Visit Aberfoyle

Visit Aberfoyle, once the centre of the slate mining industry, is a busy tourist town as well as being the Gateway to the Trossachs.

The town itself does not have a whole lot to recommend it, but its location and the outstanding beauty of the surrounding area make a trip here the highlight of many vacations in Scotland.

It was a hidden gem till the early 19th century and owes much to a famous tourist, Sir Walter Scott. After a visit to the area he published his poem “ The Lady of the Lake ” (1810) which describes the beauty of nearby Loch Katrine. Seven years later, Scott produced another classic set in the area, “Rob Roy” . Aberfoyle was now on the 'must visit' tourists trail and its popularity still remains today. The village honoured Scott by hanging an old poker on a gnarled oak tree. Strange as this tribute might seem, it is intended to remind visitors of an episode in “Rob Roy” where a fight at a local inn results in Rob Roy's cousin pulling a hot poker out of the fire in self-defence.

Situated within Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Aberfoyle is surrounded by forests and lochs. Your first stop when you vist Aberfoyle is the Trossachs Discovery Centre where you'll be able to find all the details you need to make the most of your stay. Another favourite is the Scottish Wool Centre where you can try your hand at spinning wool into yarn, find out more about Scottish Wool or buy some warm woollies to take back home with you. Golfers are also well advised to come here for Aberfoyle boasts one of the most scenic courses in Scotland. Walkers are rewarded with Rob's Roy's Way, a 79 mile walkwhich cuts through Aberfoyle on its way to Pitlochry from Drymen. The main road leading to the Trossachs is Duke's Road so called after the Duke of Montrose who had the road laid in 1886. The drive is lovely and offers good views over Lochs Drunkie and Venachar. You can pick a trail leaflet from the Trossachs Discovery Centre in Aberfoyle.

A good time to visit Aberfoyle is during one of its festivals. Spring sees an international festival celebrating the great outdoors, Tramping Through The Trossachs while in Autumn there's the popular Mushroom Festival where you can savour the flavours of the area and enjoy the provided entertainment.