Loch Lomond, Stirling & The Trossachs
Lochan-a-ghleannain. Courtesy: Raymund McGrath
The "Central Belt" with Glasgow to the west, Edinburgh to the east and Stirling with it's great castle and the towering National Wallace Monument in the middle.
A few km north of Glasgow the heavily forrested Trossachs National Park offers a grand introduction to the many splendors to come. Following the shores of shimmering Loch Lomond along the, admittedly at times quite busy, A82 and you will feel that delicious sense of anticipation. You're now entering the Highland fringe!
For the walkers among you there are the well signposted Long Distance Trails and Scotland's 100 Best Walks that wind their way along the rural paths and tracks north- and upwards. This region has so much to offer. You'll be spoiled for choice.
Site rating:
Although the featured attractions, sites and landmarks are always chosen by me, I have made a serious effort to differentiate 4 levels:
- (***) This is, for whatever reason, a very personal favourite! Will definitely be on my itinerary! Could possibly be disappointing for someone else though.
- (**) A major must-see tourist attraction that you can find in many a brochure.
- (*) Worth seeing and possibly interesting if you happen to be in the vicinity.
- (-) A hefty dollop of imagination is a must, but it might be interesting if you know the background.
Milarrochy Bay Loch Lomond. Courtesy Lors
Favorites:
- Castle Campbell *** Location: Dollar / Plus code: 58FG+W4 Dollar
- Church of the Holy Rude *** Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43C4+76 Stirling
- Doune Castle *** Location: Doune / Plus code: 5XP2+32 Doune
- Dumbarton Castle *** Location: Dumbarton / Plus code: WCPP+QR Dumbarton
- Duncarron Medieval Village *** Location: Carron Bridge / Plus code: 2WGV+WF Denny
- Finlarig Castle *** Location: Killin / Plus code: FMFP+W2 Killin
- Finnich Glen & The Devil's Pulpit *** Location: Craighat / Plus code: 2HMJ+J7 Alexandria
- Battle site of Glenfruin (1603) *** Location: Garelochhead / Plus code: 36F5+2CG Helensburgh
- The Kelpies *** Location: Falkirk / Plus code: 269V+HP Falkirk
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park *** Location: Aberfoyle / Plus code: 69QJ+2F Alexandria
- National Wallace Monument *** Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43QJ+GR Stirling
- Battle site of Sheriffmuir (1715) *** Location: Dunblane / Plus code: 53WQ+5Q5 Dunblane
- Battle site of Stirling Bridge (1297) *** Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43H7+J9C Stirling
- Stirling Castle *** Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43F3+5Q Stirling
And than there are.......
- Alloa Tower ** Location: Alloa / Plus code: 4666+XM Alloa
- Battle site of Bannockburn (1314) ** Location: Stirling / Plus code: 33V7+2V Stirling
- Cambuskenneth Abbey ** Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43FJ+9P Stirling
- Battle site of Dalrigh (1306) * Location: Tyndrum / Plus code: C8F5+CQ6 Crianlarich
- Battle site of Falkirk (1298) - Location: Falkirk / Plus code: X6RH+8Q8 Falkirk
- Battle site of Falkirk (1746) * Location: Falkirk / Plus code: X5RM+2CF Falkirk
- Clackmannan Tower ** Location: Clackmannan / Plus code: 465R+45 Clackmannan
- The Falkirk Wheel ** Location: Falkirk / Plus code: 2525+48 Falkirk
- Falls of Dochart * Location: Killin / Plus code: FM6H+VG Killin
- Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve ** Location: Thornhill / Plus code: 5R3C+J5 Thornhill, Stirling, Stirling
- Inchmahome Priory ** Location: Port of Menteith / Plus code: 5PG2+FQ Callander
- Rob Roy's Grave ** Location: Balquhidder / Plus code: 9J5H+4M6 Lochearnhead
- Rough Castle * Location: Bonnybridge / Plus code: 242V+Q48 Falkirk
- Battle site of Sauchieburn (1488) - Location: Stirling / Plus code: 33Q3+5R5 Stirling