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The Great Outdoors: A journey through Duke’s Pass to gateway of Loch Lomond and Trossachs

Snow covered Ben Lomond overlooking Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Snow covered Ben Lomond overlooking Loch Lomond, Scotland.

There may be only 15 miles between Aberfoyle and Callander in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park but this Great Scottish Journey includes the magnificent Duke’s Pass.

This stretch climbs sharply from Aberfoyle and winds through the beautiful landscape of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park down to Loch Achray, itself overlooked by the pointed peak of Ben A’an.

The pass was originally built in the 19th Century by the Duke of Montrose to improve access to his estate.

It became popular with Victorian tourists after Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem The Lady of the Lake put The Trossachs on the map.

Beyond Loch Achray the A821 continues for several miles alongside Loch Venachar and the Great Trossachs Forest.

Upon reaching the small settlement of Kilmahog a short diversion leads to the spectacular Falls of Leny after which the A84 leads into Callander.

This lively and bustling town stands at the edge of the Highlands and is the eastern gateway to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

It has been an important settlement ever since the Romans established a fort here.

You can read about a whole series of fantastic journeys in our fabulous new book from Keith Fergus. To get a copy go to www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk or telephone 0800 318 846 (Freephone UK). Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm (GMT)

Aberfoyle developed during the 19th Century through slate quarrying and oak charcoal production. When the railway arrived in 1882 it was the third biggest supplier of slate in Scotland.

The highest point of the Duke’s Pass is 823ft above sea level. Its steep sides offer a challenging route for cyclists.

Loch Venachar is approximately four miles long and means the horn-shaped loch.

Samson’s Putting Stone sits above Loch Venachar and is said to have been thrown from the summit of Ben Ledi by the giant Samson.

Striking through the heart of The Great Trossachs Forest is Great Trossachs Path, a superb 30-mile trail linking Callander and Inversnaid.

scottishhorizons.com/ photoshelter.com