Top 10 Things to Do Near Benview Lodges
One of the best things about staying at Benview Lodges is just how much there is to experience nearby. Set on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Benview offers the perfect base for exploring lochs, mountains, historic landmarks, woodland trails, and some of Central Scotland’s best outdoor activities.
Whether you’re planning an active break filled with hiking and activities, or simply want scenic days out before returning to your lodge to recharge for your next adventure, there’s something nearby for every kind of stay.
Here are ten of the best things to do during your stay at Benview Lodges.
1. Stirling Castle and the Old Town
Located around 30 minutes from Benview Lodges, Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous historic landmarks and makes a fantastic day out during your stay.
Alongside visiting the castle itself, take time to explore Stirling’s Old Town, filled with cobbled streets, historic buildings, independent cafés, and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside.
For a deeper insight into the city’s history, guided walking tours like Your Stirling offer daily tours through the Old Town, covering everything from medieval history to famous Scottish battles and local stories.
It’s an easy and educational day trip from Benview, especially if you enjoy combining history, sightseeing, and relaxed exploring.
2. Hike Ben A’an
Located around 20 minutes from Benview Lodges, Ben A’an is one of the most popular hikes in the Trossachs.
Although relatively short compared to some other Scottish climbs, the route is steep in places and usually takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The reward at the top is more than worth it, with panoramic views across Loch Katrine and the surrounding Highlands.
It’s the perfect half-day adventure before heading back to your lodge for a relaxed evening in.
3. Explore Loch Katrine by Bike or Boat
Around 45 minutes from Benview, Loch Katrine is one of the most scenic spots in the Trossachs.
You can hire bikes and cycle the lochside route, enjoy a boat cruise on the historic steamship Sir Walter Scott, or simply spend the day taking in the views with waterside walks and picnic spots along the route. The full cycle route around the loch can take between 2-4 hours depending on pace, making it ideal for keen cyclists.
4. Discover the Village of Aberfoyle
Less than 10 minutes from Benview Lodges, Aberfoyle is one of the closest villages to the lodges and well worth visiting during your stay.
Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Aberfoyle offers independent cafés, pubs, gift shops, bike hire, and easy access to nearby walking and cycling routes. It’s an ideal place to stop for lunch before a day of exploring.
5. Go Kayaking on Loch Lomond
For guests wanting to experience Scotland from the water, Loch Lomond is around 40 minutes from Benview and offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat hire.
The calmer bays around Balmaha are especially popular for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can explore further out across the loch. After a day on the water, returning to Benview offers the perfect balance of adventure and peaceful countryside surroundings.
6. Spend a Day Fishing in the Trossachs
With lochs, rivers, and peaceful waters all across the surrounding area, the Trossachs is a fantastic destination for fishing during your stay at Benview Lodges.
Within easy reach of the lodges, you can find opportunities for trout and salmon fishing on lochs including Loch Venachar, Loch Achray, and sections of the River Forth. Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply looking for a slower-paced day outdoors, it’s a great way to experience the quieter side of the Scottish countryside.
Before fishing, always check the local rules and make sure you have the correct permits or permissions for your chosen location.
7. Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
Near Aberfoyle, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park offers miles of walking and cycling trails through woodland, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. There are routes suitable for all abilities, from shorter family-friendly walks to longer forest hikes. It’s particularly beautiful during autumn when the surrounding woodland changes colour across the Trossachs landscape.
8. Doune Castle
Around 30 minutes from Benview Lodges, Doune Castle is one of Scotland’s best-preserved medieval castles and well worth adding to your itinerary.
Famous for appearing in productions including Outlander, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Game of Thrones, the castle combines impressive architecture with beautiful countryside surroundings. It’s a great option for a shorter day out and pairs perfectly with exploring nearby villages and scenic drives through the Trossachs.
9. Try Quad Biking or Adventure Activities
For something more adrenaline-filled, there are several outdoor activity centres within easy reach of Benview Lodges offering quad biking, archery, off-road driving, and adventure experiences. Centres like Loch Ard Adventure Centre and Action Adventure Activities are less than 20 minutes away from Benview, making it an excellent base for active weekends and group trips looking to experience more than just scenic walks.
10. Enjoy Scenic Drives Through the Trossachs
Some of the best experiences in the Trossachs come simply from exploring by car.
Routes around Loch Venachar, Loch Achray, and the Duke’s Pass offer some of the area’s most dramatic scenery, with plenty of places to stop for short walks, photographs, or coffee breaks along the way. These roadtrip-style, slower-paced days are ideal if you want to experience the landscape without committing to full hikes or activities.
Planning Your Stay at Benview Lodges
From scenic hikes and cycling routes to lochside adventures and historic landmarks, Benview Lodges places some of Scotland’s best experiences right on your doorstep.
With so much to see within easy driving distance, it’s the perfect base for couples, families, dog walkers, and outdoor lovers wanting to experience the very best of Central Scotland and the Trossachs.
After busy days exploring, hiking, kayaking, cycling, or discovering Scotland’s historic towns and castles, Benview offers a peaceful place to slow down, recharge, and do it all again the next day.
Book your stay at Benview Lodges and start planning your next Scottish adventure.
