Scenic Drives around the Trossachs (original) (raw)
Drives 1 to 5 from Callander. Drive 6 from Balloch.
Trossachs Trail ][ Balquhidder ][ Lochearnside ][ Loch Tayside ][ The high glens ][ Along Loch Long ]
Callander, Scenery & Places to go in the Car on your visit to The Trossachs, in Scotland
The countryside around Callander which forms the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is ideally suited for sightseeing in the car. Unlike for example, the English Lake District, the roads are not congested, there are places to park the car (free), you can park beside the lochs and rivers where you can see the views.
If you do get out of the car you don't have to struggle through crowds to get to the - shop, toilet, pub, waterside, or whatever.
Scotland's national park is well endowed with S P A C E ! to do your sightseeing.
Sightseeing from Callander
I suggest using Callander as a touring base as it is centrally located and easy to get to.
From the south you normally approach Callander via Stirling, some 14 miles from Callander. Some approach the [Trossachs](callander%5Fscotland.htm#the trossachs) via Dumbarton and Loch Lomond. Once here, you have very good access by road to most places to the north, south and west, with only slightly less convenient access to the east.
The Scenery - Lochs, Mountains, Waterfalls and Rivers
The whole of the area to the north, east and west of Callander is a maze of lochs, rivers, waterfalls and mountains, and is a haven for those seeking scenery to see, photograph or even paint. The tranquil lochs of Vennachar, Lubnaig and Voil are reknowned for their reflections, Lochs Vennachar and Voil especially so at sunset.
Many of the minor roads through the hills and down the lochsides in the national park are at a high level, sometimes nearly 800 ft and thus offer impressive panoramic views over vast tracts of mountain scenery. In this respect the Ben Lawers road, the Glenquaich road and the road over to Inversnaid are particularly impressive to drive over. I believe this represents sightseeing by car at it best.
Places of interest
History and interesting places are not something you have to look for in Scotland - they surround you at every turn. Where-ever you go around Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and southern highlands you will find fascinating places and relics of times gone by - but you must keep your eyes open as these things have simply become part of the scenery. You will find a guide to some of the historical locations in the 'history' pages.
My Sightseeing Days out in the Car
Being retired has many advantages, among which is the luxury of having time to do things - like getting out in the car and doing a bit of sightseeing. We have spent many a happy hour just driving around the Trossachs just to answer the always burning question - 'I wonder where that leads?' Happily we have now explored most of these mystery roads and are now able to pass on to you the benefits of our wanderings. Take a look at this selection - and come back to this page often as the list will grow!
Click here to print the area map first if you wish.
Drives the National Park from Callander
- Lochs Vennachar, Achray and Katrine via Aberfoyle (1½hr)
- Balquhidder and Loch Voil via Strathyre (2hr)
- Loch Earn and the Raiders' Grave (2hr)
- Killin, Loch Tay and Aberfeldy (3hr)
- Killin, Loch Tay, Kenmore, Glen Quaich, Sma' Glen and Crieff (4hr)
- Balloch, Helensburgh, Loch Long and Arrochar (4hr)
Consider cycling to enjoy yourself whilst you keep fit.
Cycle hire from Wheels Cycling Centre at Invertrossachs or **Mounter's Bikes **in Callander near the Rob Roy Centre