Stuff to see and do
The Trossachs are sometimes described as The Highlands of Scotland in miniature and at about 75 minutes from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, this part of the southern Highlands is easily accessible.
The countryside around the village of Brig o' Turk and the wider Trossachs area have rich historical, literary and artistic connections. It is also a place of spectacular scenery, teeming with wildlife. It's therefore no surprise that there is plenty for visitors to see and do here.
There are many local walking routes and an excellent guide to some of the best is the WalkHighlands website.
In the village itself, we are fortunate to have two great local businesses, the Brig o' Turk Tearoom and Achray Farm.
For homebaking and light lunches, the tearoom is ideal. Open during the day from Friday to Monday from Spring until the late in the year, with special events like themed evening meals and quizes throughout the season, we thoroughly recommend a visit. Details here.
Achray Farm is the place for ice cream and sorbets made with seasonal flavours, and locally-grown fresh fruit and vegetables. Details here. The farm also offering veg boxes to order. Keep an eye on the Achray Farm Facebook page for more information.
Suggestions for things to see and do
Nature, wildlife and outdoor activities
Activity suggestions for families with younger children
Accessible activities and places to visit
Below are a few more of our favourites places and activities.
Loch Katrine & Trossachs pier
Loch Katrine and the pier from which the Sir Walter Scott paddle steamer sails are less than three miles away. Made famous by Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake, Loch Katrine is a popular destination for walking, cycling and cruising. One-hour and two-hour cruises on the Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy or Lady of the Lake run daily from March to October. For a great day out, take a bike on the boat to Stronachlacher and cycle back along the loch side to the pier (14 miles on a quiet, private road).
The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre
The gateway to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, The Lodge near Aberfoyle, is the starting point for a network of woodland and hill trails to suit all abilities and ages.
The short, wheel-chair accessible walk to An Eas a’ Mhangain (the Falls of the Little Fawn) is one of our favourites and from there it is just a brief stroll across the bridge to the red squirrel hide. Look out for reflective artwork and sculptures on the trails nearest The Lodge.
Go APE
Adjacent to The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre is the start of the treetop Go APE adventure course. This boasts two of the longest zip wires in the UK. Choose from the full treetop experience of zip lines and obstacles or the quick thrill of zip lines only.
Doune Castle
Initially a no-expense-spared home to Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland in the 14th century, and later a royal retreat from the 15th century, Doune Castle is perhaps better known to modern visitors for its role in film and TV programmes. It provided the backdrop to Monty Python and The Holy Grail, coubled as Winterfell in the Game of Thrones pilot, is the fictional Castle Leoch in the TV series Outlander, and featured as Douglas Castle in Outlaw King. Visitors to the castle can take audio tours narrated by Monty Python's Terry Jones and Outlander's Sam Heughan.
Toy Museum, Callander
The Hamilton Toy Museum and Collectors' Shop in Callander is one of the largest private collections of toys in the UK. With toys from the past 175 years, the museum is a place to revist childhoods from the Edwardian era to the present day.
Gorge walking
If scrambling, climbing, swimming and jumping from a height into deep pools for two hours is your thing, this activity with In Your Element is for you.