Paragliding
by zizkov
Based about 8 miles from Stirling, at Alva, and flying mainly in the Ochils, you will find the Extreme Paragliding Club and School. Courses may be booked, ranging from an introductory day up to Club Pilot licence.
I was a member and gained my Elementary Pilots licence (now lapsed, unfortunately).
The feeling of a successful flight, even a short one (which is all I ever managed) is great - just you, the canopy above, and the ground some distance below. At the beginners level (or any level, if done sensibly), I would not call it dangerous (if you follow the safety steps) - it just requires the will to run down that hill and take off.
So why have I lapsed, if it is so great? Partly cost, partly the weather (flying days depend on dry weather and suitable winds) and partly laziness - every flight down the hill means a walk back up (though you are landrovered up to base). Decent boots, food and water for a day on the hills, and a reasonable level of fitness.
Lake of Menteith
by stevezero
The Lake of Menteith is most known for the island of Incmahome with its abbey. But it is nice place to visit in its own right, being one of Scotland's most beautiful stretches of water. Although relatively small in size it makes up for it in scenic beauty being surrounded by hills.
About 18kms NW of Stirling
Loch Katrine
by zizkov
Loch Katrine is in the heart of The Trossachs, the Highlands in miniature about 20 miles from Stirling (via Callander).
Pictured is the Sir Walter Scott, which has pleasure sailings in the summer months, along the loch to Stronachlacher. It is the only surviving screw driven steamer in regular operation in Scotland.
Morning cruises last 1hr 45 mins and cost £7.25 adults/ £5.25 senior/U16; afternoon cruises last an hour and cost £6.25/£4.65 (2005 prices).
More info on the background of the ship here.
The private road which runs from Trossachs pier to Stronachlacher has almost no motorised traffic so is ideal for a stroll (15 minutes walk to get full views out along the Loch) or for cycling (about 12 miles to Stronachlacher - it's not flat though). Cycles are available for hire at the Trossachs Pier, from kids bikes up to suspension bikes. The also have the little kid tandem attachments, and a little electric cart for those who can't cycle.
Loch Katrine is also the main water supply for Glasgow. The works required to get the water to Glasgow were a marvel of Victorian engineering.
The second picture was taken late on a January afternoon, as the sun dipped behind the snow-dusted hills.
The third is an October afternoon, as the SS Sir Walter Scott waits to leave on the afternoon cruise.
There is a large pay car park (not always enough in summer), a shop, a cafe, and various information boards on the history/nature at the pierhead.
The University
by KennetRose
Stirling University is a creation of the 1960s and not a fashionable place to study - Scots students prefer the more venerable St Andrews, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
But few universities anywhere can enjoy such a beautiful campus!
Stirling Castle
by MalenaN
On top of the hill above Stirling there has been a castle/fortress for very long, but the buildings you can see today mostly dates from the 14th – 16th centuries. At that time the castle was a residence for Stuart monarchs.
At the entrance I paid 2 pounds for an audio guide, which was good to have. You will get good information off the different buildings and hear stories about the people who once lived there. There is a lot to see and it took me two hours to visit the castle. You can easily stay longer.
Entrance fee to the castle is 8.00 pounds. In that price the entrance for Argyll’s Lodging is included (as the palace of the castle is under renovation until 2008).
The castle is open every day of the week:
1 October – 24 March 9.30 – 17.00
25 March – 30 September 9.30 – 18.00
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Rooftop View
Stirling old town - in the rain
Stirling Castle (Scotland, U.K.)
Church of the Holy Rude (Stirling, Scotland, U.K.)
