The area of
the Campsies hills (optional Glengoyne distillery visit), through Fintry, Falkirk wheel, Culross and many more places for optional visits, including Linlithgow palace
lies half-way between the River Forth (& the North Sea to the East) and the River Clyde (& the Atlantic in the West) and the Highlands (in the North) and the Lowlands (in the South). Along the Forth-Clyde line ran the Antonine wall. South of it were the Romanised Britons and north the Picts of Caledonia. Later on during the Wars of Independence most of the battles with the invading English armies were fought around this narrowest of strip of land between the Lowlands in the South and the Highlands in the North with just one bridge at Stirling. Each autumn the drovers used to sell their Highland cattle at the local markets. The Falkirk area was also the heartland of the Industrial revolution, which then lead to the building of the Forth/Clyde/Union canal..
for your private, flexible tailor-made small group
sample itinerary SD#3
From Stirling there are stunning high country roads through the Campsies
& enjoy some great views (incl. from the Flanders Moss nature reserve) and you can stop at North Third reservoir, go for some walks, visit Lochcarron or visit the Duncarron medieval village and stop in the small community of Fintry
you may still be in the Lowlands, but in feel and the strength of the community spirit you are already in the Highlands.
You are either heading westward towards the beautiful village of Killearn
and you are only a few miles from Scotland’s oldest legal whisky distillery (visits on request) at Glengoyne
Alternatively you had back east from Fintry with spectacular views of the Forth valley and the Ochils and reach the Falkirk wheel
where you can go for walks along the canals including a canal tunnel walk.
You are very close to the Roman Antonine wall.
Nearby are the Kelpies
Once you are there, you are not too far from Linlithgow palace
– the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow Palace was built and added to over two centuries by the Stewart kings, resulting in a superb Renaissance residence.
Linlithgow is also along the Union canal and there are stunning walks, incl. across the Avon viaduct.
You are not far from Bo’ness with nice walks & views along the River Forth or might wish to head over the Kincardine bridge to the Royal Burgh of Culross
(featured as Cranesmuir with the Witches trial in the Outlander series).
You can visit Culross palace, go for a scenic walk along the tidal Forth estuary with its beaches at low tide or walk up to Culross Abbey.
The magnificent and ancient sanctuary has been a religious site for more than 1500 years and is one of the oldest Christian Sits in Scotland, dating back to the 6th Century, when St Servanus – St. Serf established a Community of Monks here.
It is also known as the birth place of Saint Kentigern, A.D.612, who became St. Mungo, patron Saint of Glasgow.
From here it is only a short journey scenic journey through Clackmannanshire , the Wee County back to Stirling.
We pick up from (m)any locations, incl. Stirling University
We would be delighted to run this tour as a private, small group tour (up to 8 people)
View our Scottish tour photos by region
View some of our recent tour photos
View some of our past local short day tours