Email
Dalgair House Hotel enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around
Callander
Dalgair
House Hotel in Callander is a small and comfortable family run hotel attractively
& centrally situated in Perthshire’s main tourist resort of
Callander in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
The Dalgair has earned an enviable reputation for friendly atmosphere and superb cuisine. Weddings can be catered for in our spacious restaurant. This Callander Hotels Open All Year Round.
Dalgair House Hotel Accommodation
All 8 rooms are comfortably and attractively furnished, they are fully en-suite with Bath & Shower, Colour Television, Direct Dial Telephone, Tea & Coffee Hospitality Tray, Hair Drier & Trouser Press.
Please check in at either the Restaurant or the Dalgair Bar. Unfortunately the building does not allow for a dedicated reception.
We do have weekend entertainment and the 2 rooms to the rear of the property can be subject to noise nuisance on a friday or saturday night. Please ask for a room at the front of the hotel if available if you require an early nights sleep.
Bar
The bar is open until midnight weekdays and 1am at the weekends. We have
the largest selection of keg beers in the area and the best value prices
in the town.
Meals
Meals are served all day from 12 to 9pm. The restaurant is open 12 - 3
and 5 - 9pm in the summer months and in the evenings only during the winter.
We have an all day menu with a wide selection of great value dishes.
We have a private car park to the rear of the building accessed via Craigard Road, the road parallel to the main street behind the hotel.
Perhaps the centrepiece at Dalgair House - with its original artwork and its spice island style decor, is a Restaurant in Callander with a difference - not to be missed.
The menu includes both homemade Scottish fare and African / Asian specialities. Much frequented by locals and visitors alike, The Back Bar here in Callander has the typical warm and relaxing atmosphere of a welcoming Highland hostelry, with a large selection of draught and bottled beers, wine and fine malt whiskies. Play a game of pool, or enjoy a meal from the tasty Bar Menu.
Sky sports, largest range of draught beers/lagers in the area. We stock the following: Strong bow, Tennents, Guiness, Younger's Best, Best John Smiths, Fosters, Kronenburgh, Tartan Special. Also quality live music every Friday Night from 9.30pm and Herbie Hoggs world famous karaoke every Saturday nigh. Live music; Free entrance to all.
Activities and Attractions
Dalgair House Hotel has created a number of activity packs
to help you make the most of your stay - whatever the weather.
The areas around Dalgair House Hotel are renowned throughout Scotland for their castles and the history they belong to. This activity pack is designed to take you on a trip to three of the more hidden castles in the area, all within a short driving distance of the hotel.
You can cover all 3 in a day or you can choose the ones you most want to see. Whatever ones you choose you are guaranteed to learn some incredible facts about Scotland and its past; the murder of kings, victorious battles, sieges and destruction, of legendary figures such as Cromwell and Bruce.
The three castles are:
· Doune Castle 7 miles, 15 minutes
· Castle Campbell 25 miles, 45 minutes
· Drummond Castle 25 miles, 45 minutes
This pack contains details on each castle to offer some background to allow you to choose which castles you want to visit and in which order.
Doune Castle
If at first sight of Doune Castle you have a feeling of déjà
vu then don’t worry. The castle featured to great effect in the
cult comic classic Monty Python & the Holy Grail film in the 1970.
when some strange French soldiers taunted King Arthur from its ramparts.
Today Doune Castle is a place of pilgrimage for Monty Python fans from
all over the world who come to see the place where the film was made.
Now for something completely different. On a more historical note the fortress of Doune Castle was built in the late 14thC by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, who effectively ruled Scotland during the reign of Robert III and while James I was imprisoned in England.
In 1420 governorship of the kingdom passed to Murdoch, Robert Stewart's son. However when James I returned from exile in 1424 Murdoch was executed by the returning monarch and Doune Castle then became a royal retreat and hunting lodge and remained as such for over 100 years.
The castle has featured in a number of historic dramas throughout its history. Mary Queen of Scots used the castle and forces loyal to her held the castle until 1570. It was occupied by Montrose in 1646 during the Civil War and by government forces in 1689.
During the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 despite the appearance locally of a Jacobite army under the Earl of Mar who fought an inconclusive battle against the government forces at nearby Sherrifmuir Hanoverian forces held Doune. However, in the 1745 uprising it fell to the Jacobites of Bonnie Prince Charlie and used as a prison.
Doune castle is a fascinating place to visit. Unlike the polished feel of the great castles such as Stirling or Edinburgh Doune still gives a sense of a real medieval military keep. Visitors get a real sense of a living, working castle with its labyrinth of rooms, interconnecting passageways and staircases. The visit to Doune takes around an hour but there are some lovely walks at the edge of the river if you wish to make the most of the views of the castle on from the river bank.
Things to See Around Doune Castle
If you enjoy Doune Castle and are still looking for more to do
in the area then there are other places of beauty and interest to see:
. Dunblane Cathedral: five minutes drive east from Doune is Dunblane Cathedral, one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Scotland. Dunblane Cathedral, built upon a Christian site first established by Saint Blane around the year 600, is one of the few surviving medieval churches in Scotland. It is set on a hill above the River Allan where there are a number of interesting walks.
. Lake of Menteith: The Lake of Menteith is the only Lake in Scotland. There are many plausible explanations for this oddity, but the most likely seems to stem from the visit of a Dutch cartographer commissioned to make maps of Scotland and who, in the middle of the last century, apparently asked the name of the place.
He was told that this was the "Laigh" of Menteith. In truth this meant the area, not the loch itself. Laigh is Scots word for low-lying ground and the cartographer seemingly misinterpreted his information and thereafter called what had at one time been named the Loch of Inchmahome, the Lake of Menteith.
Visitors can visit by boat the beautifully situated Inchmahone Priory founded in 1238 with much of the building surviving. The five-year-old Mary Queen of Scots was sent here for safety following the battle of Pinkie in 1547. The scenery is breathtaking and in the winter the lake often freezes over and hosts the Bonne Speil Grand Curling match.
. Sherrifmuir: a short 5 minute drive from Dunblane takes visitors up into the hills of Sherrifmuir, site of the famous battle in 1715 where the Jacobite army under the Earl of Mar, in true Scottish tradition, managed to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory against the Hanoverian army. Despite being so close to Dunblane Sherrifmuir is a wilderness and within minutes you are alone in the midst of stunning scenery full of wildlife.
There are also a range of great walks which offer marvellous views of the Forth valley all the way to Edinburgh and the Forth Bridges.
. Places to Eat & Drink in Doune: there are a number of small hotels and bars where food is served. In Dunblane the intimate Tappit Hen pub beside the Cathedral is famous for its choice of beer and whisky and is an excellent place to spend an hour reading the paper over a pint or admiring the Cathedral through the window.
In nearby Bridge of Allan there is the famous Allan Water café reputed to serve the best fish and chips in Scotland. The Clive Ramsay deli in Bridge of Allan also attracts visitors who prefer a more continental feel to their meals. Bridge of Allan also has a range of Italian, Thai and Indian restaurants.
At the Lake of Menteith the hotel offers very good food and views that are worth the money on their own. After a meal it is a place you have to drag yourself away from, promising to come back soon. The Bouzy Rouge at the top of Sheriffmuir offers great food in a very traditional, relaxed style and many locals make the weekend 30-40 minute walk from Dunblane to the pub for lunch.
Drummond Castle (open May to end of October)
Drummond Castle does not perhaps sit comfortably in the company of Stirling,
Doune and Campbell castles as it is renowned less for the actual castle
itself but more for its breathtaking gardens.
Drummond Castle is arguably the best kept secret in the area, for as the picture demonstrates Drummond boasts a magnificent garden hidden amongst the rolling hills of Perthshire. The castle featured in the film ‘Rob Roy’. Also it is a bit of a misnomer to say Drummond Castle when in fact there are two castles; one from 1491 and a later baronial mansion added in the 19th century.
The original owner of the castle Sir Malcolm Drummond fought by Robert the Bruce's side at Bannockburn in 1314 and was granted lands in Strathearn. The castle was built there in 1491 by Sir John Drummond. His daughter was the lover of James IV; it is rumoured that they even married and had a daughter.
In order to form an alliance with England, Scotland's nobles wanted James IV to marry Margaret Tudor, the sister of the English king Henry VII. Margaret Drummond was in the way of this plan and along with her two sisters was murdered with poisoned fruit. Both she and her sister are buried in Dunblane Cathedral.
The Gardens
In 1605, King James VI (now king of England as well as Scotland), promoted
the 4th Lord Drummond to be the first Earl of Perth. The Castle is most
famous for it's magnificent Italianate parterre gardens, one of the finest
formal gardens in Europe. It was the first Earl who is credited with transforming
the gardens and castle in the 1630s.
The architect, John Mylne III was King Charles I's master mason. Originally laid out in 1630 by John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth and Italianised and embellished with a number of fine statues in 1830. A special feature is the unique 17th century Sundial that has around 50 faces and tells the time in many of Europe's capitals.
The castle and gardens are reached via long tree lined avenue that stretches for over a mile. There are greenhouses, herb gardens and a number of beautiful walks to be had within and outside the gardens.
Things to See Around Drummond Castle
If you enjoy Drummond Castle and are still looking for more to
do in the area then there are other places of beauty and interest to see
. Muthill: five minutes drive south from Drummond Castle is Muthill which has a medieval church tower situated in the centre of the town beside the ancient church
· Comrie: nearby (15 minutes drive) is Comrie a lovely Perthshire town at the heart of scenic western Strathearn and where the Scottish Highlands truly begin. Situated at the meeting of Glens Lednock and Artney within Strathearn there are a number of beautiful walks in the area. Visitors can try their hand at trout fishing at the Drummond Trout Farm & Fishery or watch the fish on the underwater camera.
· Crieff: a short 5 minute drive from Drummond takes visitors up into Crieff, the second largest town in Perthshire. The are boasts two distilleries that can be visited, Glen Turret and also the Famous Grouse Experience just on the outside of the town. At any time of year but particularly in the Autumn a drive or walk through the Sma’ Glen to the north of the town is unforgettable.
. Places to Eat & Drink in Muthill, Crieff and Comrie: there are a number of small hotels and bars where a range of food is served. There are also a wide range of friendly pubs with a good choice of beer and whiskies.
For those with deluxe tastes Drummond Castle is not far from the world famous Gleneagles Hotel where visitors can enjoy afternoon tea or, if you really want to treat yourself you can have lunch or dinner at Andrew Fairley’s five star restaurant. Alternatively a fine lunch with excellent views can be enjoyed in the 19th century splendour of Crieff Hydro.
Castle Campbell
Once you see the approach to Castle Campbell you may think it belongs
more to Lord of the Rings or Indiana Jones than to a Scottish fortress.
To reach the castle you have to walk almost a mile up through Dollar Glen
with its high sides, crashing waterfalls and thin bridges to reach the
plateau where the castle is kept. For the less adventurous there is a
road that can be walked or driven.
Even in its history Castle Campbell seemed to emerge from a dark gothic
past. Originally called Castle Gloom it has the Burn of Care on one side
and the Burn of Sorrow on the other. Some argue that the local town Dollar,
was originally called Doleur, meaning sadness. Despite this romantically
dark image the castle and its setting amongst the rolling Ochil Hill is
breathtakingly beautiful and is a visit that sums up Scotland for many
visitors.
Castle Campbell is a wildly romantic place, steeped in history. It offers both an interesting visit and a beautiful walk through the Glen. It is a hidden treasure of the Forth Valley area and visitors always feel they have discovered the castle, not just visited it.
Things to See Around Castle Campbell
If you enjoy Castle Campbell and are still looking for more to
do in the area then there are other places of beauty and interest to see:
. The Glens: along the hill foots drive that runs alongside the Ochil hills there are a number of Glens to walk. Menstrie, Alva and Tillicoultry all have their own glens that have signposted walks up into the hills. These walks are accessible to all levels of walkers and offer stunning views of the carse. (valley)
. Wallace Monument: This is the centre of Braveheart country. The Wallace Monument is a landmark that can be seen for miles across the carse and is of great emotional significance to all Scots. The statue of Wallace at the top looks out over the site of his most famous victory at Stirling Bridge, just underneath the castle.
The monument to Scotland’s best known warrior can be reached either by a two-minute bus ride or on foot (10-15 minutes) up the steep craig to the monument. The views are spectacular as are the exhibitions inside. Don’t miss it.
. University of Stirling: as the road head along the hill foots back into Stirling Stirling University nestles underneath the Wallace Monument. Set in beautiful parkland the University offers a range of excellent walks and the lochs in the centre are wildlife sanctuaries. On campus there is Airthrey castle, a baronial castle of the 19th century.
There is a 9-hole golf course open to visitors in the summer and a challenging putting green. The Gannochy sport centre boasts an Olympic sized pool as well as all other sports facilities. Within the university is the excellent MacRobert Theatre which has two cinemas and a theatre and there is a range of events available every night of the week.
There are bars and cafes around the theatre for visitors and students.
. Places to Eat & Drink: Dollar is a picturesque town with a number of good hotels and bars. For those who like to eat and shop the retail centre in Tillicoultry has the Butterfly Inn where lunch or afternoon tea can be had before or after a venture through the shops.
The Sterling furniture centre is a magnet for shoppers across the centre of Scotland. About 5 minutes walk down the hill from the Wallace Monument is Corrieri’s café renowned for its café style Italian food and excellent fish and chips. It is usually very busy but it is a great places for a relaxing meal, especially if you have kids. Just beside the Wallace Monument is the Sword hotel with good food and drinks.
Visit stirling
There are many who argue that Stirling Castle outdoes all others, including
Edinburgh, in terms of location, grandeur and history. Situated high on
a volcanic rock, it dominates the carse of Stirling for miles in all directions.
Generals and kings throughout Scottish history argued that to hold Stirling Castle was to hold Scotland, such was the significance of its strategic position in the centre of the country. It also overlooks the lowest fordable point of the river Forth, a fact not lost on William Wallace who chose the point to spring his attack on the English forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
The first records of a fortification at Stirling is in the early 12th century when Alexander I ordered the dedication of the castle chapel. Alexander died at Stirling castle in 1124. Since that time it has been fought over by Bonnie Prince Charlie, Cromwell, Edward Longshanks, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. It has witnessed births of kings, murders of court favourites, defeats, victories, glory and destruction.
Dark Mists of Time
The Romans past Stirling in the early incursions into Scotland and it
is believed that given the position of the castle the site would have
been fortified from these times.
There are some who argue that the legend of Camelot is based on a castle here during King Arthur's conquest of parts of Scotland in the 6th Century The legend extends to the Kings Knot, the strangely shaped park below the castle where some claim the raised mound in the centre was originally the base of King Arthur's round table.
Bloody History
For hundreds of years Stirling Castle was the epicentre of the wars of
Independence, the Civil War and the Jacobite Uprisings. As such a strategic
point it is perhaps not surprising that Stirling Castle has been attacked
or besieged at least 16 times.
It is said that on a clear day six major battlefields can be seen from the ramparts of Stirling Castle. From the Wars of Independence there was a major victory for the Scots at Stirling Bridge, just below the Castle. Wallace was defeated by Edward I at the Battle of Falkirk 12 miles to the south of Stirling. At Bannockburn Robert Bruce finally achieved independence for Scotland by smashing the army of Edward II.
At the Battle of Sauchieburn (1488), 7 miles to the east of Stirling, King James III of Scotland was defeated by an army led by his son, the future James IV. Wounded James was led from the battlefield and asked for a priest. On arrival the priest started to hear the King’s confession then produced a dagger and killed him.
James IV confessed to his part in his father's death and is reputed to have worn an iron chain around his waist for the rest of his life, as penance and proof of remorse.
A number of Scottish Kings and Queens have been baptized, or crowned, or died within or near Stirling Castle. At least one King was murdered nearby: while another committed murder within its walls.
Cycling
The landscape around Callander is famous throughout Scotland
and beyond for the its dramatic scenery and for the quality of its cycling.
The area also offers a wide range of cycle tracks and roads suitable for
all levels of cyclist, all levels of fitness and all types of bikes.
Whatever cycling activity you choose you can be sure of spectacular views and great cycling country.
This pack contains details on some of the cycling on offer in the area and some background to allow you to choose which activity you want to undertake. More details are available at the bike shops in Callander or from the local tourist office.
We at the Dalgair House Hotel can organise everything you need for either a day out or for a longer cycling holiday: bikes, equipment, maps, guides, packed lunches and transport.
Bikes can be hired on an hourly or daily basis from the following outlets
in Callander:
Wheels Cycling Centre
Backpacker's Hostel
Invertrossachs Road
Callander
Mounter Bikes
Ancaster Square Lane
At the back of this pack are a series of questions about some of the things you may see or visit whilst on your bike. By answering these questions correctly and returning it to reception at the Dalgair you can win a prize! Ask the hotel staff for more details.
Walking
The dramatic landscape around Callander is ideal for walking. The area
also offers a wide range of walks suitable for all levels of fitness,
ages and interest. Whatever walks you choose you can be sure of spectacular
views and interesting flora and fauna. The Callander area is also steeped
in history.
The town was once on the front line of the Roman occupation of Britain, and the remains of a Roman camp can be seen to the south of Callander. Rob Roy McGregor trod the paths around this area and is buried in the kirkyard at nearby Balqhuidder.
This pack contains details on some of the walks on offer in the area and some background to allow you to choose which activity you want to undertake. More details are available from the staff at the hotel or from the local tourist office.
At the back of this pack are a series of questions about some of the things you may see or visit whilst out walking. By answering these questions correctly and returning it to reception at the Dalgair you can win a prize! Ask the hotel staff for more details.
Easy Walks
These are a selection of walks in and around Callander and are easy to
moderate.
Water Sports
The area around Callander famous for it lochs and rivers: fact
within about 15 miles of Callander there are 11 lochs
and 5 main rivers, all of which offer some kind of water
sport. Some of the better known are Loch Venachar; Loch Achray; River
Teith; River Earn; and Loch Lubnaig, but there are many more lochs and
lochans hidden in the glens and hills.
Having such a wealth of lochs and rivers allows visitors to maximize their enjoyment of water –based sports such as sailing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
The rivers rising in this region flow both east and west, to the rivers Tay, Forth and Clyde as the watersheds in the region shed their water in three directions. The rivers have different natures and offer everything from slow deep peaceful stretches to rapids that test the most advanced canoe or white water rafting enthusiast.
The Lochs can be small and interesting, or large and exposed. Some have hosts of small islands to explore - some even have the remains of ancient dwellings or strongholds on crannogs.
DIRECTIONS
Getting there from the Information Centre:
Turn left up Main Street, Hotel is on left hand side approximately 200
yards.
Getting There by Railway:
From Stirling train or bus station, take A84 to Callander. Opposite Co-op
supermarket in town centre.
Getting there by Aeroplane:
From Edinburgh airport take A9 and then A84 to Callender and Crainlarich.
We are opposite the Co-op supermarket in town centre.
Email
Dalgair House Hotel enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
