Destination Callander

The main street of Callander runs straight through this small Highland town like it's been there forever - and it has. You're looking at a place that's served as a proper filming location for Tulloch Castle in the Kidnapped adaptations, but honestly, most visitors come for the walks rather than the heritage plaques.

Callander itself is the sort of spot where you stock up on supplies before heading into the Trossachs. The town centre has the expected mix of cafes, shops, and fish and chip places. If you've got an hour or two, a wander down the main drag is fine enough, but don't expect it to be the highlight of your trip. The real draw is using Callander as your base for getting out into the landscape - Bracklinn Falls is less than two miles north, and the Callander Crags are a straightforward walk from the town itself.

Families with younger kids will find it manageable - there's an ice cream shop, a visitor centre with information about local trails, and enough flat ground in town to let them burn off some energy. The town works best as a jumping-off point rather than a destination in its own right. Both Callander Woods Holiday Park and Keltie Bridge Caravan Park are within easy reach, making it a sensible hub for exploring the wider area. Stay a night or two, grab your supplies, and head for the hills. That's when Callander earns its keep.