Things to do

Callander, a bustling tourist town, tucked away between the east and west coasts at the gateway to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, is an ideal base from which to explore Scotland. We are surrounded by areas of great natural beauty and history; while centres such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Oban and St Andrews all lie within easy reach.
 
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
 
LOCH KATRINE situated in the heart of the Trossachs National Park is the perfect place for a day trip and cruise on the famous steamship Sir Walter Scott.  Why not hire bikes at Katrine Wheelz and enjoy a one-hour cruise followed by a cycle or walk back along the north shore of the loch.  The scenery is breath taking and the area is steeped in history with links to Queen Victoria, the Scottish legend Rob Roy MacGregor, and is the setting for some of Sir Walter Scott's most famous poetic works, Lady of the Lake.  https://www.lochkatrine.com/
 
INCHMAHOME PRIORY is located on a small island in the Lake of Menteith. It is a beautifully situated and largely ruined monastery (founded in 1238) with links to many famous historical names including Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Sir Walter Scott. The island is also home to a wide variety of plant and wild life and is the perfect spot for a short circular walk or a waterside picnic. Access is via a 7-minute small ferry crossing from the pier at Port of Menteith. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/inchmahome-priory/

DOUNE CASTLE situated on the banks of the river Teith in the village of Doune is a popular filming location and has featured in Monty python & The Holy Grail (1975), Game of Thrones (2011) and more recently as Castle Leoch in Outlander.https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/doune-castle/

DEANSTON DISTILLERY was transformed from a cotton mill into a distillery in the 1960s. Take a tour and experience the sites, smells and sounds of a working distillery which uses traditional, hand crafted, methods to make the unique Deanston single malt whisky.  https://www.deanstonmalt.com/
 
STIRLING CASTLE is one of the largest and most historic and architecturally important castles in Scotland.  https://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/A walker?s paradise with enough to keep you busy for a whole week.
 
TROSSACHS TRAIL (24 mile circular drive) - one of Britain's best drives with views around every corner and lots to do. A walker's paradise with enough to keep you busy for a whole week.   https://www.destinationcallander.co.uk/en/scenic-drives/
 
WALKING IN CALLANDER - there are a number of popular walks in the area for visitors to explore. The beautiful Bracklinn Falls and the River Keltie have mesmerised people for generations, and from the summit of the Callander Crags there are spectacular sweeping views over the village and beyond, to Stirling and the Forth Estuary.  To the west footpaths and cycle tracks follow the old Callander to Oban railway.  https://incallander.co.uk/
 
WALKING IN THE LOCH LOMOND & TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK - the Great Trossachs Path, one of Scotland's great trails, is a 30-mile long route running between Callander in the east to Inversnaid and Loch Lomond in the west, and also passing through Brig o' Turk, the Loch Katrine area and Stronachlachar. The path connects the Rob Roy Way with the West Highland Way and also links to the Three Lochs Way, so long-distance walkers are now able to undertake an extraordinary journey across the centre of Scotland.   Spurring from The Great Trossachs Path are 165km of short, long and circular routes of various lengths and challenges. And each has its own unique character.  www.thegreattrossachsforest.co.uk/great-trossachs-path/
 
QUEEN ELIZABETH FOREST PARK - whether you want to do a little or do a lot, The Lodge Visitor Centre in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is made for you. Relax and enjoy the spectacular views, stroll to the waterfall, visit the Red Squirrel Hide or swing through the trees with Go-Ape!  www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/queen-elizabeth-forest-park/walking/
 
HILL WALKING - the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park has an abundance of accessible hill tops and Munros.  There are 21 Munros including Ben Lomond (the most southerly mountain in Scotland) and 19 Corbetts to bag including  Ben Ledi overlooking Callander.  There are also many wee hills that offer spectacular views in exchange for minimum effort and time including Ben A'an and Ben Gullipen just outside Callander.
 
CYCLING - there are cycle rides around the Trossachs designed to appeal to cyclists of all abilities. Most of each ride is on traffic-free trails or quiet roads, along the lines of the old railway, through woodland and forest and along loch sides. Cycle hire is available in Callander and at Loch Katrine.  https://www.scottish-cycling.com  www.cyclehirecallander.co.uk/  www.katrinewheelz.co.uk/


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Suggested Places to Eat in the Callander Area

Listed below are various restaurants which we enjoy in the Callander area.We have attempted to limit the choice to those within a short drive from Arden House, and many are actually within walking distance.If you do find any others to include, then please let us know.Most of those listed also serve lunch. Please note that in the high season and at weekends it is advisable to book. 


RESTAURANTS IN CALLANDER

There are many restaurants, cafes and pubs serving food in Callander.The following are a few of our favourites:


The Roman Camp Hotel & The Potting Shed, FK17 8GB.Tel: 01877 330003 (hotel) or 01877 332692 (Potting Shed)

The entrance is opposite the bottom of Bracklinn Road. A former hunting lodge built for the Dukes of Perth, and a favourite stopping place of Queen Victoria. Today it is just the place for that special treat as the food served in the dining room has been awarded three rosettes by the AA.For something a little less formal, try the Potting Shed which is a fabulous little coffee shop and bistro set within the hotel grounds.The Potting Shed serves brunch, lunch, coffees and dinner from 11am until last orders at 8:15pm.Alternatively, try an afternoon tea, soup and sandwiches or delicious scones daily in the lounge.www.romancamphotel.co.uk.


Callander Meadows, 24 Main Street, FK17 8BB.Tel: 01877 330181

A small family run restaurant offering freshly cooked local and seasonal dishes from a fixed price 4 course menu.Dinner reservations are available from 6pm until 8pm.The restaurant is closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.Booking is essential.www.callandermeadows.co.uk


Crown Hotel, 13 Main Street, FK17 8DU.Tel: 01877 330040

Home cooked pub food.The restaurant prides itself on buying as locally as possible.Live music on Saturday evenings.www.crownhotelcallander.co.uk/restaurant/


PUB/RESTAURANT IN KILMAHOG

Kilmahog is a hamlet situated half a mile to the west of Callander – a five minute drive from Arden House or a pleasant 25 minute walk along the riverside path.


The Lade Inn, Kilmahog, FK17 8HD. Tel: 01877 330152

Hearty Scottish locally sourced produce served in a good traditional pub atmosphere.Dine in the Bothy Bar or separate restaurant.They brew their own ale too!Live music on Saturday evenings. www.theladeinn.com


RESTAURANTS IN PORT OF MENTEITH


The Lake Hotel, FK8 3RA.Tel: 01877 385258

Stylish country house hotel on the shores of the Lake of Menteith (10 minute drive from Arden House).Conservatory restaurant with a romantic setting overlooking the lake towards Inchmahome Priory.The Port Bar also serves food.Finest Scottish produce simply prepared.www.lake-hotel.com.


Nick’s at Port of Menteith, FK8 3JZ.Tel: 01877 389900

A favourite restaurant in the heart of the Trossachs National Park.Chef Nick Nairn offers all the classics such as fresh North Sea langoustines, Nick’s own original cured salmon, wood fired pizzas, house made burgers, steaks and much more. Nicks works closely with local suppliers to offer a varying seasonal menu.Friendly and informal atmosphere.Closed Monday and Tuesday.www.nairns.co.uk.


PUB/RESTAURANT/COFFEE HOUSE IN DOUNE


The Woodside, Stirling Road, Doune FK16 6AB.  Tel: 01786 643399

A great atmosphere in this newly refurbished business.  Open 7 days  from 7:30am to 11pm. www.thewoodsidedoune.co.uk


PUB/RESTAURANT IN DUNBLANE

The Riverside, Stirling Road, FK15 9EP.Tel: 01786 823318

A friendly pub/restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, tea, coffee, home-baking and dinner seven days a week.Enjoy the log burner when the weather is poor or the riverside terrace on warmer days.www.theriversidedunlane.co.uk


RESTAURANT IN BRIDGE OF ALLAN

Friend of Mine, 45 Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan. FK9 4HG. Tel: 01786 831386

A menu which offers fresh, tasty, healthy food and coffee with a good range of vegetarian and vegan choices.www.friendofmine.co.uk


PUB/RESTAURANT IN THORNHILL

Lion & Unicorn, Main Street.FK8 3PJ.Tel: 01786 850204

A traditional country pub hotel with a restaurant serving an extensive lunch and dinner menu in a cosy atmosphere.www.lion-unicorn.co.uk


We have tried to concentrate our restaurant selection to the local area.However, there are many others to choose from and if you find any that impress you then do please let us know, and we can add them to our list!BON APPETIT!