Stirling & The Forth Valley – OUTDOORS & ACTIVITIES Callendar House, Falkirk The National Wallace Monument, Stirling Dollar Glen, Clackmannanshire The Kelpies, Falkirk From miles of canals, to deep glens, unspoilt landscapes independent boutiques in The Stirling Arcade as well as and a city steeped in history, Stirling & The Forth Valley Bridge of Allan for the perfect gif to take home. has an impressive mix of things to see and do. The Falkirk is perhaps best known as the home of The region’s central location is within easy reach of both Kelpies, housed in Helix Park. These 30 m high equestrian Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, with excellent train sculptures are a spectacular sight, both day and night, connections and road network. and are surrounded by cycle and walkways, including The The region includes much of Loch Lomond & The Kelpies Trail. But there are many more reasons to visit the Trossachs National Park, packed with an array of town of Falkirk and its surrounding area too! outdoor activities boasting stunning backdrops, and the city of Stirling is less than 30 minutes away by road. Discover parts of the Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World The city itself is ideal to explore on foot or by bike and Heritage Site, at the Rough Castle Fort site or in the ofers the perfect mix of history and modernity. Nearby grounds of the impressive 14th century Callendar House, Clackmannanshire is home to the imposing Ochil Hills which has exhibitions of the Roman Empire and is free to which dominate the landscape, while Falkirk is where enter. The cycle and path network in the area are excellent you will find the magnificent Kelpies and an extensive and connect many of the attractions in the area as well as canal network. the canal towpaths, which are widely accessible. Stirling is a city which has witnessed some of the most Clackmannanshire is close to the City of Stirling and dramatic events in Scottish history. Today, you can step although it is the smallest county in Scotland, it really back in time where ancient tales are brought back to life, packs a punch when it comes to outdoor adventure, all within a vibrant city. thanks mainly to the dramatic and imposing Ochil Hills. They can be seen for miles around and are peppered with The historic city of Stirling is surrounded by spectacular impressive gorges and waterfalls, all making for some scenery which can be admired from Stirling Castle’s impressive walks such as Dollar Glen. Climb the summit esplanade, high above the city. Wander the cobbled streets of Dumyat for spectacular views towards Stirling including of the Old Town, from the castle down to the city centre, the castle and National Wallace Monument. Explore where you will find an impressive food & drink ofering, wildlife havens including Gartmorn Dam and Black Devon from a wee dram at a whisky bar to local produce at the Wetlands, where you can spot an array of birds in unspoilt monthly farmers’ market. Nearby, savour local beers at landscapes. Allanwater Brewhouse in Bridge of Allan or warming whisky at Deanston Distillery in Doune, before exploring one of the many walking routes such as Allan Water. Browse For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] Stirling & The Forth Valley – OUTDOORS & ACTIVITIES Day 1 - Beyond Stirling 1 2 3 4 5 Port of Menteith – 15 miles from Lodge Forest Visitor Centre – some Loch Venachar –19 miles from Ben A’an – between Loch Katrine Callander – 16 miles from Stirling Stirling, this village started life in 1457 say the café here has one of the best Stirling, this fresh water loch stretches and Loch Achray, Ben A’an boasts this bustling tourist town is situated as a barony created by King James III, views in Scotland. This visitor centre from Callander to Brig o’Turk and spectacular views. The hill provides on the River Teith and is ofen today it is popular with anglers due to is a great base for walks, such as the is an excellent fishing spot with the an easy walk and is therefore popular described as the gateway to the its location by the Lake of Menteith. Waterfall Trail for all abilities, or you pristine waters populated by stocks of with families. From the top, see if you Highlands. There are a number of Take the ferry to the peaceful, ruined can admire red squirrels and osprey trout and pike. Sailing is also popular can spot the majestic Steamship popular walks in the area for visitors island priory of Inchmahome to thanks to a live CCTV feed. Also onsite with the Loch Venachar Sailing Club Sir Walter Scott sailing on Loch to explore. The beautiful Bracklinn experience Scotland’s only lake. you will find Go Ape! where you can hosting regular races and events from Katrine below. Falls and the River Keltie have 01877 385294 literally swing through the trees. the end of March until October. www.lochlomond-trossachs.org mesmerised people for generations, www.historicenvironment.scot/ 01877 382258 www.lochlomond-trossachs.org and to the west, footpaths and cycle visit-a-place/places/inchmahome- [email protected] tracks follow the old Callander to priory www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk Oban railway line. Day 2 - City of Stirling 1 2 3 4 5 Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure The Back Walk – winding from the city The Peak – this indoor sports complex is King’s Park – historically this park was Cycle hire – a great way to explore the Park – a short distance from Stirling, centre, this path was built between at the heart of the Stirling Sports Village used as the hunting ground for the Royal area is by bike and there are cycle hire follow the safari drive to discover 1724 and 1791 and is the oldest publicly and boasts a pool, ice rink and climbing Court at Stirling. With the castle as a options across the region. In Stirling, rhinos, lions and monkeys to name a maintained road in Scotland. Following wall as well as a gym and other facilities. backdrop, today the park is becoming start at the cycling hub at the railway few. Marvel at the bird of prey display the old city walls up to Stirling Castle, The Peak also attracts international one of the city’s most stunning events station for useful tips and you can hire as they swoop low above your head or you will be rewarded with panoramic teams using the facility to train for venues so make sure you check to see the shared-use Nextbikes found across the impressive sea lion display. Take a views in the shadows of the castle world class competitions. Why not test what is on. Or why not just relax in the the city. In Falkirk, use Bike&Go based at boat trip around Chimp Island or get up towering above, with plenty places to your head for heights on the 11 metre ‘Peace of Mind’ garden, explore the Falkirk High Railway Station where you close to animals at the pets’ farm. stop on the way up. climbing wall or take a leisurely swim? pathways or simply admire the views of could cycle from Falkirk to Linlithgow 01786 841456 www.yourstirling.com/the-back-walk/ 01786 273555 the city skyline and Ochil Hills. and leave the bike at the station there. [email protected] [email protected] www.my.stirling.gov.uk www.blairdrummond.com www.the-peak-stirling.org.uk Day 3 - Clackmannanshire and Falkirk Area 1 2 3 4 5 Gartmorn Dam – designated as a Alva Glen – the Ochil Hills are Black Devon Wetlands – this RSPB Helix Park – located 14 miles from Wellsfield – two miles south of nationally important site of special peppered with impressive reserve gives you the chance to step Stirling, the park is home to the Stirling is the adventure-packed scientific interest thanks to its rare gorges and waterfalls which ofer into some unspoilt landscapes in an magnificent Kelpies, two magnificent Wellsfield Farm. There is plenty to pondweeds as well as migratory spectacular walks and with a area of untouched wet grassland and 30 m high horse head sculptures, experience from a farm park the birds, this country park is a hidden little extra rain, are all the more wetland habitat. There is no visitor designed by Andy Scott, are a true kids (and big kids) will enjoy, to an gem for cycling, walking, horse impressive. Alva Glen boasts five centre here, adding to the conserved feat of engineering. Enjoy The Kelpie equestrian centre and trout fishery, riding, and bird watching. Make sure waterfalls, including a hidden landscape, but you can follow the Experience with a guided tour or all on site. There is also a farm cofee you keep your eyes peeled for otters waterfall cascading into Smugglers’ nature trail to the viewing mound. Or pop in to browse the gif shop and shop serving delicious food, and of or take a picnic to fully embrace the Cave. The glen was the centre of the follow the boardwalk to a distinctive sample some tasty home baking or course tea and cake. peaceful surroundings. region’s historic textile industry and viewing screen, all ensuring you get as lunch, before exploring the miles of 01324 822800 www.clacks.gov.uk/culture/ today you can still see remnants of close as possible, without disturbing cycle and walking paths. [email protected] gartmorndam an old dam and workshops. the locals. 01324 590600 www.wellsfield.co.uk www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fife- www.rspb.org.uk www.thehelix.co.uk stirling/alva-glen.shtml Day 4 - Falkirk Area 1 2 3 4 5 Scottish Segway Centre – based at Callendar Estate – within easy John Muir Way – this coast to coast Canals – the Forth & Clyde and Cloybank Estate – this estate, eight the Falkirk Wheel, hire a Segway to reach of Falkirk Town Centre, find route stretches 134 miles between Union canals are the most accessible miles from Falkirk, ofers a wide explore the towpaths along the Forth an impressive network of walking, Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar in Scotland and a great place to variety of country sports including & Clyde and Union Canals, a little cycling and horse riding tracks.