Trossachs Day Trips
Lake of Menteith Fisheries
Visit the Trossachs
Are you planning a day in the Trossachs? Here are some ideas for adventures and experiences to enjoy in this beautiful part of the National Park. The footprint of the Trossachs is small, but it is packed with hills, mountains, lochs, rivers, glens, villages, reserves, and attractions.
You’ll want and need longer, but with just a day, here are some ideas, with a handy summary list at the bottom of the guide. First, let’s put the Trossachs on the map and zoom in and out to see its location within Scotland.
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Ben A’an
Ben A’an
One of the most enjoyable and accessible hill climbs in Scotland, with terrific views, make this walk incredibly popular. Despite increased car parking capacity, we recommend going early to ensure space. Our guide will tell you all that you need to know.
Loch Katrine
There is a magnificent view of nearby Loch Katrine from Ben A’an, and it’s fair to say that a trip to the Trossachs without a visit to Loch Katrine is not advised! Trossachs Pier has a café, gift shop and regular departing cruises. The cruises include 45 min and 1-hour circular cruises. However, we suggest a cruise on Steamship Sir Walter Scott, which has just received a major restoration and has resumed sailing again.
The Loch Katrine website will allow you to book tickets, and if you get one to Stronachlachar, you can take your bike or hire one from Katrine Wheelz at Trossachs Pier. Cruise to Stronachlachar and then cycle back on the 14-mile smooth surface road along the edge of the loch.
If you’re doing the cruise and cycle option, you may need to go to Ben A’an later in the day. Loch Katrine is part of the Great Trossachs forest, the second-largest nature reserve in the UK. Look out for Osprey flying overhead and learn about the incredible history of Loch Katrine and the poets, painters and outlaw that made it famous.
Loch Katrine
Aberfoyle and Callander
Enjoy a day at either Aberfoyle or Callander. Both have interesting shops, lovely cafes, and bike hire options. They’re connected as part of NCN7, a stunning national cycling route. In addition, Aberfoyle is home to ‘Gravefoyle’, a network of way-marked off-road gravel trails in the forest; these all start in the village.
At Doon Hill, a short walk from the Aberfoyle car park (signed), you can discover the story of Reverend Robert Kirk, a former minister who betrayed the faeries and paid the ultimate price!
Close to Aberfoyle is the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, which includes Go Ape! featuring an aerial obstacle course suspended in the treetops, reached by the longest zip-slide in Scotland. Within the forest area are trails and a large waterfall.
Callander has Bracklinn Falls, a dramatic waterfall with paths around it. Callander is one of the larger towns in the National Park, with lots to do, including Mini Golf by the Meadows.
Trossachs Trail
The 40-mile Trossachs Trail is the oldest geographical trail in Scotland and is well-signed thanks to a series of brown signs along the route. We’ve worked closely with Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Steamship Company for a recent resurgence of the trail, including a new website and map/guides available at tourist information centres in Doune, Aberfoyle and Callander.
Family Fun
On the Trossachs Trail, but just outside the National Park, is Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, a full day out. You will need to pre-book on their website.
Outlander filming in the Trossachs
Some Outlander locations within and near the Trossachs can be visited, including Brenachoile Point on Loch Katrine and Doune Castle. The series was also filmed in Callander.
Lake of Menteith
One of the best sites for fishing in Scotland is the Lake of Menteith Fisheries. 15,000 anglers visit annually, with all 36 fishery boats in action most weekends. No fishing is allowed from the banks, which are protected by SSI rules. 30,000 trout are grown in ponds and stocked evenly across the 700-acre lake each week. Fly-fishing lessons are provided, with incentives to attract younger anglers.
Fun on the Water
Loch Ard and Loch Chon are great for Kayaking and Stand-up-Paddleboards. Go Country by Loch Ard has a water obstacle course and the chance to hire boards, canoes, etc.
Glen Finglas
Some great play trails for children, plus longer ones; see our guide for descriptions and routes.
Three Lochs Forest Drive
Drive, walk or cycle the seven-mile forest loop, passing three lochs. Take some food and use the free BBQs to cook with.
Three Lochs Forest Drive
Summary
Love Cycling? – Head to Gravelfoyle (Aberfoyle), cycle NCN7, or cruise and cycle at Loch Katrine
Love Walking? - Bracklinn Falls, Glen Finglas, Ben A’an and Great Trossachs Path
Into History? – Again Loch Katrine, Aberfoyle for Doon Hill
Want to Fish? – Lake of Menteith
Want Family Fun? - Glen Finglas Play Trail, Adventure Golf
Connect with Nature – Lake of Menteith, Loch Katrine, The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Glen Finglas, Three Lochs Forest Drive (there are more!)
Read More from See Loch Lomond
Guides that will help you plan your trip to the Trossachs
Where to Stay + Camping in the Trossachs
Go Ape!
See Loch Lomond Book…
For more ideas of what to see and do on your next visit, purchase our book - 101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, either here or from stockists throughout the National Park.
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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.
Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.
Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.