Sport, Walks and Leisure in
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
The Loch Lomond and Trossachs area comprises of the towns of Balloch, Drymen, Aberfoyle, Callander, Strathyre, Doune and Killin which are all known for their walks and sporting activities in the area. The entries below offer a choice of activities for all ages.
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was created in 2002 to safeguard this area of outstanding natural beauty and protect its diverse landscapes and natural heritage. We think the Park is one of the most magical places in the world and we hope your visit is full of adventure, fun or relaxation. With its mountains, forests, stunning shorelines and outdoor activities, our job is to help you enjoy Scotland’s first National Park. you’ll see our Park Rangers out and about in the countryside, so don’t hesitate to stop and say hello!. www.lochlomond-trossachs.org
Sweeneys Cruises : Enjoy Loch Lomond in all its seasonal beauty in style and comfort on one of our luxurious passenger boats. Take the 1 Hour Experience Tour (11.30, 1.30, 2.30 3.30 and also 4.30 in the summer months). 2 Hour Island Discovery Cruise (1pm – 3pm) or the Evening Sunset Cruise (7pm July and August). All trips subject to demand. Whether for business or pleasure, we will endeavour to make it a day to remember. Located in the centre of Balloch, by Balloch Train Station (G83 8SW) Tel: 01389 752376. www.sweeneyscruises.com. Click here for cruise information and to book tickets. Number 5 on the map
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre. Learn about the rescue and conservation of birds of prey where you will see a range of barying breeds including owls, hawks, buzzards, falcons and eagles. Additional activities range from ‘The Flying Experience’ to a full ‘Introduction to Falconry’ day (additional fees apply). Situated at the rear of the Loch Lomond Homes and Gardens Centre and open all year from 9.30am to 5pm (summer) and 10.30am – 3.30pm (winter). Admission: Adults £3.50, children/concessions £2.50, families £8-£14. Under 5’s free. Tel: 07751 862416. Situated at Ballagan, on the A811 to Stirling, just 1/2 mile past Balloch. . www.lochlomondbirdofprey.co.uk Number 9 on the map
Can You Experience? Yes you can! Outdoor activities on and around Loch Lomond, with our base situated at Loch Lomond Shores. Family fun with bicycle hire from 12 months + as well as canoe and pedal boat hire in a stunning sheltered bay. We offer 2-hour guided canoe trips – the perfect introduction to the sport and the loch as well as full day trips where you can enjoy a picnic on a secluded beach, lochside walks, swim and more. Guided hikes, bike trips, survival skills, abseiling and more. Loch Lomond Shores Visitor Centre, Balloch, G83 8QL. T: 01389 756251. www.canyouexperience.com. Number 3 on the map.
Go Ape: Take to the trees! at David Marshall Lodge, Aberfoyle, and experience an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides up to 120 feet above the forest floor. Ideal for friends and families, you’ll share approximately 3 hours of fun and adventure going ape up in the trees. Book online or call 0845 094 8762. Min age 10yrs. Min height 1.4m. Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult. Situated next to the David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre in Aberfoyle.
McLaren Leisure Centre offers something for all the family: heated indoor swimming pool, purpose built climbing wall complex and a multi-purpose sports hall catering for all indoor sporting activities. The outdoor floodlit arena caters for tennis and a variety of ball games. Superb fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room and spa bath. A superb modern venue well worth a visit, no matter the weather or time of year. Open 9am to 9pm, 7 days, all year. 10 mins walk from the centre of Callander. Tel: 01877 330000. www.mclarenleisure.co.uk
Action Adventure Activities – more fun than you can imagine! Situated just outside Aberfoyle, we offer a whole range of exciting activities for individuals and groups. From 4×4 driving and Quad Bikes to Abseiling, Archery, Paintball and more. Activities range from £16 and packages from £70. Great fun for families, friends and colleagues. Accommodation available close by. Easterhill, Gartmore, by Aberfoyle, Trossachs. FK8 3SA. Tel: 01877 382875. www.aaactivities.com
The Falls of Leny. A spectacular falls with a superb vantage point overlooking them. The falls are in the Pass of Leny, an ancient entrance to the Highlands. In times past it must have been a forbidding place for armies looking to pass through. Clearly sign posted off the A84 north of Callander to car park and walks. Cross A84 to the path to the falls.
Bracklinn Falls have been popular since Victorian times. The series of dramatic falls in a deep gorge are surrounded by oak trees. A narrow footbridge takes the walker to the other side of the gorge. The walk to the Falls offers good views of the area. Allow 40 minutes for the walk. Situated above Callander, taking Bracklinn Road to the start of the walk.
The Crags Walk. Up behind Callander is a high wooded ridge, known as the Crags, made of Old Red Sandstone. For the energetic walker, there is a newly constructed route to the very top of the Crags giving spectacular views over Callander and the country to the south, (2hrs round trip). The lower wood walk below the Crags, is well worth the walk with some fine oaks, chestnuts, beeches and firs.
Callander Short Walk. Walk down the Main St to South Church St (Map Grid Ref: C4) for spectacular views of Ben Ledi. walk down this peaceful riverbank, watching the bird life and the occasional fisherman. Return along the same route and then onto the path to Bridge End and over the main bridge back into Callander.
Glen Finglas is in the care of the Woodland Trust, who acquire woodland sites, to sympathetically manage them for wildlife, where people can visit. The Glen Finglas Estate stretches over 10,000 acres, once covered in ancient woodland, it is now reduced to scattered remnants of its splendid past. At Little Drum, just before Brig O’Turk there is a car park & picnic area. Walks into the wood and up Lendrick Hill opposite can be taken from here.