More information: www.visitstirling.org/ Information on Stirling

www.visitfife.com The Kingdom of Fife

www.visitscottishheartlands.com  Argyll, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs

From the east coast to the west coast, this area has mountains and lochs, woodlands, fishing villages and castles and gardens – plenty to tempt you back again. 

THE KINGDOM OF FIFE
The Kingdom of Fife – think golf, fishing villages and historic castles! St. Andrews is the jewel in the crown, a delightful town with secluded university colleges, several interesting shops – and the long beach which featured in the opening scene of the film, ‘Chariots of Fire’. It is also world-famous as the home of golf and the British Golf Museum is fascinating for golfers and non-golfers alike;  make sure you set aside a couple of hours to explore it! Then thereare are the Cathedral (now a magnificent ruin with a visitor centre) and the Castle (with a gloomy bottle dungeon where prisoners were left to die).  

South of St. Andrews are the former fishing villages of Pittenweem,  Anstruther (Scottish Fisheries Museum) and Crail; take time to explore them or head inland to Falkland Palace (NTS) or Loch Leven and Lochleven Castle on a tiny island, where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned before she fled to England.
 
STIRLINGSHIRE, THE TROSSACHS AND LOCH LOMOND
Near the town of Stirling are tributes to two Scottish heroes. The Wallace Monument towers above Stirling and the view from the top rewards those who tackle the long climb; the NTS’s visitor centre at nearby Bannockburn tells the thrilling story of how the Scots, led by Robert the Bruce, vanquished the English in 1314. Historic Scotland's Stirling Castle is worth a visit – plan on spending at least half a day because there is a lot to see.

The Trossachs (hills, lochs and woods) are said to be Scotland in miniature. Enjoy a cruise on board the steamship Sir Walter Scott on beautiful Loch Katrine which lies in the heart of Rob Roy Country and visit Rob Roy’s grave at Balquhidder. In Aberfoyle you can watch sheepdogs at work at the Scottish Wool Centre (where you can choose the ideal gift, wollens or knitwear)

Loch Lomond in the Argyll National Park attracts visitors from all over the world; stroll through the loch-side village of Luss or visit the Park’s visitor centre at Balloch before taking a walk through the woods. On Loch Fyne is the town of Helensburgh, where you can visit Hill House, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the famous designer. 

The best way to see Loch Lomond is by taking a boat cruise;  go on a leisurely cruise with Cruise Loch Lomond from the north end of the Loch, from Inveruglas or Tarbet, or Sweeney's Cruises, from Balloch. The cruises let you see a Loch Lomond which is invisible from the shore and the commentaries are interesting and informative.  If you have children, then the Loch Lomond Aquarium at Balloch and the Ceramic Experience (hands-on painting and soft-play area) will keep them amused for hours.

DUNOON AND THE COWAL PENINSULA
Dunoon is the gateway to the Cowal peninsula, a short trip from Gourock on the Firth of Clyde. west of Glasgow. Head north from Dunoon through this beautiful countryside and you come to Auchindrain Crofting Museum and Inveraray – visit Inveraray Castle and Inveraray Jail to get a glimpse of the high life and the low life! Or from the Cowal peninsula, you can take the short ferry journey across to the island of Bute to visit Mount Stuart, one of the most imposing historic houses in Scotland.

OBAN AND ARGYLL:
Oban is the gateway to Mull and other islands, thanks to Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries. But spend time exploring the area round the Oban.  Dunstaffnage Castle is just to the north and to the south are Arduaine Gardens (National Trust for Scotland) and Kilmartin Glen, where there are more standing stones and burial cairns than anywhere n Europe. You can climb to the top of Dunadd, a hill cloaked in mystery, once a stronghold of the Romans and crowning place of kings.  Inveraray is a beautiful village on Loch Fyne, with Inverary Castle and aInveraray Jail!  If you would like to try pony-trekking or other activities, ask Argyll Adventure what they can offer.
 

View the Thistle Holiday Parks in Fife, Stirlingshire & Argyll