My guide to Callander and the Trossachs
Camusunary
Why staying the Trossachs is a perfect Scottish getaway….
I thought it was about time I did a guide on my new local area and showcase why my husband and I relocated from Glasgow to the heart of Scotland.
If you are heading to the highlands from the central belt you are most likely directed through Loch Lomond or head up the A9 towards Inverness. Here is why Callander and the Trossachs is not only a great alternative pitstop on your route north but also warrants at least a 3 day stop over!
Firstly some tips:
Book your accommodation far in advance! Scotland in general is a really popular destination internationally and the provision for accommodation has also increased however give yourself time to book places.
Walk Highlands - This is a really useful website if you are looking for a range of walks in the area. It covers the whole of Scotland
Have a car - The best way to get to those hidden gems is with a car. Public transport in this part of the wolrd is not the best.
Pack a variety of clothing - One thing Scotland is really good for is its changeable weather. Unless there is a chance of 100% sunshine, pack a hat, good sturdy footwear that can get wet, every type of clothing including a pair of shorts! (as you can see below)
Recommendations:
I’m going to share some of my favourite walks, some awesome accommodation and food choices that are nearby and of course a wee spotlight on what’s in Callander
Bracklinn Falls
Walks:
Callander - Bracklinn Falls
This is already a really popular walk because of the majestic waterfall and the newly replaced bridge across it, but the 7km loop that accompanies it is also such a lovely walk. We love to do it around 5/6pm in the summer when its a bit quieter and you can watch the sun set from the top.
Ben Ledi
So I’ve only done Ben Ledi once however we are planning to do it again in the summer and not JANUARY when the whole side was covered in ice! It has incredible views from the top and is straight up from the get go. Some mountains have a really long walk in such as Ben Venue but Ben Ledi is a really straightforward path. VERY popular at the weekends so either go early or weekday.
Half way up Ben ledi
Glen Finglas
Another one of our favourite walks and always one we seem to do around March time when the daffodils are coming out and the geese are nesting on the island and shoreline of Loch Finglas. It is also incredible in the autumn where the hillside looks like its on fire with the autumnal colours! If you time it right you can also visit the Brig o’Turk tearoom which is a corrugated building and does a cracking scone and jam!
Loch Katrine
This has to be one of my favourite walks in the area and one we have taken friends and family on. Loch Katrine has a fascinating history with ties to Walter Scott, the song Ava Maria and was once the water supply to Glasgow. A pipeline of 36 miles was created to give fresh water to the growing city and you can still find relics of aqueducts and building with the Queen Elizabeth forest.
The walk here is Primrose hill where you scale up the hill to the right and loop round to the road and back. Its a 12km walk but is gorgeous and if you fancy a wee dip in the Loch there’s a perfect place at a boathouse and pier just off the road. Here you can ride across the loch on an old Steamboat to Stronachlachar and if you dare, cycle the 13 mile private road back to the other side.
Loch Ard
Aberfoyle and exploring the Queen Elizabeth forest was what made us fall in love with this area. Just after lockdown we travelled up to explore this forest nearly every 2 weeks. It was our stomping ground to have a domestic, share our worries, take in the quiet nature, talk over future plans when life felt very uncertain. You can walk for 3 hours in this forest and not see a single person and it is glorious. You can park at the Milton end of Aberfoyle where there is a forest car park and have a gorgeous scenic walk along Loch Ard. You can also park in Kinlochard and do a loop which takes you to a view point or go on a 16km loop just through the forest. It really is never-ending.
Shopping
Callander was once known for its woolen mills and a classic day trip for people in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Eating a chippy and feeding the many ducks at the river Teith under the shadow of Ben Ledi is still really popular but there’s lots more to see and do in the town. Today, the high street is bustling with new and well established independent business offering a lovely wee shopping day. Here are some of my favourite shops on the high street…
Willow Botanic
Janine and Neil run this gorgeous plant, dried flower and gift shop. They are knowledgeable and super friendly and well worth a visit!
Karnak Comics
Liam runs Karnak which is a treasure trove for comic book lovers, you'll find comics, graphic novels, board games and other pop culture merchandise and much much more!
Callander Drinks company
Jen runs Callander drinks company that specialise in unusual whiskeys. She is so approachable and will answer any whisky question you may have! They also do regular whisky tastings so definitely worth a visit!
CCW
This is an institution in the town and particularly handy if you haven’t brought appropriate clothing with you whether that’s rain or shine!
Hashtag
A classic gift shop in the town that sells a wide variety of Scottish made gifts.
Places to Eat:
Ben Ledi Cafe - Situated on the Main street of Callander I’m pretty much in here everyday for coffee. It’s a family run cafe where everyone is super friendly and it has a really cute secret garden out the back when the weather is kind.
Mhor Bread - The most glorious spread of cakes, snadwiches, pies and bread. Even if you are not hungry, get something for the road! There is a sit in area but not table service. Situated on the main street of Callander.
Deli Ecosse, The Old Bank and the Atrium in CCW are also favourites in Callander and great for a sit down lunch.
Brig o’Turk Tearoom - If you are heading to Loch Katrine or Glen Finglas this is a lovely little tearoom - check the opening hours though before heding over!
Places to sleep:
There is a real mixture of accommodation in the Trossachs and here are some hidden gems we’ve driven and walked passed that I really want to stay in!
Loch Venacher Cabins - On the south banks of Loch Venacher are these secluded cabins beautiful in all weathers and a great selection of walk on your doorstep.
Lanrick Treehouses - We have been fortunate enough to be renting a house on the Lanrick estate since moving to the Callander area and these are right in the heart of the estate. Lanrick treehouses are situated in the midst of the beautiful grounds of the Lanrick estate. You can walk along the river Teith, watch red squirrels and deer hop about and just enjoy the general serenity of this area
Ben Aan B and B - In Callander you have Ben Aan B and B a beautifully curated bed and breakfast in the heart of Callander
Mhor 84 - A wee bit further out you have the choice of the Mhor properties - Mhor 84 is a relaxed diner style restaurant with rooms and the perfect pitstop if you are passing through the area
Monachyle Mhor - Their other property is Monachyle Mhor which is down a secluded single track road and is an absolute treat. Somewhere to hunker down and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. Mhor Bread is also a massive feature in Callander where they serve the best pies and sweet selection, perfect for a snack on a long walk!
Venacher Cabins
Lanrick Treehouses