Introduction

This evening, I am focusing the popular town of Callander which sits on the banks of the River Teith. Location is on the edge of the Scottish Highlands, about sixteen miles N.W.of Stirling in central Scotland.

Information

Population is about 3000. The wider area is also known as the Trossachs which benefits from stunning scenery comprising lochs (such as Venachar and Katrine) and mountains. This area has long associations with the legendary ‘outlaw’  Rob Roy MacGregor.

The name Callander may mean ‘hard shore’.

Callander is a popular tourist destination and, as such, is well endowed with pubs, shops and various accommodations.Within walking distance of the town centre can be found the impressive Bracklin Falls, as illustrated below.

Visitor attractions within range of Callander

It is possible to use Callander as a ‘hub’ to visit the sites and places listed below.

• Kilmahog, which is home to tourist shops and, usually, a few Highland Cattle on display.
• Doune Castle, a former royal hunting lodge and used as a filming location.
• Stirling Castle. This ranks as one of Scotland’s top sites and deservedly so.
• Deanston Distillery (whisky) in Doune. Guided tours are available.
• Killin and the Falls of Dochart. The Falls err to the horizontal but are, neverthless, an attractive site.
• Loch Katrine. Here are boat trips, cycle hire and hiking routes.
• Loch Lomond. A top scenic site which offers boat trips, cycling and hiking.
• Lake of Menteith. The only ‘lake’ in Scotland (as opposed to a loch). Boat transfers are available to a ruined priory plus fishing and an excellent lakeside restaurant.
• Blair Drummond Safari Park
• Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
• Ardoch Roman Fort near Braco. A huge site occupied by the Romans from 1st-3rd centuries AD.

Things to do in and around Callander

The Bracklin Falls are mentioned above. These are reached via a fine, short walk. This trip can be extended to include Callander Crags which afford excellent views to Ben Ledi (a mountain).

There are riverside walks which track the River Teith. Footpaths and a cycleway lead north beside Loch Lubnaig which is popular with photographers.

More information

For more information on the Trossachs region and many aspects of touring Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4