Activities
Walking
There are numerous opportunities for gentle low level walking as well as more challenging munros – Ben Vorlich and Ben More are a short drive away. Ben Ledi, near Callander, is an easy hill for novice climbers.
Cruise on Loch Katrine
There are regular sailings and cruises during the spring and summer months on board the historic steamship, Sir Walter Scott, named after the Scottish author and poet. Hire a bike from the Trossachs pier and sail one way and enjoy a cycle back.
Cycling
The National Cycle Track passes through the estate. The section from Callander to Killin is especially popular as it follows the track bed of a disused railway and as a result is unusually easy for the occasional cyclist. Another popular cycling route is the Loch Katrine lochside road – almost traffic free (it’s a private road) it runs from the Trossachs pier to Stronachlachar and as the steamer sails between these points it is convenient to sail one way and pedal back – pedal distances is about 12 miles.
Horse Riding
There are several riding and trekking centres in the area offering all sorts of equestrian activities.
Aerial Assault Course
Try the ‘Go-Ape experience’ in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park – a series of high level ‘obstacles’ and highwire ‘zip-slides’ erected high in the trees – fly high over the treetops on the longest zip-wire in the UK.
Outdoor activities
Go-Country at Kinlochard offers a wide range of outdoor activities – quad biking, archery, climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking & orienteering. The waterpark at the centre also provides canoeing & cliff jumping.
Distillery
Glengoyne Distillery is near Loch Lomond offering tours and tastings and Glenturret Distillery, home of the Famous Grouse, is nearby at Crieff.
Historic Sites
Visit the Bannockburn Heritage Centre in Stirling, the site of Robert the Bruce’s victory at The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where the Wars of Independence are brought to life. Also close by are Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles and the National Wallace Monument. The pretty highland village of Balquhidder is nearyby and well worth a visit – visit the old Balquhidder Kirk and Rob Roy’s Grave and many other old tombstones to see history in the engraving.
Birdwatching
The Trossachs is a wonderful place for watching birds in their natural setting. The Bird of Prey Trail is a circular trail connecting the villages Callander, Doune, Aberfoyle, Brig O‘ Turks and then goes back to Callander. It passes Lake of Menteith, goes through the Queen Elisabeth Forest Park and along Loch Achray and Loch Venachar. Birds you can view here include Merlin, Osprey, Kestrel, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Peregrine, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier and Owls.
Gleneagles
The world famous Gleneagles is close by at Auchterarder, a 5 Star Luxury Hotel set within its own estate offering the finest golf courses and spa facilities and the only restaurant in Scotland to hold 2 Michelin stars, Andrew Fairlie.
