Aberfoyle

Friday, midday

Check into the recently revamped Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa (doubles from £91, www. macdonaldhotels.co.uk) in the Trossachs, a stately four-star by the banks of Loch Ard west of town. Make sure to book a room with a loch view.

1pm

Drive or cycle to the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre (www.scotland. forestry.gov.uk) above Aberfoyle for lunch.

2pm

Explore the network of signposted trails that snake off into the wildliferich forest, look out for red squirrels from a hide or seek adrenaline thrills on Go Ape’s (https://goape.co.uk) high wires adventure course.

5pm

Enjoy a pre-dinner stroll or cycle along the banks of Loch Ard right in front of the hotel.

7:30pm

The Garden is an AA Rosette hotel restaurant worth staying in for. Book a window seat and enjoy loch views as you savour scallops wrapped in bacon to start and then a perfectly cooked steak. The delicious Tokaji dessert wine goes perfectly with the Hebridean Blue on the cheeseboard.

Saturday, 9am

Pop down to the loch where Go Country (www.gocountry.co.uk) are on hand to lend you a canoe with tuition and family trips available.

Midday

Aberfoyle Deli and Trossachs Butcher (www.aberfoyledelibutcher.co.uk) offers a delicious range of produce, including their famous Scotch pie with venison.

5pm

Enjoy a wee dram from local distillery Glengoyne (www.glengoyne.com) by the roaring log fire in the lounge at Forest Hills.

7pm

Simple pub-style fare and pizzas are on offer at Forest Hill’s informal Rafters Bistro. A games room is on hand next door for those with wee ones.

Sunday, 9am

Relax with an Elemis beauty or massage treatment in the Vital Health Club at the hotel, or simply enjoy the 18m swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. An ideal way to round off a de-stressed weekend. ■

Robin Mckelvie

You will need a car or a bike for exploring the Trossachs. Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos.com) can arrange car hire from a number of locations. For more information on the area see www.visitscotland.com