OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Loch Lomond is one of the few, if not the last, large expanses of ‘free’ water in the UK for water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and boating. Loch Lomond offers plenty of opportunity for watersports enthusiasts as well as those who simply want to enjoy the stunning scenery. There are numerous watersport operators in the area, we highly recommend that you visit the area and check out what’s on offer.

This 71-par course uses every inch of the dramatic landscape straddling the fault lines between the Scottish lowlands and highlands with nine holes set in each. Elevated holes offer spectacular view of Loch Lomond to the west and Ben Lomond to the north. Suitable for golfers of all abilities. It boasts a spectacular layout, offering a truly memorable day’s golf or magnificently maintained velvet greens and testy sloping fairways. Nine holes stick to classic Scottish Lowland along the banks of Loch Lomond, while the other nine make you climb to tackle Highland heath and tee off on sloping fairways.

The Equestrian School is one of the best equipped in the world and provides horse riding lessons and facilities for every discipline of horsemanship. And at every level of experience. Facilities cover a 50 acre site and include two covered, heated arenas, a fenced, surfaced open exercise and practice arena.

Killin Outdoor Centre is the perfect place to try canoeing for the first time. The shop is just 50 metres from a gentle sectin of the River Lochay, which flows into Loch Tay. A variety of canoes and kayaks are available for hire.

This 18 hole course has one of golf’s most inspiring backdrops – the Old Town of Stirling, built on ancient volcanic slopes, crowned by the historic Stirling Castle rising above spectacular crags. Set in the old royal hunting grounds of the Kings Park, Stirling is a golf course of excellent quality and unique character. Why not combine your golf day with a visit to Stirling with its historic old town, numerous eateries and excellent shopping.

From Leny Estate, turn right towards Callander. From Callander Meadows carpark on the left, follow the cycle path by the riverside to join the cycleway near the main road – turn left onto the cycleway.

Note: This is quite a complex mountain and in poor visibility competent navigation is essential. Check weather conditions before attempting. We recommend you take a detailed route planner with you for this climb. These are available from Visit Scotland in Callander.   Ben Vorlich towers above the west side of the head of Loch Lomond; although close to the road its steep sides means it is still a tough ascent. Most straightforward route is from Ardvorlich House. Follow the marked path just before Ardvorlich House. The track is very obvious most of the way.

With its many charms, and its rich heritage, Loch Katrine has won the heart of countless visitors. It is truly one of Scotland’s special places. Enjoy a cruise on the famous steamship ‘Sir Walter Scott’ or the ‘Lady of the Lake’ the perfect way to experience the beauty of Loch Katrine. Many visitors choose the option of taking a bike on board and cycling back around the loch. Cycle hire available from Katrinewheelz located in the pier car park. Café, restaurant, bar and gift shop also on the pier.

Ben Ledi is a familiar landmark from Callander and the highest mountain in the main part of the Trossachs. It is a very popular hillwalk and its position on the edge of the Highlands makes it an excellent viewpoint. Traditional route is from Stank car park (about 3 miles north of Callander on A84, turn left at ‘Forest Cabins’ sign to cross a metal bridge). This route is well marked and visible all the way to the top. If planning to go all the way over to return by Stank Glen, be aware that the right turn off the Bealach nan Corp is not marked and is easily missed. If you find the track rising gently, or pass a small lochan you have missed the turn and will end up on Ben Vane if you don’t turn around!

Set on an island in the Lake of Menteith, Inchmahome is an idyllically situated Augustinian monastery dating from 1238. In 1547 the priory served as a refuge for the young Queen Mary, aged four, hidden here for a few weeks following the disastrous defeat of the Scots army at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh. Board the ferry right next to the Lake of Mentieth Hotel for a short ten minute crossing to the island. Take a picnic and you can easily spend a relaxing couple of hours exploring the woods and the priory.