, the secluded wood walks beneath 'the Crags'. Callander
is renowned for its range of traditional and modern shops,
many specialising in souvenirs and Scottish woolens, tartans
and tweeds. The riverside Meadows make an ideal spot for relaxing
just yards away from the compelling bustle of town. Full
sports facilities, including the hire of equipment, are available
to visitors at the exciting new McLaren Sports Centre. |
Doune
A traditionally styled farming village with some remarkable history. Known
in days gone by as a major venue for cattle markets, or 'trysts', Doune
was also once a centre of small arms manufacture, 'Doune Pistols' being
highly regarded. Doune has several interesting antique and other
shops all within easy walking distance of Doune Castle. Nearby Doune
Ponds Nature Reserve is host to an abundance of wildlife.
|
Gartmore
A small estate village on the fringes of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The
elegant cone of Ben Lomond is particularly striking from here. |
Port of Menteith
Standing by the shores of Scotland's only lake (said to be merely the result
of a misunderstanding by an early map maker), Port of Menteith is a
small village surrounded by fertile farmlands and overlooked by the
Menteith Hills. The Lake, besides its island priory, is also
one of Scotland's most popular trout fisheries. |
Strathyre
Overlooked by mountains on either side, Strathyre, from the Gaelic 'sheltered
valley' has long been a focal point for visitors to the area. Cattle
drovers used it as a resting place, now holiday makers are attracted
to the hills, forest walks and beautiful village setting. |
Killin
Killin is a beautiful village situated north of Strathyre. It has a visitor
centre, local shops and cafes, with mountain views as It's backdrop.
A bridge spans the local river which to one side has impressive
stepped falls where at the right time of year you can see salmon
jump. To the other side is the Macnab clan burial yard - keys available
from tourist information. The river used to operate a mill which
now incorporates the visitor centre
|
Thornhill
A peaceful farming community amidst the fertile Carse of Stirling. Once
peatbog, painstakingly drained by the 'Moss Lairds', the area is now
dubbed the 'hay basket of Scotland'. Nearby remnants of Flanders
Moss is an important wildlife habitat. You can find out more from
the information panels as you walk around Thornhill.
|
|
