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Issue 20 - Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

History & Heritage

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Scotland Magazine Issue 20

Scotland Magazine Issue 20
April 2005

 

This article is 6 years old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

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Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Sally Toms provides another round-up of the area's top restaurants, hotels and visitor attractions

Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs (Issue 20)
** What to do and see **

Stirling

Argyll’s Lodging
Castle Wynd, Stirling
Scotland’s finest surviving renaissance mansion. Features an interpretative tour and displays about the past inhabitants.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 431 319

Bannockburn Heritage Centre
Glasgow Road, Stirling
This atmospheric spot is the site of Robert the Bruce’s famous victory over the English. The centre contains an exhibition on the period of the battle and an audiovisual presentation.
Tel: +44 (0)1852 812 664

The Bridge of Allan Brewery
Queen’s Lane, Bridge Of Allan
Working micro brewery and visitor centre. Traditional bar with cask ales, brewery tours and tastings.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 834 555

Mugdock Country Park
Craigallian Road, Nr. Milngavie
Meander through more than 260 hectares of ancient woodland, moorlands and wetlands, by castles and lochs, experiencing this special area.
Tel: +44 (0)141 956 6100

National Wallace Monument
Abbey Craig, Stirling
The views from the top of this 220 feet high Victorian monument are spectacular. Also houses interactive displays and exhibits about Scotland’s most famous hero.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 472 140

Stirling Castle
Castle Wynd, Stirling
Without doubt one of the grandest of all Scottish castles, both in its situation on a commanding rock outcrop and in its
architecture. Also houses the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 450 000

Lomond

Ben Lomond
The most southerly munro, 3195ft high, towers over the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. A popular climb and great views from the top.

Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank
Castle Street, Dumbarton
The world’s oldest working ship model experiment tank (which is as long as a football pitch). Try your hand scraping a wax
ship model.
Tel: +44 (0)1389 763 444

Geilston Garden
Cardross, Dumbarton
This 200 year old garden has many interesting features and enchanting woodland walks.
Tel: +44 (0)1389 849 187

The Hill House
Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh
The finest of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s domestic creations. The original furniture, fittings and interior designs have been reinstated or fully restored.
Tel: +44 (0)1436 673 900

Inchmurrin Island
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond’s largest and most southerly island. Stroll amongst the ruined walls of Lennox castle. The ‘Maid of the Loch’ paddle steamer makes frequent trips to the island.
Tel: +44 (0)8707 200 631

Loch Lomond Shores
Ben Lomond Way, Balloch
The gateway to Loch Lomond and the place to organize your excursions, watersports and outdoor activites on/around the loch. Includes a theatre, café, exhibits and shopping centre.
Tel: +44 (0)1389 722 406

Trossachs

Inchmahome Priory
Lake of Menteith, Nr. Aberfoyle
A 13th century monastery beautifully situated on an island. Mary Queen of Scots lived here briefly as an infant to escape the attentions of Henry VIII.
Tel: +44 (0)1877 385 294

Rob Roy’s Grave
Balquhidder
Rob, his wife Mary and two of their four sons are buried in a simple grave in tranquil Balquhidder churchyard.

Rob Roy and Trossachs Visitor Centre
Ancaster Square, Callander
Journey back 300 years to hear the story of Scotland’s most notorious outlaw. Experience life inside Rob Roy’s Highland cottage and try on period costumes.
Tel: +44 (0)1877 330 342

The Scottish Wool Centre
Main Street, Aberfoyle
Visit the children’s farm, watch traditional spinners in action or browse through an unrivalled selection of knitwear, gifts and souvenirs.
Tel: +44 (0)1877 382 850

Trossachs Discovery Centre
Main Street, Aberfoyle
All you need to know about the geology, flora and fauna of the Trossachs.
Tel: +44 (0)8707 200 604

** Where to stay **

Stirling

Cromlix House
Kinbuck, Dunblane
This small, luxurious hotel was named one of the 10 best in Scotland by the AA.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 822 125

Portcullis Hotel
Castle Wynd, Stirling
Only four rooms, but a stone’s throw from the castle and has a great pub.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 472 290

Queens Hotel
Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan
Trendy hotel with individually styled rooms, fabulous food and cocktails.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 833 268

Stirling Highland
Spittal Street, Stirling
This impressive building was a 19th century school, and retains many original features. The restaurant, Scholars, is also excellent.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 475 444

Stirling Management Centre
Airthrey Estate, Stirling
A purpose built conference centre that doubles as a large comfortable hotel.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 451 712

The Willy Wallace Hostel
Murray Place, Stirling
A rather funky backpackers’ bunkhouse. Friendly and affordable.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 446 773

Lomond

The Buchanan Arms Hotel
Drymen, Loch Lomond
A former coaching inn in the heart of a picturesque village. 52 en-suite rooms and leisure facilities.
Tel: +44 (0)1360 660 943

Cameron House Hotel
Nr. Balloch, Loch Lomond
Five star accommodation, award winning cuisine, golf course and leisure club.
Tel: +44 (0)1389 755 565

The Lodge on Loch Lomond
Luss, Loch Lomond
The kind of five star quality that attracted two former US presidents to stay here.
Tel: +44 (0)1436 860 201

Lomond Castle Apartments
Arden, Loch Lomond
Self catering accommodation in a 200 year old apartment, upgraded to a very high standard.
Tel: +44 (0)1360 771 492

Lomond S.Y.H
Alexandria, Dumbarton
Hostelling on a grand scale. Turrets, towers and a great view of the loch.
Tel: +44 (0)1389 850 226

Trossachs

Cobeland campsite
Aberfoyle
Camp amidst the oak trees in the heart of the Scotland’s first national park.
Tel: +44 (0)1877 382 392

Ewich House
Strathfillan, Crianlarich
Home cooking and traditional Scottish fare in this relaxed and comfortable guesthouse.
Tel: +44 (0)1838 300 300

Rob Roy Motel
Main Street, Aberfoyle
Picturesque country motel set in woodland area. Golf, fishing, riding nearby. Entertainment most evenings.
Tel: +44 (0)1877 382245

Roman Camp Country House Hotel
Off Main Street, Callander
This small 17th century hotel is set in 20 acres of secluded gardens. Oak panelling, silk lined interiors and warming log fires

** Where to eat **

Stirling

The Birds & Bees
Easter Cornton Road, Causewayhead
A great pub worth discovering. Excellent food.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 473 663

Chambo
Mine Road, Bridge of Allan
Stylish restaurant serving the finest Scottish produce in an indulgent setting. Has received rave reviews.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 833 617

The Cottage
Spittal Street, Stirling
This tea room offers good home cooked lunches with a traditional Scottish approach.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 446 124

Hermann’s
Broad Street, Stirling
An Austrian menu using the finest Scottish produce, with an assortment of freshly prepared local dishes to order.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 450 632

The Tollbooth
Jail Wynd, Stirling
Contemporary cuisine in a stylish new art centre. Café-bar and evening meals.
Tel: +44 (0)1786 274 000

Loch Lomond

The Coach House
Luss, Loch Lomond
Nice tea room/coffee shop in a very pretty village.
Tel: +44 (0)1436 860 341

Mesón del Lago
Lomond Shores, Balloch
A lively Mediterranean style bar and tapas restaurant.
Tel: +44 (0) 1389 753 834

La Scarpetta
Balloch Road, Balloch
A popular Italian restaurant and B&B.
Tel: +44 (0)1389 758 247

Trossachs

Ballachallan Seafood Restaurant
Cambusmore, Callander
This conservatory restaurant serves a wide selection of fresh fish, shellfish and a selection of Scottish meats.
Tel: +44 (0)1877 339 190

The Covenanters Inn
Inchrie Castle, Aberfoyle
A warm and welcoming pub with a relaxed atmosphere, log fire, malt whiskies and good pub food.
Tel: +44 (0)1877 382 347

Lake of Menteith Hotel
Port of Menteith
The conservatory restaurant is renowned for its French cuisine, fine wines and great views of the Loch.
Tel: +44 (0) 1877 385 258

Monachyle Mhor
Balquhidder, Lochearnhead
This family run hotel restaurant has made it into the Good Food Guide 2005. Fantastic views from the restaurant.
Tel: +44 (0)1877 384 622

Poppies Restaurant
Leny Road, Callander
Poppies Restaurant has a reputation for superb food and reasonable prices
Tel: +44 (0)1877 330329