Things to do
A visit to Dunblane is not complete without a walk along the sides of the beautiful river Allan which runs through the middle of the town. Paths can be accessed from the cathedral or either end of the bridge in the middle of the town centre.
Ardoch Roman Fort is an archaeological site just outside the village of Braco. There can be found the remains of a Roman fort and several marching camps which included a signal tower. Part of the Roman Gask Ridge, it is said to be one of the most complete Roman camps in Britain and one of the best-preserved series of Roman military earthworks in the whole Empire.
Central Scotland's only Red Kite feeding station. Watch these wonderful acrobatic birds from our purpose built hide as they swoop and wheel at feeding time. We are open daily with a Ranger-led visit to the hide at feeding time in the afternoon.
The Atlantic Wall is close to the Sheriffmuir Road and the former Sheriffmuir Inn. It was used to test weapons as preparation for the attack on the Atlantic Wall in Normandy.
Dunblane's Bishops' Palace & Well lies to the south of Dunblane Cathedral (1066), What remains is in poor structural condition. Grass covered barrel vaulted chambers can still be seen. Part of the Palace site is believed to extend under the Cathedral Hall. 
The Council's Local Office is based in the Burgh Chambers close to the Cathedral. Anyone having watched the Kenneth More version of The Thirty Nine Steps (1959) will remember the leap from the window of the local Sheriff's office. This was from an upstairs room at the Burgh Chambers.
David Stirling is known as the founder of the SAS. In 2002 a memorial statue was erected to him on the Hill of Row, near his family's estate at Park of Keir, Dunblane.
Deanston Distillery sits by the River Teith 10 minutes from Dunblane, close to Doune. Having been a cotton mill for 180 years, Deanston was transformed into a distillery in the 1960’s and has been distilling whisky using traditional methods ever since. Visit us and experience the sights, smells and sounds of a true working distillery and we will show you how we hand craft our great whisky which is sweet, fruity with a malty honeyed spiciness on the palate.
For many centuries the focal point of Dunblane has been its magnificent cathedral, which dates back in part to the 12th century and is one of Scotland's few surviving medieval churches. Viewed from the outside, the Cathedral is impressive, but its true beauty lies within.
Dunblane Library and the Church hall next door were formerly the Dunblane Institute and Church Hall. It was built on the vegetable garden of Balhaldie House and paid for by the Dunblane Reading Room and Amusement Association. Offered funds by Andrew Carnegie they turned this down and went it alone. The building is listed.
Dunblane Museum houses a collection of artefacts, paintings, prints and photographs about the Cathedral and Dunblane, and it has one of the largest collections of Communion tokens. The Museum is situated at The Cross in Dunblane, across the road from Dunblane Cathedral. 
This strange chapel like structure was built using the remains of building stones and arcitectural fatures left after the Red Comyn Inn was demolished. It looks like a real restored building but is really just the salvaged bits probably "borrowed" from older buildings around the town.
As most people will know, Dunblane has its very own Olympic gold medal winner - tennis player, Andy Murray. And we also have a gold post box. Andy won gold in the mens singles tennis in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016. If you want to grab a photo by the post box, it is situated at the roundabout on High Street close to the Cathedral.
Holmehill is a 13 acre greenspace in the centre of Dunblane. Situated to the east of the River Allan, and overlooking the cathedral, Holmehill is a prominent, attractive, and important landscape feature. Although now well wooded with mature trees, the origin of the name Holmehill – How Maol 'The Hollow of the Bare Hill’ - suggesting a time in history when it may have looked very different.
Right on Dunblane’s doorstep, and easily accessed by either the Darn Walk or the Glen Road, is the fantastic ‘wildwood’ of Kippenrait Glen. Much of this extensive woodland, which clothes the steep sided banks of the Wharry Burn, and the more level riverbanks of the Allan Water, is thought to have been continuously wooded since the last ice age. A huge variety of beautiful woodland plants can be found – many of them rare and special. The woods look lovely at all times of the year, but in spring the bluebells and carpets of delicate white wood anemones and pungent wild garlic are certainly a highlight. Because the woodland is so special and has such varied biodiversity, it has been designated as a site of European importance and our government has a duty to conserve it.
Laigh Hills Park is a large, fairly natural area easily accessed from the Cathedral and the centre of Dunblane. There is a play area at the south end of the Laigh Hills and this is the first part you come to. The play equipment at the site has recently been upgraded (2018) and includes a multi-unit climber, springies, twisted slide, dutch disc, helter skelter and swings. There is a sand play area with rope climber for young children.
The Leighton Library, the oldest purpose-built library in Scotland, was founded on the collection of Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane, 1661-1670, later Archbishop of Glasgow, 1670-1674. In his will, Leighton left a sum of money for the building of the library for use by the clergy of Dunblane diocese. The library is situated close by Dunblane Cathedral, part of which dates from 1240. The library was built in part from fallen stone from the nearby ruined Bishop's Palace.
Take a cruise on the historic steamship 'Sir Walter Scott', or the 'Lady of the Lake' to experience the beauty of Loch Katrine and the magnificent scenery. Listen to the tales of the loch and admire the ever changing Trossachs landscape throughout the varying seasons. Kids get a shot at being 'Captain', and receive their very own certificate signed by the 'Skipper'.
The Park was once common land for cattle grazing, and it was gifted to the people of Dunblane as a children's play area in 1942. Its name derives from Gaelic, meaning 'The Little Loch in the Field' which is an apt definition of Ochlochy Park. A popular pastime for the local children is feeding the families of ducks on the miniature loch. It is a pleasant place for a short walk with toddlers who will enjoy the streams, bridges and ponds. The pond itself in its present form was buit by Victorian engineers as a water reservoir for the railway. 
A 13th century chapel in Dunblane that lay hidden beneath mud and undergrowth for many years has been painstakingly restored. Its trappings and church items, from books of worship to communion vessels, had surrendered to time, the identity of the body buried beneath a table alter similarly lost. The chapel is open as a visitor attraction, place of contemplation and even marriage venue. It is situated within the grounds of Old Churches House. Entry is free.
At the corner of Bridgend and Stirling Road, just below the Bridgend sign is a horseshoe fixed to the wall. This was from Queen Victorias horse when she passed through Dunblane. Her horse threw a shoe and the local blacksmith reshod her horse. The horseshoe was fixed to the wall on honour of this event. It is still there with a plaque below.
Those interested in Scottish Jacobite history, may like to visit the scene of the battle of Sheriffmuir 1715. An obelisk monument to the Clan Macrae erected in 1915, stands on the battlefield. A short walk from the monument is the Gathering Stone - a block of grit, enclosed in an iron cage since 1840, where the standard of the Scottish clans is said to have been placed. If you carry on along the road you will arrive at the Sheriffmuir Inn, a child-friendly hotel which is a lovely spot for lunch or dinner.
Dunblane’s Green Travel Map - Updated April 2016
The Green Travel Map shows the local footpaths and quiet cycle routes around Dunblane and surrounding area. Printed copies are available from Dunblane Library and Museum. You can click on the image below to see a larger version or you can download the pdf versions using the links provided.
NEW! Cycle rides and walks available here from Wikiloc – DunblaneCycle
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Welcome to Dunblane Maps
These maps provides visitors with orientation on arrival and suggestions of places of interest to explore
The map below highlights the town centre and riverside gardens.
Dunblane Community Paths
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The Dunblane Community Paths leaflet was updated in 2013 by Dunblane Community Council. The leaflet gives details of 6 walks varying in length from 3 - 7 miles through open countryside and along the banks of the Allan Water. Copies of the leaflet may be obtained in the Library, Cathedral, Post Office and at various other locations in Dunblane - it may also be downloaded here and here. Please note that the Darn Walk was extensively damaged in August 2012 by flash floods. As a result, a new section of walk, leading past Milsey Bank House and coming out at Lecropt School, was added to get round the section of the Darn Walk that has been closed because a bridge was washed away. The new section of the route was added to the map and is shown in the leaflet. Leaflets are also available for walks in our neighbouring communities : Doune and Deanston and Bridge of Allan. |
Strathallan Community Rail Partnership
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A scenic and straightforward riverside walk linking Dunblane with the village of Ashfield. View Map A gently undulating walk along open countryside, woodland and riverside between Dunblane & Bridge of Allan. View Map |
Holmehill Green Walks
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The Holmehill Community Buyout website has a leaflet detailing some walks in Central Dunblane. Printed copies of the leaflet are available free from Dunblane Library, Dunblane Cathedral and Dunblane Museum or you can download Green Walks in Central Dunblane. |
Dunblane Heritage Walk
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Leaflet produced by Dunblane Local History Society available from Dunblane Museum. Also sometimes available during the year, a one-hour guided tour through 2,000 years of history led by members of the Dunblane Civic and History Societies. Contact the Museum for details or visit Explore Stirling - Dunblane Heritage Trail. |
Follow Robert Louis Stevenson
The new ‘Stevenson Way’ http://www.kidnapped130.com/route/ is a wilderness walk from Mull to South Queensferry, which passes through Dunblane. It follows the route made by young David Balfour in ‘Kidnapped’, just 6 years after the final defeat and punishments of the Jacobites.
Here are 2 easy walks and 2 cycle rides which follow part of the route and go to local places that inspired RLS. Wikiloc - DunblaneCycle link.
Follow the Battle of Sheriffmuir - 1715
A walk and a glorious cycle ride go from where the Jacobites and Government forces camped the frosty night before the battle, and where they fought or fled. The landcape helps to inform the story. DunblaneCycle link
Stirling University Campus
Stirling University's 300 acre campus situated at the foot of the Ochil hills has beautiful walks with views to the Wallace Monument and across the Forth Valley. A map is available here.
Stirling City Cycling
Stirling City Cycling Map produced by Stirling Council is available at various outlets. More info here. There is also useful information on cycling in the Stirling area at Forth Environmental Link - Cycle Stirling.
Stirling Active Travel Hub at Stirling station, provides information, maps, local rides, bike hire 01786 474160
SSRG bike rides
Cycle rides developed by the Stirlingshire Sustrans Rangers Group (SSRG) can be found here.
Cycle Hire
Cycles can be hired from the following places:
Stirling : Stirling Active Travel Hub at the station. Nextbike from locations around Stirling, Bridge of Allan and the University
Callander: Wheelology/Mounter Bikes Phone 01877 331052 or visit their website.
Wheels Cycling Centre, Callander Phone 01877 331100. Also ex-hire bikes can be bought. Also now provides FABB all ability bikes.
Loch Katrine Katrine Wheelz Phone 01877 376366
Comrie Croft (between Comrie and Crieff) Comrie Croft Bikes Phone 01764 670140
Cheap bikes can be bought from Recyke a bike in Stirling Recyke-a-bike
Cycle shops/repairs
Roots Cycles, Dunblane http://rootscycles.co.uk/ 07799 417582
Stirling cycles http://www.stirlingcycles.co.uk 01786 451559
Recyke a bike http://www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk 01786 447559
Wheels near Callander http://www.scottish-cycling.com 01877 331100
Velocity44, Stirling http://www.velocity44.com 01786 465292
Other Useful Links
OS Maps: Landranger 57 and Explorer 366
Harvey Maps, Main Street, Doune. Open weekdays. Useful walking map for Ochils, Rob Roy Trail, West Highland Way, Forth Valley and Trossachs Cycle Map, Strathearn Cycling Map and Stirling Touring Map
Rucksac Readers long distance trail goes through Dunblane. Also covers Rob Roy Way combined with Harveys Map.
Free online cycle journey planner:
Biking Expert Mileage Calculator
By Public Transport
This journey planner gives all travel options: Traveline Scotland website 0871 200 22 33 (24 hour)
By Rail
Dunblane is on the main railway line through Scotland and has regular direct services to Stirling (7 mins), Edinburgh (1hr), Glasgow (40mins), Gleneagles (15mins), Perth (30mins), Dundee (1 hour), Aberdeen and Inverness and via Stirling for Alloa. It is only 5hr 40mins from central London. Alternatively, the sleeper service enables a full 2 day relaxing weekend away. Cycles are carried free but usually need booking for long distance journeys.
The train is also convenient for local walking and cycling excursions to Bridge of Allan, Stirling, Alloa, many other stops between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and north to Gleneagles and Perth. The station booking office is manned Mon - Sat mornings only. Dunblane railway station is now fully accessible with lifts on the new footbridge.
National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50 National Rail website National Rail Enquiries Textphone (for customers with hearing impairments): 0845 60 50 600. You could also try Trainline.
The Strathallan Community Rail Partnership seeks to link the railway with the community.
Taxis
See our Taxis Webpage
By Bus
- Citylink M8: Glasgow-Stirling-Dunblane-Perth-Dundee: use bus stop on Perth Road by/opposite police station. Bikes are carried free provided they are in an approved box or bag and that there is sufficient space in the luggage hold. See the Scottish Citylink website for further details.
- Local Buses: link Dunblane with towns and villages off the railway network – including Crieff, Doune, Callander, Stirling University, the Hillfoots and Fife. Many don’t run on Sundays and/or are infrequent so need planning.
- The Trossachs: There are demand responsive taxis at bus prices which need to be booked 24hrs in advance. Stirling Council website - Demand Responsive Transport
- Within Dunblane: Local bus C48 does a circuit from Argyle and Whitecross estates to the town centre shops and health centre 3 or 4 times a day. Live bus times can be viewed on the station plaza information board. Local Bus timetables: Travel search website - bus list and Traveline Scotland.
By Road
Dunblane is just 6 miles north of Stirling at the end of the M9. Google Map
Airports
Three airports offer both domestic and international flights.
- Edinburgh : Edinburgh Airport is 8 miles west of Edinburgh on the Glasgow A8, 38 miles from Dunblane via M9. Trams and buses go between the airport and the city. The tram links with the train to/from Dunblane beside Edinburgh Park Station - buy your ticket at the tram machine.
- Glasgow : Glasgow Airport is 8 miles west of the city centre off the M8, junction 28, and 44 miles from Dunblane. There is a Shuttle bus (25 mins) to Glasgow Queen St station and then train (40 mins) to Dunblane. Airport taxis go to Glasgow City Centre.
- Prestwick : Prestwick International Airport is near Ayr and 67 miles from Dunblane. This airport offers free/ discounted train travel (50 min) to Glasgow Central station. From there it's a 6 min walk/free bus to Queen St station and then train (40 mins) to Dunblane.
By Cycle
Cycles are carried free on trains but usually need booking for long distance journeys. There is usually space for cycles on local off peak trains to extend day rides, and a folding bike provides the ultimate flexibility on buses too. Bikes are carried on Scottish Citylink services free of charge provided they are in an approved box or bag and that there is sufficient space in the luggage hold. See the Scottish Citylink website for further details.
Dunblane is an attractive day ride from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fife using canals, old railway lines and rural roads; links with NCN 76 Round the Forth and just 12 miles from Lochs and Glens NCN 7. Dunblane is now linked with Stirling via NCN765 through Glen Road SSSI and on to Doune.; then take the Deanston back road to Callander. The quiet rural roads to Perth and Crieff make Dunblane particularly well connected in all directions, and in lovely scenic cycling country.
See other clubs listed under Groups & Clubs
- A History of Dunblane's amazing Victorian sporting heritage
- Aerial Classes at the Dunblane Centre
- Dunblane Bowling Club
- Dunblane Buggy Walks
- Dunblane Centre
- Dunblane Cricket Club
- Dunblane Curling Club
- Dunblane Fencing Club
- Dunblane Netball Club
- Dunblane New Golf Club
- Dunblane Rambling Club
- Dunblane Soccer Club
- Dunblane Sports Club
- Loch Ard Sailing Club
- Step in with Susan - Nia Classes
- Swimming Lessons In Dunblane
- Taikwon-do in Braeport Centre
- Up the Mighty
