The Trossachs, Scotland - Aberfoyle Callander .Strathyre . Balquhidder . Killin . Doune . Stirling . Brig o' Turk . Trossachs Pier . Aberfoyle . Stronachlachar . Lochearnhead The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park . Walking . Hill walking . Cycling

About Aberfoyle

Aberfoyle is a Trossachs village at the edge of the Highlands on the Highland Boundary fault. This location provides quite a beautiful setting with a backdrop of wooded hillsides and the occasional rocky crags. To the north is the Duke's Pass leading to the heart of The Trossachs at Loch Katrine. To the west a narrow road leads miles into the Highlands passing Loch Ard, Loch Chon, and Loch Arklet before arriving ar the west end of Loch Katrine at Stronachlachar. To the east the A81 leads to Lake of Menteith, Callander, Doune and Stirling and to the south a good road leads to Loch Lomond and Glasgow.

Aberfoyle had a rail service at one time which brought visitors to the town and also carried freight, largely in the form of slates from the slate quarry in the hills behind the village. The rail service is long gone, but the trackbed still exists and several footpaths take advantage of its level route. The old slate quarry can be visited from the David Marshall Lodge where you can do the 'Earthquake Trail' which passes the quarry and the remains of an 'Inclined Plane' tramway which was used to take the slates from the quarry down to the level of the road.

One unique claim to fame is Aberfoyle's association with the reverend Kirk who became the local minister in Aberfoyle after preaching for some time at Balquhidder. He was the author of a famous book on the occult - 'The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Faeries' which surprisingly followed his publication of the first translation to Gaelic of the Book of Psalms!

Reverend Kirke came to fame in Aberfoyle due to his mysterious disappearance during a walk from the manse to Doon Hill - apparently the faeries were somewhat upset by his disclosure of their secrets (in the book). Legend has it that he was kidnapped by the faeries and that his spirit is entombed in a large pine tree at the top of Doon Hill. The tree is often festooned with dolls and peices of paper bearing messages to him and the faeries. His body lies in the graveyard of the old parish church a little way south of the village. You can take the same walk to Doon hill yourself - if ye daur!

There is a good selection of shops in Aberfoyle including the usual 'woollen mill' shops, grocery stores and souvenir shops. There is a tourist information centre and a the Scottish Wool Centre which frequently hosts local events such as the 'Quack Commandos' - dogs and ducks working as an entertaining team.

Entertainment

Apart from the usual pub entertainment, Aberfoyle is becoming known for its festivals - The Spring 'Tramping Festival' and the 'Mushroom Festival' with both events attracting large numbers of visitors.

Things to do

• Visit the David Marshall Lodge off the Dukes Pass about 1/2 mile up the road. Surrouinded by walks including the 'Little Fawn Waterfall walk' and he 'Highland Boundary Walk'.
• Spend some time in the tree tops at 'Go-Ape' next to the David Marshall Lodge
• Cycle on the many tracks in the Queen Elizabeth Forest park
• Walk on a great selection of woodland trails
• Go boating or sailing on Loch Ard
• Take your camera out for a walk in spectacular scenery
• Take in a round at Aberfoyle Golf Club

Exploring the Trossachs

Places nearby to visit from Aberfoyle include: The Forest Park, Stronachlachar, Inversnaid , Loch Katrine & Steamer, Loch Lomond