Visit Callander in the Trossachs

Callander is a bustling tourist town situated on the banks of the River Teith, just 16 miles from Stirling, and is often described as the gateway to the Highlands. This picturesque town lies immediately south of the Highland Boundary Fault, a significant geological feature marking the boundary between the Lowlands and Highlands. As a result, Callander has historically served as a key meeting point between these two regions.

Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Callander is a popular tourist base for exploring Loch Lomond, The Trossachs National Park, and Rob Roy Country. Many also stop off here on their way further north into the Highlands. Its proximity to numerous natural attractions and charming shops and cafes makes it a must-visit destination in the Trossachs.

Set against a backdrop of high, wooded crags, the town was famously featured in the original Doctor Findlay’s Casebook television series.

Directions to Callander

Callander is easily accessible from Scotland’s major cities. Use the map to zoom in and out to see the location in Scotland.

• From Glasgow: 50 minutes / 40 miles via the A81 and A84

• From Edinburgh: 1 hr 15 mins / 54 miles via the M9 and A84

• From Stirling: 30 minutes / 16 miles via the A84

For those using public transport, regular buses run from Stirling to Callander, making it easy to reach without a car.

 

Bracklinn Falls, Callander

Walking in Callander

Explore the Town Centre

Callander’s High Street has various independent shops, cafes, and souvenir stores, giving it a lively, welcoming vibe. The main street runs along both sides of the A84, with plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a meal. Don’t miss a visit to Ancaster Square, the heart of the town, which often hosts events and markets throughout the year.

Visit Bracklinn Falls

A must-see attraction in Callander is the Bracklinn Falls, a spectacular series of waterfalls on the River Keltie. The scenic walk to the falls takes you through lush woodland, ending at a viewpoint where you can admire the rushing waters. The Bracklinn Falls Bridge, which spans the gorge, offers excellent photo opportunities. This peaceful spot has mesmerised visitors for generations and is ideal for nature lovers.

Tip: Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail can be uneven and slippery, especially after rainfall.

Walk to Callander Crags

For panoramic views of the town and beyond, take a hike up to Callander Crags. The trail starts near the town centre and leads through woodland to a viewpoint that offers breathtaking vistas over Callander, the River Teith, and the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see as far as Stirling and the Forth Estuary. This moderately challenging walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip.

Enjoy Angling on the River Teith

Callander is well known for its excellent angling opportunities, especially for salmon fishing. The fishing season kicks off on 1st February each year with a special opening ceremony featuring a pipe band procession from Ancaster Square to Callander Meadows, where anglers try to catch the season's first salmon. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, the River Teith is an excellent spot to cast your line.

Explore Loch Katrine

Just a short drive from Callander, Loch Katrine offers a range of activities and stunning views. You can take a scenic cruise on the iconic Sir Walter Scott Steamship, which has recently reopened after repairs, or hire a bike to cycle along the lochside path. Stay overnight in eco-lodges, enjoy the café and gift shop at the pier, or learn about the loch’s rich history and connection to Rob Roy and Sir Walter Scott.

Visit the Trossachs Osprey Hide

Nature lovers should visit the Trossachs Osprey Hide. Located near Loch Venachar, this hide provides a unique opportunity to observe ospreys in their natural habitat during the breeding season. With knowledgeable volunteers on hand to offer insights into these magnificent birds, the hide is a great place to learn about local wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding forest.

Follow the Trossachs Trail

For a scenic drive through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, follow the Trossachs Trail. This 40-mile circular route takes you through charming villages, past sparkling lochs, and along forested hillsides. Highlights along the trail include Loch Venachar, Loch Achray, and the picturesque village of Brig o’ Turk. Callander is an excellent starting point for exploring this scenic route.

Outdoor Activities

Climb Ben Ledi

For those seeking a more challenging outdoor adventure, climbing Ben Ledi is a must. This prominent hill, standing at 879 metres, offers magnificent views over Loch Lubnaig and the surrounding area. The well-marked path begins just outside Callander and takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. It’s a rewarding hike, but proper hiking gear is essential, as the weather can change quickly at higher elevations.

Visit the Falls of Leny

Another nearby natural attraction is the Falls of Leny on the River Garbh Uisge. A short riverside walk takes you to the falls, which are particularly impressive after heavy rain. This peaceful area is perfect for a gentle stroll or a picnic by the water.

History of Callander

Callander’s history dates back to ancient times when it served as a key settlement for the Roman army. The Romans established several forts and signal stations in the region, laying along important military routes. Evidence of Roman fortifications can still be found in the surrounding area, highlighting the town’s early strategic importance.

In the 19th century, Callander began to evolve into a popular tourist destination, largely due to the growing interest in Scotland’s natural beauty and romantic landscapes. The publication of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake in 1810 brought widespread attention to the Trossachs, and tourists from across Britain flocked to explore what became known as the Trossachs Tour. Wealthy Victorians, eager to see the iconic lochs, forests, and mountains, made Callander a key stop on their travels. At the time, visitors arrived by horse-drawn carriages, and Callander’s inns and hotels thrived on this early wave of tourism.

Arrival of the Railway

The arrival of the railway in 1858 transformed Callander from a small, picturesque village into a bustling tourist hub. The Callander and Oban Railway linked the town directly to major cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it far easier for tourists to reach the Trossachs. The railway directly connected to Oban, one of Scotland’s key coastal ports, opening up new travel routes for locals and visitors.

The railway's presence significantly boosted the local economy, as new hotels, shops, and services were established to cater to the influx of tourists. Callander became known as the “gateway to the Highlands,” offering visitors easy access to nearby attractions such as Loch Katrine, Loch Lubnaig, and Ben Ledi. The railway’s scenic route, passing through stunning Highland landscapes, was a major draw for tourists, many of whom came specifically to experience the region's beauty by train.

Departure of the Railway

Despite its success, the railway line was eventually closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts, a nationwide reduction of railway services deemed unprofitable. The loss of the railway was a significant blow to Callander, as it reduced the town’s accessibility and led to a temporary decline in tourism. Many local businesses that had relied on the steady flow of visitors struggled during this period.

However, the old railway line has since found new life as a network of walking and cycling paths, which remain popular with visitors today. The Callander to Oban railway route has become a key attraction for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic trails that allow visitors to retrace the historic route through the Trossachs. The railway’s legacy continues to shape Callander’s identity as a top destination for nature lovers and history buffs.

Callander in Popular Culture

In the 1990s, Callander gained renewed fame as the filming location for the popular TV series Doctor Findlay’s Casebook, set in the 1940s. The show highlighted the town’s charming streets and traditional buildings, attracting a new generation of visitors eager to see the picturesque backdrop in person. Today, Callander retains much of its historic charm, blending its rich past with modern tourism, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Scotland’s history and culture.

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Events in Callander

Callander hosts various events throughout the year, making it a lively visitor destination.

• Trossachs Beer Festival: An annual festival showcasing local beers, ciders, live music, and food stalls.

• Callander Jazz and Blues Festival: One of Scotland's largest rural music festivals, featuring top jazz and blues performers.

• Fishing Season Opening Ceremony: Held on 1st February each year, this traditional event marks the start of the salmon fishing season on the River Teith.

Where to Eat and Drink

Callander offers a great selection of cafes, restaurants, and traditional pubs. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, there’s something for everyone.

• The Old Bank Café: Known for its cosy atmosphere and homemade cakes.

• The Riverside Inn: A popular spot offering local dishes and a great selection of drinks.

• Mhor Bread: A bakery and café serving fresh bread, sandwiches, and excellent coffee.

• The Waverley Hotel: Offers a range of traditional Scottish meals in a welcoming setting.

Accommodation in Callander

Callander has various accommodation options, including B&Bs, hotels, and self-catering lodges.

• Roman Camp Hotel: A luxurious country house hotel set in beautiful grounds.

• Callander Hostel: A budget-friendly option with modern facilities.

• Forest Holidays – Strathyre: Located just outside Callander, these woodland cabins offer a peaceful retreat with hot tubs and stunning views.

Celebrating Park People

A decade ago we produced a series of short films for Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, celebrating Park People and their stories. Here is one of those films, set in Callander, including Bracklinn Falls.

Cycling in Callander

Callander is surrounded by an extensive network of walking and cycling trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Many trails follow the route of the old Callander to Oban railway, offering easy and scenic routes suitable for families. For a longer adventure, the cycle route from Aberfoyle to Callander is a fantastic option, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views.

The Lochs and Glens Way is the National Number 7 Cycle Path from Glasgow to Inverness. The route goes through Callander, with a beautiful section to Aberfoyle, passing Lochs Venachar, Drunkie and Achray. In the opposite direction, the trail runs alongside Loch Lubnaig to Strathyre, a pretty flat and easy cycle until the last mile or two (before Strathyre). Read more about the route here.

Callander Visitor Information

We have worked with the local community to create an online guide to Callander, a resource for the local Visitor Information Centre. That website deliberately contains the answers to visitors' most frequently asked questions.

The Visitor Information Centre website, and the Trossachs Trail website (another project we have worked on), are excellent resources. They offer places to explore, things to do, and an accommodation directory. You will also find lots of information on this website to help you plan your next trip to Callander.

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Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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