Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Forth Valley, stretching across Central Scotland, encompasses beautiful cities such as Stirling, and areas of the Scottish landscape such as Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Forth Valley is a diverse region, full of charming towns and cities, and the beauty of the countryside.

Falkirk

Falkirk was once an industrial hub and the Falkirk Wheel, a boatlift, is a reminder of its past importance for lifting boats from the Forth Canal to the Union Canal. Antonine’s Wall is the remainder of the northern front of the Roman Empire, with many parts of it still visible to this day around the area. Read our page on Falkirk here which talks about top attractions include the Kelpies and the Helix. Callendar Park is a landscaped outdoor space which is home to the pretty Callendar House from the 14th century, a French-style Chateau. A reviewer recommends the 2-mile Yew Trail around the park which takes you through woodland areas.

Clackmannanshire

Scotland’s smallest county, Clackmannanshire encompasses Dollar, Alloa, Tillicoultry, Menstrie, Alva, Muckhart, Clackmannan and Tullibody as well as parts of the Ochil Hills, a range of hills which offer a stunning vantage points across parts of Central Scotland. For some retail therapy in the area, Sterling Mills Outlet Shopping Village in Tillicoultry is a large outdoor shopping space with flat entry to shops and cafés. The Mill Café, also in Tillicoultry, is a modern, bright and spacious coffee shop and eatery which one of our reviewers loves so much, they go along weekly!

Stirling

The vibrant city of Stirling is steeped in culture and history. The city played a huge role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, and is now home to The National Wallace Monument, a tribute to Scottish hero William Wallace. Other tastes of Scottish history at Stirling are its Castle, a fortification that served as a palace for many Scottish royals and nobles. It’s frequently reviewed on Euan’s Guide.
With a number of accommodation options, Stirling is a popular base for those looking to explore central Scotland, to find out more about things to see and do in Stirling you can take a look at our page dedicated to Stirling which you can visit here.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

This famous National Park encompasses 700 squares miles and is the 4th largest in the UK. Filled with mountains and beautiful clear water Lochs, it’s a favourite for adventurers, and anyone looking for a day out in nature. Sir Walter Scott was so captivated by the area that his famous poem 'The Lady of the Lake' is inspired by it. A reviewer who attended a ‘Health Walk’ at Balloch noted that “both staff and volunteers were very welcoming and ensured everyone was safe but also enjoying the walk.”
The Loch Katrine Experience is an opportunity for visitors to sail on the Loch on the steamship Sir Walter Scott, which is 118 years old. One of our reviewers recommends trying the Loch Katrine Experience on a day when the weather and visibility is good.
“A pleasant place to spend a couple of hours - and a lot of money!” A reviewer called Loch Lomond Shores at Balloch. A versatile venue, it offers a selection of shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as water activities, and accessible nature trails alongside the loch.

More to see and do

Has this inspired you to stay in Central Scotland? Check out our Scotland guide to find other activities and opportunities.

Don’t forget to leave reviews on Euan’s Guide to let others know about your experience.