15 Short Walks in the Trossachs - Callander and Aberfoyle

Discover the enchanting woodlands, sparkling lochs, and dramatic hills of the Trossachs with this selection of 15 short walks, specially curated to showcase the region’s most captivating scenery and historic heart, from tumbling waterfalls at Bracklinn Falls and panoramic vistas atop Ben A’an to tranquil forest paths and the legendary haunts of Rob Roy.

Designed for easy, accessible exploration, every route in this guidebook can be completed in under three hours, making it the perfect companion for families, new walkers, or anyone keen to experience the wild beauty and folklore of Callander, Aberfoyle, and the wider Trossachs.

Each of the 15 Trossachs walks features clear, easy-to-follow route descriptions and Ordnance Survey mapping, with practical information on facilities, parking, and route highlights to ensure your adventures are enjoyable and stress-free, from riverside rambles and woodland trails to breezy lochside paths and rewarding hilltops.
All routes can be walked year-round, needing no specialist gear, and are designed as circular or out-and-back walks along well-maintained paths, forest tracks, and shared cycleways, many with excellent signage and waymarking throughout the national park.
Discover the region’s classic sights: Bracklinn Falls and Scout Pool, Callander Crags, Loch Katrine, Ben A’an, Ben Venue, and the mystical Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe, as well as lesser-known gems such as Lochan Spling, Little Fawn Waterfall, and the peaceful shores of Loch Ard.
Start your walks from the welcoming towns of Callander and Aberfoyle, both ideal bases with a choice of B&Bs, hotels, and campsites, from lively village centres to secluded wild camping spots within the forest, perfect for those seeking a taste of wilderness overnight.
Practical travel options mean the Trossachs are easy to reach from Glasgow and Stirling by public transport, with new, summer-only Explorer buses connecting the area’s most scenic routes and making car-free adventures simpler than ever (please note: popular lochside car parks can fill quickly during school and bank holidays).


Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guide to the Trossachs, Callander and Aberfoyle brings together everything you need for a memorable day out in one of Scotland’s most celebrated landscapes. Whether you’re a local, a day-tripper, or planning a longer stay, this guide unlocks the best of the Trossachs at an easy, enjoyable pace, inviting you to explore, discover, and let the spirit of the Highlands lead the way.

Seasons

This book’s lower-level routes are beautiful at any time of year, but wild flowers are best in late spring and the trees are most colourful in autumn.

Centres

Callander, Aberfoyle and the Trossachs around Loch Katrine.

Difficulty

Within this book there are routes suitable for all abilities, often with the option to shorten or avoid more difficult ground. Follow the instructions for straight-forward navigation.

Must See

Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, Ben A’an and Ben Venue in the heart of the Trossachs. Waterfalls including Bracklinn Falls, the Falls of Leny, Little Fawn and Ruskin Viewpoint. Viewpoints along the Highland Boundary Fault, particularly Callander Crags and Lime Craig. The Great Trossachs Forest and its wildlife, including red squirrels.