A day out in Callander, Scotland
Things to do at the Gateway to the Highlands
A day out in… Callander, Scotland
The closest town to our Forest Holidays accommodation in Strathyre, Ben Ledi, the historic Scottish town of Callander ticks everyone’s boxes. Whether you’re looking for hiking and biking trails at the gateway to the Highlands, or soaking up the surroundings with some sightseeing, cafes and local culture, there’s lots of things to do in Callander.
Perched on the River Teith, it’s a bustling town surrounded by dramatic, craggy landscapes and as well as breathtaking geological features, it’s also home to some amazing human history – including neolithic and iron age remnants.
We asked our team at Strathyre to share their favourite places to visit in Callander, so here’s a rundown of what we’d get up to while staying in a Forest Holidays log cabin near to Callander, Scotland.
Ariel view of the town of Callendar and the river Teith, in Scotland
Hiking and biking…
Dip into the Rob Roy Way, Callander to Strathyre
This 15km part of the Rob Roy Way heads out from Callander through forest towards the shores of Loch Lubnaig, continuing along the shore to finish in Strathyre. Strathyre and Callander are linked by bus, so why not split the journey and explore on public transport?
Take a long ride from Callander to Inversnaid
This 48.2km route runs between Callander and Inversnaid and passes through Brig o’ Turk, the Loch Katrine area and Stronachlachar, connecting the Rob Roy Way with the West Highland Way. Whether you commit to the full length of the route, or choose one of the many shorter or circular routes, it offers a glimpse into the beating heart of natural Scotland, with forest and lochside beauty, mountain views and rare Scottish wildlife.
Bike up the Duke’s Pass loop
Start at Callander and tackle the climb to the 38km Duke’s Pass (one of the most picturesque mountain biking routes in Scotland). It’s a guaranteed great day out… and you’ve earned that long dip in the hot tub afterwards!
Scenic view of the West Highland Way
Wildlife and natural sights…
Watch the Red Kites at Argaty Rewilding Estate
Argaty isn’t just a bird-watching spot. It’s a family-owned livestock farm and rewilding estate. It’s a haven for nature, from Red Kites to Red Squirrels, and lots more! Here they run daily Red Kite feeding tours, as well as pond dipping, buggy and even Beaver evening tours.
Bracklinn Falls
Discover Callander’s Pass
Callander’s Pass is a gateway between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland. Formed by last Ice Age, it’s a distinctive feature of the town. Wander an easy route along The Glacier Trail (3.5 – 4.7 km), exploring the town’s glacial deposits left at the end of the last Ice Age.
Red squirrel
Callander’s culture…
Callander’s high street bustles with independent shops, cafes, and souvenir stores. Head to Ancaster Square, the heart of the town, which often hosts events and markets throughout the year, including a Jazz & Blues festival and Beer festival.
For a bite to eat, there’s The Old Bank Café’s homemade cakes or fresh bakery, Mhor Bread. For a bigger meal, there’s The Riverside Inn for lovely local dishes, or The Waverley Hotel with traditional Scottish recipes to try.
Callander places to stay
Last up, if you’re looking for Callander accommodation, there are lots of guest houses, hotels and B&Bs to try out. But why not escape into nature and enjoy a proper holiday under the stars? Look no further than our log cabins, nestled close by in Strathyre, Ben Ledi. With pet-friendly cabins and accommodation sleeping from two to ten people, every cabin comes with your very own hot tub. And with a choice of activities – from archery, bike hire and bug hunts, to foraging, den making, mindfulness and storytelling—there's lots to enjoy in the heart of the forest.