Sir Walter Scott’s Trossachs in Scotland is well worth a visit
A must-see on the list of most tourists to Scotland is the Trossachs, thanks to the works of Sir Walter Scott and others. Conveniently located from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, just an hour away from both of them, it actually is a good place to be based while visiting Scotland. You can visit most parts of Scotland from the Trossachs National Park during the day and return by dusk.
The Trossachs, meaning ‘the rough or bristly country’ was the name for the narrow, thickly wooded, gorge between Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine and Loch Achray. The name is now used for an area that includes the scenic triangle between the head of Loch Katrine, Aberfoyle and Callander. The varied terrain boasts of the rugged heights of Ben Venue and Ben Ledi and the picturesque Loch Katrine and Loch Ard. Loch Katrine is believed to have got its name from the highland caterans of the Trossachs who hid in the surrounding glens and lochs. This is an excellent area for a walking or cycling tour.
Aberfoyle is located on the dramatic Highland Boundary Fault, which splits Scotland. This is a lovely area to go on a hike particularly in the Doon Hill region. There are a number of tearooms and pubs to get a taste of Highland meals. About a mile from Aberfoyle are the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the David Marshall Centre where there are marked trails, picnic-places, cycle paths and pony trails. You can also drive deep into the forest and feast your eyes on remote lochs and streams.
Other scenic areas are the Lochs Achray, Venachar and Drunkie and the Bens Venue, A’an and Ledi, the Glen Gyle hills and Glen Finglas. At the west end of Loch Achray, a narrow gorge leads to the true heart of the Trossachs and Loch Katrine. Loch Katrine is about eight miles long and nearly a mile wide. Don’t miss a chance to cruise up Loch Katrine on the boat ‘Sir Walter Scott’ which leaves from the quaintly rustic Trossachs pier and sails to Stronachlacher at the other end of Loch Katrine.
