Exploring Scotland's Wild Heart: A Tour of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Join us on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Scotland as we explore some of the most breathtaking and myth-laden locations within **Loch Lomond & The...
- Scotland Tours
- 5 min read
Exploring Scotland’s Wild Heart: A Tour of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Join us on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Scotland as we explore some of the most breathtaking and myth-laden locations within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Guided by Scotland’s finest tour guides, Andrew and Laura, we’re uncovering the hidden gems, stunning vistas, and legendary tales that make this region so magical. Get ready to experience the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands!
First Stop: The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
Our adventure begins in the charming village of Balmaha, right on the iconic shores of Loch Lomond. This is the perfect starting point for anyone visiting the area, offering immediate access to the natural splendor that defines the National Park. From here, we set out to discover our first incredible viewpoint.
Walking along the banks of Loch Lomond on our way to Craigyfort, the beauty is immediately apparent. The sparkling water and serene landscape are a world away from the hustle and bustle. As our guide Andrew humorously points out, “you don’t get a view like that in Sassenach shire, do you?” For those unfamiliar, a Sassenach is a Scottish term, often used playfully, for an English person.
The hike up to Craigyfort View Point is an adventure in itself, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Scottish weather. One moment you might be basking in glorious sunshine, and the next, you could be drenched in rain or even covered in snow, as our guides have experienced on previous trips! But the climb is always worth the effort, especially since this unique location offers a rare perspective.
“There’s not many places you can do that in Scotland, where you get to have a gaze into the Highlands and a gaze into the Lowlands.”
From the viewpoint, we’re staring directly into the magnificent Highlands of Scotland. In the distance lies the deepest point of Loch Lomond, plunging to an impressive 620 feet. To put that into perspective, you could stack two of London’s Big Ben towers on top of each other, and they still wouldn’t break the surface. This makes parts of the loch deeper than some areas of the North Sea!
Loch Lomond is a true giant among lakes. It stretches 24 miles long and is 4.5 miles at its widest point. Covering an area of 27.5 square miles, it holds the title for the largest lake in Great Britain by surface area. Its immense size and depth contribute to the stunning, expansive views that captivate every visitor.
The Fairy Capital: Aberfoyle’s Mystical Legends
Our next destination is Aberfoyle, a place steeped in folklore and famously known as the Fairy Capital of the UK. Just ahead of the old graveyard lies Doon Hill, also known as Fairy Hill. This site is central to one of the most famous legends in Scottish folklore, the story of Reverend Robert Kirk.
Reverend Robert Kirk, the local minister in the 17th century, was a scholar deeply fascinated by the ways of fairies. Legend says he would walk up to Doon Hill every night to commune with the fairy realm, learning their songs and dances. His investigations led him to write a book detailing their world.
The Reverend documented his findings in a book called “The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies.” However, the fairies were angered that he had shared their secrets. The next time he visited their hill, they snatched the soul from his body and trapped it inside a Scotch Pine tree. His family found his lifeless body at the foot of the tree and buried him in the local kirk, unaware that his soul was missing. To this day, his body remains in the graveyard, but his soul is said to be forever trapped on Fairy Hill.
Balquhidder Glen: The Final Resting Place of a Legend
We travel next to the serene and beautiful Balquhidder Glen. This picturesque valley holds another piece of Scottish history—the supposed burial site of the legendary outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott and portrayed by Liam Neeson in the movie, Rob Roy is one of Scotland’s most iconic folk heroes. His grave, dating back to 1734, is a powerful link to the country’s tumultuous past.
Interestingly, Balquhidder also has a connection to the tale of Reverend Robert Kirk. Before his time in Aberfoyle, he was first appointed as minister at the old kirk here. He even donated the bell for the original bell tower. After the original church fell into ruin, a new one was built in 1855, and the historic bell was moved, where it remains today.
The Rallying Cry of Clan Maclaren
Our final stop offers one of the most magnificent views in the entire National Park. This stunning vantage point is more than just a pretty picture; it is a place of great historical significance. This is the rallying location of the Clan Maclaren.
“Just imagine you’re going off to fight in war… This is where you would gather your men. The chief of the Clan Maclaren, he would take his men from the homes, bring them up here and go, ‘Angus, that there, that’s your home. That’s your farm… Do you want those government soldiers coming and taking your land?’ Of course, you don’t! Right guys, this is our last stand. This is the land we are fighting for.”
This powerful speech captures the spirit of the Highlands. Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, a reminder of the clans who fought to protect their homes and their way of life. It’s a breathtaking end to a day filled with beauty, history, and legend.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible tour of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. We hope you’ve enjoyed sharing some of our favorite places with us. Remember to get outdoors, explore the history, and maybe, just maybe, keep an eye out for fairies.