Shortbreaks

Short Breaks in Stirlingshire

Stirlingshire is placed in the central ‘neck’ of Scotland and is within easy reach of both the east and west coasts. To the north of the county, The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is a beautiful scenic park of 45,000 acres of moorland, woodland and mountains, perfect for mountain biking, walking, horse riding, bird watching and spotting other wildlife. There are many interesting trails within the park, including the Waterfall Trail, The Oak Coppice Trail and the Achray trail. The David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre is an excellent starting point for enjoying the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, having the longest zip-wire in the UK (part of the Go Ape live wire course), the Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails and the Bluebell Café. The Plean Country Park and the Gartmorn Dam Country Park and Nature Reserve are also great for a range of outdoor activities.

The city of Stirling itself is full of interest, not least the magnificent Stirling Castle, once the palace of the Stuart Kings and Mary Queen of Scots. The castle sits high above the city on a fortified plateau of rock. Stirling Castle has recently benefited from a 12 million pound refurbishment to restore its interior to its 17th century grandeur. The National Wallace Monument is also in Stirling and commemorates the Scottish hero William Wallace, as portrayed by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart. Climbing to the top of the monument’s tower is richly rewarded by fantastic views that extend from Edinburgh to Ben Lomond. The city also offers the Brucefields Family Golf Centre with its indoor driving range; Bakers Street and Friars Street for shopping for Bric-a-Brac and gifts and a choice of atmospheric tea rooms and coffee shops in Stirling’s ‘Old Town’.