Are you looking for an active holiday where you can enjoy both outdoor adventure and cultural activities? Are you looking to get off the beaten track and try new experiences? Then read our blogs on the adventures to be had when you holiday at Callander Woods Holiday Park.
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The publication of Sir Walter Scott's epic poem 'The Lady of the Lake' which celebrates the beauty of the loch Katrine first caused tourists to descend on Loch Katrine. Today, over 200 years after it was published, visitors are still flocking to this beautiful part of The Trossachs.
It is a scenic 20 minute drive from the park alongside Loch Venacher, through Brig o’ Turk, past Loch Achray and onto Loch Katrine.
Loch Katrine
The world-famous 123-year-old Steamship Sir Walter Scott is now back in operation on Loch Katrine, following a major restoration programme. Why not take a trip on this old lady to enjoy the spectacular scenery or if you prefer something a bit more modern, choose from the Lady of the Lake, Rob Roy III or the smaller Osprey private charter boat.
Steamship Sir Walter Scott
Cruises leave from both the Stronachlachar and Trossachs Piers, where you will find a range of shops and cafés. If you are feeling adventurous, why not hire a bike and take it on board for the morning sail and cycle back along the shores?
Cycling Around Loch Katrine
The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre is located in the huge Queen Elizabeth Forest Park above Aberfoyle. The view from the cafe is one of the best in Scotland!
There is a choice of four scenic trails or varying abilities, including a gentle 30-minute stroll to a waterfall. This route takes in the life-sized lumberjill statue, dedicated to the women who served in the Women’s Timber Corps during the war.
This is a great place to watch wildlife with an easy-to-reach red squirrel hide as well as live video feeds of squirrels and birds in the wildlife room. In summer there are ranger-led activities such as spotting wildlife and map-reading.
Just a short walk up the hill from the visitor centre is Go Ape, home to two of the longest zip wires in the UK. If you are brave enough you will find yourself 45 metres up in the tree canopies then flying through the forest, over waterfalls and streams on the 426-metre downward zipwire. There is a choice of 2 routes – one more challenging than the other.
The round trip to Aberfoyle will take you through some of the most scenic parts of the Trossachs, passing Loch Venacher, Loch Achray and the Lake of Menteith. It is known as the Three Lochs route and takes in the scenic Dukes Pass. This stretch of road was built by the Duke of Montrose in the 19th century to improve access to his estate. Later it was upgraded to accommodate the many Victorian tourists drawn to the area.
Blair Drummond Safari Park is one of Scotland's top attractions and is just a short 15 minute drive from Callander. It makes for an incredible family day out.
The drive-through safari, from the safety of your car, is sure to provide a memorable experience. You’ll see rhinos, antelope, camels, a magnificent lion pride and cheeky macaque monkeys.
There are over 300 animals in total at Blair Drummond. Raised viewing platforms mean exciting eye-to-eye views of the giraffes, lions and tigers.
You can also walk with free-roaming lemurs in Lemur Land, catch the popular sea lion and bird of prey shows, and visit Chimp Island.
Behind huge Jurassic Park-style gates lies a prehistoric forest for you to explore. But watch out! It’s home to over twenty moving, stomping, screeching, life-size dinosaurs.
If that wasn’t enough there is also a giant adventure play area with a play fort and pirate ship and a mini-funfair where you pay a little extra for rides. There are even pedal boats and a giant astro glide slide which are free of charge, and you can go on as many times as you like.
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