Lake of Menteith, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Today’s trip out was to Lake of Menteith (the only lake in Scotland – we prefer “Loch”) then back home via Dukes Pass and along Loch Achray and Loch Venachar. We saw an osprey catch a fish and these lovely ducklings. I also loved this characterful gravestone in Menteith church graveyard. It says 1676 at the top I think. Wow! I have included a short vid of a bit of Dukes Pass. Start of vid looks down on to Loch Achray with Finglas and Ben Ledi up ahead then we swing west and look straight at Ben A’an. Why called Dukes Pass? It’s a windy road between Aberfoyle and over the hill to the north and routes you towards GlenFinglas and Callander. It was built by the Duke of Menteith in the 19th century to improve access to his estate. The Victorians changed Scotland in many ways, improving buildings and infrastructure and bringing in tourists. Not sure this was always welcomed though.