Trossachs trekking

Twisty, windy roads led us to Loch Katrine, birthplace of Rob Roy. The Loch sits in a lovely, steep-sided glen surrounded by hills of green and rocks of grey. It’s a classic Scottish look which probably explains its popularity with tour groups – which put us off at first.  However, even a short walk along the loch-side path loses most of the tourists and provides some wonderful vistas.

Loch Katrine was a bonus though; our main destination for the day was Castle Rednock for an afternoon pony trekking in the Trossach Hills. Within minutes of arriving we were kitted out with helmets and introduced to our ponies and horses. I had Molly, a lovely old lass who was used to being at the front of the pack. Jennifer was on Mitch; Callum on Missy; and Declan on Tilly.

There were six others on the trek with us including, slightly incongruously, two muslim women in hijab. The boys had leaders but got the chance to try driving on their own – much to their delight. Callum was in charge most of the way around; he’s gained a great deal of confidence since the horse and donkey riding in Jordan.

The views from the top of the hills over to the surrounding lochs were just stupendous. And getting to the hills on horseback certainly added a certain sense of adventure to the whole experience.