Around Scotland
Around Scotland
Touring Scotland is comparatively easy from The Trossachs and being centrally located, Callander makes an excellent base from which to visit the main Scottish destinations. There are lots of places to visit and most places offer lots to do, even on a wet day. It is quite possible to set off for the day and visit two or three interesting towns although some will easily justify a whole day visit. Select from this list.
| Oban Mallaig Aberfeldy Isle of Skye |
Perth Inverness Pitlochry Fort William |
Callander Stirling Glasgow Edinburgh |
Stirling
12 miles / 20 minutes from Callander
A great place to visit on a wet day. Stirling has a good selection of shops and a modern indoor shopping mall with most well known High Street stores.
If you're not in the mood for shopping, there is a good selection of tourist attractions to keep you well entertained.
Argyll's Lodging
In Stirling’s historic old town just 2 minutes walk down from the castle.
The finest and most complete surviving example in Scotland of a 17th-century town 
residence. Built by Sir William Alexander, founder of Nova Scotia,
it passed to the Argyll family on his death. The principal rooms - induding the laigh
hall, dining room, drawing room and bedchamber - are magnificently restored and furnished
as they would have appeared during the 9th Earl of Argyll’s occupation around 1680.
Parking at Stirling Castle.
Open all year seven days a week. Aprl to September 9 SCam to 600pm.
October to March 930am to 500pm. A joint tour ticket is available with the adjacent
Stirling Castle.
Admission: Adult £2.80 Child £1.20 Reduced £2.00.
Stirling Castle
The castle sits on a volcanic crag at the head of the old town with magnificent views
over the Highlands to the north and the river Forth to the west. There is a large carpark
on the castle esplanade and an information centre next to the carpark.
The gatehouse and recently restored Great Hall of James iv, the marvellous Renaissance
Palace of James V and the Chapel Royal of James VI are probably the most impressive parts
of the castle. It has strong links with Mary Queen of Scots who was crowned in the Chapel
in 1543 and narrowly escaped death by fire in 1561. Her son, the future James VI, was
baptised here in 1566. Medieval kitchens display and exhibition on life in the royal
palace.
Invading forces have occupied the castle from time to time, notably 'Edward's Army' prior
to the Battle o' the Brig when Edward's forces were defeated just below the castle by
William Wallace.
Open all year seven days a week,
April to September 930am to 600pm. October to March 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.
Admission: Adult £6.00 Child £1 .50 Reduced £4.50 (Includes admission to Argyll’s
Lodging).
The Jail
The town's 400 year old Tolbooth jail which was used until 1847 is passed on the left
on the way up the hill to the castle.
Today you can put yourself into the prisoners shoes and discover what life must have been
like behind bars, in a history tour of up to 150 years ago.
You will be introduced to Jock Rankin. In Jock’s day justice was seen to be done
and it was common practice for criminals to be publicly whipped, branded, banished or
hanged. The Victorian reformers preferred to focus on moral correction rather than
physical punishment. You can decide for yourself whether prison life was any more bearable
under the new regime. As you tour the jail, visit the prisoners in their cells, learn
about their daily life and the strict regime implemented to correct their morals.
As you travel round the dark corridors inspecting the cells you’ll experience the
atmosphere of jail life.
After visiting the jail you can make your escape in the glass panelled lift onto the
prison roof. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views over Stirling Old Town, the Forth
Valley and away to the first mountain ranges of the Highlands.
Dunblane
11 miles / 15 minutes from Callander
The Cathedral town of Dunblane lies on a long slope beside the river and has the luxury of
its own railway station on the Stirling - Perth / Inverness railway.
Shopping
The main street has a rather mottley collection of small shops including one or two charity shops which occasionally have some interesting 'Scottish' items.
History
A historic location but not much to see. The main street leads up to the Dunblane Cathedral at the top of the hill and also to a library with an interesting collection of antiquarian books. Some interesting buildings can be seen around the cathedral.
Perth
35 miles / 45 minutes from Callander via Doune.
55 miles / 90 minutes via Lochearn & Crieff but a nicer drive.
Perth lies on the River Tay and is the old capital of Scotland.
Shopping
Perth is well provided with an excellent variety of shops in the traditional 'street setting' and in wet weather its best to be prepared as there is only a very small indoor shopping mall. There are some very good 'Collectables' shops and a fair selection of places to get a snack.
Recreation
There are two huge parks known as the North and South 'Inches'. These parks provide golf, putting and boating. Close to the North Inch is the Bells Sport Centre and the Balhousie Military Museum.
History
Re-developement has caused the destruction of almost every old building in Perth and a large number of plaques can be found stating 'This is the site of - - - -' or 'The old - - - - of Perth stood near this point'. Take a look in the city museum where you can see the results of several archeological digs which located some interesting medieval remains.
Huntingtower castle
where
the young King James iv of Scotland was held prisoner is one mile to the east of Perth on
the road to Crieff and is worth a visit.
Elcho Castle is also worth a visit and it's a nice drive out past the South Inch on the
Edinburgh road. Watch for a sign just before the motorway indicating 'Rhynd'. Follow for 3
miles and watch for the signpost to Elcho.
Two miles from Perth is Scone Palace where the the ancient Kings of Scotland were crowned on the Stone Of Destiny which was removed to London by Edward ii where it remained until the 50's when it was 'stolen' by a group of students who returned it to Scotland - until the police found it and re- exported it to London. The stone now lies in Edinburgh Castle.
St John's Kirk near the town centre is worth a visit if that kind of thing interests you. This is the church where Jenny Geddes famously threw her stool at John Knox during his sermon.
Scenery
An easy half hour walk takes you to the top of Kinnoull hill (700ft) which provides marvelous views down the Carse of Gowrie to the east and spectacular views to the north of the Grampian mountains from Glenshee in the east to Stuc a Chroin and Ben Vorlich in the west.
Glasgow
About 40 miles / 60 mins from Callander
Shopping
The city centre, including the pedestrianised areas of Buchanan Street, Argyll Street
and Sauchiehall Street, is a great shopping district. Visit the Argyll Arcade, one of
Britain's oldest covered arcades, built 1827 and the new Buchanan Galleries, the
UK's largest city centre retail project. The West End has a wealth of unique bookshops,
antique stores and second-hand clothing emporiums.
Take a foot tour round The Barras, the open-air street market between Gallowgate
and London Road in the East End is open for business at the weekends for the sale of
antiques, bric-à-brac, clothing and food. Popular 'traditional' purchases include
woollens, tartan scarves and kilts, Celtic jewellery, golfing equipment and, of course,
whisky.
Braehead Shopping Mall
Situated on the south side of the Clyde about 3 miles down the river, the mall rivals
all but the countries largest in its excellent selection of stores, eating places and even
an ice rink. Adjacent to the mall you will find the Clyde Shipping Museum where dad can
take the kids whilst mum does the shops!
In general, shops are open Monday to Saturday 0900-1730/1800. Many shops are open later on
Thursday and most of the larger chain stores are open on Sunday.
Main tourist attractions in Glasgow
KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM
West from Argyle St and Sauchiehall St nr Kelvingrove Park. Huge Victorian sandstone
buiilding. Natural history/Scottish history museum. The upper areas contain the
city’s British and European art collection. There are strong contemporary exhibs as
well as the permanent collection. Pipe-organ recitals every alternate Sun. Tearoom. The
Museum of Transport is nearby.
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun from 11am.
GLASGOW CATHEDRAL and PROVAND'S LORDSHIP
High St. Facing each other across the road, they the oldest part of the city, which was, in the early 18th Century, merely a tangle of streets from here to the river. The present Cathedral, though established by St Mungo in AD 543, dates from the 12th century.
The Glasgow Necropolis up on the hill is also worth a visit.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5 pm. Sun 11am –4pm
THE PEOPLE’S PALACE:
Reopened after renovations in spring 1998. West via Tron and London Rd, then turn rt
into Glasgow Green. This is an excellent folk museum and artefacts of the city have been
collected for the future generations to inspect.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5 pm. Sun 11am –4pm.
Museum of Transport.
Reminders of Glasgows cobbled past with the ressurection of the tramcars much in
evidence. Also models of the river Clyde in it’s heyday.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5 pm. Sun 11am –4pm
The ‘Barras’
East end of town between Gallowgate and London Road. Wonderful indoor and outdoor
market.
Weekends only.
The Tenement House
145 Buccleuch St.
A tenement flat, occupied til 1965 when left in trust. Preserved to represent the way of
life when the last tennant moved out.
March – Oct. 2pm – 5pm.
Edinburgh
About 50 miles / 60 mins from Callander, but easier by train from Dunblane or Stirling
Edinburgh is one of the UK's most visited cities and has long been a tourist favourite.
The city in itself is stunningly beautiful and Edinburgh's architecture is renowned the
world over.
It has played a central role in Scottish history for hundreds of years and even today
everywhere you turn there is a historical building or monument - and of course Edinburgh's
Folly, the Scottish Parliament.
Shopping
Some nice shops, but nothing out of the ordinary - but what a location and an extraordinary atmosphere! Watch out for the 'One o' Clock Gun'. If you aren't ready for it you might just levitate a little! A days foot tour of Edinburgh will leave you with sore feet, but there is no alternative to foot-slogging it in Edinburgh.
Main tourist attractions in Edinburgh:
| Edinburgh Castle | 1000 years of history on a volcano! | |
| Royal Mile | Edinburghs historic High Street | |
| Palace of Holyrood | The palace of the Stewart kings | |
| Holyrood Park | The hunting grounds of King James v and viewpoint | |
| Greyfriars Kirk | Where Greyfriars bobby watched over his master's grave | |
| Camera Obscura | See Edinburgh as never before | |
| Edinburgh Zoo | A zoo with a view - take the bus! | |
| Royal Yacht Britannia | A second hand boat? |
Oban day tour
About 60 miles / 1.5 hours from Callander via Crianlarich
Shopping
If you're touring Scotland, this one is not
to be missed. Oban has many of the high street names you would expect to find in a
bustling town. Additionally it has a growing number of small businesses that illustrate
the wealth of talent and skills in Argyll. These range from potters, quilters,
woodworkers, jewellers, basket weavers, knitters and candle makers, to name but a few.
History
Castles such as those at Dunollie, Dunstaffnage, Kilchurn and Stalker are all worth the short tour from Oban. The Collonaded structure on the hill behind the town is known as McCaig's Folly and was built as a memorial to the McCaig family. It boasts an observation platform and is accessible by car.At the North Pier is an exhibition showing Oban's role in World War ii.
Sea life
A visit to the Oban Seal & Marine Centre lets you explore the Marine World through 30 close glass displays, the seal pup nursery, touch pools and outdoor pools where seals feed.
Boat Trips
Take a boat tour to the nearby islands with their castles, round the coast, or if you're a bit more adventurous, try a full day tour to Iona, the seat of early religion in Scotland and a wonderful experience. Combined boat/bus/train tickets are available for many excursions.
Inverness (full day)
About 180 miles / 3 hours from Callander via Perth
Shopping
A fair selection of shops, but don't come here if shopping is all you want!
History
Historic attractions include Inverness Castle, St Andrews Cathedral, and Inverness Museum.
Don't miss a visit to Culloden moor, the site of the last battle
on British soil where the 1745 Jacobite rebellion ended in bloody defeat at
the hands of 'Butcher' Cumberland, (and his army which included many lowland Scottish
soldiers). The Clans who fought and died there are immortalised by carved stone markers
and years of tradition. The Leannach Cottage which stood on the battleground still stands
preserved and serves as a museum.
Things to do
Sail down Loch Ness and watch for 'Nessie'.
Take a boat trip to see the dolphins.
Take a ride on the train on the Kyle of Lochalsh line.
See Fort George - the last great fortress built in the UK, just after Culloden.
Pitlochry
65 miles via either Perth or via Killin and Aberfeldy (Go one way and come back the other).
Shopping
The Shops in Pitlochry are pretty much the same as those in other small holiday towns in Scotland with the usual selection of Woollen mills, souvenir shops and eating places. The quality tends to be better than some other locations.
History
Not much history in Pitlochry, but worth a visit 4 miles north to the pass of
Killiecrankie and it's visitor centre with an excellent exhibition of the Battle of
Killiecrankie. Another 8 miles or so north you will find Blair Atholl Castle, the home of
the only legal private army in Scotland. The castle is open to the public and is worth a
visit.
Things to do
Visit the Pitlochry hydro electric dam and it's fish ladder where you can see the salmon passing up the ladder through plate glass windows.
Visit the Distillery on the southern edge of town.
Take a short tour 2 miles north then turn west on the Loch \Tummel road where you can
see 'The Queens View' which was made famous during one of Queen 
Victoria's visits to Scotland. If you go at
sunset you'll get some great photographs looking west to the sun reflected in the Loch.
Ten miles south of Pitlochry you will find Dunkeld, a charming little cathedral town in a lovely location. It's worth calling in there on your way back to Callander via Perth or Aberfeldy.
Fort William day tour
About 60 miles / one hour
Fort William lies at the head of Loch Linnhe below the huge bulk of Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Shopping
About 5 out of 10 for shops - but that's not why you go to Fort William!
History
The site of a fort built by the English forces to keep the Jocks in order - Some parts remain.
Most famous for Ben Nevis and proximity to Glencoe, the site of the infamous massacre
of the Clan MacDonald by the Cambells. The massacre was supposedly on the orders of King
William, but was instigated by a Scot, Lord Stair of Dalrymple, who wanted some scapegoats
to use as an example in order to subdue to badly behaved highlanders.
Things to do
Drive a couple of miles to the north an take a trip up the mountain in the cable car 'Gondola'. Some magnificent scenery to east and west coast on a clear day. Dont bother if the weather is mucky!
Take a steam train from Fort William to Mallaig and sail over the sea to Skye on the ferry.
Drive another 90 minutes up the road to Kyle of Lochalsh and over the bridge to Skye or just past Kyle to Plockton for magnificent coastal scenery and a lovely wee fishing village. (don't take a caravan as there's no room to turn). You'll find Plockton has some semi tropical plants around as Plockton benefits from the Gulf stream which keeps Scotland warm!
Mallaig day tour
About 90 miles / two hours
Quite a long drive, but this tour offers some magnificent scenery and Fort
William is passed on the way here and is a good place to take a break. You can also leave
the car at Fort William and take Scotlands famous steam train to Mallaig. Whichever you do
you are going to see some fantastic scenery in the way via the lochs and secluded white
beaches of Scotlands west coast lochs.
Shopping
Forget it unless you want to buy bits for boats and seamans jumpers!
History
A large part of Scotlands early history was made here but most tangible remains are way off the beaten track. Glenfinnan, which you pass on the way to Mallaig, is famous as the landing place of Prince Charles Edward Stewart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). It was there that he raised his standard and assembled his embryonic army at the start of the ill fated 1745 Jacobite rising.
Things to do
Look at the scenery over the water on the southern end of the Isle of Skye. Take the ferry over to Armadale and browse the famous woollens and crafts shop on the Armadale pier. Have your fish and chips at an outdoor table overlooking the sea.
Kyle of Lochalsh day tour
A good days drive, about 120 miles / two and a half to three hours
Kyle was famous for the little ferry
which once carried the travellers over the sea to Skye (a 5 minute
crossing to Kyleakin). The ferry has retired now and you pay an extortionate fee (about
£5) to cross the Skye road bridge with your car.
Shopping
One or two quality shops plus the local everyday shops. One good chippie!
History
Not a lot that I know of! A long time ago the wife of a local chieftain is reputed to have made a killing by stretching a chain across the narrows from the castle ruin you can see on the far side and charging ships a fee for the privilege of sailing through the narrows.
Things to do
Visit Eilean Donan Castle, just 4 miles south of Kyle
- you passed it on the way up there!
The castle was flattened by gunfire from an english man-o-war during Scotlands '45 Jacobite rising and what you see today is a 'restoration' of the original. The castle is open to the public and houses a museum and souvenir shop.
Visit Plockton just 4 miles to the north.
A lovely drive up the coast via some charming villages takes you to the fishing village of Plockton. Plockton is one of those places you will want to see again. You can wander down the main (and only) street and soak in the views over the water. The main street is a cul de sac and the locals sometimes have outdoor dancing in the street. The local harbour (a big flat rock) is the place to go if you want a boat trip to see the local sea life which includes the seals. If you can stay 'til sunset the reflections are unbelievable
Cross the bridge to visit Dunvegan castle and see the Cuillins on the way.
Aberfeldy half day
About 25 miles / one hour
Shops
Ok for a wee town, but make a point of going into the collectibles shop above the cut price clothes shop in the main street - I found a working antique Auto harp in there for £20 and they always have a great collection of odds and ends of silver cutlery. There's also a high quality draper at the east end of town where you might rig yourself out with a kilt!
History
Nothing of great note, but Robert Burns is reputed to have written the song 'The Birks of Aberfeldy' whilst sitting on a rock by the Moness Burn, and of course General Wade built the famous 'Wade's Bridge' to help the army subjegate the wild Jocks.
Things to do
Enjoy the beautiful drive here along the north shore of Loch Tay from Killin. Return by the prettier road on the south side, or detour over to Fortingal for the old kirkyard then return by Glen Lyon and then the hill road back to Killin via the Nature reserve at Ben Lawers.
Walk up the 'Birks' if it's a nice day. Scurry up the 'Birks' if it's wet - the waterfall at the top is magnificent in wet weather but it's a fairish walk. (And hang on to the kids unless you want rid of them).
Visit the Old Mill on the Moness burn - it's just below the bridge at the war memorial.
Drive over the famous 'Wade's Bridge' on the River Tay and visit Castle Menzies and the Clan Menzies Mausoleum at Weem (one mile).
The Isle of Skye full day
About 2½- 3 hours but a wonderful drive with magnificent scenery all the way
Shops
Not many but scattered craft shops. Main shopping - Portree.
History
- Dunvegan Castle and the Fairy Flag
- The McLeod museum at Armadale
- The Crofting Museum
- Flora MacDonald's Grave
Things to do
Drive round the Cuillins (the jaggy mountains you see in the postcards) and up glen brittle for the scenery.
Have a fish 'supper' on the pier at Armadale and visit the Craft shop on the peir.
Arrange a mortgage to pay the fee at the Skye Road Bridge.
Ask at the tourist office if the Kylerhea car ferry is running. The cost is about the same as the bridge and it's more interesting!
Berwick Day tour
On Scotlands border and about 2-3 hours if the roads are quiet!
Shops
Nil Point!
History
Interesting remains of mediaeval town walls
Currently an English town but was at one time Scotland's main port for the export of wool and - would you believe - paper. The town has changed ownership frequently in the past but I think we've let yon' lot have it now!
