On the second day of our Scotland road trip, we started by exploring Stirling Castle Scotland, one of the country’s most famous landmarks, along with the Wallace Monument.
Afterwards, we continued north, stopping in the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry. In this guide, we’ll share our experiences and highlight the must-see attractions along the way.
Stirling Castle Scotland
Our first castle on our Scotland road trip was Stirling Castle, just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh. There was never a question of whether this visit would be worthwhile.
This castle is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and is deeply woven into legendary history. It connects the heroic deeds of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Wallace, famously portrayed in the movie “Braveheart,” defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Later, Robert the Bruce reclaimed the castle, and in his honor, a statue was erected in front of it.
The castle itself is definitely worth a visit, not only for its rich history but also for its breathtaking views. Stirling Castle stands majestically atop a volcanic rock, offering strategic views over central Scotland. This commanding position explains its crucial role in Scottish history and why it was often at the center of military conflicts.
Architecture of Stirling Castle
Most of Stirling Castle’s buildings date back to the period between 1496 and 1583, when the fortress underwent significant expansion. Its impressive architecture reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of that era. Among its most remarkable features are the Great Hall and the Royal Palace, which are considered some of the grandest rooms in the castle.
The Great Hall, once the center of royal celebrations, has been meticulously restored to reflect its appearance around the year 1500. The Royal Palace is renowned for its lavish Renaissance decorations and the famous “Stirling Heads”—intricately carved wooden ceiling medallions that once adorned its ceilings.
Castle Gardens
The castle gardens offer a refreshing contrast to the stone fortress walls, allowing you to immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site. The well-maintained grounds provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape, highlighting why the castle was once a favored residence of the Scottish monarchy.
Stirling Castle stands out with its dramatic history, remarkable architecture, and breathtaking location. A must-visit for anyone looking to explore Scotland’s rich heritage.
William Wallace Monument
From Stirling Castle, you can easily spot the Wallace Monument, which is only about 5 kilometers away. The tower stands on the 111-meter-high Abbey Craig, making it appear even more imposing. The monument itself is 67 meters tall and was built in honor of the Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace.
Our drive from Stirling Castle took just about 10 minutes. Right in front of the visitor café, “Legends at The Monument,” you’ll find plenty of parking spaces.
Tip: The café offers excellent cakes, scones, clotted cream, and other pastries.
From here, it’s about a 10-minute walk up to the summit of Abbey Craig, where the tower stands proudly.
Visiting the Wallace Monument
To visit the tower, you need an admission ticket, which can be purchased directly at the monument or online via the official website. With this ticket, you can climb the 246 steps of the spiral staircase to reach the top of the tower.
At the entrance, you are greeted by a life-sized statue of William Wallace. Inside, a museum provides insights into the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the lives of key figures in Scottish history.
On the first floor, you’ll find the William Wallace Talking Head, a 3D animation that brings the story of Wallace and the Battle of Stirling Bridge to life. This is also where Wallace’s legendary sword is displayed.
One floor up, the “Hall of Heroes” pays tribute to other notable Scottish figures, particularly from the 20th century. Another level higher, you’ll learn more about the monument’s history and discover the locations of other William Wallace memorials around the world.
The viewing platform, known as The Crown, is at the very top of the tower and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Stirling and Stirling Castle.
A visit to the William Wallace Monument is highly recommended if you’re already exploring Stirling Castle.
Pitlochry
After exploring Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument, our next stop was the charming town of Pitlochry. This Victorian-style town is ideally located on the route to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, making it a perfect place for a break on our journey.
As we entered the town, it was immediately clear that Pitlochry is a popular tourist destination. The main street is lined with numerous restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops, giving the town a lively atmosphere. However, what truly makes Pitlochry special is the breathtaking natural scenery that surrounds it.
Things to See Around Pitlochry
If you’re interested in Scottish culture and nature, a visit to the Blair Athol Distillery is highly recommended. One of Scotland’s oldest working whisky distilleries, it offers an insight into the craft of whisky-making, and you can sample the famous Blair Athol Single Malt.
Another highlight is Queen’s View, a well-known scenic viewpoint with spectacular views over Loch Tummel. This spot is perfect for a short family-friendly walk. Nearby, you’ll also find Ben Vrackie, a popular hiking mountain offering stunning panoramic vistas.
For nature lovers, a visit to Faskally Wood is also worth considering. This area is famous for its diverse flora and hosts the annual Enchanted Forest event, where the woodland is illuminated in a magical light display.
Pitlochry Dam
Since we had only planned a short stop, we parked our car in the town center near the Blair Athol Distillery and enjoyed a cappuccino there.
Afterward, we took a short walk along the River Tummel to the Pitlochry Dam. The dam serves as a hydroelectric power station and even has a visitor center. A footpath runs across the dam, doubling as a bridge over the river. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
One of the dam’s unique features is its fish ladder, which allows salmon to migrate upstream during their annual spawning season.
We really enjoyed this stop and the short walk. If your road trip passes through Pitlochry, we highly recommend taking a break here.
Scotland Road Trip: The Best Providers for Your Travel Bookings
Here are our top recommendations for booking your trip. We focus on booking platforms that offer fair prices, high quality, and excellent customer service.
Booking.com* is our top choice for accommodations and rental cars* thanks to its fast and flexible service, vast selection, and competitive prices.
Get Your Guide* is our go-to platform for high-quality tours and activities while traveling.
Viator* also offers a great selection of tours. If we can’t find what we’re looking for on Get Your Guide, Viator often has good alternatives.
Skyscanner* is our first choice when searching for affordable flights.
