Surroundings, Stirling

Dominating the surrounding countryside and about 1.5mi/2.4km northeast of Stirling, the National Wallace Monument, was erected in 1869 in memory of the victors of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Inside the square tower (220ft/64m), as well as the marble busts of famous Scots, there is an exhibition recounting the bitter struggle that took place between Sir William Wallace and the English invaders between 1296 and 1298. Many people come to this well-known landmark simply to admire the splendid view.

It is possible to drive through the Blair Drummond Safari Park (4mi/6.4km to the northwest of Stirling) and observe the wild animals at close quarters. Children will probably most enjoy the sea lion performances, but boat trips and guided walks are also available.

The cathedral in the little town of Dunblane (pop. 7,500; 6mi/10km to the north of Stirling) was consecrated by Bishop Clement in 1228, although the foundation stone had been laid in the previous century by David I. The ground-plan of the church is remarkable in that the chancel has no side aisles or transept, unlike the main nave, which was fully restored by Sir Roland Anderson in 1893. The once freestanding church tower (12th century) has been incorporated into the south side. In the interior, the highly-acclaimed, oval window by John Ruskin and the 15th century choir stalls merit a closer inspection.

The castle in the small town of Doune (pop. 1,200; 8mi/12.8km to the northwest of Stirling) was built at the end of the 14th century by Robert Stewart, the first Duke of Albany and the Earl of Menteith and Fife. In 1570 the owner of the property Sir James Stewart was appointed Lord Doune and his son acquired through marriage the title of Earl of Moray. Since then Doune Castle with its 100ft/30m tower house, west tower and three-sided curtain wall has remained the seat of the earls of Moray. In 1883 the architect Andrew Kerr was commissioned by the 14th Earl to undertake comprehensive restoration work, with the provision that the character of the medieval castle be retained. In the Lord's Hall on the first floor, look out for a fine double fireplace and the Moray coat-of-arms, as well as the lancet windows and fireplaces in the apartments. An octagonal font in the chapel is of interest, while the Great Hall displays banners of all the families who have had links with Doune Castle.

Port of Menteith is located on the A873 to the west of Stirling.

The stone pineapple in Dunmore Park near Airth, about 7mi/11.2km southeast of Stirling, arouses considerable curiosity. This bizarre structure forms the dome of a building in the garden, which was completed in 1761 by Sir William Chambers.

For four centuries the Alloa Tower, in Clockmanshire, was the ancestral home of the Earls of Mar. The tower was completed in 1497 and is the only structure to have survived a fire that destroyed the mansion house in 1800.The interior features a classical staircase leading to the Great Hall, original vaulting on the second floor and a rare medieval timber roof on the top floor. You will also find a collection of Erskine family protraits. A walk along the parapet, around the tower's battlements, offers spectacular views of the Forth.

In 1140 David I founded the Augustinian abbey at Cambuskenneth (1mi/1.6km to the east of Stirling) and the Scottish parliament met there a number of times in 1326. James III and his wife Margaret of Denmark were buried at Cambuskenneth in the 15th century. In 1604 the Earl of Mar decided to use the stones from the abbey for his town residence, so now only a tower and the church's west portal remain.

Alva is small town with atmosphere.

Dollar is located northeast of Stirling on the A91. Its wooded glen provides a spectacular walk to Castle Campbell.