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The Trossachs is an area of Scotland renowned for its outstanding
natural beauty and historic interest. Whether you like hill walking,
fishing, golfing, cycling, sailing and cruising, visiting historic
monuments, touring beautiful landscapes or just relaxing the Trossachs
has so much to offer. Where beauty, legend, history, activities
and fun combine to make an unforgetable vacation experience.
Highlights are
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
A large part of the greater Trossachs, that is the wider area from
Loch Lomond to Callander, Thornhill, Doune and Strathyre, is covered
by extensive tracts of forest. Much of this forest lies within The
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park so designated in 1953 by the Forestry
Commission to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The forest park covers 50,000 acres of land consisting of a mixture
of commercial forest, semi-natural and ancient woodland, and open
space and is managed by Forest Enterprise. Within the boundaries
of the park are three main forests, Loch Ard Forest, Achray Forest,
and Strathyre Forest and these are particularly suitable for walkers
and cyclists with many waymarked trails.
A good place to start is by visiting the Queen Elizabeth Forest
Park Visitor Centre on the A821 just outside Aberfoyle. Audio visual
exhibits introduce you to the forest park with displays, exhibitions,
and resident craftsmen. Three waymarked trails The Coppice Trail,
The Waterfall Trail, and The Great Highland Fault Trail start at
the centre offering enjoyable walks of various lengths.
SS Sir Walter Scott
Loch Katrine Steamship Sir Walter Scott is a major attraction to
visitors in the Trossachs but few realise the story behind the old
steam ship which has plied these waters for over 100 years.
'Sir Walter Scott’ is named after the 19th Century poet who
wrote "The Lady of the Lake" and is the last of a series
of ships to ply the loch. The story goes that the first steamer
on Loch Katrine was sent to the bottom by the sailors who had been
employed to row the previous craft!
The usual timetable provides a return trip from Trossachs pier
to Stronachlacher in the mornings and two afternoon cruises which
do not land at Stronachlacher.
Braveheart
“Braveheart" – immortalized by the Scottish movie
– in reality Sir William Wallace. It was Wallace, who in 1297
defeated the English at Stirling Bridge, only to be later captured
and executed by King Edward.
A fascinating tour to many of the places connected with "Braveheart"
would probably start with a drive to the pretty town of Linlithgow,
with it’s Palace ruins overlooking a lovely lake.
A guided tour of Stirling Castle, 25 miles east of the hotel, is
the next treat. The castle overlooks the ancient town of Stirling
as well as Bannockburn, the battlefield where in 1314 Robert the
Bruce defeated the English. An extended stop here will allow a leisurely
visit to explore the castle and to marvel at the views from the
castle ramparts.
Your scenic drive continues through the village of Doune, with
its 14th century castle, to Callander, a pleasant tourist town that
became popular in Victorian times.
The Trossachs is a wonderful area of lochs and wild mountain vistas.
Travel by Loch Venachar then climb the dramatic Dukes Pass to the
pretty village of Aberfoyle. Then end your tour on a real high-note
as you drive along the "bonnie, bonnie banks" and, if
you wish, enjoy an optional cruise on Loch Lomond.
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