If you enjoy a peddle, there’s endless scope around Bridge of Allan. The quieter back roads of the Carse of Stirling offer a popular excursion. If you don’t mind hills, cycling up above the town, past the golf course, leads to magnificent views. You can also follow the old Glen Road, now closed to traffic, onwards to Dunblane or upwards to the Sherrifmuir Inn and back round to Bridge of Allan for a circular route.
Fishing
There is good fishing to be enjoyed on the Rivers Allan, Forth, Teith, Carron and Devon. Other popular fisheries include the Cocksburn Reservoir, near Bridge of Allan, Gartmorn Dam, in Alloa, North Third Reservoir, by Stirling, Glenquey Resevoir, by Muckhart, the Carron Valley Reservoir, near Fintry and the highly popular Lake of Menteith. Trout season is 15th March to 6th October, Salmon 1st February to 31st October (Mondays to Saturdays).
Further information, permits & prices:
- Carron Valley
- Cocksburn – County Pursuits, 46 Henderson St, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4HS / 01786 834495
- Gartmorn
- Glenquey
- Lake of Menteith
- North Third
- Stirling Council
Golf
For parkland courses with magnificent views it’s hard to beat the Bridge of Allan area. Bridge of Allan Golf Club offers a nicely maintained nine-hole course, enjoying a superb setting and with a comfortable and friendly club house. Nearby Stirling, Dunblane and Callander provide impressive 18-hole courses. There is a string of interesting courses in Clackmannanshire, looking on to the picturesque Ochils Hills or why not try the unique challenges of Highland golf at Aberfoyle or Killin? There are also world famous courses within driving distance, at Gleneagles – venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup – Loch Lomond and, of course, St. Andrews – the venerated home of golf.
Information & green fees for courses:
- Aberfoyle
- Alloa
- Alva
- Auchterarder
- Braehead
- Bridge of Allan
- Buchanan Castle
- Callander
- Crieff
- Dollar
- Dunblane
- Glenbervie
- Gleneagles
- Killin
- Loch Lomond
- Muckhart
- St. Andrews
- Stirling
- Strathendrick
- Westerwood
Indoor Sports
For modern indoor sports facilities look no further than The Peak. The sports hall can be hire for basketball, netball, hockey, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics, trampolining, boccia and cricket. There’s also a well-kitted exercise gym, fitness and dance studio, 11 meter climbing wall, outdoor pitches and swimming pool. It ‘s all at The Peak!
Stirling Sports Village, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
01786 273555
Information, opening times & prices >
Swimming
Take the kids for a splash or keep yourself fit with some laps. There are modern swimming pools (and other sports facilities) within 20 minutes of Bridge of Allan at The Peak, in Stirling, the Leisure Bowl, in Alloa and McLaren Leisure Centre, in Callander.
Information, opening times and prices >
Walks
Many of us enjoy a good walk and there are endless routes to choose from in and around Bridge of Allan. From an amble round the town to tackling mountainous peaks, there really is something for everyone.
Some Popular Local Paths
The Darn Walk – Woodland trail, sometimes muddy, from Bridge of Allan to Dunblane (Rough paths; 3 miles)
Mine Woods – Explore numerous paths among the woods overlooking Bridge of Allan (Woodland paths; various short distances)
The Back Walk – Enjoy a historic trail around the Old Town Wall and Castle Rock, in Stirling (Good paths; 1 mile)
Dunblane Riverside – From the historic cathedral, follow easy paths alongside the Allan Water (Good paths; various short distances)
Doune Ponds – Glimpse a myriad of birdlife from these short nature trails, cared for by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Access from Moray Street, Doune. (Good paths; various short distances)
Gartmorn Dam – Follow a circular route around this wildlife-friendly reservoir, enjoying superb views to the picturesque Ochil Hills. Access from Sauchie, by Alloa. (Mixed paths; 3 miles)
Hill Walking
Dumyat – Spectacular viewpoint, overlooking Bridge of Allan, at the western end of the Ochil Hills. Access from Sherrifmuir Road (near Cocksburn Reservoir) or from Blairlogie. (Rough hill paths; allow 2 – 3 hours)
Conic Hill – Enjoy magnificent panoramas across the islands of Loch Lomond. Access from main car park in Balmaha. (Rough hill paths; allow 2 – 3 hours)
Ben Cleuch – Highest point of the Ochils. Access from Tillcoultry or Alva Glen. (Rough hill paths and open hillside; allow 3 – 4 hours)
Ben Ledi – ‘The Mountain of God’ towers almost 3,000 feet above Callander, with fabulous views in all directions. Access from car park off A84, 4 miles north of Callander. (Rough hill paths; allow 3 – 4 hours)
Ben Venue – A craggy peak with a distinctly mountainous character, overlooking lovely Loch Katrine. Access from Loch Achray car park (Forestry Commission) or Kinlochard. (Rough hill paths; allow 3 – 4 hours).
Ben Lomond – Scotland’s most southerly ‘Munro’ (mountain over 3,000 feet high). Woodland then open hill, with ever more breathtaking views over Loch Lomond and beyond. Access from Rowardennan. (Rough hill path; allow 4 – 5 hours.)
Hill walking can be hazardous. Go properly equipped, including stout boots, waterproofs, spare warm clothes, food and drink. You should also have a map and compass with you and know how to use them.
