Trossachs to Doune Bird of Prey Trail: a bird-watchers paradise in the middle of Scotland

Welcome to the Trossachs Bird of Prey Trail, the raptor route that gives you the best chance of seeing wild birds of prey in the magnificent setting of central Scotland.

Our exciting new wildlife trail crosses the spectacular scenery of the Trossachs and Carse of Stirling.

The 'Trossachs Bird of Prey Trail' links Argaty Red Kite Project just north of the historic village of Doune with the

Buzzard

The Trail is 40 kilometres (30 miles) in total and can be covered by car in half a day. Long stretches are also easily done using the Trossachs Trundler bus service, (in summer), or by bike or on foot.

Loch Achray

In this wonderful countryside there’s so much wildlife to see. The area’s birds of prey are making a strong come-back thanks to the work of conservation bodies and land-owners, with red kites re-introduced, and ospreys, peregrines, golden eagles, buzzards and others recovering after decades of persecution. The Trail gives you the chance to see these natural treasures and is a source of nature-based tourism to benefit local communities in the area.

Developed as a partnership of RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Argaty Red Kites, Scottish Natural Heritage, Woodland Trust Scotland, the Central Scotland Raptor Study Group, and local environmentally-minded businesses, the Trail links various facilities such as footpaths, viewpoints, information points, live CCTV of breeding birds of prey (in summer), cycle ways and pony trekking, all of which provide great opportunities to see birds of prey and other wildlife.

Together with the time, energy and resources of these groups, the Trail has been made possible thanks to Lomond and Rural Stirling Leader+ funding, an arm of the European Union aimed at encouraging innovative sustainable rural development. The Trail also fits the ethos of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, promoting the protection of our natural heritage to foster a greener future for the area’s economy and communities.

As well as the Trossachs’ birds of prey there are many other birds around, including winter gatherings of whooper swans, greylag and pink-footed geese on the Carse of Stirling. So a visit to the Trail can be easily integrated within a good day’s birding at any time of the year.

Some local businesses such as hotels and B&Bs are partners in the Bird of Prey Trail project. These can also provide up-to-date information on the area’s wildlife and have signed up to the Green Tourism Business Scheme to encourage more sustainable forms of tourist operation. The support and involvement of these businesses is very welcome.

Supporting the Trail helps local wildlife by making them a financial, as well as a natural asset to the area. With eight red kites illegally poisoned in South West Scotland in 2003, the birds need all the support they can get to help them re-establish viable breeding populations.

Information on the Trossachs Bird of Prey Trail can be obtained from RSPB Scotland (0141 331 0993), Forestry Commission Scotland (01877 382 383) and the Argaty Red Kite Project (01786 841373).

For a family day out enjoying the area’s countryside and the thrill of becoming a wildlife explorer, our Bird of Prey Trail has something for everyone – whether you’re a local, on holiday, into walking, cycling, pony trekking, fishing, wildlife in general or a hardened birdwatcher. In the height of summer or depths of winter, there’s always something to enjoy. Click here to find out about upcoming events on The Bird of Prey Trail.

Trail Basics

Forestry Commission’s magnificent hill-top visitor centre at Aberfoyle. Around the farmland and forest in-between, the Trail hosts viewing points, walks, cycle routes and events, giving you the best possible chance to see Scotland’s birds of prey in the wild.

There’s a fantastic free Trail Guide that can be downloaded here (or picked up on route), plus a guide to participating green businesses – places to stay, hire bikes, go pony trekking - all geared up to help you explore the Trail’s birds of prey and other wildlife.