TO DO
Out and about in the Trossachs
Bracklinn Falls - stroll
A short, easy walk of about 1/2 mile to the falls, returning the way you went can be made from the falls car park. But if you want to get your puff up, walk from the Nest Holiday Home and follow the signs from the main street, opposite the Roman Camp Hotel.
Loch Katrine with the Steamship Sir Walter Scott FK17 8HZ
A special place off set against the backdrop of The Trossachs, the loch is surrounded by hills, mountains and woodlands. A long strip of water nearly 9 miles in length it runs the width of the Strath Gartney. Loch Katrine hosts a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, climbing and bird watching. The Trossachs woodlands and forestry serves those with a sense of adventure or seeking solitude in nature.
Loch Katrine’s status and beauty has attracted historical and artistic icons to The Trossachs over the centuries. Thanks to Queen Victoria launching the pioneering water service, the Trossachs has a reputation as a much desired place to visit since the Victorians through to present day wanderers.
The surrounding area takes in Glengyle and Stronachlachar (give yourself a pat on the back if you can pronounce that) which are spectacular with their mix of water and hills. Historical roots tap back to Rob Roy MacGregor, the poet William Wordsworth and the unofficial Loch Katrine patron Sir Walter Scott. Loch Katrine represents Scotland’s magnificent natural heritage.
A firm favourite with tourists and locals alike, a highlight is a cruise on the world famous steamship, the Sir Walter Scott.
Glasgow’s freshwater is supplied by Loch Katrine, which ensures that the steamship operation preserves the water quality and environment.
If you are exploring the Trossachs, the loch is an ideal day trip to take in the Three Forest Drive, Queen Elizabeth Park and other sights and activities.
Accessibility is a priority at the Loch with most facilities at Trossachs Pier on one level, with a lift providing wheelchair access to the restaurant. The roadway along the northern shore of Loch Katrine has a relatively flat tarmac surface and is quiet, as it is not open to public traffic, which makes it the ideal alternative route to the other end of the loch. You can hire bikes and buggies at the Pier, or take a cruise on the wheelchair accessible steamship Sir Walter Scott.
Bikes can also be booked on board the vessels so you can take a cruise up the loch and cycle back, which is happily downhill most of the way.
Activities
McLaren Leisure Centre
If you feel like being active on your break McLaren Leisure offers quality, inclusive sport and leisure facilities which you can enjoy as a visitor.
Train, play, compete or simply relax.
Facilities:
• 20 metre Swimming Pool with Sauna and Steam Room
• Café
• eBike hire
• Holiday activities
• Indoor Sports Hall
• Fitness Suite / Strength and Conditioning Area
• Woodland Kingdom Indoor Soft Play ideal for little ones
• Climbing Wall
• 3G Astroturf
• Meeting and Function Rooms
It’s a short walking distance from Nest Holiday Home to Mollands Road, Callander, FK17 8JP
Reception@mclarenleisure.co.uk
More information
Food & drink
QRK
Vintage clothing with old-fashioned tea and cakes, nostalgic music and a select menu of savory bites.
A delight.
McQueen Gin Emporium.
Ths multi award winning distillery is based just on the periphery of Callander. Think of it as small batch, handcrafted, premium Scottish Gin.
Visit them at The Barn at Upper Drumbane Farm.
Trossachs Distillery is where McQueen Gin was founded in 2015, launching a small range of unique premium gins, each with signature botanicals in 2016. Can you “taste” these unique gins, blackcurrent and raspberry, black cherry and vanilla, citroen, or my favourite five chilli – which packs a punch. The business is going from strength to strength and provides a visitor experience with provenance. More info.
Entertainment
Crown Hotel Main Street
A welcoming country pub serving hearty meals as well as teas and coffees. Hosts major sporting events. Live music every Saturday.
Riverside Main Street
Bistro style venue with music on Saturdays.
Old Rectory Inn
Sunday roast served with afternoon music.
Lade Inn FK17 8DH
Pub and restaurant with traditional folk music. Unfortunately not in walking distance. More info.
The Callander Jazz and Blues Festival.
Fri 30 Sept - 3 Oct 2022
The largest rural Jazz & Blues festival in Scotland and is firmly established on the UK festival map.
First held back in 2006, the festival has grown every year, with the event featuring over 50 gigs across 12 venues, performing live jazz, blues, soul and boogie over 3 days. From solo artists to big bands, over 150 musicians ensure a long weekend of great music in the autumn splendour of the Trossachs. More info.
