Aberfoyle
Gateway to the Trossachs
Aberfoyle the Gateway to the Trossachs. In his recent book, Billy Connolly says that places in Scotland that call themselves a gateway to somewhere are not great places (with more choice language used!). That may be widely true, but not in the case of Aberfoyle. As you walk around the village, you can see the mountains and forests you will want to explore. The town itself is on the up, thanks to a hard-working and committed local community.
Aberfoyle has had some highs and lows. It celebrated the arrival of the railways, only for the lines to become relatively quickly disused. Today those redundant tracks have not gone to waste and help make up NCN 7, the national cycle route that goes through Aberfoyle. The evidence of this being a good period for Aberfoyle is the bright series set of local and individual shops along Main Street. Back to The Gateway label, you have incredible access to nearby scenery and great adventures, whether it’s by foot, canoe, kayak, zip slide or bike.
In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the highlights of Aberfoyle, with links to more detailed reviews on many of the subjects covered.
The Trossachs Trail
Recently there has been a major revamp of the Trossachs Trail with a new website, information boards and renewal of the brown road signs that guide the route. The trail was set up in the 1990s, and you can read more about it at our guide and the official website that we designed for it.
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NCN 7 - National Cycle Route
As mentioned, the NCN 7, Lochs & Glens North route goes through Aberfoyle. The next stop is Callander, reached thanks to the 15.5-mile path through the forests and along the side of nearby Loch Venachar.
If you’re into mountain biking, there is a bike park just outside the village, and if you’re looking to hire a bike, there is an excellent bike shop on Main Street.
Aberfoyle Visitor Centre
Aberfoyle Visitor Information
These days there aren’t as many information centres as there once was. There is an excellent one in Aberfoyle and the leaflets and the friendly guides the centre contains an exhibition of the Trossachs. We are also pleased to report that for 2023 the village now has a changing places toilet, the first in the National Park. Well done to the local community for adding this facility that will allow disabled people to visit more easily.
Scottish Wool Centre, Aberfoyle
Scottish Wool Centre
The Scottish Wool Centre is in Aberfoyle’s large free car park. The centre sells clothes, gifts and has a restaurant inside. Outside there are sheep and other animals, with talks and displays.
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The Station, Aberfoyle
Aberfoyle Main Street
Aberfoyle’s Main Street has experienced a new lease of life, thanks to the efforts of the local community. Recently Balmaha based St Mocha Coffee has opened a new outlet, drawing on the history of the railways, calling it ‘The Station’. Read more about this and the other brightly coloured shops of Main Street Aberfoyle at the link below.
A special mention for the new Co-op store, opened in 2021, providing 20 local jobs and running off 100% renewable energy.
Aberfoyle Main Street
Faerie Capital
Aberfoyle is also known as the Faerie Capital of Scotland, thanks to Robert Kirk, a village minister. He had been interested in the magical world of fairies since an early age; in 1691, his book, The Secret Commonwealth, was published. In the book, he told of the lives of fairies, fauns and elves, revealing their secrets.
The Reverend Robert Kirk’s life was to come to an end one day in May 1692, during his daily walk from the manse at Aberfoyle to nearby Doon Hill. As he reached the hill, fairies, displeased with Kirk for giving away their secrets, are said to have descended on him, carrying him to the underground world of fairyland. At the top of Doon Hill, the pine tree is said to contain his spirit, imprisoned by the fairies.
Loch Ard
Loch Ard
Keep going straight along Main Street Aberfoyle, don’t follow the sharp right bend to climb Dukes Pass. You will soon find Loch Ard, with lots of places to walk and the opportunity to get onto the water. You can read more about adventures on Loch Ard at the link below.
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The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle
You can walk, cycle or drive to The Lodge, a mile or so outside of Aberfoyle. The Lodge has pathways around the forest, with interactive play sections, including hammocks! A giant waterfall and wildlife hides, the centre has an excellent interpretation centre, with lots of information about wildlife. There is also a gift shop and cafe. There are many events throughout the year, including an Easter Duck Race.
The longest zip wire in Scotland is here, as part of the Go Ape! adventure experience, including a treetop aerial assault course.
Go Ape! Aberfoyle
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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