Stirling’s romantic waterfalls

by | Aug 11, 2016 | Blog

There is something captivating about waterfalls, especially when in full spate after hard rains. Dramatic and romantic, there are some stunning waterfalls just a stone’s throw from Stirling. As the weather breaks up at the end of summer, waterfalls, in contrast, are reaching their spectacular best. By autumn, you’ll be able to watch salmon leap too, as they make their way upstream to spawn. Here are some of the closest falls to Stirling, and worth a visit whatever the weather.

Bracklinn Falls, Callander, a well-known waterfall which now has a new footbridge over it (not pictured)

Bracklinn Falls, Callander

The Falls of Leny, Kilmahog

The Falls of Leny, Kilmahog

Bracklinn Falls, Callander (15 miles from Stirling)

Located in the woods just above the beautiful town of Callander (worth a visit in its own right), Bracklinn Falls is a spectacular stepped waterfall best viewed from the vantage point just above the cascade. Queen Victoria is said to have visited here, and it’s not hard to see why. For the easiest walk, park your car in the Falls car park about halfway up Bracklinn Road, then follow the footpath up to the falls and the new bridge. For details on this short walk, and others around Callander, see this pdf: http://www.thegreattrossachsforest.co.uk/assets/maps-guides/Callander-Paths-Leaflet.pdf

Falls of Leny, Kilmahog (17 Miles from Stirling)

If you are visiting Callander to see the Bracklinn Falls, be sure to take in the Falls of Leny too, near the village of Kilmahog, just north-west of Callander in the Trossachs National Park. This is a great falls to see if any of your party have mobility problems – there is a car park at the falls, and cyclists can even get right up to the falls too. This is a narrow-gorged waterfall, so is particularly dramatic after heavy rain. For its location see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/falls-of-leny-p662861#location. The more adventurous can walk there from Callander itself, a distance of around five miles: http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/outdoors/walk-of-the-week-callander-to-falls-of-leny-1-3182009

Loup of Fintry, near Fintry (17 miles from Stirling)

Close to Stirling, the Loup of Fintry waterfall is on the River Endrick and lies just two miles from Fintry village. At 94ft high, this spectacular waterfall is best seen after rain or snow, as the Endrick River also feeds the Carron Reservoir. You can find the waterfall signposted two miles East of Fintry on the B818 Denny Road. For location see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/loup-of-fintry-p669471#location

Pots of Gartness, Killearn, (22 miles from Stirling)

To the west of Killearn you will find Pots of Gartness, a series of stepped rocky waterfall pools whose natural ladder makes for spectacular salmon-watching in October and November. On the Endrick water like the Loup of Fintry, these falls once powered a mill, still visible in ruins alongside the former mill-worker dwellings. To reach the Falls by car, take the A81 Glasgow-Aberfoyle road, signposted for The Wishing Well. There is roadside parking just before the bridge. For location, see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/pots-of-gartness-p669461#location

For tips on salmon-watching: https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/6569/

 

The Endrick Water, on which can be found the Loup of Fintry and Pots of Gartness waterfalls

The Endrick Water, on which can be found the Loup of Fintry and Pots of Gartness waterfalls

Photo credits:

  • Bracklinn Falls: Thomas Stenhouse [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Falls of Leny: Colin Smith [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Endrick Water: Louise Harris [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Carron Reservoir: Scotia [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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August Bank Holiday – your late summer bonus

by | Jul 20, 2016 | Blog

Show me someone who doesn’t like a Bank Holiday and it’s likely his name is Mr Ebenezer Scrooge. Bank Holidays are brilliant: they’re the perfect excuse for a Sunday night bottle of wine, a day in your jammies, or, even better, a week or more away in the UK that eats up only four days of your precious annual leave. What’s not to like? And the next one is just around the corner, on Monday 28 August!

Just one of our luxury apartments and cottages in historic Stirling
Just one of our luxury apartments and cottages in historic Stirling
Craigvinean pine cone shelter Ronald Weir

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter, Perthshire. Around an hour’s drive from Stirling.

Chase away the post-holiday blues

For those of us who’ve already had our main summer getaway, The August Bank Holiday provides the perfect opportunity to chase away the post-holiday blues with a late summer break. Breaks like this remind us that we needn’t go far, or spend a fortune, to have a great time. Have a look at our budget accommodation if you fancy a great value city stay, or browse our luxury properties in the heart of Stirling for late summer availability too. Make Stirling your base for your August/September escape, and you have the whole of central Scotland, and a good chunk of the Highlands, within day trip distance too. Check out Destination Stirling’s guide to getting here and travel: http://www.destinationstirling.com/plan-your-visit/getting-here/

Events ideas for your late summer stay

Need some ideas for days out during your stay? There’s lots going on in Stirling:

  • Experience History at the Wallace Monument: One of Stirling’s most iconic tourist attractions, the Wallace Monument is running a whole host of captivating events this August, with costumed actors bringing Scotland’s turbulent history to life for visitors. Details of all their August events here: http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/
  • Stirling’s Secret Gardens: a selection of private gardens throughout Stirlingshire are open until the end of September. Your small entrance fee is donated to charity and allows you to explore some of the region’s most beautiful, secluded and award-winning gardens. For more information, enter your desired postcode into the ‘search’ area of this website: http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/
  • Events at the Castle: Make the most of your visit to Stirling Castle by taking in its special events, all included in your ticket price. August brings ‘Flights into Scotland’s Past’ a beautiful exhibition of aerial photography. If you are here in September, enjoy ‘Renaissance Revelry’ at the Castle, with music, dance and drama bringing the Castle to life. Visit the kitchen and see the food they would have prepared and hear more about the past times of the nobility and Mary, Queen of Scots. For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/whatson
  • Scotfairs Antiques Fair: Just before you head home, make some time for this Antiques Fair at Stirling’s beautiful Albert Halls on the first Saturday of each month. This fair is for everyone, from those who have an eye for antiques, to those who love a rummage for affordable collectibles and vintage nick-nacks. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/albert-halls/
  • Theatre and music: If you fancy some theatre, music, or cinema during your stay, keep an eye on these listings at http://culturestirling.org/ and http://macrobertartscentre.org/
Gargunnock House Gardens, one of Stirlingshire's secret gardens open until late September
Gargunnock House Gardens, one of Stirlingshire’s secret gardens open until late September
Bringing history to life at the Wallace Monument this Bank Holiday
Bringing history to life at the Wallace Monument this Bank Holiday

Photo credits:

  • Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter, Perthshire, Photo copyright Ronald Weir
  • Wallace Monument: Photo kindly supplied by Ken Thomson at the National Wallace Monument
  • Gargunnock House Gardens: Photo kindly supplied by Scotland’s Gardens

 

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Messing about on the water – in and around Stirling

by | Jul 6, 2016 | Blog

There’s nothing that says summertime quite like messing about on the water. We’ve handpicked some brilliant ways for you to do just that, with the absolute minimum of travel from your Stirling base.

Paddling the waters of the Forth with Unicorn Paddle

Paddling beneath Stirling’s city centre bridges with Unicorn Paddle

A novel way to see Scotland's most beautiful waterways

A novel way to see Scotland’s most beautiful waterways

Fishing: If your idea of being on the water is sitting in a boat watching for a bite, then Swanswater Fishery may just be for you. It’s just 15 minutes from the centre of Stirling. This fishery boasts three ponds, of which the biggest is a full ten-acre expanse. You can fly fish from one of the three well-maintained fishing platforms, or hire one of the fishery’s three boats. Rainbow, Brown, Blue, Tiger and Golden trout are all stocked daily, to supplement the natural population of brown trout. For more information, see: http://www.swanswater-fishery.co.uk/

Stand Up Paddling: It seems that one of the best ways to see Scotland’s waters is by ‘stand up paddling’. And you don’t even know how to do it to have a crack. Unicorn Paddling offer lessons and nature expeditions throughout Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the Fife Coast and many more locations throughout Scotland. And what makes their offer even more attractive is that they will pick you up free of charge from several locations throughout Stirling and the Stirling area, in order to get to your location of choice. Unicorn Paddling provide wetsuits, gloves, and literally everything you will need to keep cosy as you explore Scotland’s waters in this brilliant new way. Trips depend on wind speeds of less than 8 miles per hour. Check out their website here to create your own SUP adventure! www.unicornpaddle.co.uk

The Helix watersports: Home to the now world-famous Kelpies, The Helix in Falkirk offers water sports for all the family. It’s just 17 minutes’ drive from Stirling too. You will find everything from pedalos to canoeing and kayaking on the Helix plaza’s man-made ‘lagoon’. It’s a very safe environment for those less experienced on the water, with life guards on the shore at all times. During school holidays, explore the instructor-led water-sports events. For younger family members, there’s also the splash zone, with random water jets and waterfalls to play in on warmer summer days. For full information on these and more activities at the Helix, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/

Linlithgow Canal Centre: If you like spending time on the water purely for its own sake, then Linlithgow Canal Centre is for you. The Canal Centre (just 22 miles or 29 mins from Stirling) is operated entirely by volunteers and their love of the boats and the water brings a little magic to your trip. The Centre runs three core trips – a half-hour town cruise, a three-hour Avon Aqueduct Cruise, and a Falkirk Wheel Cruise. The Aqueduct cruises take place at weekends, The Falkirk Wheel cruises on the last Sunday of June, July and August, while the town cruises run daily from 4 July to 12 August. Tickets are very good value, staff have a wealth of local knowledge, and you can enjoy some gorgeous home baking before or after in the Canal Centre Tearoom (with a wood fire in winter). The Canal centre is a hidden gem in the heart of Linlithgow, and worthwhile supporting too. Don’t miss their Canal Fun Day on 14 August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/

Plenty of water fun at the Helix

Plenty of water fun at the Helix

Messing about on the water at Linlithgow Canal Basin

Messing about on the water at Linlithgow Canal Basin

Photo credits: 

  • Linlithgow Canal Centre: Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Stand up Paddling Photos: Images kindly supplied by Unicorn Paddling, http://unicornpaddle.co.uk/, Copyright Unicorn Paddling.
  • Kelpies Photo: Kindly supplied by the Kelpies Team, Copyright the Helix 2016.

 

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Stirling: your gateway to the Festivals

by | May 25, 2016 | Blog

We all love a festival – whether it be the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, or some of the intriguing new festivals to be found within a stone’s throw of Stirling. So if you want to immerse yourself in the Edinburgh mayhem, or find something closer to home, here’s our guide!

Henderson's Bistro at The Albert Halls, Stirling

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe – the International Arts Festival’s cheeky little brother

Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh’s streets are alive with impromptu performances during the Festival period

Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe run from 5-29 August and draw performers and audiences from across the globe. This international arts festival and its cheeky comedy sidekick are the largest arts festivals in the world – staging way more than 50,000 acts over a three-week period. The Edinburgh Festivals are where many of our best-loved actors and comedians earned their spurs, and if you want to ‘celebrity spot’, you should definitely spend some time in Edinburgh over the Festival period with a selfie stick at the ready. Bear in mind, though, that accommodation in Edinburgh is both extortionately expensive and booked out months in advance, so consider Stirling as your alternative base. A one-hour train ride will take you from central Stirling into the heart of Edinburgh, and it’s an attractive journey too. To find out more about the Edinburgh Festivals, see their websites: http://www.eif.co.uk/ and https://www.edfringe.com/

The Shindig is the name of the re-branded Stirling Fringe Festival. This three-day arts extravaganza runs 9-11 September in the grounds of Stirling Old Town Jail. The festival aims to celebrate Scottish culture of the past, present and future, and features everything from traditional storytelling and ceilidhs to cutting edge DJs, hip hop and contemporary art. The jail’s three stages will host live music, street performances, comedy, cinema, cabaret and much more, with a beer garden and food zone on hand too. Look out for impromptu street performances in central Stirling over the Festival. For more information, see http://stirlingfringe.com/

The Solas Festival takes place 17-19 June at Blackruthven, Perth, just 45 minutes from Stirling. The line-up spans everything from literature, music, and performing arts, to events aimed specifically at families like puppet theatre, adventure circus and outdoor ‘instinctively wild’ workshops. There will be lots of local food on offer, craft-brewed beer, and a bustling marketplace to enjoy too. For more information, see: http://www.solasfestival.co.uk/

Strathyre Music Festival, 27-29 May, is the largest small community-based festival in Scotland. It takes place in Callander, Perthshire, just 25 minutes from Stirling. Its wide music offering includes everything from traditional & folk to blues. Set in the beautiful natural amphitheatre of Strathyre, the Festival is inclusive, family friendly, and includes a Festival Market place for food and drink and local crafts. For more information, visit: http://www.balvaig.co.uk/

Mhor Festival, Lochearnhead, Perthshire, is definitely one for the foodies among us on 28-29 May. Bringing together some of Scotland’s top chefs alongside bread-making workshops, a raft race, a Bugsy Malone Bar (with splurge guns), a hog roast, afternoon teas, a Mhor Bake Off, omelette challenge and much more, this event claims to be one of the most unique in Scotland (and we’re inclined to agree). There’s a market, theatre, music and pop-ups. And for the kids there’s a mini Commonwealth Games, fairground stalls, entertainment with Magwitch Monsters and pot planting in the gardens too. That’s everyone sorted then! For more information, visit: http://www.mhorfestival.net/

Edinburgh Festivals

Comedy, dance and theatre at the Festival Fringe

Edinburgh Festivals

Audiences come from across the globe to Scotland’s festivals

Photocredits: © Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society

 

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Stirling: your base for Scottish Castles

by | Apr 27, 2016 | Blog

For many, the lure to Scotland is a lot to do with its turbulent past, and the rugged romance of its landscape and legends. Nothing captures this spirit of Scotland like its castles, so here is a handful of the best, all within an hour from Stirling.

Stirling Castle Great Hall

The Great Hall, Stirling Castle

Doune Castle

Doune Castle, favoured by film crews the world over

See all of these with an Explorer Pass

Buy an Explorer Pass valid for 5 or 14 consecutive days and visit as many of these properties as you wish within that time – for no additional cost. You can even buy an Explorer Pass in person at the first property you visit. Multiple sites can be visited on any single day. You can visit a specific site only once, and the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh is not included. To buy your Explorer Pass: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/explorer-passes/

Stirling Castle

Perhaps one of Scotland’s most important castles, and one of its largest, Stirling Castle sits majestically on a tall volcanic crag in the heart of the city of Stirling, gazing over to the Wallace monument atop Abbey Craig. The castle’s strategic position overlooking the River Forth has made it a pivotal fortress in Scotland’s history, as gateway to and from the Scottish Highlands. Though its history can be traced back to ancient times, its royal residents greatly expanded the Castle throughout the 1500s adding the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, and Palace. The Castle has been at the centre of Scottish history for centuries, overseeing the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots, and the Wars of Independence, to name just a few of its key events. Take a moment to enjoy the view from the battlements over to the Vale of Menteith, the Ochils and the southern Highlands. This is a great source of further info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z3944wx. For information on admissions, see:  https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/stirling-castle/

Doune Castle

Just eight miles from Stirling, Doune Castle has become the darling of film crews the world over, attracting the makers of Outlander, Game of Thrones, and The Outlaw King, to name just  few. The striking medieval castle was the seat of the Duke of Albany, Scotland’s ‘uncrowned King’ who effectively ruled Scotland from 1388 to 1420. Thereafter, it served as a royal retreat until 1603, when James VI left for London to become James I. Doune Castle’s unique silhouette is characterised by its commanding 100ft high gatehouse, within which you will find the Duke’s Hall, musicians’ gallery, double fireplace and oak carvings. For more detail on this stunning 14th century castle, how to get there, and admission, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/doune-castle/

Edinburgh Castle

Jump on a train to Edinburgh and within the hour, you’ll find your train carriage overshadowed by the imposing presence of Edinburgh Castle. Its place on Edinburgh’s most strategic volcanic crag can be traced back more than 1,000 years, and in the 15th and 16th centuries, was Scotland’s primary royal residence. The Castle holds articles of great national significance, including Britain’s oldest Crown Jewels ‘The Honours of Scotland’, as well as the Stone of Destiny, the ancient Scottish coronation stone, taken by Edward I in 1296 and returned in 1996. Set your watch by the one o’clock gun, and visit Mons Meg, the late medieval siege cannon that glares out over the city from its crag-top battlements. You’ll get unrivalled views across Edinburgh too. For information and admission, visit: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/edinburgh-castle/

Linlithgow Palace

Just 21 miles’ drive will take you to Linlithgow’s 15th century palace. Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a refuge for Edinburgh’s brightest students during the Great Plague, Linlithgow Palace is a beguiling place with a fascinating history. Built by the Stewart kings, this was a royal retreat rather than a fortress, offering a tranquil hideaway at a convenient location between the key seats of Stirling and Edinburgh. This commanding loch-side ruin appeared in Outlander, and is also an important haven for wildlife and migratory birds. For details and admissions, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/

Blackness Castle

Just 27 miles from Stirling is Blackness Castle, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Outlander crews used this formidable fortress to depict the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall. Built as a garrison fort and state prison, the austere castle offers expansive views across the Firth of Forth to Fife, as well as Scotland’s celebrated three Forth Bridges – well worth a visit with a pair of binoculars. For information and admissions, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/blackness-castle/

Aberdour Castle

Drive just 32 miles from Stirling and you will find Aberdour Castle on the Fife coast. This 12th century castle appears in Outlander as the French monastery Sainte Anne de Beaupré. Arguably the oldest standing stone castle in Scotland, Aberdour also boasts lovingly tended walled gardens and views overlooking the Forth. For more information and admissions, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/aberdour-castle-and-gardens/

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace has a tranquil loch-side setting

Edinburgh Castle

The view up to the imposing facade of Edinburgh Castle

Photo credits:

  • Stirling Castle Great Hall: By Christian Bickel (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0 de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Linlithgow Palace: Paul Taylor [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Doune Castle: By Wikifan75 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Edinburgh Castle: By Ad Meskens (Own work) [Attribution, CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

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