For historians, even those whose knowledge of Scottish "history" (used loosely) stems from multiple…read moreviewings of Braveheart (yeah, you know who you are!), there are several sites in Stirling that are must visits. The Old Stirling Bridge is one of them; the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle being at least two others. Fortunately, Stirling isn't all that big, and you can easily walk between the three without too much effort, and you'll be rewarded with gorgeous river views, and a bit of actual historical education along the way, for your trouble. Just make sure you end up on the Old Stirling Bridge, and not the adjacent A9 overpass. It may look similar, but you wouldn't want to get run over by a lorry while daydreaming about Mel Gibson in a kilt and wielding a claymore. That would just be weird.

I thought I would have been able to walk to this while at Stirling castle but it looked quite a…read morewalk away so I optedW to snatch some quick photos while driving past on the coach which was just as thrilling for me as actually being on it and it is a stunning bridge as bridges go due to its history. Hopefully one day I might get the chance to actually stand on it, touch it, feel it but for now I'm happy to have this stunning photo.

It is a small town located north of the town of Stirling. It lies on the Allan Water, a left hand…read moretributary of the river Forth and is near the grounds of the University of Stirling. The place is most probably most famous for the Strathallan Games held every first week of August. Hundreds of athletes, highland dancers and pipe bands get together on those days. This year the fun starts on 8th August on the land between Stirling Castle, the Ochil HIll and the Wallace Monument. The competition includes heavyweights, like the traditional caber tossing, hammer throwing, etc, athletics (long jump), wrestling, and cycling. The highland dances include famous reels and jigs, among them the sword dance. And the last competition running is that between bands of pipers. Add to the fun and not so much to the competitive streak is a number of trade stands and a funfair for all ages but with special emphasis on the young crowds.

The monument was another one of our stops during our drive through Stirling…read more The parking lot was quite large and quite busy for an April morning. The ticket counter was inside a small building with the cafe, gift shop and bathrooms. Getting to the monument was via a gravel path or a free van ride. I went up via the van and wandered down in my own afterwards. The van saved my calves for the stair climb to the top of the monument. At the base of the monument I had to check in and show my ticket. I had to wait before a staff member gave the clear to start the climb up. The rest of the way was on our own with most of us giving way to the people coming down. There were three levels inside. The highlights were the details about the battle of Stirling Bridge, William Wallace and seeing his original sword. At the top I took advantage of the clear and sunny day to take my panorama photos. Beautiful. I also saw the battle site and understood how easily the British were defeated. The walk down the monument was easy and so was the walk down to the parking lot. For fans and non-fans of Braveheart this was a great stop to see in Scotland.

William Wallace, the hero of Scotland. What a great story I have to "tale" from my adventure!…read more Admission tickets can be bought online or onsite. This allows you access to the four levels within the Monument. It's a heck of a climb via a 246-step spiral staircase. No whimps allowed! It's a tight squeeze going up or down! There are three exhibition galleries on the way to the top. At the Crown, there is a 380 degree view of Stirling. What an amazing view, regardless of the weather! Most of us have heard the story of Wallace's betrayal by Monteith at Robroyston, and his subsequent removal to London to be executed for alleged treason by the most barbarous method possible. Wallace was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. This was an English ritual that ensured that the "guilty" could not rise again on Judgement Day - vengeance for Wallace even beyond the grave. Wallaces head was spiked on London Bridge, and the four quarters of his mutilated body displayed in Newcastle, Berwick, Perth and Stirling, as a warning to those who transgressed against the rule of Longshanks. No final resting place for Scotland's best-known hero. Following Wallace's execution and dismemberment, one quarter of his mutilated body was displayed on the repaired and rebuilt Stirling Bridge. No doubt this was thought by the English overlords to be a fitting place to show off their grim trophy. This is where the legend begins! Wallace had links through his uncle to the monks at Cambuskenneth. At that time, the church was far more militant and church leaders (and no doubt their subordinates) were fiercely loyal to Scotland and to the cause of freedom. The legend states that a group of monks from the Abbey retrieved the remains of Wallace's body. The intention was to give Wallace a Christian burial. It is said they did, telling no-one outside the Abbey. This would have brought fatal consequences upon the Abbey. Longshanks were known to have no regard for the Scottish Church. Cambuskenneth Abbey is, sadly, mostly ruined now, and apart from the main tower little remains bar foundations and low (ground level) walls. There is an area, where it is said that Wallace's remains were interred by the loyal monks. Although badly eroded, the initials "WW" in antique script can still be noted. A coincidence or perhaps something placed later to give substance to the legend? We will never know. Stand at the end of the stone and look out. What do you see? The stone points towards the Abbey Craigs, the scene of Wallace's greatest triumph. The massive rock on which he and De Moray stood to direct the course of the battle with their horns and trumpeters... So is it true? No-one knows, but it's a interesting story. I personally would like to think that the good monks of Cambuskenneth did their Christian duty to the relative of a friend, and helped avert at least some of Longshanks' malevolence. It's worth a visit if you are in the vicinity and you enjoy history! You can see the monument from miles around. If you don't want to see inside, park at the bottom and walk up the hill for free. Lots of things to see on the walk up or down. September 2023

How to describe the Carse of Lecropt? That, I'm not too sure. You can read more about the parish…read morehere: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lecropt. But really, Lecropt is somewhere you're going to want to delve headfirst into. To which I say, go for it. - The Carse of Lecropt has the power to drive your imagination crazy. I wanted to head down to Lecropt as soon as I laid eyes on the crooked road sign that pointed down the hill. It sounded mysterious, and something called me to it. So, finally, we ventured down. Mile after mile after mile after mile. We cycled it; one day not too far, and then another deeper into Lecropt because we were captivated with intrigue. And we still want to go further. The second time, we turned off and took the main road back to Stirling (passing by the David Stirling Memorial) but you could keep working your way through the off-road twists and turns of Lecropt. The hills don't make for any unbearable climbs and the descents are rewarding enough. We discovered some seriously interesting finds, and got some really cool photos from our trip. It's reminiscent of the kinds of places found-footage horror films are set; it's eerie, vast and parts of it are decaying and abandoned. It really feels like undiscovered territory. So, pick a good day, take some snacks and, if you're a Geocacher, there's plenty of caches to be found. It feels very much like a secret, and as much as I wish I could keep it one, the legend of Lecropt is too good to keep to myself.

I'd normally start by telling you a little about the history. There's just way too much to…read moresummarize here. Just know that the castle was once in ruin like the others in the area. We can thank George Stuart (14th Earl of Moray) for repairing it by adding a new roof in the 1880s. That makes it very worth the £10 admission fee for an inside tour of the castle. It's worth a stop even if you don't plan on taking the tour. Have you ever seen the British comedy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail? It's the castle that you see in the funniest part of the movie when the French soldier is taunting King Arthur. There were other movie scenes filmed in and around the castle as well. What's cool is that there's a free transcript of the audio guide on their website that tells you where all the scenes took place. It was fun just to retrace the steps of the Trojan Rabbit on the pathway in front of the entrance. So funny! It's definitely a dry & satirical form of humor that I didn't quite understand the first time I saw it, but now I do. Duone Castle was also seen in Game of Thrones (the pilot episode) and Outlander. It's just a great filming location since it's out of the way, and along the River Teith. There are walking trails that will take you to the site of where a Roman fort used to be. The village is also nearby if you want to get a bite to eat. It was a nice stop on our way to Glencoe.

We were staying in the area for a few days. Didn't have much time though, got lots of plans. But…read morestill made some time to check out the famous Doune Castle. And since we are members of Historic Environment Scotland the entrance was free of charge. The carpark was full though - so we parked on the public lot behind the Co-op in town. An easy 10 minute walk away. The Castle is famous - many will know it from Game of Thrones or Outlander. But for me - and many many others - it will always be connected to Monty Python and the Holy Grail! The Audio-guide is even narrated by Terry Jones! The way the castle looks today is largely down to 'Scotland's uncrowned king'. Doune was the seat of Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland. He acquired the castle in 1361. What we see today is probably only half a castle. Whether Doune was completed, and what might have been lost, is unclear. But even what remains today is very impressive and in great shape. If you do not feel like paying the entrance, you still can enjoy the outside views and even walk around it or enjoy the grounds outside. But going in (we took turns - since we were travelling with our Bulldog) is well worth the price and time. Monty Python used the exterior for shots as well as the interior. The courtyard inside is where the wedding party was taking place with John Cleese (as Lancelot) going berserk. But there's a lot more to see inside. Besides all the big halls inside, there are lots of small corners and hideaways to be discovered. As well as a lot of history to read (or listen to). A really good visit and not to be missed for fans or history buffs! Staff was wonderful, really friendly and welcoming. Surely a highlight on this years Road Trip through the UK. Highly recommended.

Well, finding this gem was such a surprise!…read more Founded in 1140 by David I and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Cambuskenneth Abbey was initially known as the Abbey of St Mary of Stirling. In 1326, the Abbey stood as Robert Bruce's parliament and the small graveyard is the burial place of James III and his queen, Margaret of Denmark. It's certainly a historical marvel and just a short walk away from the centre of Stirling. We didn't expect to stumble across it when our impromptu cycle trip headed out of town and into the beautiful Cambuskeneth. Since we didn't have our bike locks, we couldn't venture in for a closer look but I'd definitely love to come back and explore the grounds some more, as the Abbey is absolutely stunning. I'm surprised I'd not heard of the Abbey in my four years in Stirling. Do head out this way and take a peek at the historical Cambuskenneth Abbey; she's a real beauty!

Had a great day out today at Briarlands Farm with my toddler, baby, and friends with little ones…read more Entry today was £5.25 for myself, and the little ones went in at no charge as they are under 3. Age 3-16 years pay £6.50. There is a large cafe with some toys and play equipment to keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy your much needed coffee. Aside from coffees, we didn't sample any of the food and refreshments from the cafe today as we brought our own picnic. The farm park is a big open area with lots of activities dotted around the space, including jumping pillows, sandpits, mazes, ball skills area, slides, climbing frames, mini diggers, tractor rides, and toddler trike/car track. There are plenty of picnic tables so even when busy you should be able to grab a table. We actually brought picnic blankets with us today, and were glad we did... A lot of the picnic tables actually weren't great for toddlers with the bench seats very narrow and easy to fall off for little people, and the table was very far away from the seat, again making it easy to fall off and hard to reach for little arms. There are lots of different farm animals to admire, and you can also buy bags of animal feed to feed the various animals with via feeding tubes, making it safe for little ones to get involved with. There is a petting area where your little ones can experience holding rabbits and guinea pigs. The Farm was busy today as a rare dry day during this year's Summer break, yet it didn't feel too crowded as it is such a lovely big open space. It is also very easy to keep track of diverging little ones playing in different areas as the space is so big, flat, and open. The little ones had so much fun today, that even after 4 hours here they were reluctant to leave, and the only way we could get them to leave without a fight was the promise of some handpicked strawberries. The Pick Your Own Strawberries is obviously only available in season. I felt the strawberries were quite pricey at £4.50 for the punnet that we picked. Yet, they were truly delicious and I don't mind paying a little more when you know where they have come from, and are supporting a local business. All in all a great day out! NB I wouldn't fancy visiting on a rainy day, as the vast majority of activities are outdoors. There is a lovely inviting cafe and gift shop with a craft station for rainy days, yet the main draw of this place is the outdoor activities and pick your own strawberries!

The latest Stirling cycle hub ride I attended led us to Briarlands farm. Whilst from the onset, it…read moredidn't seem like there was an overwhelming amount of things to see and do, I've no doubt that delving into the heart of the farm would make for an exciting day. We popped into the café during our quick-stop and the surroundings were quirky and welcoming. You can make your own paper-mâché figures! Awesome. This is definitely a fun addition to the café and a nice memory to take away for children and big kids alike. It was nice to see that the food menu is creative, with options like the cheese and haggis toastie. Fresh strawberries by the punnet too! And the prices didn't seem all that steep. So, whilst a short visit, I hope I see you again soon, Briarlands farm. I'd love to explore!

'Why not visit our very own 16th century jail in the shopping centre?' asks the Thistles Centre…read morewebsite. Sure thing. - Sounds interesting! I ventured down that stairway today and, what's down there really is uninspiring; it's in dire need of maintenance and feels generally unclean. The speakers, which presumably once played background music/information, now hang unsteady and redundant on the walls. The oh-so-creepy mannequins are faded and worn. I can't even tell you about the pit that you can look down into; it's the stuff of nightmares. - I genuinely wish I could unsee the terrifyingly unsettling pair who stared back up at me. Maybe at one point in time this was an interesting little historical quirk but now it's just plain creepy and weird; a must-see for all the wrong reasons. Perhaps the real 16th century jail experience was more endurable than this one.

Being the first review of Argyll's Lodging is daunting…read more First, make sure you use your castle ticket to visit this amazing house, it's just at the bottom of the car park. It's not a long tour, that's why I understand that admission is not separate from the castle. Unfortunately, you don't get to see the whole house. This is Scotland's best preserved seventeenth century townhouse, which is decorated in the renaissance style. The house belonged to the Earl of Stirling, so you get the history of the house and the role of the owners. I didn't get a detailed tour, I just wandered on my own, reading the placards in each room. This will be the next focus of my learning, as its a part of Stirling's history I don't really know much about. When you walk in, there is a introduction exhibit to the history of the house. Then you walk through a hall, before entering into the traditional kitchens. When you go upstairs, you enter a beautifully decorated state room, the Earl and Lady's bedroom and her closet, with stunning views of the hills. It is a gorgeous house, beautifully decorated and well preserved. The staff are very friendly and have a real passion for the history of the house, which comes through as excitement when speaking about the story of the house. I wouldn't have stopped in on my walk if I hadn't got chatting with the lovely man on the door. (Thanks again, sir!) Definitely make sure you stop in for a wee visit on your way by. What have you go to lose? It's already included. :)

Visited April 2015: Free with ticket from Stirling Castle…read more This is a place that you can easily guide yourself through. It is a humble cottage with incredible furnishings from the time period of the 9th Earl of Argyll. It took us less than an hour to go through, take photos, and the guides were very humble and engaging with us.

Just minutes from Stirling castle, Cowane's Hospital's been around since the 17th Century and is…read morefilled to the brim with Scots history. I'm no historian but a swift Google search had me clued me in. I do like going to Cowane's Hospital for events and feeling all regal and fancy. - It certainly calls for some pearls and your best shoes. Portraits of important-looking people, beautiful architecture and some wonderful stained glass windows surround you in Cowane's Hospital. It's a stunning place to spend the evening and luckily enough, the hospital is becoming quite the cultural hot-spot with an increasing number of events taking place within the building. I'd previously been to a string quartet performance during the Stirling Fringe last year and most recently attended, local foodie favourite, Loving Food's first pop-up restaurant. The large seated balcony area upstairs is great for performances, whilst the bottom area is good for more informal social events. Just perfect for the pop-up restaurant. I do hope that the hospital continues to be used in this way, as it's just perfect for smaller-scale events and it certainly makes for a unique, hearty venue.

I went for dinner here with a friend as part of Lovin Food's pop up event, and I will be performing…read morehere in September with my folk band. A very unusual venue, this has played host to the Stirling Fringe Festival, and will do so again this year. It is truly beautiful, with period features intact. It has atmosphere and presence. A unique location and a hidden gem of a venue.