Scotland the best
What better way to start 2020 than with a family trip? Here are a few ideas which are sure to appeal
Lochs of the Trossachs
Loch Achray is the small loch at the centre of the Trossachs between Loch Katrine and Loch Venachar. The A821 from Callander skirts both Venachar and Achray. Many picnic spots and a fishing centre, and Venachar Lochside is excellent. Ben Venue and Ben A’an rise above: great walks and views. A one-way forest road goes round the other side of Loch Achray through Achray Forest (enter and leave from the Duke’s Pass road between Aberfoyle and Brig o’ Turk). Trail details from forest visitor centre. Bike hire at Loch Katrine (01877 376366), Callander or Aberfoyle.
Conic Hill
An easier climb than the Ben up the road and a good place to view it from. Conic, on the Highland fault line, is one of the first Highland hills you reach from Glasgow. Stunning views also of Loch Lomond from its 361m peak. Ascend through woodland from the corner of Balmaha (the visitor centre) car park. Watch for buzzards and your footing on the final crumbly bits. Easy walks also on the nearby island, Inchcailloch.
Macrosty Park
On your left as you leave Crieff for Comrie and Crianlarich; for parking, ask locally. A perfect green place on sloping ground to the River Earn (good level walk – Lady Mary’s Walk) with tearooms, innovative kids’ area, mature trees and superb bandstand.
Cardrona Forest
40km S to Peebles, 8km E on B7062 and similar distance on A72. Forestry Commission woodlands so mostly regimented firs, but Scots pine and deciduous trees up the burn. Glentress (on A72 to Innerleithen) has become a major destination for mountain bikers, but tracks also to walk. The Gypsy Glen walk from Glen Rd via Springhill Rd, across the Tweed Bridge from the High St in Peebles, is signed.