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The Trossachs
(meaning ‘the rough country’) in Scotland must count as one of the most
beautiful and interesting regions in the whole of the UK. It has fired the
imagination of writers and artists for centuries, becoming a top tourist
attraction since Sir Walter Scott wrote ‘Rob Roy’ and ‘The Lady of the Lake’
(set by Loch Katrine) in the early nineteenth century. The area is full of
places of interest, man made and natural, whilst breathtaking scenery
abounds. It embraces the deep waters of numerous lakes, wild glens, high
mountains, virgin forests and sheltered sea lochs, undoubtedly the
place to visit in Scotland.
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This region is held in
such high esteem that, even with 15,600 people - according to the 2001
census - living and working within its boundaries, it was delared the
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first (and only)
national park by Princess Anne on 24 July 2002. Although less than an
hour from Glasgow, and not much more from Edinburgh it feels worlds
apart from the bustle of city life. It encompasses an area from Loch
Lomond in the west to Callander in the east, and from Doune to Aberfoyle
and the Loch Ard Forest to the south, and in the north bounded by the
Balquhidder and Crainlarich Hills.
Within this park’s boundaries of 720 sq mi1es (1,865 sq km) there are 20
Munros (mountains above 3,000 ft.), such as Ben More (the highest), Ben
Lui, Ben Challum, and Ben Vorlich, and 20 Corbetts (mountains between
2,500 and 3000 ft.). Furhermore there are 22 larger lochs (lakes), as
well as numerous smaller lochs and lochans. About 50 rivers and large
burns run through the area. |
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A good starting point for a
visit to the Trossachs is Balloch, on the shores of Loch Lomond. It
is perhaps not the most beautiful place, but here you will find the National
Park Gateway information centre, as well as a large marina catering for
water sports and boat trips on the loch.
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Loch Lomond,
considered by many to be the jewel of the national park, is the largest
fresh water lake in the UK. It was gouged from the rock by the action of
glaciers during the ice ages. It stretches from Balloch to Ardlui, some
twenty miles to the northwest, and has numerous small islands which may
be visited by boat.
From Balloch we drove
northeast on the A811 and then the A81 some 20 miles to the attractive
little town Aberfoyle, beautifully situated at the southern end
of Duke’s Pass. The village lies among some magnificent highland scenery
and is convenient for access to some of the more remote beauty spots in
the heart of the Trossachs. Very interesting here is the ‘Scottish Wool
Centre’ with its exhibition of the history of the Scottish wool
industry. The occasional demonstrations skills of the shepherd’s with
his sheepdogs should not be missed. And if you have the time, a few
miles west along the B829 on the road to Stronachlacher is little
Loch Ard, which offers spectalcular views to Ben Lomond. |
From Aberfoyle take the
A821, which will lead you for 14 miles through the steep climb and sharp
bends of Dukes Pass to Loch Katrine. Descending from Dukes Pass to
Loch Katrine spectacular views are obtained over Lochs Achray, Venachar
and Drunkie. Also to be seen are Bens Venue and A’an.
A highlight of our visit and
an essential part of a day in the Trossachs was a cruise up Loch Katrine on
the Steamship Sir Walter Scott. This 106 years old steamer still has
the original 3-cylinder engine, and is the only surviving screw steamer in
regular passenger service in Scotland. She leaves from the quaintly rustic
Trossachs pier and sails to Stronaclacher twelve miles away at the other end
of the loch in the mornings, and provides two circular cruises (without
stopping at Stronachlacher) in the afternoons.
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During our trip we
literally experienced the unpredictable Scottish weather: we boarded in
sunshine, but within half an hour we experienced rain, followed by
ice-cold sleet. However, when returning to the pier the sun was shining
again and we had to get rid of our warm clothing and raincoats!
Hereafter we returned to
Loch Achray via the pier road and continued via a twisting road to the
village of
Brig o’Turk.
The Tea Room here is well known as a pitstop. The Byre Inn
just past the bridge is also a favourite spot for refreshments. We
continued on this road and after about 10 miles and a few sharpish
bends, we turned right at the A84 T-junction, and after another mile
entered the tourist resort of Callander, eastern gateway to the
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. |
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Callander has a nice range
of shops selling Scottish woolens and souvenirs. But most importantly, this
is where you will find here the Rob Roy Tourist Information Centre.
As every visitor to this region will soon find out, the Trossachs is Rob Roy
country. Rob Roy’s real name was Robert MacGregor (1671 - 1734), variously
known as clan leader, brigand and cattle trader. Today he might perhaps be
seen as a revolutionary, but when his lands were confiscated in 1712 and he
was imprisoned by the English in 1720, he rose to fame. Sir Walter Scott’s
popular novel depicted him as a national hero, defying the English. A hugely
successful film ‘Rob Roy’ was based on his life.
Hotels, guest houses, B&B’s
and restaurants are to be found everywhere in the Trossachs. No visitor will
experience any trouble in finding suitable accommodation, such as those in
which we stayed: The Coast House Inn, in Aberfoyle, or the
Lenymede B&B, in Callander, a Victorian house built on a small rise
overlooking the River Leny providing extensive views of forests and hills
stretching to the horizon.
If I were asked which region
I would again like to visit, the Trossachs will undoubtedly be high on my
list!
- Manie
Wolvaardt
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