Sarah Mack visits the centrally located town of Callander. Less than an hour's drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and Stirling, Callander is not only the gateway to the Highlands - it's also part of Scotland's first National Park, opened in 2002.  The area has been a popular holiday base for nearly two centuries.

During the Scottish Enlightenment, Sir Walter Scott illuminated the wider world on the beauty of the Trossachs in his poem The Lady of the Lake. After it was published in 1810, it was said that the number of carriages passing Loch Katrine rose from 50 the previous year, to 270. You don't get too many horse-drawn carriages in these parts nowadays but Sir Walter Scott is still helping people appreciate the area, in the shape of the Victorian steam ship the SS Sir Walter Scott. It has been plying the waters of Loch Katrine since 1900. It's the last steam driven passenger vessel operating in the UK and the most elegant way to see some historic landmarks.

Trips of Loch Katrine on SS Sir Walter Scott vary in cost.  The morning sail costs around £6.90 return for adults, while the afternoon sail costs £5.90.   Family tickets are available.  At the Trossachs Pier Coplex there is a gift shop, and the Captain's Rest tearoom, both open daily from 10am.

If interest in the area was flagging in the 1960s, then Dr Finlay gave it the kiss of life as the village received a further injection of tourists when Dr Finlay's Casebook was filmed in Callander, otherwise known as Tannochbrae, as fans of one of the most popular series of the decade might still prefer to think of it. Arden House, which was the television home of Drs. Finlay and Cameron and their housekeeper Janet, is now a guest house. Tel: 01877 330235 Web: www.ardenhouse.org.uk

Sarah's base for her visit to Callander was the Roman Camp Country House Hotel. The former hunting lodge is set in 20 acre gardens on the River Teith. The food alone makes it well worth a visit.  In fact the AA recommend it as one of top 20 eateries in Scotland. If you're angling for some action, the hotel can organise a spot of fishing in the grounds with ghillie Morris Meikle.

No break in the Trossachs would be complete without a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. First designated as a Forest park in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, it attracts 1 million visitors each year. The park covers over 20,000 hectares so you may not want to explore it all on foot. Loch Achray Forest Drive is the only road in the forest open to cars. However, you really shouldn't miss the chance to explore a bit more of the park. There are three different walks that leave from the Visitor Centre, including the Highland Boundary Fault Trail. Ranger guided walks are available - booking is essential.
For more information, contact the Recreation Team, Cowal & Trossach's District Tel: 01877 382383  www.forestry.gov.uk/qefp