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Thistle Parks on a Google map
More information:
www.visitstirling.org/
www.visitfife.com
www.visitscottishheartlands.com
Argyll, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs
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Fife, Stirlingshire and Argyll
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From the east coast to the west coast, this area has mountains and lochs, woodlands, fishing villages and castles and gardens – plenty to entertain you and the family.
THE KINGDOM OF FIFE
The Kingdom of Fife – think golf, fishing villages and historic castles! St. Andrews is the jewel in the crown, with its secluded university colleges, and a long, sandy beach. Prince William and the then Kate Middleton attended university here so it has had plenty of publicity in 2011. It is also world-famous as the home of golf and the British Golf Museum is fascinating for golfers and non-golfers alike. Then there are are the Cathedral (now a magnificent ruin) and the Castle (with a 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, included new refurbished Renaissance Royal Palace.
The Trossachs (hills, lochs and woods) are described as Scotland in miniature. Enjoy a cruise on board the steamship Sir Walter Scott by far the best way to enjoy Loch Katrine which lies in the heart of Rob Roy Country, and then visit Rob Roy’s grave at Balquhidder. In Aberfoyle you can watch sheepdogs at work at the Scottish Wool Centre (and choose from the big array of wollens and knitwear)
Loch Lomond in the Argyll National Park attracts visitors from all over the world; stroll through the pretty loch-side village of Luss or visit the 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 boat; go on a leisurely cruise with Cruise Loch Lomond from Inveruglas or Tarbet, inthe north or Sweeney's Cruises, from Balloch. The cruises show you 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 will keep them amused.
DUNOON AND THE COWAL PENINSULA
Dunoon is the gateway to the Cowal peninsula, a short ferry trip from Gourock on the Firth of Clyde. west of Glasgow. Head north from Dunoon 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! 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 and back to the mainland.
OBAN AND ARGYLL
Oban is the gateway to Mull and other islands, with Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries providing an excellent service. But you should 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 else in Europe. You can climb to the top of Dunadd, a hill cloaked in mystery, once a stronghold of the Romans and the crowning place of the kings of ancient Scotland. If you would like to try pony-trekking or other activities, ask Argyll Adventure in Inveraray what they can offer.
View the Thistle Holiday Parks in Fife, Stirlingshire & Argyll
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