Aberfoyle, United Kingdom

Each summer the sleepy little town of ABERFOYLE, twenty miles west of Stirling, dusts itself down for its annual influx of tourists. Though of little appeal itself, Aberfoyle's position in the heart of the Trossachs is ideal. From here, the A821 road to Loch Katrine winds its way into the Queen Elizabeth Forest, snaking up Duke's Pass (so called because it once belonged to the Duke of Montrose). You can walk or drive the short distance to the park's excellent visitor centre at David Marshall Lodge (Jan Sat & Sun 10am–4pm; Feb Thurs– Sun 10am–4pm; March– Dec daily 10am–4/6pm; car park £2), where you can pick up maps of the walks and cycle routes in the forest, get background information on the flora and fauna of the area, which includes roe deer and birds of prey, or settle into the café with its splendid views over the tree tops.