by ssc | May 30, 2014 | Blog
Stunning Loch Lomond, centrepiece to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
Every year, the BBC runs Springwatch and Autumnwatch, a series of live programmes that highlights the very best bits of the UK’s seasonal nature using webcams, local experts and stunning footage. This year the main crew are based in the RSPB Minsmere Reserve in Suffolk, with co-presenter Iolo Williams broadcasting live from Poltalloch in Argyll and Sutherland – an unspoilt stretch of Scotland’s west coast that boasts sea eagles, seals, otters, beavers, and sightings of wildcat. But is spotting such incredible examples of Scotland’s nature just the preserve of TV crews and conservationists? The answer is no, because Scotland has been voted Europe’s No1 wildlife-watching destination, and with the accolade, has become even better at getting the layman out there to enjoy the very best of the nation’s wildlife.
Osprey at Loch of the Lowes near Dunkeld
Wild places near Stirling: If you’re staying in Stirling and want to see some of Scotland’s wildlife in unspoilt surroundings, then head for Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, around a 30-minute drive from Stirling’s city centre. Throughout the year, Park Rangers organise and support wildlife watching events to teach the skills of successful and sustainable wildlife watching. Check their events calendar for information. Because the Park encompasses a wide range of distinct habitats, wildlife watchers can be rewarded with sightings of many different species within a relatively small area. The Queen Elizabeth and Argyll Forest parks areas are home to red squirrel, badger, red and roe deer, as well as hedgehogs and bats at dusk. Ospreys are summer visitors to the waters of Loch Lomond and the Lake of Menteith. On higher ground within the park, forest plantations provide ideal habitat for golden eagles and the fascinating black grouse – watching the black grouse ‘lekking’ in early mornings is a pursuit in itself for keen birdwatchers. Loch Long and Loch Goil are home to both seals and porpoises, with wading birds in abundance at the mouth of the River Eachaig at Kilmun. The Park provides a vital habitat to the endangered water vole, and observers may also glimpse otter. With the guidance of a ranger, or even just a little patience, there is no reason why even inexperienced observers can’t see at least some of Scotland’s fascinating wildlife in the Park. If you need any more inspiration, the Park’s Top Ten Days Out provides a list of easy outings, each with the promise of a nature sighting ranging from osprey to woodpeckers, fallow deer to butterflies. If you want a pretty much guaranteed osprey sighting, head for Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve near Dunkeld, just one hour from Stirling (and a beautiful drive too).
Wildlife watchers can spot seals at Loch Long and Loch Goil
Knowing what to look for: For the most rewarding wildlife watching – wherever you are in Scotland – it helps to know exactly what you should be looking for at what time of year. The Scottish seasons bring migrating birds, as well as short-lived seasonal spectacles like carpets of bluebells, the deer rut, black grouse lekking and much more – moments in nature that can add a bit of magic to your stay. To help you plan your holiday around what nature is doing, Wild Scotland provides a nature-watching calendar explaining what you can expect to see when. The site also describes the wildlife you will typically find in each region of Scotland, including Perthshire and Stirling. Elsewhere you will also find helpful advice on successful wildlife watching, as well as details of guided nature watches for those who want to learn the ropes. The interactive adventure map is a brilliant resource to help pinpoint the tour guide nearest you, including providers right here in Stirling.
There has never been a better time to explore natural Scotland, no matter how inexperienced you may be. So, treat yourself to a pair of sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof and a pair of binoculars, and get out there!
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by ssc | May 15, 2014 | Blog
The bridge and weir over the Allan Water at the entrance to Bridge of Allan
In a previous blog we talked about how, with holidays, less is more. Sometimes, to get to the heart of a place, it’s better to immerse yourself in just one corner of it at a slower pace, than try to rattle through all the recommended tourist attractions with a checklist. So this week, we are looking at another beautiful little bit of Stirlingshire, Bridge of Allan.
Bridge of Allan lies just three miles from the heart of Stirling. It is home to two of Stirling Self Catering’s properties – Haverstock and Allanvale apartment, and has a unique charm all of its own. Its main street is peppered with small, independent shops that you will find nowhere else, and there are some great places to eat too, whether you want fine dining or fish and chips. You can drive there from central Stirling, or better still, catch the frequent train from Stirling city centre for just one stop.
History: Bridge of Allan was first recorded in a written charter in the reign of David 1, which makes it some 900 years old. In the 1500s, a steep hog-backed bridge was built over the Allan Water to replace the old ford, which prompted the building of small houses there. In the woods above the fledgling town, copper, silver and gold were mined, and the population grew. In the 1850s, Bridge of Allan gained both recognition and wealth as a spa town, where the affluent would come to ‘take the waters’, among them Robert Louis Stevenson and Charles Dickens. Its wide roads and impressive villas took shape, alongside the (still beautifully preserved) parks and gardens. Today, Bridge of Allan is worth at least one day out of your holiday to explore. And here’s a few reasons why:
The Old Bridge Area: Follow signs to Bridge of Allan Rail Station and you will pass the Old Bridge Inn, built in 1710, a building central to the town’s ‘Bridge End’, the area where the first bridge across the river was built in 1520. Just near the pub you will see the former meal mill, recently restored, which was one of several mills formerly powered by the River Allan.
Villas of Blairforkie Drive, Bridge of Allan
The Allan Water and Bridge: Down by the side of the Allan Water Bridge is a great little picnic area just on the river bank by the weir – if you’re lucky you will see heron and dippers. For the more ambitious, you can walk from Bridge of Allan along the Allan Water to Dunblane along the ‘Darn Road’, catching a train from Dunblane for the quick hop back to Bridge of Allan. To start, find the path off Blairforkie Drive just by the river. Take care in poor weather as the path can be slippy. For details, see: http://www.instirling.com/walks/darnmap.htm and http://www.heritagepaths.co.uk/pathdetails.php?path=90
The Allanwater Brewhouse: Tucked behind the Queen’s Hotel, just off the main street of Bridge of Allan, this innovative micro-brewery (the smallest commercial brewer in Scotland) combines brewery, pub, and brewery shop. It offers tours, sampling, a cosy bar, good food, live music events and a very relaxed atmosphere. Entry and tastings of Allanwater’s best-selling cask ales is free. A hidden gem. Details here: http://bridgeofallan.co.uk/
The Nineveh Fountain, Bridge of Allan, erected in the town's heyday as a spa town
Bridge of Allan Heritage Trail: This brilliant little walk takes in many of Bridge of Allan’s historical landmarks including the Tollbar Stone, the Spa town’s first bath house, the Provost’s Lamp, the Paterson Clock, a walk to Stevenson’s Cave and more. It includes starting point, directions, and full information on each of the sites you will see: http://www.explore-stirling.com/what-to-do/walk-tour/the-bridge-of-allan-heritage-trail/
The Pullar Memorial Park: At the far end of Bridge of Allan, just before the University, is Pullar Memorial Park, stunning gardens that are home to the town’s war memorial. These gardens are worth a walk at any time of year but are particularly beautiful in April/May when the outer avenues are in full blossom. For information see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/pullar-memorial-park-p254021
For more information on Bridge of Allan shopping and restaurants, see: http://www.bridgeofallan.com/
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Stirling Self Catering is not responsible for any outdated or incorrect information on external websites that it provides links to.
by ssc | May 8, 2014 | Blog
Bank Holidays remind us of the simple pleasures
Bank Holidays – we love them. They are the perfect excuse for a weekend away, or even better, a week off work that doesn’t wipe out your annual leave before the summer holidays even start. Bank holidays are the stuff of front page news – if the weather is good both tabloids and broadsheets will jockey for the very best ‘fun in the sun’ cover shot – and that photo will invariably be taken right here in the UK. And why is that? Well, perhaps the best thing about Bank Holidays is that they make us appreciate the good bits of our own country. Bank Holidays remind us that we needn’t go far, or spend a fortune, to have a great time. And with Bank Holidays at its beginning and end, May is perhaps the best month to enjoy a short break in Scotland.
Riverside, Stirling, an ideal spot for a May Bank Holiday picnic
The history of the Bank Holiday: The first official Bank holidays were established by the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, in which England, Wales and Ireland were granted four days, while Scotland was granted five (north of the border we need a day to recover after Hogmanay!) In 1971, responding to the pleas of diary and calendar makers UK-wide, the ‘random’ nature of Bank Holidays was removed, the dates fixed, and another few days added, to the extent that we can now diarise around eight paid ‘magic Mondays’ off per year. And it’s not over yet – there is widespread feeling that the UK should be granted more Bank Holidays to take us up to a number comparable to that of our European counterparts. Best contenders for future national Bank Holidays are 23 April (St George’s Day and the birth date of William Shakespeare), 1 March (St David’s Day, patron saint of Wales), 17 March (St Patrick’s Day, patron saint of Ireland and currently only recognised as a holiday in Northern Ireland), and 30 November (St Andrew’s Day – currently only recognised in Scotland).
May is the perfect month for birdwatching in Scotland
Making the most of May Bank Holidays in Scotland: Whether you live in Scotland or not, there couldn’t be a better time to explore it than in May. If you are from the UK, you will have two Bank Holidays to choose from to create a starting point for a break away. Further, May school holiday dates in Scotland, England and Wales all differ slightly, with the happy result that accommodation prices are affordable and late vacancies easier to find. Added to that, you will find that Scotland’s weather is often at its best in May, with mild temperatures, lengthening days, and the first flush of early summer visible in the landscape.
May events in Stirling: If Stirling is your destination for this most beautiful and relaxed of months, then you will be spoiled for a choice of events too:
Photo credit: Image of Riverside, Stirling, Author: Richard Webb [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
by ssc | Apr 24, 2014 | Blog
Sometimes, less is more. When you’re taking a short break in a new place it’s all too tempting to cram all the better-known sites in for a whistle-stop tour. But often, you can absorb the feel of your temporary home all the better by exploring just one little bit of it at greater leisure – creating your own personal snapshot. For this week’s blog, we’re looking at just one little corner of Stirling, a very attractive and historic one, just under the shadow of the Wallace Monument, with the historic parish of ‘Logie’ at its heart.
Logie Kirk. The ruin of the original Logie Church stands 500m to the north of this church.
Logie Kirk and Old Kirk: Logie Kirk and Old Kirk lie at the edge of the Airthrey Estate, on the A99 Stirling to St Andrews Road and clearly signposted. There is ample parking at Logie Kirk, built in 1805 and still a thriving parish. From the car park, you’ll also spot the former gatehouse to the Airthrey Estate, whose grounds are now home to the University of Stirling. Walk up the wooded lane to Logie Kirk – it has a traditional wooden lych gate more often seen in English churches. Look up as you pass under for inscriptions underneath the roof. The graveyard is beautifully kept and well worth a walk on a bright day before walking up the narrow walled road to the site of Old Logie Kirk on your right. Now ruined, the old Kirk dates back to 1684, although mention is made of a church at Logie in 1178 by the Bishop of Dunblane. If you’re visiting in autumn, bring a bag – this lane yields bumper crops of blackberries in October. Take a moment to peek further up the narrow road past the old Kirk until you spot a cream-coloured cottage on the left. Although it has now seen better days, Garden Cottage became the first home to the University of Stirling in 1967, before any of the other campus buildings were created.
A clear day on the summit of Castle Law looking towards Dumyat, Ochil Hills, Stirling.
Dumyat Hill: By following this same narrow walled road up from Logie Kirk you can reach the hill of Dumyat, which affords great views across Stirling. You can park your car some way up on the junction with Sherriffmuir Road, before beginning the rest of the walk up to the top – this route provides one of the most gentle ascents (total elevation 418 metres). Foot paths to the Dumyat peak have recently been upgraded and, with good shoes, this steady climb will be manageable by most walkers. Add a stone to the cairn at the top before beginning your descent. Fitter visitors may be interested in taking part in (or watching!) the annual University of Stirling Dumyat Hill Race on 7 May: http://www.stir.ac.uk/dumyat/ For more information on Dumyat see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumyat
Cambuskenneth Abbey, in Cambuskenneth village, Stirling
Cambuskenneth Abbey: Under the shadow of the Wallace Monument, not far from Logie Kirk, lies the picturesque village of Cambuskenneth. The village is home to the ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey, a peaceful spot owned by Historic Scotland with free entrance to all visitors. The Abbey lies in the flat floodplain of the River Forth, encircled by one of the river’s long loops. In early summer, birdwatchers will enjoy larks rising from the surrounding farmland in full song. Founded in 1140 by Kind David I, the Abbey was home to Robert Bruce’s parliament in 1326. Both James III and his queen, Margaret of Denmark, were buried here in the 1480s. See: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_052
Blairmains Farm Shop and Coffee Bothy: Hungry? When you’re in this neck of the woods, an ideal place for a home cooked lunch and a few deli items to take home is Blairmains Farm Shop and Coffee Bothy. Situated just under the Witches Craig around a mile from Logie Kirk, the shop, restaurant and deli are open 10 til 4. For more details and directions see: www.blairmains.com/home
For detailed directions to all these sites from your holiday accommodation, you can use the following websites:
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by ssc | Apr 17, 2014 | Blog
Church of the Holy Rude
Everyone knows the benefits of walking; it’s cheap, healthy, protects the planet, and it can give you a whole new perspective on your surroundings. Walking gives us a chance to see new places at a slower pace, and to appreciate the details we miss by faster modes of transport. Often it’s the small things that make the best memories, so ditch the car, and enjoy Stirling on foot.
Stirling Old Town Walk: Stirling’s ‘Old Town’ is a small area crammed with history. Follow the route that everyone from king to cattle-trader took to enter the Castle area before the present city centre even appeared. Starting at Port Street, this 1km circle will take you past such landmarks as Cowane’s Hospital, the Church of the Holy Rude, Argyll’s lodging, as well as the city’s Mercat Cross and some of the Old Town’s oldest civic buildings. For details see: http://www.visitstirling.org/WalkDetails.aspx?docid=57&nav1=4
The Albert Halls in Stirling
The Back Walk: This 1.5km circle follows the route of the 16th-century old town walls, starting in Dumbarton Road. You will pass Stirling’s Albert Halls, the Stirling Smith Museum, and the celebrated villas of King’s Park, home to several of our properties. On a clear day, look west to see Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro before returning to the top of the Old Town. For details see: http://www.visitstirling.org/WalkDetails.aspx?docid=270&nav1=4
Just a glimpse of the some of the views to be enjoyed from the Abbey Craig,Stirling
Wallace Monument and Abbey Craig: For unrivalled views of Stirling in historic surroundings, as well as some gentle exercise, there is no vantage point quite like the Wallace Monument. Built on top of the Abbey Craig and reopening in April after a major refurbishment, the Monument is reached after a 15 minute steady walk up to the base – take your time or ask at the base Visitor Reception if you need to take the shuttle bus. From the top of the Abbey Craig (the base of the Monument itself) two marked trails explore the cliff-top woods and reveal some stunning views. The terrain is good but can be steep in places, so take your time and wear robust shoes. For more details see: http://www.instirling.com/wallace_monument_stirling.html
Stirling Walking Tours: If you prefer to follow a guide who knows the area intimately and will entertain along the way, then Stirling Walking Tours may be for you. Highly rated on Trip Advisor, Stirling Walking Tours offer comedy, drama and storytelling as they guide you through the streets of Stirling in full costume. Book on their website (no minimum numbers required) or email to arrange your own tailored tour. For details see: http://www.stirlingwalkingtours.com/
Stirling Ghost Walk: If you’ve a penchant for the ghoulish side of history, then you’ll enjoy a Stirling Ghost walk! Their tours offer “Fear, Fun and Frights for all the Family” in comic and creepy night-time walks round the city. Meet at the Old Town Jail in John Street, Stirling, with no need to pre-book. For dates and details, see: http://www.stirlingghostwalk.com/
For more ideas, take a look at these websites:
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