The Trossachs
One of the National Park’s four areas
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs share one National Park, but they are different areas: the Trossachs is one of its four, centred on Aberfoyle, Callander and Loch Katrine. It suits forest drives, short hill climbs and loch cruises, and it is a car-first area. Without a car, start with getting there without a car.
- Aberfoyle. The gateway village for the forest park, with a free riverside car park listed on the destination site. Check the signs.
- Callander. A town on the River Teith. Council car parks charge seven days a week.
- Trossachs Pier. The Steamship Sir Walter Scott sails from here on Loch Katrine.
- Loch Venachar. The loch just west of Callander, along the A821.
Which base
Aberfoyle and Callander are the two main bases, and the Trossachs Explorer bus links them. Neither is on Loch Lomond. Compare them with all towns and villages before you book.
Top things to do
These are the main reasons to visit, in the order most first-time visitors reach them.
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Three Lochs Forest Drive
Go for a one-way forest road past three lochs. The vehicle road closed for winter at 4pm on 30 September and reopens in spring; the trails stay open. For the vehicle charge, check the Forestry and Land Scotland page.
Length 7 miles
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Loch Katrine and the steamship
Go for the Steamship Sir Walter Scott. The 2026 summer season ran from 27 March to 25 October; from 26 October only selected sailings run until 25 March 2027.
Longest cruise 2 hours
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Trossachs Pier
The starting point for the cruises, at postcode FK17 8HZ. The ticket office number is 01877 376315; check the booking page for fares.
Cruises run daily
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Go Ape
A treetop adventure at Aberfoyle for families and thrill-seekers. Book on the official site and check the age and height rules.
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Ben A’an
A small summit with a big view over Loch Katrine. Check the route guide for distance and timings.
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Ben Venue
A proper mountain walk, not a stroll. Wait for a clear forecast.
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Ben Ledi
The hill above Loch Lubnaig, from a free car park off the A84 that gets very busy on summer weekends.
Car park free
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The Great Trossachs Path
A walking route through the area. The route guide covers the stages.
Getting around and when to go
Public transport is limited, so decide how you will get around before you pick a base.
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Without a car
The Trossachs Explorer, run by Stirling Council, links Aberfoyle and Callander. It relaunched on 29 June 2026 and runs year-round. Check Traveline Scotland for times.
Explorer bus 4 return trips a day
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Weather and midges
Midges bite from late May to early September, and are worst in July and August, mostly in the early morning and evening.
Midge season late May to September
Further north
Three more bases on the road towards Breadalbane.
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Killin
Go for the Falls of Dochart, at the western end of Loch Tay.
Bus from Callander C60
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Strathyre
A small village on the C60 route, with the nearest toilets, shops and cafes to the Ben Ledi car park on that side.
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Lochearnhead
At the head of Loch Earn, on the C60 bus route between Callander and Killin.
More to explore
Related guides across the National Park.
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All walks in the park
Hill and lochside routes, from short strolls to full mountain days.
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Golf near the Trossachs
Aberfoyle and Callander both have golf clubs that welcome visitors.
Looking for a bed? Where to stay around the park compares the main bases.
Questions people ask
Is Loch Lomond in the Trossachs?
They are in the same National Park but are different areas. The Trossachs is one of four areas of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, alongside Loch Lomond, Breadalbane and Cowal.
What’s close to Loch Lomond?
Within the National Park, the Trossachs, Breadalbane and Cowal are all in reach. We have not verified drive times, so check a route planner for today’s traffic before you plan a day that includes both.
What do Scots call a lake?
A loch. The one exception in the Trossachs area is the Lake of Menteith, beside Port of Menteith.
What are some things to do in the Trossachs National Park?
Drive or walk the Three Lochs Forest Drive, take the Steamship Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine, try Go Ape at Aberfoyle, or climb Ben A’an, Ben Venue or Ben Ledi. The list on this page links to each.
Is the Three Lochs Forest Drive open?
The road is closed to vehicles for winter from 4pm on 30 September and reopens in spring. The trails stay open to walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. For the vehicle charge, check the Forestry and Land Scotland page.
How do I get around the Trossachs without a car?
The Trossachs Explorer links Aberfoyle and Callander, with 4 return journeys a day since it relaunched on 29 June 2026. Bus C60 runs from Killin to Callander via Strathyre and Lochearnhead. Check Traveline Scotland for times.
Is the Steamship Sir Walter Scott running?
Yes, on selected sailings. The winter season runs from 26 October 2026 to 25 March 2027, and the ticket office is on 01877 376315.
Which is the better base, Aberfoyle or Callander?
Aberfoyle for forest and the Forest Drive, Callander for a town with more shops and Ben Ledi nearby. Callander’s council car parks cost £6 all day, and Aberfoyle’s Riverside car park is listed as free.