Places to Visit in Scotland
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Scotland from Callander, Perthshire, Scotland

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Scotland's main cities - Edinburgh and Glasgow are easily reached from Callander and within about an hour's drive. Situated fairly centrally in Scotland, Callander is an excellent base from which to visitall the main cities and towns in Scotland. There are lots of places to visit and most offer loads of things to do, even on a wet day. Even the more distant towns are within a days return drive if you set off a little bit early. It is quite possible to set off for a day tour and visit two or three different towns, although some will easily justify a whole day visit. Here's a selection of places you can  visit in an easy drive from Callander. Choose from this list, or click the button for a map.

Stirling Perth Glasgow Edinburgh

Oban Inverness Pitlochry Fort William

Mallaig Aberfeldy Isle of Skye

Trossachs Villages

 Stirling ,  Scotland

20 minutes from Callander, 45 min from Perth / Glasgow

Try the main Stirling page for a full description and a map if you intend to go there.

A great place to visit on a wet day. Stirling has a good selection of shops and a modern indoor shopping mall with most of Scotland's well known High Street stores.

If you're not in the mood for shopping, there is a good selection of tourist attractions to keep you well entertained.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle sits on a volcanic crag at the head of the old town with magnificent views over the Highlands to the north and the river Forth to the west. There is a large carpark on the castle esplanade and an information centre next to the carpark.
Considered by many to be the grandest of all Scotlands castles. The castle architecture is outstanding - the gatehouse and recently restored Great Hall of James iv, the marvellous Renaissance Palace of James V and the Chapel Royal of James VI. The castle has strong links with Mary Queen of Scots. She was crowned in the Chapel in 1543 and narrowly escaped death by fire in 1561. Her son, the future James VI, was baptised here in 1566. Medieval kitchens display and exhibition on life in the royal palace.
Invading forces have occupied the castle from time to time, notably 'Edward's Army' prior to the Battle o' the Brig when Edward's forces were defeated just below the castle by William Wallace.

• Open all year seven days a week. April to September: 9.30 to 18.00 October to March: 9.30 to 17.00 Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Please call to check New Year opening.
• Car parking £2.00 for a maximum of 2 hours: Toilets Restaurant Reasonable wheelchair access, toilets for disabled visitors.
• Admission:  The Stirling Castle admission ticket also gives access to Argyll's Lodging. Stirling Castle
  Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing.
  Argyll's Lodging only Adult (16-60) £4.50 Child (5 - 15) £2.25 Concessions (60+) £3.50
  Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing.

Argyll's Lodging

In Stirling’s historic old town just 2 minutes walk down from the castle.

The finest and most complete surviving example in Scotland of a 17th-century town residence. Built by Sir William Alexander, founder of Nova Scotia, it passed to the Argyll family on his death.
The principal rooms - induding the laigh hall, dining room, drawing room and bedchamber - are magnificently restored and furnished as they would have appeared during the 9th Earl of Argyll’s occupation around 1680.

Parking at Stirling Castle.
Open all year seven days a week. Aprl to September 9 am to 6 pm.
October to March 9.30am to 5.00pm. A joint tour ticket is available with the adjacent Stirling Castle.

The Jail

The town's 400 year old Tolbooth jail which was used until 1847 is passed on the left on the way up the hill to the castle.
Today you can put yourself into the prisoners shoes and discover what life must have been like behind bars, in a history tour of up to 150 years ago.

You will be introduced to Jock Rankin. In Jock’s day justice was seen to be done and it was common practice for criminals to be publicly whipped, branded, banished or hanged. The Victorian reformers preferred to focus on moral correction rather than physical punishment. You can decide for yourself whether prison life was any more bearable under the new regime. As you tour the jail, visit the prisoners in their cells, learn about their daily life and the strict regime implemented to correct their morals.
As you travel round the dark corridors inspecting the cells you’ll experience the atmosphere of jail life.
After visiting the jail you can make your escape in the glass panelled lift onto the prison roof. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views over Stirling Old Town, the Forth Valley and away to the first mountain ranges of the Highlands.

Dunblane  

11 miles / 15 minutes from Callander
The Cathedral town of Dunblane lies on a long slope beside the river and has the luxury of its own railway station on the Stirling - Perth / Inverness railway.

Shopping

Forget it. The main street has a rather mottley collection of small shops including one or two charity shops which occasionally have some interesting 'Scottish' items.

History

A historic location but not much to see. The main street leads up to the Dunblane Cathedral at the top of the hill and also to a library with an interesting collection of antiquarian books. Some interesting buildings can be seen around the cathedral.

 

Perth  

35 miles / 45 minutes from Callander via Doune.
55 miles / 90 minutes via Lochearn & Crieff but a nicer drive.

Perth lies on the River Tay and is the old capital of Scotland.

More Perth Information

Shopping

Perth is well provided with an excellent variety of shops in the traditional 'street setting' and in wet weather its best to be prepared as there is only a very small indoor shopping mall. There are some very good 'Collectables' shops and a fair selection of places to get a snack.

Recreation

There are two huge parks known as the North and South 'Inches'. These parks provide golf, putting and boating. Close to the North Inch is the Bells Sport Centre and the Balhousie Military Museum.

History

Steeped in history but little remains to be seen! Successive Town Councils have allowed the destruction of almost every old building in Perth and a large number of plaques can be found stating 'This is the site of - - - -' or 'The old - - - - of Perth stood near this point'.

Some of the old lanes of Perth still exist even if only by name. Look for 'Fleshers Vennel', Guard Vennel', Skinnergate, Watergate and 'Glovers Vennel'.

A remnant of the old city wall can be seen off George Street in the narrow lane leading to Mill Street near to the end of 'Skinnergate'.

Take a look in the city museum nearby where you can see the results of several archeological digs which located some interesting medieval remains.

Huntingtower castle where the young King James iv of Scotland was held prisoner is one mile to the east of Perth on the road to Crieff and is worth a visit.
Elcho Castle is also worth a visit and it's a nice drive out past the South Inch on the Edinburgh road. Watch for a sign just before the motorway indicating 'Rhynd'. Follow for 3 miles and watch for the signpost to Elcho.
Two miles from Perth is Scone Palace where the the ancient Kings of Scotland were crowned on the Stone Of Destiny which was removed to London by Edward ii where it remained until the 50's when it was 'stolen' by a group of students who returned it to Scotland - until the police found it and re- exported it to London. The stone now lies in Edinburgh Castle and a replica is kept at Scone.

St John's Kirk near the town centre is worth a visit if that kind of thing interests you.
Find out which Scottish King is buried in the north-east corner of St John's. (see the plaque)
Which Scottish queen is buried - unrecorded - in the grounds of an old hospital in Hospital Street?

Off the old High Street to the north side you'll find 'Hal o' the Wynnd's house. In the battle of the Clans, fought on the town's north inch, one of the clans was a man short and Hal o' the Wynnd stepped in to make up the numbers. The story goes that Hal virtually won the battle for his side. The Clans were Clan Chattan and Clan Mackay - which side was Hal fighting for?

Scenery

An easy half hour walk takes you to the top of Kinnoull hill (700ft) which provides marvelous views down the Carse of Gowrie to the east and spectacular views to the north of the Grampian mountains from Glenshee in the east to Stuc a Chroin and Ben Vorlich in the west.

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Glasgow  

About 40 miles / 60 mins from Callander

Shopping

The city centre, including the pedestrianised areas of Buchanan Street, Argyll Street and Sauchiehall Street, is a great shopping district. Visit the Argyll Arcade, one of Britain's oldest covered arcades, built 1827,  and the new Buchanan Galleries, the UK's largest city centre retail project, (huge multi storey car park). The West End has a wealth of unique bookshops, antique stores and second-hand clothing emporiums.

Take a foot tour round The Barras. The open-air street market between Gallowgate and London Road in the East End is open for business at the weekends for the sale of antiques, bric-à-brac, clothing and food. Popular 'traditional' purchases include woollens, tartan scarves and kilts, Celtic jewellery, golfing equipment and, of course, whisky.

Braehead Shopping Mall

Cross the river Clyde on the M8 motorway then watch for exit to Braehead after about 3 miles.

Situated on the south side of the Clyde where once stood the proudest shipyards in the world, the Braehead shopping mall rivals all but the country's largest in its excellent selection of stores, eating places and even an ice rink. Adjacent to the mall you will find the Clyde Shipping Museum where dad can take the kids whilst mum does the shops!
In general, shops are open Monday to Saturday 0900-1730/1800. Many shops are open later on Thursday and most of the larger chain stores are open on Sunday.

Main tourist attractions in Glasgow

The Science Exhibition & tower - If you want to play with a load of exhibits designed to entertain children it's ok - if you're an intelligent adult, forget it. You usually can't get up the tower unless you book unless it's the middle of winter - and it costs extra!

KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM

West from Argyle St and Sauchiehall St nr Kelvingrove Park. Huge Victorian sandstone buiilding. Natural history/Scottish history museum. The upper areas contain the city’s British and European art collection. There are strong contemporary exhibs as well as the permanent collection. Pipe-organ recitals every alternate Sun. Tearoom. The Museum of Transport is nearby.
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun from 11am.

GLASGOW CATHEDRAL and PROVAND'S LORDSHIP

High St. Facing each other across the road, they are in the oldest part of the city, which was, in the early 18th Century, merely a tangle of streets from here to the river. The present Cathedral, though established by St Mungo in AD 543, dates from the 12^th century. Next to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary - itself quite an old and interesting bit of architecture

The Glasgow Necropolis up on the hill to the east of the hospital is also worth a visit.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5 pm. Sun 11am –4pm

THE PEOPLE’S PALACE:

Reopened after renovations in spring 1998. West via Tron and London Rd, then turn rt into Glasgow Green. This is an excellent folk museum and artefacts of the city have been collected for the future generations to inspect.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5 pm. Sun 11am –4pm.

ST MUNGO MUSEUM OF RELIGIOUS LIFE.

At the Cathedral precinct. This is a collection of artifacts from the worlds main religions.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5 pm. Sun 11am –4pm

Museum of Transport.

Reminders of Glasgows cobbled past with the ressurection of the tramcars much in evidence. Also models of the river Clyde in it’s heyday.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5 pm. Sun 11am –4pm

The ‘Barras’

East end of town between Gallowgate and London Road. Wonderful indoor and outdoor market.
Weekends only.

The Tenement House

145 Buccleuch St.
A tenement flat, occupied til 1965 when left in trust. Preserved to represent the way of life when the last tennant moved out.
March – Oct. 2pm – 5pm.

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Edinburgh  

About 50 miles / 60 mins from Callander, but easier by train from Dunblane or Stirling.

Edinburgh is one of the UK's most visited cities and has long been a tourist favourite.
The city in itself is stunningly beautiful and Edinburgh's architecture is renowned the world over.

It has played a central role in Scottish history for hundreds of years and even today everywhere you turn there is a historical building or monument. - Of course you can see Edinburgh's new folly, the Scottish Parliament building. We were sold the idea with an estimated cost of £40,000,000 - It's now over £400,000,000 and costing a fortune to operate and maintain!   
It has now cost more than the new building for the EEC parliament and some may suggest that the consequences of having our own parliament will be considerably more serious than being "at the heart of Europe".

Shopping

Some nice shops, nothing out of the ordinary - but what a location and an extraordinary atmosphere! Watch out for the 'One o' Clock Gun'. If you aren't ready for it you might just levitate a little! A days foot tour of Edinburgh will leave you with sore feet, but there is no alternative to foot-slogging it in Edinburgh. DON'T TAKE YOUR CAR - YOU PROBABLY WON'T BE ABLE TO FIND A PLACE TO PARK IT.

Main tourist attractions in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle	1000 years of history on a volcano!
Royal Mile	Edinburghs historic High Street
Palace of Holyrood	The palace of the Stewart kings
Holyrood Park	The hunting grounds of King James v and viewpoint
Greyfriars Kirk	Where Greyfriars bobby watched over his master's grave
Camera Obscura	See Edinburgh as never before
Edinburgh Zoo	A zoo with a view - take the bus!
Royal Yacht Britannia	A second hand boat?
The Scottish Parliament building	A very expensive carbuncle containing some spendthrifts

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Oban day trip 

About 60 miles / 1.5 hours from Callander via Crianlarich. Beautiful drive all the way from the Trossachs with lots to see.

Parking on the old pier and behind the shops on the main street.

Whilst you're here, try to find the time to visit Easedale just a few miles to the south for wonderful seascapes and typical old fishing villageand fishermen's cottages..

Shopping

If you're touring Scotland, this one is not to be missed. Oban has some of the high street names you would expect to find in a bustling town. Additionally it has a growing number of small businesses that illustrate the wealth of talent and skills in Argyll. These range from potters, quilters, woodworkers, jewellers, basket weavers, knitters and candle makers, to name but a few.

History

Castles such as those at Dunollie, Dunstaffnage, Kilchurn and Stalker are all worth the short trip from Oban. The Collonaded structure on the hill behind the town is known as McCaig's Folly and was built as a memorial to the McCaig family. It boasts an observation platform and is accessible by car. At the North Pier is an exhibition showing Oban's role in World War ii.

Sea life

A visit to the Oban Seal & Marine Centre lets you explore the Marine World through 30 close glass displays, the seal pup nursery, touch pools and outdoor pools where seals feed.

Boat Trips

You can cross the ferry to Mull then take a little narrow guage railway trip to see the castle.

Take a boat tour to the nearby islands with their castles, round the coast, or if you're a bit more adventurous, try a full day tour to Iona, the seat of early religion in Scotland and a wonderful experience.

Combined boat/bus/train tickets are available for many excursions.

 

Inverness full day  

About 170 miles / 3-4 hours from Callander via Perth - a bit less via Glencoe, but still a long day!

Shopping

A fair selection of shops, but don't come here if shopping is all you want!

History

Historic attractions include Inverness Castle, St Andrews Cathedral, and Inverness Museum.

Don't miss a visit to Culloden moor, the site of the last battle on British soil where the 1745 Jacobite rebellion ended in bloody defeat at the hands of 'Butcher' Cumberland on 16th April 1746 , (and his army which included many lowland Scottish soldiers).
The Clans who fought and died there are immortalised by carved stone markers and years of tradition. The Leannach Cottage which stood on the battleground still stands preserved and serves as a museum.

Things to do

• Sail down Loch Ness and watch for 'Nessie'.
• Take a boat trip to see the dolphins.
• Take a ride on the train on the Kyle of Lochalsh line.
• See Fort George - the last great fortress built in the UK, just after Culloden.

 

Pitlochry  from Callander

65 miles via either Perth or via Killin and Aberfeldy (Go one way and come back the other).

Shopping

The Shops in Pitlochry are pretty much the same as those in other small  holiday towns in Scotland with the usual selection of Woollen mills, souvenir shops and eating places. The quality tends to be better than some other locations.

History

Not much history in Pitlochry, but worth a visit 4 miles north to the pass of Killiecrankie and it's visitor centre with an excellent exhibition of the Battle of Killiecrankie. Another 8 miles or so north you will find Blair Atholl Castle, the home of the only legal private army in Scotland. The castle is open to the public and is worth a visit.

Things to do

Visit the Pitlochry hydro electric dam and it's fish ladder where you can see the salmon passing up the ladder through plate glass windows.

Visit the Distillery on the southern edge of town.

Take a short car trip 2 miles north then west on the Loch Tummel road where you can see 'The Queens View' which was made famous during one of Queen Victoria's visits to Scotland. If you go at sunset you'll get some great photographs looking west to the sun reflected in the Loch.

Ten miles south of Pitlochry you will find Dunkeld, a charming little cathedral town in a lovely location. It's worth calling in there on your way back via Perth or Aberfeldy.

While at Dunkeld, also visit the Hermitage - a folly built on a rock high above a spectaculat waterfall on the river Bran

 

Fort William full day out

About 60 miles / one hour

Fort William lies at the head of Loch Linnhe below the huge bulk of Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Shopping

About 5 out of 10 for shops - but that's not why you go to Fort William!

History

The site of a fort built by the English forces to keep the Jocks in order - Some parts remain.

Most famous for Ben Nevis and proximity to Glencoe, the site of the infamous massacre of the Clan MacDonald by the Cambells. The massacre was supposedly on the orders of King William, but was instigated by a Scot, Lord Stair of Dalrymple, who wanted some scapegoats to use as an example in order to subdue to badly behaved highlanders.

Things to do

Drive a couple of miles north TO Aonach Mhor and take a trip up the mountain in the cable car 'Gondola'. Some magnificent scenery to east and west coast on a clear day. Dont bother if the weather is mucky!

Take a steam train from Fort William to Mallaig and sail over the sea to Skye on the ferry to Armadale.

Drive another 90 minutes up the road to Kyle of Lochalsh and over the bridge to Skye or just past Kyle to Plockton for magnificent coastal scenery and a lovely wee fishing village. (Don't take a caravan as there's no room to turn). You'll find Plockton has some semi tropical plants around as Plockton benefits from the Gulf stream which keeps Scotland warm!

Climb Ben Nevis if the weather is good.

Mallaig day

About 90 miles / two hours

Quite a long drive, but this tour offers some magnificent scenery and Fort William is passed on the way here and is a good place to take a break. You can also leave the car at Fort William and take Scotlands famous steam train to Mallaig. Whichever you do you are going to see some fantastic scenery in the way via the lochs and secluded white beaches of Scotlands west coast lochs.

Shopping

Forget it unless you want to buy bits for boats and seamens' woolly jumpers!

History

A large part of Scotlands early history was made here but most tangible remains are way off the beaten track. Glenfinnan, which you pass on the way to Mallaig, is famous as the landing place of Prince Charles Edward Stewart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). It was there that he raised his standard and assembled his embryonic army at the start of the ill fated 1745 Jacobite rising.

Things to do

Look at the scenery over the water on the southern end of the Isle of Skye. Take the ferry over to Armadale and browse the famous woollens and crafts shop on the Armadale pier. Have your fish and chips at an outdoor table overlooking the sea.

 

Kyle of Lochalsh day trip (long day)

A good days drive, about 120 miles / two and a half to three hours

Kyle was famous for the little ferry which once carried the travellers over the sea to Skye (a 5 minute crossing to Kyleakin). The ferry has retired now and the toll booth on the bridge has now gone after a long battle.

Shopping

One or two quality shops plus the local everyday shops. One good chippie!

History

Not a lot that I know of! A long time ago the wife of a local chieftain is reputed to have made a killing by stretching a chain across the narrows from the castle ruin you can see on the far side and charging ships a fee for the privilege of sailing through the narrows.

Probably most famous as the place where the ferry crossed to Skye before the bridge put an end to it.

Things to do

Visit Eilean Donan Castle, just 4 miles south of Kyle - you passed it on the way up there!

The castle was flattened by gunfire from an english man-o-war during Scotlands '45 Jacobite rising and what you see today is a 'restoration' of the original. The castle is open to the public and houses a museum and souvenir shop.

Visit Plockton just 4 miles to the north.

A lovely drive up the coast via some charming villages takes you to the fishing village of Plockton. Plockton is one of those places you will want to see again. You can wander down the main (and only) street and soak in the views over the water. The main street is a cul de sac and the locals sometimes have outdoor dancing in the street. The local harbour (a big flat rock) is the place to go if you want a boat trip to see the local sea life which includes the seals. If you can stay 'til sunset the reflections are unbelievable

Cross the bridge to visit Dunvegan castle and see the Cuillins on the way.

 

Aberfeldy 

About 25 miles north of Perth / one hour

Aberfeldy area accommodation

Balnearn House. Claire & Mark Dimmock would like to offer you a warm welcome to their home in Aberfeldy which is set in the heart of the beautiful Tay valley in Perthshire, one of the most scenic counties in Scotland.

Shops

Quite a lot to see and do here for a wee town, but make a point of going into the collectibles shop above the cut price clothes shop in the main street - I found a working antique Auto harp in there for £20 and they always have a great collection of odds and ends of silver cutlery.

Quite a good selection of eating places especially little cafes for a quick refreshment.

History

Robert Burns is reputed to have written the song 'The Birks of Aberfeldy' whilst sitting on a rock by the Moness Burn

General Wade built the famous 'Wade's Bridge' to help the army subjegate the wild Jocks.

The Black Watch was raised here and a commemorative Statue stands on the river bank next to Genaral Wade's Bridge

Things to do

Enjoy the beautiful drive here along the north shore of Loch Tay from Killin.

Walk up the 'Birks o' Aberfeldy' if it's a nice day.
Scurry up the 'Birks' if it's wet - the waterfall at the top is magnificent in wet weather but it's a fairish walk. (And hang on to the kids unless you want rid of them).

Visit the Old Watermill on the Moness burn - it's just below the bridge at the war memorial.

Drive over the famous 'Wade's Bridge' on the River Tay

Visit Castle Menzies and see the room occupied by Bonnie Prince Charlie the day before Cumberland's army moved into the castle.

In the little village of Weem, see the  Clan Menzies Mausoleum at Weem (one mile) which was the parish church before being handed over to the Menzies family to serve as the family burial place.

Return by the prettier road on the south side, or you could make a detour over to Fortingal and visit the pretty little village of Fortingal with its old parish Church and the famous yew tree in the churchyard.

You can also see the cairn in the field where an old woman single-handedly buried all the villages plague victims.

Return by Glen Lyon and then the hill road back to Killin via the Nature reserve at Ben Lawers.

 

John o' Groats (full day )

Don't do it! I went there once - that was enough. It's too far and the last 80 miles are a real bind. Total over 200 odd miles from central Scotland, then you gotta get back!.

Famous as:

• The start of the long walk to Land's End
• Home of 'John o' Groat's House - an unusual building.
• The place to turn left for Cape Wrath at the top left hand corner of Scotland.

The Isle of Skye full day tour

About 2½- 3 hours but a wonderful drive with magnificent scenery all the way

Shops

Not many but scattered craft shops. Main shopping - Portree.

History

• Dunvegan Castle and the Fairy Flag
• The McLeod museum at Armadale
• The Crofting Museum
• Flora MacDonald's Grave

Things to do

Drive round the Cuillins (the jaggy mountains you see in the postcards) and up glen brittle for the scenery.

Have a fish 'supper' on the pier at Armadale and visit the Craft shop on the pier.

Ayr -

Too far for a day at the golf, races,  seaside and a few decent shops. The only place I ever got a parking ticket - and that was in a car with a fully legal and valid 'Blue Badge'

Berwick

On the east coast on Scotland's border with England and about 2-3 hours if the roads are quiet!

Shops

Not many!

History

Interesting remains of mediaeval town walls. Nice place for a picnic down at the shore.

Currently an English town but was at one time Scotland's main port for the export of wool and - would you believe - paper. The town has changed ownership frequently in the past but I think we've let yon' lot have it now!

Some interesting castle ruins between Berwick and Edinburgh but apart from Tantalon Castle, most involve quite a lot of walking.

Things to do

Come back here to Callander where you get the best of everything that's going!

Stranraer

Leaving Scotland for Ireland are you? Haste ye back!

I visited Stranraer once when I was staying only 20 miles away from it. It wasn't worth the drive really. There is a castle in the town centre which is quite interesting but that seemed to be about it - unless you're taking the ferry over to Ireland.

Aberdeen   130 miles - is it worth it? someone thought so but I would think twice about this one

You can go via Perth then either via Dundee or Via Blairgowrie and Glenshee. The first is faster but not a nice drive. The last is a nice drive but will take you a lot longer -   you'll see Braemar and Balmoral but won't have time for much in Aberdeen.

A long way for a look at the oil rig supply ships and a fish supper.

Famous for it's granite buildings (The Granite City), the Northern Lights (of old Aberdeen). The Fishing fleet left long ago. One quarter of William Wallace is reputed to be buried here but it's still 130 miles away.

Visit Dunnotter Castle on your way back down the east coast. The 'Honours' of Scotland (Crown Regalia) were kept from Cromwell here and nearby for several years.