Strathallan & The Campsies

Dunblane
A traditional town clustered around the Allan Water, Dunblane is best known for its ancient and beautiful cathedral. Dating to the founding of the bishopric by the Earl of Strathearn, around 1150, the original church was largely constructed under Bishop Clement, between 1233 and 1258. Its great arches, hammer beam roof and magnificent stained glass create a fabulous and peaceful ambience.

Close by Leighton Library, established in 1687, is the oldest private library in Scotland. Also is the historic centre of Dunblane is the local museum. Located in a house dating to 1624, it offers a wealth of historical and genealogical information.

Bridge of Allan
Popularised as a spa town during the 19th century, Bridge of Allan retains a vibrant town centre with a wide choice of independent shopping. Discovery of minerals in the local water in 1820 caused thousands of heath-conscious Victorians to flock here to ‘take the waters’. Robert Louis Stevenson was also a regular visitor in his youth and local landmarks are recalled in Kidnapped and Treasure Island.

Today you can see locally made gifts at Village Glass or sample the local ales at Bridge of Allan Brewery. Above the town you’ll find pleasant walks in the Mine Woods, where copper was once worked. You can also enjoy the ancient Darn Walk footpath, as it follows the bubbling Allan Water en route to Dunblane. Adjoining the town are the spacious parklands of Airthrey Estate, now forming the beautiful campus of the University of Stirling.

Doune
Another unspoilt, traditional village, Doune is set on the River Teith, as it flows from the Trossachs hills towards Stirling. The bridge over the river dates from 1535 and Doune later became known for producing fine pistols.

Overlooking the Teith, just outside the village, Doune Castle was built in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland during the imprisonment in England of King James I. The impressive fortress later became a royal hunting lodge and then home to the Earls of Moray. Doune Castle was involved in the struggles surrounding Mary, Queen of Scots’ troubled reign (1560s), in the civil war of the Covenanters (1646) and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite Rebellion of 1745-6. It is also became famous as the backdrop for the cult film, Monty Python & the Holy Grail.

Near Doune, at Ardgaty, you can marvel at first hand as Red Kites circle in the sky above you. Part of a successful re-introduction programme, these magnificent birds of prey now thrive where once they were persecuted to extinction.

Also near Doune, on the main A83 route to Stirling, lies the famous Blair Drummond Safari & Leisure Park.  Here you can drive safely among free-range lions, marvel at giraffes close up and see bears, tigers, elephants, rhino and a host of other animals.  Whether it's for picnics, outdoor play, entertainments or of course the magnificent wild animal collection, you simply won't find a better day our for all the family.

The Campsie Villages
West of Stirling the steep green slopes of the Campsie Hills provide a magnificent backdrop to the rich farmlands of the Carse of Stirling. Once an impenetrable marshland, the area was improved by the ‘moss lairds’, who dug away layers of peat to reveal rich underlying soils.

Overlooking these low-lying carselands are the quaint villages of Cambusbarron, Gargunnock and Kippen, each offering pleasant local walks and fine views north and west to the ring of peaks marking the Highland Boundary line. Next to the traditional cross in Kippen main street the Old Smiddy has now been restored by the National Trust for Scotland.

Set high among the folds of the Campsie Hills, at the head of the Endrick Water, lies the peaceful village of Fintry.  Well-kept gardens and white-painted houses have twice helped Fintry win ‘Scotland’s Best Kept Village’. As well as pleasant walks, neighbouring Culcreuch Castle offers a rare opportunity to stay in a genuine Scottish castle or tower house, dating to the 15th century.

Also set among the hills is the larger village of Balfron, ‘capital’ of the Campsies, with various shops and hostelries. A textile weaving village in the 18th century, the Old Manse dates to 1789. Renowned architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson was a Balfron native.

Back to top

 

Dunblane Cathedral

Doune Castle

Campsie Fells View

Bridge of Allan Highland Games