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.
My very personal selection:
Location: Dollar / Plus code: 58FG+W4 Dollar
Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43C4+76 Stirling
Location: Doune / Plus code: 5XP2+32 Doune
- Dumbarton Castle ***
Location: Dumbarton / Plus code: WCPP+QR Dumbarton
Location: Killin / Plus code: FMFP+W2 Killin
Location: Craighat / Plus code: 2HMJ+J7 Alexandria
Location: Garelochhead / Plus code: 36F5+2CG Helensburgh
Location: Falkirk / Plus code: 269V+HP Falkirk
Location: Aberfoyle / Plus code: 69QJ+2F Alexandria
Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43QJ+GR Stirling
Location: Dunblane / Plus code: 53WQ+5Q5 Dunblane
Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43H7+J9C Stirling
Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43F3+5Q Stirling
And than there are.......
Location: Alloa / Plus code: 4666+XM Alloa
Location: Stirling / Plus code: 33V7+2V Stirling
Location: Stirling / Plus code: 43FJ+9P Stirling
Location: Tyndrum / Plus code: C8F5+CQ6 Crianlarich
Location: Falkirk / Plus code: X6RH+8Q8 Falkirk
Location: Falkirk / Plus code: X5RM+2CF Falkirk
Location: Falkirk / Plus code: 2525+48 Falkirk
Location: Killin / Plus code: FM6H+VG Killin
Location: Thornhill / Plus code: 5R3C+J5 Thornhill, Stirling, Stirling
Location: Port of Menteith / Plus code: 5PG2+FQ Callander
Location: Balquhidder / Plus code: 9J5H+4M6 Lochearnhead
Location: Bonnybridge / Plus code: 242V+Q48 Falkirk
Location: Stirling / Plus code: 33Q3+5R5 Stirling