Trossachs Trail

Arrive Starting Point: Callander

Callander is a bustling little highland town situated at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It takes 1h30 or 2h00 to travel to Callander from Glasgow and Edinburgh respectively.

Callander to Aberfoyle - 9 Miles

Leaving Callander on the Invertrossachs Road you quickly reach tranquil Loch Venachar and then head to Aberfoyle via the Menteith Hills. A lovely day of walking through forests, along lochs and across open moorland to Aberfoyle passes all too quickly.

Aberfoyle is popular with day trippers from Glasgow and has several tourist shops, restaurants and an award winning local butcher who offer tasty packed lunches.

Aberfoyle to Brig o' Turk - 9 Miles

Today's walk starts off in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, part of Scotland’s first National Park. In autumn it is a riot of colour and you will enjoy expansive views to the south as you climb over the Duke’s Pass. Descending to Brig o’ Turk you pass a number of small tranquil lochs and the views of Bens Venue, Ben A’an and Ben Ledi are spectacular. If you are lucky you may spot Red or Roe deer, Red squirrels and even Capercaillie.

Brig o’ Turk is a small hamlet, nestled in the heart if the Trossachs, which has an excellent local pub and several small B&B’s.

Brig o' Turk to Ballquhidder - 11 Miles

Today’s walk is mainly out in open mountain country, walking through glens and skirting the base of heather clad hills. The first section leads you up to Glen Finglas, the old hunting grounds of the kings of Scotland, now an important reservoir. You soon reach Glen Meann, which leads you through some rugged, big sky country and down to Balquhidder.

Balquhidder is famous as the site of Rob Roy’s Grave and enjoys a picturesque location at the head of Loch Voil. You will either stay in Balquhidder or the nearby Kingshouse Hotel.

If your walk is ending in Balquhidder you can take a bus (30 minutes) or taxi (20 minutes) back to Callander and then onwards.

Balquhidder to Callander - 12 Miles

The walk from Balquhidder through Strathyre, along Loch Lubnaig and to Callander is a personal favourite. Beautiful scenery, good trails and great chat mean the miles fly past and you are back in Callander all too soon.

Depart Callander

Regular buses from Callander to Stirling or Bridge of Allan connect to train services to all Scottish destinations.

Walking Direction

We recommend you walk clockwise from Callander as it provides you with the best vistas.

Tailor Made Holidays

We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange your tailor made walking holiday.

Navigation

The Trossachs Trail is generally clearly defined on the ground but waymarking is sparse so you will need to be comfortable reading a map and know how to use a compass.

Grade

The way is on well maintained footpaths, bridleways, across fields and on some minor roads. It does involve some steep ascent and descent, but in general the walking is fairly easy.

Accommodation

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected 3 or 4 star B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels. Your room will always have an ensuite or private bathroom. A delicious breakfast is always included. You can see a list of some of the accommodations that we use for the trip by scrolling down the page.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.

Solo Walkers

This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs their is a solo walker supplement payable.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most of your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs or restaurants.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Dogs

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.

Recommended Reading

We supply detailed route notes and map but you may find room for a few titles in your pack. I suggest you take the great romantic Scottish novels, Rob Roy and Lady of the Lake, both by Sir Walter Scott.

Useful Websites

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Wikipedia Trossachs Page

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

Abbotsford Lodge - Callander

Abbotsford Lodge is a stunning B&B on the outskirts of Callander. Tastefully decorated throughout it has beautiful en-suite rooms and a comfortable guest lounge where you can sit with a quiet drink, relax and unwind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inn

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Forth Inn - Aberfoyle

Known locally as "A Taste of Aberfoyle" and awarded "Best Place to Eat Out" by Visit Scotland. The Forth Inn is a family run Inn which is the lively heart of the local community as well as a comfortable escape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

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The Ridings - Brig o' Turk

Tucked away in the lovely village of Brig o'Turk, The Ridings is a comfortable home from home with all mod cons and surrounded by heavenly views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel

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Kings House Hotel - Balquihidder

Set against the backdrop of the wonderful scenery of highland Perthshire the Kings House is a small friendly, family run hotel situated in the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This striking historic building Faces towards Balquhidder, Loch Voil, the western hills and the setting sun.

 

 

 

Getting to Callander

Callander is well served by public transport and has plenty of parking. It takes 1h30 and 2h00 to reach Callander from Glasgow or Edinburgh respectively. (Train & Bus)

From Glasgow there are frequent departures from either Queen Street Rail Station or Buchanan Bus Station. You can find further details for this section of the journey by going to City Link for busses or Scotrail for trains

Once in Stirling you simply take the number 59 Bus from the bus station which takes you to Callander. By either method, the whole journey takes around 1.5 hours.

Should you be driving to Callander there is only on street parking available and depending on where you stay we can try to organise you to leave your car with your accommodation provider.

We are often asked the following questions by walkers planning The Trossachs Trail and I hope that you will find the following information useful.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

How fit do I need to be?

If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

How far in advance do I need to book?

As far in advance as possible! We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as The Trossachs are extremely popular. If booking at short notice we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.

When is the best time of year?

The Trossachs Trail is very enjoyable at any time between the end of March and beginning of October although my personal favourite time of year is the spring and Autumn.

What is the best way to get to/from the walk?

We recommend you travel by bus. Further travel information is available on our Essential Info page. If you are driving we recommend leaving your car in Stirling where on street and secure long term parking is available. We can also try to arrange parking with your accommodation in Callander.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use local bus services or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.

You can start your Trossachs Trail short break on any date between April - October, subject to availability. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.

Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every Trossachs Trail short break we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.