Have a different adventure, not a difficult adventure

With more and more people visiting this picture perfect corner of the National Park, popular car parks fill up very quickly. Don’t worry, there are lots of options in this area for visitors so if the car park you planned to use is full when you arrive then it’s time to think about #ADifferentAdventure.

The main route in and out of the area, leading from Aberfoyle to Callander (the A821) has lots of places with iconic views of the Trossachs within a short distance of each other. This makes it really easy if you have to change your plans when you get here.

What’s your plan B?

It only takes around 20 minutes by car to travel from The Lodge Visitor Centre to Glen Finglas, so if one car park is full, its not long to find another. Each of the places below have car parks and a few have facilities like toilets and cafes too, but all of them have loads of opportunities for exploration.

• The Lodge Visitor Centre near Aberfoyle is a great base to explore the Queen Elizabeth Forest. The Craigmore View and Lime Craig trails here offer wide panoramas of the surrounding areas.

• Leannach – Link up the great forest tracks within Queen Elizabeth Forest for a straightforward ramble with views over Ben Aan and Loch Achray.

• Ben Venue – A day climb high above Loch Katrine to the highest point in the centre of the Trossachs.

• Primrose Hill – Starting from the Trossachs Pier at Loch Katrine, a path leads you on to the hillsides above Loch Katrine with wide views of the loch and across to the Arrochar Alps.

• Great Trossachs Path – This long distance path winds its way through the heart of the Trossachs. Pick it up at Loch Katrine, Brig o Turk or Glen Finglas and walk sections of it around the shores of Loch Katrine or above Loch Venachar.

• Glen Finglas – Managed by the Woodland Trust, the estate has something for everyone with nine waymarked routes for walkers & cyclists and a natural playtrail for energetic children (and adults). Their Visitor Gateway at Lendrick Hill is open from 10am to 4pm April to October with access to a toilet, baby changing facilities and free WiFi as well as hub full of information for your visit. Little Druim car park near by offers another place to start your exploration.

Wherever you end up, always make sure you are prepared for any outdoor walk before you leave the house. Mountaineering Scotland provide information and practical advice on how to stay safe in the mountains and our ‘Respect Your Park & stay safe‘ page is a useful resource.

Parking responsibly when you arrive

The best and safest place to park your car is… in a car park. That one is simple. If the first car park you come to is full, there are lots of alternative places to visit. You should never park on the verge of the road, even if others have done it already.

Parking on verges can block the road making it difficult for people to move around the area. That includes residents who live here, and importantly the emergency services, and you when it’s time to head home.

A clearway order is in place on parts of the A821 which means you could be fined for parking on the road verges. Parking on verges also leaves your car more exposed to being damaged where there is reduced space on the road and vehicles need to pass.

You don’t need to follow the crowd to see the best of the Trossachs. Be an explorer on your next visit!

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority cannot be held responsible for any accidents, injuries or damage sustained whilst hiking in the Park. All persons taking part in such activities do so at their own risk, acknowledging and accepting the risk of accident, injury or damage.