In Stirling

Castles

Stirling boasts three different Castles, each with its own distinct character. 80m up on a volcanic plug is Stirling Castle a stunning landmark and a fascinating visit. The medieval Doune Castle eight miles south of Callandar has been used in films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Ivanhoe. Finally Castle Campbell (or Gloom Castle as it has come to be known) features stunning winding walks through narrow ravines.

Nearby

The Wallace Monument

Scotland's favourite hero (and the star of the film Braveheart) is immortalised in this recent statue which (unfathomably) bears a striking resemblance to Australian/American Actor Mel Gibson

Sailing on Loch Lomond

Scotland has something for everyone, and at Dasherhead you are well placed to follow your choice. Ben Ledie, Ben Lawers and Ben Lomond (the most southerly of the Munros) for hill walking and climbing. The best ofScotland's golf courses are all within reasonable distance by car. St Andrews, Carnoustie, Troon and Muirfield are all just over an hour's drive.Gleneagles is only thirty minutes away. Fishermen can enjoy their sport amongst the magnificent scenery of Scotland's lochs and rivers.

Take time out for shopping and you have major stores and smaller individual shops in Edinburgh and Glasgow, the latter with Armani and Versace amongst others is considered to have the best shopping outside London.

The area around Dasherhead has seen much of Scotland's impassioned history. Stirling Castle was the focal point of "Braveheart" William Wallace's rebellion when he captured the Castle in 1296 and Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in the Castle at only nine months old. This is an impressive castle with much of its 15th century architecture still to be seen.

Here you are in the foothills of the Highlands, the Trossachs - Rob Roy and MacGregor country, an early freedom fighter who took to the hills with the Duke of Montrose in pursuit. The site of the famous Battle of Bannockburn with its famous statue of Robert the Bruce is just the other side of Stirling, which has just had City status conferred upon it in celebration of the Golden Jubilee.

This is an exciting countryside, with cascading rivers and each view more splendid than the last.