Heritage2

Located south of the Highland Boundary fault, the Lake of Menteith is nationally important for its wildlife and specifically its water plants. It was formed by the melting of retreating glaciers and is the only natural expanse of water in Scotland to be called a lake. Known as the Loch of Mentieth until the 19th century, its modern name may be a deliberate mapping ‘error’. The lake covers over 700 acres, and being relatively clear, shallow and well stocked with fish, is very attractive to ospreys in search of a meal. It was also attractive to the Romans who built a fort close to the west shore in the 80s AD. Inchmahome Priory (a 13th century ruin with a lot of history and which gave Arnprior part of its name) is on the largest island and Historic Scotland run regular boat trips between April and October. The Priory has had some famous visitors including Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. The Lake is in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and the boundary of the Park is only 3 miles from Arnprior.

The River Forth starts at Aberfoyle and twists and turns its way across the flat carse land. It forms the north boundary of Arnprior and is crossed by Cardross Bridge, built in 1768. Previously there was a ferry across the river and a nearby inn with tales of Rob Roy and cattle rustling. In dry weather cattle could cross here. The bridge is a listed three span stone arch bridge with triangular cutwaters and about 60m long. It was partly financed by a grant from the Annexed Estates (a consequence of 1745).

Braeval Forest between Port of Menteith and Aberfoyle has one of the best network of paths near Arnprior. There are a range of paths to suit all abilities and you can get up to a height of 400m for some outstanding views of the surrounding hills. There is a well signed car park off the A81 with an information board and map that shows the main trails. Some of the walks lead you into the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and visitor centre.

Arnprior Glen is one of the least disturbed or modified of the old red sandstone gorge woodlands in the area. It has a mixture of deciduous trees largely dominated by ash, elm and oak with an understorey of hazel and gean. The ground flora is rich in places and thrives in a variety of habitats from dry ledges underneath sandstone cliffs to the damp slopes of the gorge. Some firs were planted over 50 years ago and this has reduced the quality of the ground flora; other planting has filled in what could have been better left as natural glades. The general approach is to leave the woodland unmanaged but there may be a need to control the number of roe deer which can prevent natural regeneration. The Glen is not easy to walk through but there were paths once upon a time. Even in 1866 it was noted that the walks had been allowed to disappear.