Trossachs National Park

Introduction to Trossachs

The Highlands in miniature
This stunningly beautiful park was designated one of Scotland's National Parks in 2002 and covered an area of some 720 sq miles (1,865Km2). It's the Grampians' meeting point with the Borders and is frequently referred to as the 'Highlands in Miniature.' Much of the area is a beautiful wooded gorge between two Lochs, Loch Achray and loch Katrine.

Loch Lomond
Centred on Loch Lomond, Britain's largest freshwater lake, the park features dramatic crags, tumbling streams, Birch covered mountains, moorland, and glen.  The whole area exuded a dramatic, romantic appeal and was the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's novel, 'Rob Roy' and his poem 'The Lady of the Lake.' The 'Lady' was Ellen Douglas, the pen name of an American author, Josephine Haxton, and the 'Lake' Loch Katrine.

The Wooded Glen
'Trossach' is an ancient Gaelic word meaning 'a wooded glen' and 'Brae' a small hill or mound, which sits higher than its surroundings. The Trossachs area is a popular visitor destination that, against a backdrop of fantastic scenery, offers a wide range of pursuits from driving tours to walking, cycling, and climbing. Exploration by boat of Loch Katrine on the Victorian steamer, SS Sir Walter Scott, is also hugely popular.  

Eagles and wildcats
Nature abounds throughout the park, home to Golden Eagles and Peregrines that soar over the wooded hills, with red deer and a wide variety of wildlife inspiring writers and artists alike. It is also home to Scottish wildcats, which are Scotland's most endangered mammals. Looking almost indistinguishable from feral cats (even expert surveyors have difficulty in telling them apart), these cats are mostly nocturnal and very secretive. They favour densely vegetated terrain, and animal cameras are used to get more information about them. They are found only in the Scottish Highlands north of the central belt and are protected under special regulations.

'Must See' locations
Callander is a famous as the TV location for 'Dr. Finlay's Casebook, the town sits on one of the historic routes from Stirling to the Highlands. The road north-west from Callander climbs through the breath-taking Pass of Leny alongside the River Leny as it rushes through a narrow gorge and leads on up the east bank of Loch Lubnaig to Strathyre.

Luss – arguably one of the Lowlands' prettiest villages, is surrounded by grassy hills and sits on Loch Lomonds western shore.

Inchmahome Priory – Take the ferry to an island in the Lake of Menteith to see the beautiful Augustinian priory founded in 1238. It was to this island priory that the five-year-old Mary, Queen of Scots, was sent in 1547 to escape the armies of Henry VIII. 

Touring and accommodation
A visit to the Trossachs National Park features in our Private Tours of Scotland. These tours can be customised to include any special areas of interest. 

There are many outdoor activities available in the Trossachs and historical places to visit too, such as Inveraray Castle, the home of the Dukes of Argyll. The romantic ruins of Kilchurn Castle, an old Campbell stronghold and probably one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. We can provide a tour of Castle Stalker, the privately-owned island fortress in Loch Linnhe.

Stay on the beautiful little island of Eriska on the North West Coast. The luxurious Isle of Eriska Hotel is a great base to explore the region on a driver-guided tour. Our Tour-Designers can organise guided Wildlife Boat Trips, Mountain Biking and Hiking from the hotel. The Airds Hotel and Restaurant is a much-loved restaurant with rooms yards away from Loch Linnhe and the Islands of Lismore and Mull. Further north is Inverlochy Castle Hotel in the foothills of Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis.