Duke's Pass, Trossachs
Duke’s Pass in Autumn
Trossachs scenic drive Route
In another See Loch Lomond guide, we revealed our Top 10 Scenic Drives in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. The subject of this blog, The Dukes Pass, won that accolade, so it deserves its own guide.
The A821 Duke's Pass starts at Aberfoyle (shown by the red marker on the map below and continues through the Trossachs to Brig o' Turk. The Duke of Montrose built it in 1885 to provide better access to his estate, and it was upgraded to accommodate the growing number of tourists flocking to Loch Katrine and the Trossachs.
Loch Katrine and the Trossachs
Loch Katrine is credited as being the birthplace of Scottish tourism. The spectacular scenery inspired Sir Walter Scott and many other Victorian poets and painters. Its rich history also includes being the birthplace and stomping ground of outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor and home to the Victorian-era engineering marvel of its transformational waterworks, which Queen Victoria opened in 1859.
A lot has stayed the same today, the waterworks provide fresh water to Glasgow and much of Central Scotland, and tourists still come to see the incredible scenery, wildlife, and nature and soak up the excellent history.
The magnificent road is seven miles between Aberfoyle to Brig o' Turk, with dramatic views of lochs and the forest. In the 1950s, the AA celebrated Duke's Pass as the classic and ultimate 'Sunday drive', enjoyed for the twists and turns.
Aerial view of the Trossachs from Duke’s Pass
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Cycling Duke’s Pass
Many keen cyclists enjoy the challenge of the climb, and the annual Duke's Weekender uses a gravel trail close to the road. We cover the route in our guide to cycling NCN7 from Aberfoyle to Callander.
The first point of interest as you climb out of Aberfoyle village is the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre with Go Ape! aerial obstacle rope course and zip wire, trails, waterfall, and Red Squirrel hide. Also on site is a café and gift shop.
Go Ape! Aberfoyle
Three Lochs Forest Drive
There are some laybys to pull in and enjoy the views scattered along the road. You can also access Three Lochs Forest Drive (toll), which you can read about in its dedicated See Loch Lomond guide.
Three Lochs Drive
Duke’s Pass Through the Seasons
I've added some photographs on this page taken whilst on my many trips along Duke's Pass, including some aerial views. Naturally, the scene changes radically with the seasons and the weather. From the snow and ice of winter, bluebells in the early stretches each May, the lush green of summer and rich autumn colours, it looks magnificent but varied throughout the year.
Blubells by the side of Duke’s Pass
Loch Achray
Before descending to the banks of Loch Achray, there is access to the National Park's Loch Achray campsite. Down by the shoreline, there is a stunning layby with excellent views across to Ben A'an, and you will find guides on this website for climbing Ben A'an and more about this superb photography spot.
Loch Achray Camp Site
View of Loch Achray and Ben A’an
Ben Venue
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Ben Venue
Passing the hotel on your left, you can see the peak of the mighty Ben Venue; its car park is just around the corner. Next up on the left is the turn for Trossachs Pier at Loch Katrine. Read our guides to boat cruises on Loch Katrine and a feature about the recently restored Steamship Sir Walter Scott.
Trossachs Pier
Glen Finglas and The Great Trossachs Path
Keep on Dukes Pass; next on the right is the car park for Ben A'an. Then it's Glen Finglas on the left, with many fine walks, including John Ruskin Viewpoint by Lendrick Hill which was the scene of a Victorian scandal. One of Scotland's Great Trails, the Great Trossachs Path, runs alongside, then our coverage ends in the small village of Brig o' Turk.
Ruskin Rock, Lendrick Hill
Journey to Callander and Breadalbane
Beyond Brig o' Turk is Loch Venachar and then the road south to Callander or north to Loch Lubnaig and Breadalbane.
In conclusion, there are some incredible natural wonders and points of interest in the Trossachs; however, the journey to them is a significant part of this rich experience – Enjoy!
Brig o’ Turk
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Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
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Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.