The nature of the Trossachs is such that it is a great favourite for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and mountain biking. Watersports in the Trossachs such as sailing, waterski-ing and canoeing are also catered for in the surrounding parts and many centres have been set up in the area to cater for such outdoor enthusiasts.
As wider ranging information can be found in ' Trossachs and Callander Tourist Information Scotland ' This page will concentrate on the activities in the ' True Trossachs ' area.
Ben Venue and Ben A'an are great favourites with hill walkers in the Trossachs as a comparatively small effort on each of thes bens will attain the summits and a fantastic view over the whole area. Other mountains nearby which are also rewarding are: Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi, Ben Vane, Ben More, Stobinian, Stuc a Chroin and Ben Vorlich.
2 miles from
car park south of road near Tigh Mor, 1500 ft. About 1-2 hours.
The view over the Trossachs and Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an is phenomenal for its height. Cross the road from the car park to a path which climbs up steeply through mixed woodland and is soon accompanied by a burn on the right. The path levels out after crossing the burn by a footbridge (a).
On the left there is a viewpoint looking over the Trossachs steamer pier. The path
meanders through pines and when it emerges from the trees the conical summit of Ben Aan is
suddenly revealed ahead.
The
path now becomes more demanding, a steep scramble up loose rock.
Pause occasionally to catch breath and enjoy the view back.
The steeper route leaves to the left and is often used by rock climbers(b), while the tourist path continues to the top. It generally takes about an hour to reach the summit though the super-fit can do it in half this time. The highest point on the route (c) is 1,491 feet and the path ends at its twin rocky peaks each providing vast landscapes of Scotland in different directions west over Loch Katrine past Stronachlacher at Loch Lomond to the 'Arrochar Alps' and 'the Cobbler' and south-east over Loch Achray and the Campsie Fells. This walk gets a bit busy at times - last time I was up there (18/06/01) there were about 25 people on the top!
Twice a day in summer the sound of a pipe band will drift up from the steamer Sir Walter Scott as she leaves for trips up Loch Katrine. The return is by the same path and should take little more than thirty minutes.
5 mile from Loch Achray Hotel; 7 mile from Ledard Farm
Ben Venue may be ascended from (1) the Loch Achray Hotel just past the Loch Katrine road., or (2) Ledard Farm on Loch Ard (turn right at Aberfoyle).
(1) The most popular route starts from behind the Loch Achray Hotel . Follow the
forestry track, go left at the first fork and then straight ahead at a crossroads. The
wide track now becomes a path. Rejoin a forestry road for a short distance and look for a
waymarked path
(Right). Walking uphill on the path, through forested Gleann Riabhach you come
to the forest edge where a stile leads to open moorland. Continue towards the lowest point
on the skyline, with the burn on the left. The Ledard path joins at a cairn and the path
goes right towards the twin summits of Ben Venue (700f). The splendid vista includes Lochs
Katrine, Achray and Venachar, Ben Ledi, Stuc a Chroin and Ben Vorlich, Ben Lawers,
the Crianlarich Munros, Ben Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, the Arran peaks and the
Lowland Kilpatrick, Campsie, Ochil and Pentland ranges, with Glasgows high flats
appearing beyond Strath Blane.
(2) From Ledard take the track off B829 which leads to Ledard Farm. Cross a stile and a footbridge over the Ledard Burn (Right) before reaching the farm and ascend by a path through the woods, with the burn on the right. The path emerges from the woods, crosses to the east side of the burn and veers right towards a high pass. The Loch Achray path joins (Right) at a cairn, before continuing towards Ben Venues twin summits.
The area abounds in walks too numerous to mention in this brief description but as a guide, some of the more pleasant and interesting Trossachs walks are:
More walks for all abilities abound in the surrounding area. Route maps from Rob Roy Centre Callander or from local book shops. Visit ' Scottish Accommodation and Trossachs and Callander Tourist Information ' for further details
The Trossachs are a haven for the off road cyclist and all the walking routes (apart from Glenfinglas) listed as suitable for walking are suitable for average cyclists. The Glenfinglas route is steep and challenging for the more experienced and fitter cyclist.
Loch Katrine is a public water supply and water sports other than trout fishing scotland are not permitted.
Most other lochs are available for some form of watersports. Some of the rivers, noteably the Teith are good canoeing waters. Visit ' Loch Lomond, rossachs and Callander Tourist Information ' for further details
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Trossachs B&B, Loch Lomond, Callander Tourist information and Holiday accommodation Scotland