Walking Routes in the Trossachs scotland

Walking Routes

Described as the Highlands in miniature, the scenery around the Trossachs is wonderful. Forest covered slopes, dramatic peaks, waterfalls and lovely walks. If you are reasonably fit, you could climb Ben Venue or Ben A'an on the Southern shores of Loch Katrine or Ben Ledi, North of Callendar to be rewarded with unbeatable views.



The above maps have been provided courtesy of the Forestry Commission. Most routes are suitable for cyclists and walkers. Please click on the icon to show an enlarged map, information on the difficulty of the route, suitable footwear etc.

Glen Finglas

Photograph Courtesy of photographscotland.com

Distance: 15 miles (24 km)	Type of Walk: Strenuous Trundler Stop: Brig O'Turk
Height Gain: 1650ft (500m)
Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Starting on the Glen Finglas Road at Brig O'Turk with the village hall on the right and the Brig O'Turk Tea Room on your left, this walk climbs steeply winding its way through oak, birch & alder woodland with views over the reservoir & dam. The terrain changes to open farmland leading to an open view of the Glen Finglas Estate. From here you follow the route to Balquhidder along a track meandering thru ancient trees above the Gleann nam Meann Burn to the head of the Glen, at its highest point you are 600m above Moine nan Each or "bog of the horse", the views on a clear day are spectacular.

The track descends steeply into Glen Finglas with amazing views of Ben Ledi, the reservoir & glen; once part of an ancient medieval hunting forest. Continue over the pedestrian bridge over the Finglas Water and follow the burn side track which will eventually bring you back to Brig O'Turk.

Ben A'an

Photograph Courtesy of photographscotland.com

Distance: 3 miles (5.5 km)	Type of Walk: Strenuous Trundler Stop: Tigh Mhor
Height Gain: 2100ft (640m)
Walking Time: 2-3 hours

Starting from Tigh Mhor (an imposing 'Castle Looking' Stone Building overlooking Loch Achray) make your way west towards the woods that spread up the hill (opposite a small carpark). The path up to Ben A'an starts here with no warm-up as you start with a climb, passing through Larch plantations and mixed woodlands all the while walking beside the (at times) fast flowing Allt Inneir Burn. The route is varied with a lot of scrambling up rocks, but perservere as the constantly changing views are worth the clambering. The final assault is the most challenging, weaving at times through a constantly changing and rocky stream. Ben A'an must have one of the most rewarding views in terms of effort & time put in. Weather & time of day permitting you may be lucky enough to see the 100 year old SS Sir Walter Scott sailing up Loch Katrine and in the distance the distinctive crabby top of the Cobbler.

Ben Venue

Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)	Type of Walk: Strenuous Trundler Stop: Achray Hotel
Height Gain: 2100ft (640m)
Walking Time: 5-6 hours

From the main road walk into the Loch Achray Hotel grounds into the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park following the path along Achray Water. Bear left at the first fork following the track until it crosses, cross over the next junction and follow track when it forks to the right continuing through the forest. Once out of the forest you will head over open hillside, which turns uphill at the 1st of 2 cairns on the way to the summit. On a clear day it is hard to beat Ben Venue as a viewing point, looking back you will still be able to see where you started from as well as The Cobbler, Beinn Bhreac, Ben Lomond, Ben Lui, Ben Ledi, Ben Lawyers and Meall nan Tarmachan, the Arrochar Hills, Dumgoyne and the Campsies as well as Callander. Lochs include Arklet, Katrine Achray, Venacher.

If you have left your vehicle at the Loch Achray Hotel or are using the Trundler you will have to return by the same route you came. However, it is possible to continue walking to eventually come out at Ledard Farm at Kinlochard (5 miles on from the village of Aberfoyle).