Environmentally-friendly places to stay in the area

There are many great places to stay in the Trossachs but given the Bird of Prey Trail’s aim to promote eco-tourism, we’ve teamed up with operations that are, or are becoming, members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

These businesses don't just care about your enjoyment and comfort. They’re looking after the environment too! All are taking small steps to recycle, save energy, source local food and more - actions that help make their businesses and your stay in the Trossachs a little greener.

Birds are dependent on a healthy environment and VisitScotland's Green Tourism Business Scheme encourages tourism businesses of all kinds to operate in an environmentally friendly way. To gain the GTBS accolade, businesses or sites are assessed by environmental experts. Depending on what they do for the environment, they qualify for Bronze, Silver or Gold awards. Some businesses on the Trail already have awards whilst others are in the process of being tested and approved.

As some businesses don’t fall into the categories covered by the Scheme, other similar accreditation frameworks have also been used to show businesseses are pursuing good environmental standards.

Information on the Trail's green hotels, guest houses, self-catering and holiday parks is below. Included are links to their web sites for more details on locations, facilities, rates and special offers.

The Trossachs Holiday Park:

Provides self-catering lodges and caravans, touring and camping in 40 acres of landscaped terraces adjoining an oak and bluebell wood. The Park holds a Green Tourism Business Gold Award and a 5 year David Bellamy Gold Award for enduring commitment to conservation.

Two areas have been planted with broadleaf woodlands creating new wildlife habitats and enhancing the local landscape. Birds spotted regularly include barn owl, osprey, goldfinch, redstart, goldcrest, oystercatcher, great spotted woodpecker, spotted flycatcher, grey wagtail and swallow.

The Park owners and staff are committed to ensuring that their visitors have a wonderful holiday in stunning surroundings whilst safeguarding the natural environment for future generations to enjoy. To find out more, phone 0800 197 1192, email: info@trossachsholidays.co.uk or click HERE for more details.

Crannaig House:

Combining modern comfort in the setting of a historic Victorian house, this opulently furnished accommodation is really conveniently located in the centre of Aberfoyle. Your hosts, Ann and John Epps, run this family-friendly guest house and provide real ‘home-from-home’ hospitality.

Aberfoyle is a key stop on the Bird of Prey Trail, with David Marshall Lodge only a short walk from the guest house as well. Crannaig is also on the Glasgow to Inverness National Cycle Route.

Crannaig House also has its own secluded and peaceful 4 acre grounds with loads of birdlife to enjoy, including the occasional visit from tawny owls, sparrowhawk and peregrine! Crannaig House already have the Silver Green Tourism Business grading and are actively pursuing Gold. John and Ann also have long-standing interest in wildlife. To find out more, please phone 01877 382276, email: crannaighouse@aol.com or click HERE for more details.

The Winnock Hotel:

The Winnock Hotel surrounds the pretty village green in the centre of Drymen, on the east side of Loch Lomond. It is superbly situated for exploring the beautiful rustic countryside as well as the cities of central Scotland. It has been recently extensively refurbished and modernised - whilst retaining all the 18th century character of the original Inn. The hotel holds a GOLD award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme and is proud to

promote its environmental policy and to the protection of the wildlife and its inhabitants. Although 15km from the Bird of Prey Trail, the Winnock Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the Trossachs and Loch Lomond.

To find out more, please click HERE to visit our website or e-mail us at info@winnockhotel.com

The Forth Inn:

The Forth Inn is a family run hotel in the centre of Aberfoyle and right in the heart of Scotland's first National Park. The owners, Phil and Tris Crowder and all their staff offer a friendly welcome to all, whether you are staying in the well appointed accommodation, patronising the restaurant or just spending some time in the cosy bar or lounge.

Phil and Tris bought The Forth Inn in June 1998 and have since refurbished the bedroom accommodation and other parts of the establishment, including a function room. If you are looking for a warm friendly atmosphere, with good food, then this is the place for you.

The Forth Inn lies right on the Trossachs Bird of Prey Trail. David Marshall Lodge is a short walk up-hill and the Inn is very close to riverside walks along the River Forth. A summer time drink or meal can be enjoyed out in the beer garden, watching squadrons of screaming swifts fly overhead.

The Forth Inn is well underway to getting accreditation under the Green Tourism Business Scheme. For more information or booking enquiries please call 01877 382 372, e-mail phil@forthinn.com or click HERE.