Supporters’ Newsletter 2004 - Trossachs

1 The RouteNational Route 7 between Aberfoyle andCallander takes you through a beautifulmountain forest and along the shore ofLoch Venachar. It is more than worththe climb out of Aberfoyle to enjoy theexhilarating descent, the peace of theQueen Elizabeth forest and the tranquilityof the lake. There are also other cyclepaths within the forest which can takeyou to Loch Katrine and the village ofBrig o Turk. From Callander, Route 7continues along a railway path besideLoch Lubnaig to Strathyre, then on aminor road to Balquhidder. In the summer, the Trossachs Trundler bus(no service on Wednesdays) can take youand your bike from Stirling to Aberfoyle,and then get you back to Stirling fromCallander, carrying a maximum of twobikes. As there is no pre-booking, therecould be a problem if the bike rack is fullalready, although this was unusual in alternative is to make it an all-day ride,riding to Aberfoyle from Stirling railwaystation, then back from Callander to thestation at Dunblane or Bridge of would entail some sections on busyA roads, suitable only for experiencedcyclists.

2 If this sounds unattractive, whynot use the bus and then pick up a hirebike at the start of the ride?The landscape and the towns of theTrossachs are worth exploring, so there isa strong case for spending a few days inthe area and seeing it at a leisurely NewsletterAutumn 2004 Aberfoyle and the Trossachs7 Where:Aberfoyle to CallanderNational Route Number:7 Distance:13 miles each way Terrain:Traffic-free forest tracksand some minor roads. Shortsection of main road atAberfoyle. A climb through amountain pass to about 225metres in the early stages,then mostly downhillPublic transport:Train to Stirling, thenTrossachs Trundler bus (seebelow) - tel. 01786 442707 forup-to-date informationBike hire:Wheels CyclingCentre in Callander - 01877 331100; TrossachsHoliday Park nr Aberfoyle -01877 382614 Maps: Lochs & Glens Northmap; Lowland Highland Trailroute leaflet available fromlocal tourist information centresOS maps:Explorer 365,Landranger 57 Tourist information: Aberfoyle - 01877 382352;Callander - 01877 330342 Towns to search for onSustrans website mapping:Aberfoyle, CallanderAberfoyle to Loch VenacharAberfoyle to Loch Venachar