St Anthony's RC Church : Balfron

The red sandstone church sits rather boldly in Balfron village, impossible to miss with its distinctive tower and Victorian confidence. Built in the 1880s, St Anthony's is a proper Roman Catholic statement in what was then firmly Protestant territory - the architecture says as much as the faith it serves. Inside, the craftsmanship is genuinely impressive: ornate plasterwork, stained glass that catches the light properly, and a sense of quiet reverence that feels genuine rather than performed.

It's worth a visit if you're already in the village, though I wouldn't plan a trip around it alone. The real appeal is architectural - if you care about Victorian church design and the history of Catholic communities in rural Scotland, you'll find plenty to admire. History types will appreciate the social context; casual visitors might spend twenty minutes and move on.

The village itself is pleasant enough - rolling Stirling countryside, genuinely quiet - and it slots well into a broader exploration of the region. If you're staying at one of the glamping spots nearby (Endrick Escape and Duncan Family Farms are both within a few miles), Balfron makes for a gentle morning walk before heading toward Loch Lomond proper. The proximity to Glasgow means you're not remotely remote, but you're far enough out that it actually feels like the Lowlands should feel.

Check locally for opening times - churches keep their own schedules - but admission is almost certainly free. Allow half an hour maximum, longer only if you're genuinely interested in Victorian ecclesiastical design.