Callander

Stepping stones across the River Teith mark the entrance to one of Scotland's most endearing gateway towns. Callander sits pretty at the edge of the Trossachs, where Highland drama meets Lowland charm in a way that feels effortless rather than contrived.

The high street has that proper small-town feel - independent shops, cafes that know your order, and just enough tourists to keep things lively without overwhelming the locals. It's the kind of place where you can grab a proper coffee and still hear conversations in Gaelic drifting from the next table.

Walk five minutes in any direction and you're into serious hill country. Beinn Odhar looms to the north, while Meall Clachach offers cracking views for those willing to put in the effort. The countryside here doesn't mess about - it's all rolling peaks, hidden lochs like Loch Mahaick, and forests that seem to stretch forever.

Deanston Distillery sits just down the road, housed in an old cotton mill that's been turning out single malt since 1974. The tour's worth doing, especially if you fancy learning how Highland water becomes liquid gold. Meanwhile, the MacGregor Monument tells a more sobering tale of clan rivalries and Highland clearances.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A84 runs straight through from Stirling, about 16 miles south. It's proper Highland gateway territory, which explains why so many folk use it as base camp for exploring the Trossachs National Park.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a pub meal, but far enough out to wake up to mountain views instead of traffic noise. Plus, with spots like Callander Woods Holiday Park and Keltie Bridge Caravan Park right on the doorstep, you can be hiking within minutes of leaving your pitch.