EXPLORE 2020-2021 the forth valley stirling, falkirk & clackmannanshire visitscotland.com Contents 2 The heart of a nation 4 The city of Stirling 6 Falkirk 8 Clackmannanshire 10 Outdoor fun 12 Local flavours 14 Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 Welcome to… 16 What’s on THE forth valley – 18 Travel tips 20 Practical information stirling, falkirk & 24 Places to visit clackmannanshire 32 Leisure activities Many amazing adventures have been born in the Forth Valley, the cradle of 34 Shopping much of Scotland’s fascinating history. Here you can travel back in time and 36 Food & drink walk in the same castle hallways as ancient kings, or look to the future and try 42 Transport an exciting new sport. You can lead your loved ones into the romantic wooded 43 Family fun glens and tranquil lochs of the Trossachs, or take on the dramatic Ochil Hills, a long range of steeply sided hills. You’ll find it’s easy to get here from both 46 Accommodation Glasgow and Edinburgh, whether you travel by car or public transport. 50 Regional map 1 There are many ways to discover the area’s fascinating history, from its epic 52 Stirling street map 2 bloody clashes to dramatic clan tales passed down through generations. At the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of medieval warfare, or see fine examples of Renaissance architecture at Stirling Castle. In Stirling, you’ll find a distinctive blend of history and modernity. Not far away you’ll find the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies, the world’s largest equine Cover: Callendar House sculpture, while in the east you can explore and Park, Falkirk the ancient glens of Clackmannanshire, an Above image: The National area of natural beauty with splendid walks. Wallace Monument, Stirling There are a host of outdoor activities to be Credits: © VisitScotland. experienced from cycling and paddle boarding Kenny Lam, Discover to kayaking and rock climbing, and with the Clackmannanshire/Damian Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park only Shields, Forth Valley College, your 30 minutes from Stirling it could not be easier to own Paul Tomkins, Falkirk get out and explore. Community Trust/Graeme Hart STYLE 20STIR Produced and published by APS Group Scotland (APS) in conjunction with VisitScotland (VS) and Highland News & Media (HNM). Disclaimer APS / VS / HNM have produced and published this guide in good faith to reflect information submitted by the proprietors/managers of the businesses listed who have paid for and approved their entries to be included. Although APS / VS / HNM have taken reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy of information contained in this guide at the time of going to press, they cannot guarantee that the information published is and remains accurate. Accordingly, APS / VS / HNM recommend that all information is checked with the proprietor/manager of the business prior to visiting/booking to ensure that the accommodation, facilities, price and all other aspects of the business are satisfactory. APS / VS / HNM accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation contained in the guide and exclude all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the information contained in this guide. APS / VS / HNM accept no responsibility for the contents of any pages referenced by an external link and exclude all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the information contained in an external link. APS / VS / HNM also cannot accept any liability for loss caused by the bankruptcy, or liquidation, or insolvency, or cessation of trade of any company, firm or individual contained in this guide. Quality Assurance awards are correct as at January 2020. 2 the forth valley – stirling, falkirk & clackmannanshire OU KN Highlights Y O D W I ? ' Tower houses were what D You can see aristocrats with ‘grand William Wallace’s designs’ built in the 14th mighty sword at the and 15th century. They later National Wallace fell out of fashion but you Monument. can see four such medieval w w om towers and a manor house w.v .c isitscotland on the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail. ' Lose yourself in the beauty of the Campsie Fells which stretch from the west of Stirling towards Glasgow. Fintry has been voted Scotland’s ‘Best Kept Village’ on several occasions, while Killearn has attractive The traditional holiday cottages if you fancy a break in the HEART country. ' Try winter sports all year OF A NATION Stirling Old Bridge round on the dry slopes of Fir Park Ski Centre at You are about to explore the geographical and historical heart of Scotland – the Forth Valley. This Glens of Clackmannanshire and explore these fascinating Tillicoultry. As well as region includes the ancient city of Stirling, the town of Falkirk and the county of Clackmannanshire Leave the cares of everyday far former textile hubs. Wool-spinning snowboarding and skiing, and here you can enjoy a wonderful variety of sights and experiences. Start your day in Stirling’s behind as you stroll through and weaving were once the way of have a go at tubing where you whizz down the slopes imposing castle then browse the shops and grab some lunch before heading off to soak up the this beautiful landscape where life here, and it’s worth taking an hour or two to visit an old Victorian on a rubber tube! region’s splendid scenery of rolling hills, dramatic deep glens and glimmering lochs. interesting wildlife and history are waiting round the next corner. At Alva mill, such as the one at Dollar. Glen, the waterfalls and fast flowing ' You can also get ski practice Stirling way up and learn about the life of canoeists, cyclists and pleasure rivers once supplied former textile Dunblane at Polmonthill Ski Centre, Stirling is one of Scotland’s seven national hero William Wallace, the boaters! Walk or cycle along the mills, but now they just chatter to Tennis superstar Andy Murray grew with its 100m-long artificial cities, and you’ll find it to be a building of the monument, and towpaths of the Forth & Clyde and themselves. Follow the meandering up here, and you can play a set or slope. fascinating blend of ancient royal other famous Scots. At the top your Union Canals, or take a boat ride paths in Dollar Glen to reach the two yourself while you’re here. Play stronghold and modern living reward is a phenomenal view of the and enjoy the graceful ascent of ' Off the beaten track is the awe-inspiring Castle Campbell. tennis at the Dunblane Sports Club metropolis. As you approach you’ll River Forth, Stirling and the distant the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only enchanting Lake of Menteith Explore the pleasant towns of Alloa, or tee off at the Dunblane Golf Club see Stirling Castle dominating the mountains. rotating boat lift. where you can spot ospreys, which nestles by the River Forth, and enjoy a leisurely round of golf. city from its airy, crag-top position. or cast off and catch some What did a medieval battle feel, The Helix – Home of The and Tillicoultry, set in the foothills of Spilling down the hill from the look and sound like? Find out for Callander of the best rainbow trout in Kelpies the Ochils. Don’t miss the stunning You know you’ve reached somewhere castle is the charming historic yourself at the state-of-the-art Scotland at the fishery. Visit The Helix is a brilliant area for Japanese Garden at Cowden. A special when you walk along the old town, with cobbled streets Battle of Bannockburn Visitor the island and Inchmahome outdoor adventure – you can unique haven which is being restored streets of this charming small town and medieval buildings, as well Centre just outside the city. Take Priory in the summer. explore over 17 miles of pathways, to the original designs, explore its at the heart of the Trossachs. There as modern amenities including command of your own army whilst try watersports in the lagoon or Japanese influenced landscapes and are plenty of quirky local shops Follow the BLiSS Trail, the Thistles Shopping Centre, gift playing the interactive Battle Game ' take the walkway over the wetlands woodland walks. Just 2 miles from to wander in and out of, a sleepy and enjoy art installations stores and artisan coffee shops. on a 3D map. and admire The Helix’s biodiversity. Castle Campbell, the garden also river, woods and the invigorating through the heart of Rob Roy Get ready for a few huffs and puffs Bring your camera and get some boasts great views over nearby hills Canals Bracklinn Falls walk. This mile-long country, with an audio tour as you climb the spiral staircase amazing pictures of the world’s and glens. Falkirk’s canals once carried barges route takes you from the village available to download in to the top of the National Wallace largest equine structures – The full of cargo and weary workers. centre up into the forest and across advance. Monument. Get your breath back Kelpies, two 30m tall equine Textile heritage Today, you’re more likely to see a bridge over a 100m-deep gorge at each of the three levels on the sculptures created by Andy Scott. Thread your way through the hills to Alloa and the Hillfoot villages with spectacular white torrents. VISITSCOTLAND.COM 4 the forth valley – stirling, falkirk & clackmannanshire Highlights OU KN Y O ' Head to the Engine Shed D W I ? D to learn about local There are 246 conservation projects, steps to climb to restoration works, the areas’ the top of The social and cultural history, as National Wallace Monument.