Home Expertenteam The Trossachs – Rob Roy Country

The Trossachs – Rob Roy Country

von Judith Sleigh

Rob Roy MacGregor is one of the most romantic figures in Scottish history, and his story has often been told in books and films such as Sir Walter Scott’s novel and Liam Neeson’s film. Born in 1671, Rob Roy lived all his life in the Trossachs, an area to the west of Stirling, with mountains and forests and lochs, the most famous of which is Loch Katrine. Rob Roy was a cattle-drover in the 17th century, walking cattle over long distances to the markets, just as they did in later centuries in the Wild West of America. In 1712 he was wrongly accused of a crime and became an outlaw for years before being pardoned in 1725.

Rob Roy’s territory was the lands around Loch Katrine. He was born in Glengyle, he owned land at Inversnaid and Craigroyston and when he died in 1734, he was buried in the small graveyard at Balquhidder. The landscape has changed little in the 250 years since then, and it is easy to imagine that the shepherd you see on the hillside is Rob Roy returned to survey his land.

The best way to enjoy the Trossachs is to include a cruise on board the Sir Walter Scott, a steamship built in 1899, which sails on Loch Katrine, from the Trossachs Pier in the east to Stronachlachar in the west. From the deck you get a superb view of the hills, a leisurely way to explore. Afterwards you can visit Rob Roy’s grave in Balquhidder near the shores of Loch Voil and take time to appreciate the tranquillity of the area. If you continue along this twisty road which runs close to the loch-side, you come to Monachyle Mhor, a lovely little hide-away hotel.

To get to the Trossachs, drive west from Stirling (Stirling Castle is one of the most interesting castles in Scotland) and stop off at Doune Castle (where some of the Monty Python series were filmed). A suggested meal-stop on the way is the Kilmahog Woollen Mill, before driving along Loch Venachar. After your cruise on Loch Katrine, you can return the way you came or make it a round trip and head south through the King’s Pass and Achray Forest (great for short walks). In the village of Aberfoyle, you will find rather an unusual scene – sheepdogs herding ducks at the Aberfoyle Woollen Mill, where you can also see birds of prey, as well as something to eat and browse for gifts.

If you continue south from Aberfoyle then east, you arrive at the Lake of Menteith (this one is called a lake, not a loch). On the small island in the lake sits the ruins of Inchmahome Priory where Mary, Queen of Scots, was kept as a little girl in 1547. You reach the island on a small ferry, just as Mary would have done. You could do this on a long day out from Stirling, but my recommendation is that you opt for an overnight stay in Aberfoyle or Callendar.

Judith Sleigh
-Scottish Tourism Expert

Zusätzliche Informationen

Fotocredits: Udo Haafke / Total Film / Loch Katrine Experience

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