The speaker is absolutely smitten with Aberfoyle, a place in Scotland, and wants you to feel the same way. He piles up glowing descriptions of mountains, lakes, and rivers that sparkle and charm, mixing them with bits of local legend—Rob Roy and the Lady of the Lake each spent time in these woods and waters. There’s a strong whiff of a Victorian travel advertisement here: he mentions the good hotel, clean bedding, and the trout practically waiting to be caught. The mood is uncomplicated delight, sometimes so earnest that it becomes unintentionally amusing. You can almost see him pointing out each view one by one, convinced that words can’t do it justice but determined to try anyway. The poem rolls along with a kind of guileless momentum, inviting hardworking people to reward themselves with a holiday among heathery hills and pure, clear water.
Beautiful Aberfoyle — Summary
The mountains and glens of Aberfoyle are beautiful to sight, Likewise the rivers and lakes are sparkling and bright; And its woods were frequented by the Lady of the Lake, And on its Lakes many a sail in her boat she did take.
The scenery there will fill the tourist with joy, Because 'tis there once lived the bold Rob Roy, Who spent many happy days with his Helen there, By chasing the deer in the woods so fair.
The little vale of Aberfoyle and its beautiful river Is a sight, once seen, forget it you'll never; And romantic ranges of rock on either side Form a magnificent background far and wide.
And the numerous lochs there abound with trout Which can be had for the taking out, Especially from the Lochs Chon and Ard, There the angler can make a catch which will his toil reward.
And between the two lochs the Glasgow Water Works are near, Which convey water of Loch Katrine in copious streams clear To the inhabitants of the Great Metropolis of the West, And for such pure water they should think themselves blest.
The oak and birch woods there are beautiful to view, Also the Ochil hills which are blue in hue, Likewise the Lake of Menteith can be seen far eastward, Also Stirling Castle, which long ago the English beseiged very hard.
Then away to Aberfoyle, Rob Roy's country, And gaze on the magnificent scenery. A region of rivers and mountains towering majestically Which is lovely and fascinating to see.
But no words can describe the beautiful scenery. Aberfoyle must be visited in order to see, So that the mind may apprehend its beauties around, Which will charm the hearts of the visitors I'll be bound.
As for the clachan of aberfoyle, little remains but a hotel, Which for accomodation which will suit the traveller very well. And the bedding thereis clean and good, And good cooks there to cook the food.
Then away to the mountains and lakes of bonnie Aberfoyle, Ye hard-working sons and daughters of daily toil; And traverse its heathery mountains and viewits lakes so clear, When the face of Nature's green in the spring of the year.