Callander, Scotland

 Callander is a bustling tourist town situated on the River Teith, near Stirling, and is often described as the 'Gateway to the Highlands'. The pretty town of Callander lies South of the Highland Boundary Fault which is historically a meeting point between the Highlands and the Lowlands. The town is a popular holiday destination for tourists exploring the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park or stopping off en route to the Highlands. 

The beautiful town is packed with tearooms and souvenir shops, the ideal holiday destination for the whole family. There are also a number of walks in the area which are popular with tourists and locals alike. Some examples of these are the Bracklinn Falls and the River Keltie which have mesmerised people for generations, as well as the cycle tracks which follow the old Callander to Oban railway.

Orkney Islands & Balfour Castle, Scotland

"Scotland really is a spectacular country with so much history"

Susan Eisenhower

 So far, my blog posts have been about places I have visited personally, however today's post is taking a slightly different angle by exploring the beauty of the Orkney Islands. I am yet to experience this island but hope to this summer. 

One of the prime attractions of Orkney is the rich archaeological heritage. The beautiful beaches, greenery, cliffs and wildlife are equally important too. The Orkney Islands lie just north of Mainland Scotland and is made up of around 70 islands, 18 of which are inhabited by about 21,000 people.

For visitors coming to the Orkney Islands, there are a wealth of visitor attractions ranging from archaeological sites, local museums, the Highland Park Distillery and St Magnus Cathedral.  

Travelling to Orkney is easier than you'd think, from Central Scotland there are flights, ferries, and coaches available weekly. 

Loch Lomond & The Cameron House Hotel

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. It is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area and contains many islands such as Inchmurrin, the largest freshwater island in the British Isles. There are so many activities to take part in at Loch Lomond, but my favourite is climbing Ben Lomond. 

Ben Lomond is a distinctive mountain situated on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The mountain is 974 metres (3,196 ft) and on a clear day it is visible from the higher grounds of Glasgow. Nearer the bottom of the mountain there are paths made by walkers in order to ease the initial walk up the mountain, then thereafter it can get difficult climbing but definitely worth the challenge! 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

The Cameron House Hotel

There really is no where better to stay in Loch Lomond than the Cameron House Hotel. Whether it be fine dining, loch cruises, championship standard golf, spa breaks or simply chilling out, Cameron House is the place for you. The hotel is known for its legendary hospitality, location and beautiful grounds. You certainly won't be disappointed!

The room tariffs per room per night are as followings all on a Bed & Breakfast basis:

Chambre Unique - £309

Classic Garden View Room - £279

Loch View Chambre Unique - £339

Junior Suite King Bed - £354

Contemporary Feature Room - £404

Luxury Loch View Whisky Suite - £669

Full hotel information can be found at http://www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/cameron-house/

Pitlochry & The Fonab Castle Hotel, Scotland

Pitlochry is a busy mountain resort set in spectacular scenery, ideally located for touring Highland Perth. Within easy reach of both Glasgow and Edinburgh, it is a popular holiday destination for the whole family. Pitlochry has been busy since the railways arrived in 1863, however these days tourists arrive to take in the most of the towns woolen mills and visit the famous Festival Theatre. The theatre have a range of plays on throughout the year to suit the whole family. Here are an example of just some coming to 2015:

'The Frank and Ella Show' - March

'The Wind in the Willows' - April

'A Little Night Music' - May

'Lady In The Van' - June

'Home & Beauty' - July

'Being Earnest' - August

'Pyrenees' - September

'Our Man In Havana' - October

'White Christmas' - November & December

"When staying in Pitlochry during the early part of the war, I chanced to see a stately house with a fairly large garden, quite close to the town. I at once realised that here my dream theatre might well be established in this fashionable resort right in the heart of Scotland"… John Stewart, Founder of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

 

Pitlochry's name comes from the Gaelic 'Pit Cloich Aire' which means 'place of the Sentinel Stone'. Visitors of any age will be intrigued by the Pictish carvings on the huge Dunfallandy stone, as well as partaking in mountain walks, white water rafting, the famous salmon ladder, or even a tour at one of the two local distilleries Edradour and Blair Athol, for adults only of course! 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

The Fonab Castle Hotel

When you do decide to visit the beautiful town of Pitlochry, you are going to need somewhere to stay! Why not live in luxury at the 5 star Fonab Castle Hotel.

The hotel newly opened in 2013 and has already established itself as one of the most magnificent and mind-blowing places to stay, definitely the premier hotel in Pitlochry. The castle is unique, luxurious and it is little wonder that guests have described their stay at the Castle as "faultless" and "a fairytale experience".

The range of rooms available at the hotel come at a variation of prices. You are best to book your stay as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the best price, and also to avoid disappointment. Room tariffs per room per night are as follows: 

Castle Room - £250 

Woodland Room - £250 

Castle Signature Room - £290

Woodland Suite - £290

Castle Penthouse - £470

More information on the hotel can be found at: http://fonabcastlehotel.com/