Loch Lomond
and the Trossachs National Park

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is less than an hours drive from the Monklands or Glasgow area.  It was opened in July 2002 and the extent of the national park has been defined to encompasses the whole of Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, the area  around Callander, Balloch in the south to Crianlarich and Killin to the north, (and a bit more besides over to the west of Loch Lomond to Loch Long,   Gareloch and Strachur in the Cowal Peninsula).

The National park has four distinct areas:

• Lomond - The area surrounding Loch Lomond (,the largest expanse of freshwater in Great Britain). including Balloch, Rowardennan, Balmaha, Luss, Tarbet and Ardlui. Ben Lomond is on the east side of Loch Lomond.

• The Trossachs, wild glens and sparkling lochs between Callander and Aberfoyle including Loch Katrine pier, Brig o' Turk, and  Strathyre. This area also includes the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, seven major lochs and even more small lochs.

• Breadalbane, the high country of the north, Glen Dochart, Killin and Glenogle, with some of Scotland’s finest munros, Ben Lui, Ben Challum, Ben More and Ben Vorlich

• Argyll - Helensburgh, Strachur, Gareloch, Arrochar and the Argyll forest park of the Cowal peninsula bordered by sea lochs

This is where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, where the lochs, mountains, rivers and villages hold secrets of history, legend and tradition.

The Trossachs and Breadalbane mark the spot where the Highlands and Lowlands meet. Much of this picturesque area lies within the boundaries of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

The Trossachs hills mark the dividing ‘Highland Line’ and, though its peaks may be humbler than those of its namesake, the Trossachs green uplands still dwarf the Lowland plain to the south.

The gateways to this startling landscape, rich in mythology and folklore, are the villages of Callander and Aberfoyle.

Callander is a colourful, bustling holiday town set dramatically beneath high, wooded crags and close to the Pass of Leny. It sits at the Northern gateway to the Trossachs and the foot of the Highlands. Callander has an abundance of craft and woollen shops and the centre of the town cradles the memories and exploits of legendary Highland Rogue Rob Roy MacGregor, local hero and bandit. 

To the north of the town, lies Strathyre, meaning "sheltered valley" this charming small village clustered around the main street is protected on all sides by beautiful rolling hills.  Further north lies the less excitable, more tranquil hamlet of Balquhidder, where the churchyard containing Rob Roy’s grave can be found, etched with the stirring epitaph “MacGregor Despite Them”.

ABERFOYLE (pop. 600) is an attractive village with a thriving main street at the Southern gateway to the Trossachs. Situated in the midst of the magnificent scenery of the Highland edge. It offers many attractions for the visitor.

Above Aberfoyle the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is a haven for walkers and trekkers, and the splendour of nearby Loch Katrine, the inspiration for Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake and Rob Roy, can be enjoyed from the decks of the elegant Steam Ship Sir Walter Scott.

Breadalbane, Gaelic for “the high country”, is where the Scottish Highlands truly begin. This is a place of grand majesty, with the Crianlarich and Ben Lawers mountain ranges amongst the highest in Scotland - a wild landscape of deer and eagles.

Yet, Breadalbane is also a wilderness of beauty spots and welcoming hostelries, a place to relax and enjoy, a place of lore and legend.

Traditional villages like Killin nestle amid magnificent scenery; the spectacular Falls of Dochart, Lochearnhead’s stunning loch-side setting and, nestling in an ancient glacial valley, the Highland villages of Tyndrum and Crianlarich.

---

Callander With its pretty shop-lined main-street and stunning, mountainous backdrop, Callander has long held the affection of shoppers and tourists alike. Whilst in Callander don't forget to visit some delightful shops!

The Shell Centre - 31a Main Street, Callander- as it name implies it sells all types of tropical sea shells. Ray Handyside - the proprietor also keeps the connection with the sea and sells a large variety of Model Ships, Galleons, Glass boats, Knot pictures, Lighthouses and other marine bric-a-brac  ......

 

---

Paeony - Gifts and Cards - 30 Main Street, Callander 01877 339400 sells a wide variety of gifts, scented candles (the place has a very pleasant smell) and Greeting Cards of all types. Paeony gifts and cards is one of Callander's newest shopping additions and, since opening its doors to the public in March 2006, the shop has wasted no time earning itself a reputation for excellence when its comes to quality and choice.
See their web site at http://www.paeonygiftsandcards.co.uk/

---

Picture of a Dutch miner? and his wife eating in front of an open fire c1920

Lady Kentmores
Antiques, Curios & Collectables
55 Main Street
Callander

---

ABERFOYLE is an attractive village with a thriving main street at the Southern gateway to the Trossachs. Whilst in Aberfoyle don't forget to have a meal and visit some delightful shops!

When in Aberfoyle dine at the Coach house.
Main street Aberfoyle Tel: 01877 382822

Cosy comfortable family atmosphere -Extensive menu including bar snacks - Open log fire -Beer garden with childrens play area

 My wife and I visit this place regularly - after a really nice meal at the Coach House we get our fix of a Strawberry Tart and Coffee at the Scottish Wool Centre -  -absolutely NO calories!  (Take a note - must exercise more!)

---

The Scottish Wool Centre, Off Main Street, Aberfoyle, Tel: 01877 382850. In the heart of the Trossachs, you'll find the Scottish Wool Centre where you can discover the story of Scottish Wool. You can also visit the Spinner's Cottage and try your hand at making wool into yarn in the traditional way.  It has on sale Ladies, men's and children's clothing. 

See Jean at the Spinning Wheel

And Campbell the Birdman

---

http://www.photographscotland.com Main Street, Aberfoyle, Telephone:01877 382 764
Specialists in landscape photography courses and photographic tours in Scotland and North Africa.  PhotographScotland has been mailing photographs to thousands of delighted customers all over the world since 1991.  Whether you are looking for a gift from Scotland for a friend or relative, or whether you want to simply treat yourself to an image of a little part of Scotland that means something special to you, we are here to help.

---

GUYANA www.guyana.ltd.uk  is in the centre of the Aberfoyle Village set between the west end of the car park and the Main Street. Main Street, Aberfoyle Phone: 01877 382308
Guyana garden & gifts has a wide range of arts and crafts sourced from throughout the world, making for a fascinating visit together with attractive plant areas, with an excellent selection of plants, planters and garden art...