One of the most scenic areas of Scotland, the picturesque villages of West Stirlingshire nestle among majestic hills and atmospheric lochs.
Red squirrels and pine martens bound among the trees. Golden eagles and osprey can be spotted gracing the skies and a growing population of beavers are contributing to the natural diversity of West Stirlingshire.
Strathblane/Blanefield lies at the foothills of the Campsie Fells, 12 miles north of Glasgow and has a population of just over 1,800. The Glengoyne Distillery Visitor Centre is nearby and The West Highland Way passes close to the village. Ideally placed for the commuter or for those wishing to take advantage of the easy access to the hill-walking and water sports that are abundant locally.
Killearn is a pretty village at the edge of the Loch Lomond National Park. The village has a thriving primary school and nurseries and is within the catchment area for Balfron High School.
Watch nature at its most impressive with the migratory leaping salmon at nearby Pots ofGartness.
Aberfoyle is the gateway to the Trossachs. The village is at the heart of a vast Forest Park with endless trails, ideal for cycling and walking. Enjoy a delicious meal or relax in one of the comfortable restaurants and bars. Shops include a brand- new Co-op and a large Scottish knitwear and tourist goods outlet. Cycle hire is available in the village. The David Marshall lodge has a visitor centre and café with magnificent panoramic views and interesting walks featuring fascinating works of art and a huge waterfall. Be sure to visit the red squirrel hide. For the more adventurous, Go Ape has an enormous zip wire leading to a treetop obstacle course.
Gartmore is a quant little village, sitting on a hilltop with panoramic views. The Black Bull Hotel and restaurant are one of the social hubs of the village. The brand new village hall is an amazing facility housing a range of activities from Taiko drumming to amateur dramatics. The little primary school allows the village children to develop in a nurturing environment.
Callander is a bustling tourist spot to the North of the Trossachs. You will find all the facilities of a major county town. The wide range of shops, restaurants, bars are complemented by the leisure and sporting opportunities available in the town including McLaren Leisure Centre. Callander is an active community with a wide variety of local clubs and organisations.
Buchlyvie straddles the A811 and is ideal for commuting to Stirling, Glasgow or Edinburgh, This pretty village has its own primary school and GP surgery as well as the Village Hall which hosts local activities. The convenience store, run by Asif who is universally popular locally, and the fast-food restaurant are popular venues.
Kippen is a beautiful village situated on a hillside with distant views over the Carse to the Trossachs and the hills beyond. Kippen has an interesting history dating back to ancient times. The Inn at Kippen is widely renowned as a must-visit for fine dining.
Gargunnock is an ancient village, convenient for Stirling, This pretty village lies at the foot of the Gargunnock Hills. Dounie’s Loup, a famous cascading waterfall is certainly worth a visit. The Inn dates back to the 17th Century and is a popular local community focal point
Drymen, the gateway to the scenic East banks of Loch Lomond strides the ever-popular West Highland Way. The village is a beautiful place to live in with the hotels, restaurants and bars contributing to the local environment.
Balloch sits on the West bank of Loch Lomond. Balloch marina houses many of the pleasure boats that use Loch Lomond for leisure and is the base for the Loch Lomond tour boats. The Lomond Shores development offers a wonderful opportunity to sample the delights of the loch.
Balfron is a small village with spectacular views of the Campsie Fells. The village is home to the highly regarded local high school. Balfron is popular with commuters for Stirling and Glasgow.
Fintry enjoys a spectacular location among ranges of hill. The village has a vibrant social life with the rugby club and the local bars and restaurants contributing to the desirability of Fintry.
Port of Menteith is a hamlet on the banks of the Lake of Menteith. This pretty little village houses the local primary school. Fine dining at Nick Nairn’s local restaurant. The Lake is a hotspot for fishing and ospreys are a regular feature in the summer months.
Thornhill sits among splendid countryside. The village hosts an interesting camp site and the hotel is renowned for its high-quality dining. Ideally located for Stirling.
