Discover Callander: Trails, History and Special Excursions

Callander combines varied trails, waterfalls, historic traces and special excursion destinations. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment for an active holiday can choose between short discoveries, longer routes and cultural sites here. The town also offers families various opportunities to explore together – from the toy museum to an excursion into the regional natural landscape.

Hiking among waterfalls, rocky ridges and historic trails

A defining natural experience is the Bracklinn Falls Circuit. The moderate circular trail is 5.3 kilometres long and leads through varied woodland to Bracklinn Bridge. The circular trail offers views of the waterfalls and the gorge below. The route crosses the Keltie Water at Scout Pool and then returns to the car park via a minor road. Bracklinn Falls lie in the woodland above Callander and give the hike a clear destination.

The Callander Crags offer another walking option. The trail leads through the woodland over the rocky ridges to a cairn at an elevation of 343 metres. The car park can be reached from the eastern end of Main Street via a signposted road that climbs 500 metres. Anyone wishing to combine different days of hiking can also include the Three Bridges route. It begins at the northern end of Ancaster Square; a signposted loop leads to Samson’s Stone.

History in the Townscape

Callander has a remarkable combination of Roman, prehistoric and more recent local history. The Roman and prehistoric archaeological sites are considered to be of national importance. At the Roman fort, visible remains still stand upright. The Heritage Trail complements these traces with information panels about Callander’s development and the change in architecture from the Georgian to the Victorian era.

The churches also tell the story of this development. Callander Kirk was originally built in 1844 as St Bride’s Free Church. The Italian-influenced west gable, flanked by a tower, was added in 1861. St Kessog’s was used for worship until its merger with St Bride’s in 1985. Other historic destinations include the Queen’s Jubilee Cairn, originally erected in 1897 and restored in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, as well as the Little Leny Burial Ground, which is regarded as the traditional burial place of Clan Buchanan.

Active Days and Special Experiences

For a family-oriented cultural break, the Hamilton Toy Museum is an appealing option. It presents 175 years of the Hamilton family’s shared toy-collecting activities. Those who prefer outdoor activities will find opportunities to fish for salmon, sea trout and brown trout on the River Teith in Callander. A cycle route is accessible at Callander Meadows. It begins there, follows the old railway line and runs along the southern shore of Loch Lubnaig to Strathyre.

Golf is also part of the local offering. Callander Golf Club was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1892 and has an elevated 18-hole course with views of Ben Ledi. Visitors can reserve a tee time through the club’s booking system. For an excursion in the surrounding region, Go Ape’s Treetop Challenge offers a 426-metre downhill zipline. From Callander, it can be reached via Aberfoyle and the signs to the Forest Park Visitor Centre.

Callander as a Base for Your Holiday

When choosing a holiday apartment, it is worth considering the pace of travel you want. For days of hiking, the Bracklinn Falls Circuit, the Callander Crags and the Three Bridges route offer a choice of different landscapes. Those interested in culture can combine trails and local history, while the Toy Museum, golf, fishing and the cycle route provide further highlights. The Callander Visitor Information Centre offers information about Callander and the surrounding region and can complement your own planning.

You can access further destinations via this selection: Killin, Strathyre, Aberfoyle, Stirling, Kippen, Kinlochard, Lochearnhead, Doune.

To the higher-level travel overview: Stirling.