Stirlingshire

Doune Castle

Stirlingshire

Stirlingshire is an area brimming with natural beauty. The county is located in the middle of Scotland, with Perthshire to the north, Clackmannanshire and Fife to the east, Lanarkshire to the south, and Dunbartonshire to the west.

Geographically, Stirlingshire is part of the Scottish Lowlands which is characterised by rolling hills, winding rivers, and rich farmland, all framed by the Ochil Hills to the east and the Campsie Fells to the west. Stirlingshire also falls within the catchment of two major rivers, the Forth and the Teith, which have played a significant role in shaping the region’s landscape and history.

Stirlingshire is home to settlements of many sizes, the largest and most significant being Stirling, which was at one time the ancient capital of Scotland. Stirling is a vibrant city that’s best known for its imposing castle, but it also has many other attractions that are worth visiting such as the National Wallace Monument and the Old Town Jail. Other important towns include Bridge of Allan, a picturesque former spa town, and Dunblane, home to a magnificent cathedral and known for its beautiful Victorian architecture.

In terms of tourist attractions, Stirlingshire offers a wealth of options for the discerning traveller. Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, is a must-visit. The castle offers stunning panoramic views and houses a collection of artworks and exhibitions including the Stirling Heads Gallery which is a collection of metre-wide intricate wooden carvings that date from the 16th century.

Stirling Castle

The National Wallace Monument, a tribute to Scotland’s national hero, William Wallace, is another major attraction. During a visit, visitors can climb a 246-step spiral staircase for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape before following an attractive woodland footpath and enjoying food and drinks in the on-site visitor centre.

The region’s natural beauty is perhaps best showcased in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park which stretches across the western part of Stirlingshire and offers numerous outdoor activities from leisurely walks to adventurous mountain hikes – the pick of which has to be the magnificent Ben Lomond, one of Scotland’s most popular Munros.

For those interested in Scottish history, the Bannockburn Visitor Centre provides an immersive experience of the famous Battle of Bannockburn, while for those visitors who love wildlife, Blair Drummond Safari Park offers the chance to see over 300 animals on a drive-through safari adventure.

Stirlingshire’s charming villages also attract tens of thousands of tourists each year. Doune, best known for Doune Castle (featured in the TV series ‘Outlander’ and the film ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’), is a highlight, as is Aberfoyle, AKA the ‘Gateway to the Trossachs’, which is home to the largest Go Ape adventure course in Britain.

Wallace Monument

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