Stirling is the area's main large town which was made a Royal Burgh in 1124. For centuries Stirling was dubbed the 'brooch of Scotland' the pivotal noble centre of the nation's history.

The Trossachs, along with Loch Lomond are the most famous part of Scotland in scenic terms. The Trossachs are located within easy reach of the Central Belt of Scotland and their hills and lochs are wild and grand.

It is a short journey from Stirling into the Highlands, marked by the peak of Ben Ledi, but before the visitor even reaches the mountains, there is plenty to see along the Highland line, and to the south notably around the Campsie Fells and Fintry Hills.

Loch Lomond in terms of its surface area is the largest loch in Scotland. It is linked to the sea by the River Leven, running down to the industrialised Vale of Leven.

West of Loch Lomond looms the Arrochar Alps. These five peaks form a half-circle to the north of the village of Arrochar. Ben Vorlich, Ben Ime, Ben Narnain and Ben Vane attract hill walkers on bagging Munros, though it's the fifth 'The Cobbler' (Ben Arthur) which is the best known at 2,891 ft. (881m).