Walking in the Trossachs

Get active and up close with the stunning scenery of the Trossachs. There are so many wonderful walks, longer trails and hill climbs to enjoy. Here are some to choose from:

Ben A’an 

Grade: Medium, 2-4 Hours

Ben A’an, known locally as the mountain in miniature, is one of the easier hill climbs in the Trossachs. The 4km walk along the recently rebuilt path is steep in parts but will take you through forests and open moorlands to the summit where the view extends across Loch Katrine. Ben A’an has a car park that quickly fills, it’s on the A821.

Ben Gullipen 

Grade: Medium, 2-3 hours

With a summit at just 414m above sea level, the gentle climb will reward you with views, across the Trossachs (to the west) taking in Loch Venachar, Ben Ledi, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’Chroin. To the south, you can see the Wallace Memorial and over to Stirling Castle.  

Ben Gullipen can be accessed, by road, from the car park on the Mollands Road (A81) 3.5 miles from Callander town centre. By foot or bike, Ben Gullipen can be accessed from the National Cycle route 7, along the Invertrossachs Road.

Ben Ledi 

Grade Strenuous, 4-6 hours

Ben Ledi dominates the skyline to the west of Callander, the hill climb starts from the Stank Car Park, follow signs for Strathyre Forest Cabins 5 miles north of Callander on A84. Popular with hillwalkers the 879m climb is along a recently upgraded path. Once at the summit, you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the Trossachs and southeastern Highlands.

Ben Lomond

Grade: Strenuous, 4-6 hours

Although Scotland’s most southerly Munro is not in the Trossachs it does feature in many views from it. Sadly some people looking to climb Ben Lomond are misdirected into the Trossachs by inaccurate sat nav results. Follow the 11-mile road from Drymen to Rowardennan, parking in the forestry car park from where the route is well signed. Enjoy views across Loch Lomond, the Trossachs as far as Ben Nevis on a clear day.

BEN VENUE

Grade Strenuous, 5-7 hours

A full day’s walk for more experienced walkers starts from the Ben Venue car park, on the A821, next to Loch Achray. Climb through conifer woodland and moorland to reach the rocky summits for stunning views of Loch Katrine, the Trossachs and beyond to the Arrochar Alps.

Ben Vorlich 

Grade: Moderate, 4-6 hours

These are the closest Munros to Callander and can be climbed in one circular route or tackled individually. Although from a distance they appear to be identical they are very different when climbing. Ben Vorlich is a moderate, and popular, climb but Stuc a Chrion (see later listing) should only be tackled by those who have some climbing experience and are fit enough to tackle the steep and potentially hazardous climb. The route to Ben Vorlich starts at Ardvorlich House on the southern banks of Loch Earn. Allow 4-6 hours for the round trip. 

Bracklinn Falls Circuit 

Grade: Easy, 1-2 hours

Bracklinn Falls is signed from the A84 in Callander. The circular route from Bracklinn Road carp park takes in woodlands, fields and, of course, the mighty Bracklinn Falls.

The Druim       

Grade: Medium, Length: 1.25 miles, Time: 45 Mins

Walkthrough woodland and open land with spectacular views towards Brig O’Turk, Lendrick Hill, Achray Forest and Ben Venue. The halfway seat might be a welcome rest. This path can be muddy and conditions are not ideal from November to April  

Stuc Odhar      

Grade: Difficult, Length: 6 miles, Time: 4 Hours

A challenging circular route starting with a steep climb up the face of Lendrick Hill. The path turns west down towards Glen Finglas reservoir taking in remote upland areas of the Glen Finglas Estate. To continue to the summit of Stuc Odhar, leave the loop walk, cross the deer fence at the stile. 

Samson’s Stone 

Grade: Medium, Length: 1 mile, Time: 50 Mins

Start at the Forestry Commission car park at Bohastle, over the small hill overlooking Callander. At the top of the hill, is a large boulder known as Samson’s Putting Stone. The story goes that a strongman by the name of Samson placed it there however it is more likely that it was left by a glacier over 10,000 years ago.   

Lower Lendrick   

Grade: Medium, Length: 1.25 miles, Time: 1 Hour

This route provides views of the wider Trossachs. Go East towards Little Druim Wood, north up to Royal Mail Grove (these trees were planted by volunteers and dedicated to Royal Mail employees. Turn left at the junction with the Great Trossachs Path, follow the path to the next junction then go south down the hill, passing the remains of Drippan Farm, to the Visitor Gateway

Ruskin Viewpoint   

Grade: Easy, Length: 500m, Time: 45 Minutes

Start from the Dam Road Car Park, Finglas Road and take a short walk along a private road to the place where a famous portrait of Ruskin was painted in 1853. Continue to the Brig O’Turk dam for spectacular views up Glen Finglas and, weather depending a stunning waterfall.   

Dunmore Fort   

Grade: Medium, Length: 2.2miles, Time: 1 Hour 

Use Bochastle Car Park and take the walk up a small hill to the iron age fort, Dunmore Fort. The knoll provides excellent views over Loch 

Brenachoile Trail   

Grade: Easy, Length/Time: 4.25 Miles, 1Hr 45 Mins

From the Trossachs Pier Car Park follow the private road through ancient woodland and leading along the loch shore. After 2 miles you will reach Brenachoile Point and rewarded with wonderful views of the loch and Ben Venue. This is also a great picnic spot.

Doune to Callander Railway Walk  

Grade: Easy, Length/Time: 8.76 Miles/4.5 Hours

The Dounedocks

Grade: Easy, Length/Time: 10 Miles/4 Hours 45 Mins

Calziebohalzie Circuit Grade: Moderate Length/Time: 10.5 Miles/5 Hours

Creag Noran Viewpoint  

Grade: Medium, Length/Time: 0.6Miles/30 Mins

This short walk takes you in a loop through woodland and opens up to views towards Ben Venue and across Loch Achray.

Inversnaid Upland Trail  

Grade: Easy, Length/Time: 1 Mile/1 Hour

Use the RSPB Garrison Car Park and take a gentle walk to a restored sheep fank (good picnic stop), through pasture and open hills along the Snaid burn. You can see historic ruins. Note: dogs must be kept on a lead as there may be livestock

Thornhill

Grade: Medium, Length/Time: 3.7 Miles

There is a network of paths suitable for walking in and around Thornhill. Look out for signposted paths around the North and South Commons, and to the south of the village along the Hedges Path and towards Norrieston.

A signposted walk to Muir Dam, north of Thornhill. Follow the Cessintully Burn running through Nelly’s Glen, and over the Boquhapple Ridge where you will be rewarded with stunning views 

Flanders Moss National Natural Nature Reserve Nr Kippen

Grade: Easy, Length/Time: 0.5 Miles/30 Mins

Starting at Flanders Moss car park. Off B822 Kippen to Thornhill Road. Take a short stroll to explore the peat bog. Climb to the top of the viewing tower for great views. Walk among cotton grass, birches and heather. 

Stank Glen

Grade: Medium, Length/Time: 5.25Miles/3.5 Hours

Parking area over the bridge from A84. The walk begins by Loch Lubnaig and runs up the south side of the forested Stank Glen. Further up there are attractive views of regenerating woodland. The trail takes you back down the far side of the glen.   

Commonty Walk and Doune Trail

Grade: Easy, Length/Time: 1.75 Miles/1 Hour

Begin at the Information Centre, crossing over the old railway line and leaving the housing estate on your left. Continue for 350m then turn right off the track. This is a circular route along the north edge of Doune. Woodland on one side and views South over Doune and The Gargunock hills in the distance. Continue until Argaty Road, turn right, then left along an established track. Turn right to join the line of the old railway and walking back into the village along King Street.

Deanston Mill Lade

Grade Easy, Length/Time: 2.25 Miles/1 Hr 15 Mins

From the Information Centre head down and over the Bridge of Teith for great views east to Doune Castle, go right towards Deanston and join the footpath, walking parallel to the river. Continue onwards until the mill lade is reached

Doune Ponds

Grade: Easy

Peaceful woodlands around Doune Ponds with an all-abilities path network. Doune Ponds has car parking available.       

The Great Trossachs Path

Grade: Easy, Length/Duration: 30 miles/2-3 days

The route connects Callander with Inversnaid and incorporates wonderful views around Loch Katrine, ancient woodlands and the pretty villages of Brig o’ Turk, Stronachlachar and Inversnaid. The trail is well signed and the paths are generally good. Suitable for walking and cycling (be aware of a few steep sections from Brig O’ Turk to Callander).

Alternatively, choose a section of the path. Each one has special features to enjoy:

1) Inversnaid Pier to RSPB Inversnaid Visitor Gateway 

1.2 miles and includes the wonderful Arklet Falls

2) RSPB Inversnaid Visitor Gateway to Stronachlachar 

3.8 miles and includes a loch side walk and craggy open hillside

3) Stronachlachar to Trossachs Pier

12.4 miles and includes a beautiful loch side walk which has inspired writers and painters for many years

4) Trossachs Pier to Glen Finglas Visitor Gateway

6 miles and includes thick woodland and the pretty village of Brig o’ Turk

5) Glen Finglas Visitor Gateway to Kilmahog 

5.4 miles and includes a journey through ancient forest and open hillside 

6) Kilmahog to Callander 

1.2 miles and includes walking the old railway line from Callander. 

For a longer adventure, link the Great Trossachs Path with the West Highland Way at Loch Lomond and Rob Roy Way or Route 7 of the National Cycle Network in Callander.

Rob Roy Way

Level: Medium, Length/Duration: 79.5 mile/7 days

A stunning and historic walk through forest paths. Enjoy spectacular scenery passing Loch Venachar, Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn and Loch Tay  

David Marshall Lodge

An iconic building within walking distance of Aberfoyle village. Part of Queen Elizabeth Forest, there are stunning views to be enjoyed, of the Loch Ard Forest and Ben Lomond. Walks from the Lodge:

1) The Dukes Trail

Level: Easy, Length/Duration: 4.5 miles/2-3 hours     

The trail takes you to the Duke's Pass and is a circular route back to The Lodge  

2) Craigmore

Level: Difficult, Length/Duration: 3.1 miles/2-3 hours

Follow The Little Falls walk up to the left and across a stone bridge, the path will then take you right and through open hillsides. Stay left and the trail becomes steeper. The Craigmore path takes you right continuing up fairly steeply but rewarding walkers with views across Loch Ard, Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. Descend with care, back down to the lodge.    

3) Loch Ard and Ghleannain Loch 

Level: Medium, Length/Duration: 4.25 miles/1.5-2.5 hours

From the Loch Ard Forestry Commission car park, take forest tracks to the pretty Ghleannain Loch and then back down, walking lochside past Loch Ard. In summer you may find waterlilies on the lochan. On the side of the stunning Loch Ard, look out for the hidden red squirrel sculpture.