SCOTTISH TAIKO FESTIVAL
Taiko Intensive, workshops, performances, and Japanese cultural events in the heart of Scotland
TAIKO GASSHUKU ALBA 8th - 11th April 2024
TAIKO FESTIVAL 12th - 14th April 2024
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Here are some suggestions of things you can before/after the taiko sessions during the weekend – or why not book your accommodation for an extra couple of days and treat yourself to a unique holiday full of exciting activities?
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A CAR
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
Enjoy iconic views of sparkling lochs, wooded hills and rugged mountains, or take to the trails on foot, by bike or on horseback and discover the Forest Park’s magical atmosphere and wonderful wildlife.
Foraging Walks with Rox Madeira
Why not book a foraging walk and learn more about the abundance of edible wild plants, ‘weeds’ and fruit all around us.
You might want to pamper yourself after a hard day of taiko drumming and book a massage or hot stones treatment.
Swimming in Lemahamish Natural Pool
This is one of those magical spots that all the locals know about, but few visitors do! This natural pool, on the road between Aberfoyle and Gartmore is perfect spot for a swim when the weather is nice! When taking the road from Aberfoyle to Gartmore, just watch out for the Forestry Commission sign to ‘Lemahamish’ on the right side. Then follow that track till you get to the pool.
50 minutes walk / 7 minutes drive from Aberfoyle - easy walking distance from Cobleland Campsite for thise staying there.
The David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre
Just a few minutes walk north of Aberfoyle, you can relax in the cafe and enjoy stunning views over the national park, or you can go for a walk in one of the surrounding forest trails.
Robert Kirk was a 17th Century Minister in Aberfoyle, who wrote the 'The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies', a treatise on faerie folklore. The faerie folk were not best impressed and one day Reverend Kirk was found dead up on a hill. with many believing that was the work of the fair folk. You can visit Revered Kirk's tomb n the old Aberfoyle Churchyard, or you can take a walk through beautiful native woodland trails to visit Doon Hill - the alleged home of the faerie folk, where many locals and visitors leave gifts for the faries.
Not for the faint hearted! Start off by zip-lining in on of the longest zip wires in the UK above trees and waterfalls, and then complete the aerial treetop challenge, before zip-lining all the way back to the start in an even longer zip wire!
Hire a bike at Aberfoyle Bike shop and go exploring! The shop has both hybrids and mountain bikes available, to cater for both people who want to explore leisurely along the many paved cycling tracks, or those who want to take on 'Gravelfoyle' and some of the best mountain biking tracks in the UK.
Aberfoyle golf course is a small course, suitable for both low and high handicap players and it is possibly one of the most scenic courses in Scotland!
IF YOU DO HAVE A CAR
Visit the hideout of the (in)famous Scottish ‘Robin Hood’!
Inchmahome Priory, near Port of Menteith
Due to a 19th century mapping error, Lake of Menteith became the only lake in Scotland, with all other lakes being known as 'lochs'. Inchmahome Priory is situated on an inland in Lake of Menteith, and was visited by Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. You can reach the island through a small motor boat on demand from the Port of Menteith.
Take a cruise and hire a bike to explore the shores of Loch Katrine.
A visit to Scotland is hardly complete without visiting a distillery! This beautiful distillery boasts the slowest stills in Scotland. Have a dram!... But not before the taiko sessions!
Situated about 30 minutes from Aberfoyle, Stirling Castle was the old residence of the Scottish royalty and it is one of the most iconic Scottish castles.
With many lochs to choose from, from Loch Ard to Loch Lomond, the Trossachs are a fishing paradise.However, you will need to get your fishing permit first from the David Marshall Lodge or Aberfoyle Post Office.
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
A great suggestion for a family-friendly day out. This 160 acre safari park has a range of animals from lions to rhinoceros and has an important conservation role. They also have a dinosaur park with animatronics for the little ones!