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

About Callander in The Trossachs

Callander is situated on the east side of the National Park in the area designated as 'Trossachs'. With easy access from both south and north on the A84 trunk road it is often called the 'Gateway to The Trossachs National Park'.

This is the largest centre of population in the park and as such it offers a large selection of holiday accommodation. As you might expect from a popular holiday village there are many attractions for day trippers and for those on a longer holiday. The main street has well over 60 shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, most of which rely on tourism as their main source of business. The ladies especially usually show great interest shown in the many 'woollen mill' outlets in Callander Main Street and at Kilmahog about half a mile north of Callander.

On the very edge of the Highlands, below the towering bulk of Ben Ledi and at the mouth of the Leny Pass, Callander is a wonderful base for anyone interested in outdoor activities or sightseeing. It is also a very popular 'stopover' point for those intending to venture further north. Outdoor enthusiasts are well catered for by the 4 or 5 specialist stores catering for the needs of those interested in the more energetic outdoor pursuits such as walking, climbing and cycling. There are 2 bike hire specialists, one beside the visitor centre and one at Invertrossachs road near Loch Venachar.

Entertainment

Typically of a tourist village, every year there are many events laid on specially for holiday visitors: The Callander Highland Games on the last weekend of July, The Callander Jazz Festival, usually in September, the local pipe band or Callander Brass band most weekends in summer and an annual beer festival are just a few of the things laid on tokeep you entertained.

Activities and things to see

The following list is just a selection of the many activities available

• The Rob Roy Visitor Centre with displays, a selection of Scottish books and of course brochures for all the local places of interest in the Trossachs.
• Children (of all ages) will enjoy a visit to the 'Hamilton Toy Collection' - a museum of toys from past times.
• Callander Meadows - a riverside park with waterfowl, walks, picnic areas and children's playground.
• On a wet day, get wetter at the McLaren Leisure centre swimming pool
• Walk Callander Crags and woodland walks for a pleasant ramble or a more energetic walk to the crag top for extensive views of the Trossachs and Highlands
• Visit Bracklinn Falls and Scouts pool.
• Visit the Falls of Leny just beyond Kilmahog
• Hire a bike and take a nice easy ride on the C7 cycleway which follows the old rail track (level) or venture on some of the more interesting routes by lochsides, through woods or up some of the local hills.
• Park at Kilmahog or Stank Bridge in the Pass of Leny and climb Ben Ledi (just under 3000 feet). There's a good path, fabulous views, and the walk may be extended to Stank Glen or even Ben Vane. Make sure you are properly equipped.
• Take a boat trip from the Trossachs Leisure restaurant at Loch Venachar
• Go fishing at Loch Venachar from the Trossachs Leisure pier
• Take a day out at the Callander Golf Club

Callander History

Callander was just a small collection of cottages near the present bridge until the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite rising when the Jacobite supporters lands were confiscated and managed by the 'Commissioners of the forfeit estates. The commissioners decided that Callander was ripe for development and a plan was laid out for a new town with a grid layour and wide streets. The result is seen in the layout of the present village.

The railway arrived in the mid 19th century and this, together with the publishing of Scott's 'Lady of the Lake' increased the popularity of the area and Callander very quickly became a thriving tourist centre. The railway closed in 1963 but by then the motor car had made travel very much easier and the tourists have never left.

Exploring the Trossachs

Places nearby to visit from Callander include: Brig o' Turk, Strathyre, Doune and Stirling