If you're a Wallace fanatic like me and you enjoy history and especially Scotland's independence history, then go Stirling! The city itself doesn't have much to see but I recommend visiting the William Wallace Monument -- a tall tower in a very original style, where you can see a exposition of Wallace's life, his enormous sword, and audiovisuals. You climb the two hundred forty-six steps to the top of the tower and you have a nice view of the city and the fields. They give you a certificate you can show your friends when you go back home! In Stiring you can see the Castle too. When I was there (August 2006) it was being repaired, so I think now is the best moment to see its magnificence.
Inversnaid Bunkhouse in Inversnaid … The place and the people made us feel right at home. And they serve a damn good pasta alla bolognese!
Crianlarich Youth Hostel in Crianlarich … Excellent hostel with beautiful views, and is a great base for walking the west highland way (the best known walk in scotland). The staff and the german sheperd 'Ailsa' were very friendly. Several good hikes start very close to this place. I highly recommend this hostel to anyone who loves walking/hiking or simply seeing more of Scotland!
Inversnaid Bunkhouse in Inversnaid … Stayed at Inversnaid whilst walking the West Highland Way. Inversnaid is the best hostel on the route... amongst some pretty stiff competition.
Willy Wallace Hostel in Stirling … I really loved this hostel. We stayed in the double room, which had a awesome view! Everything was very clean, and the staff was so nice and friendly. This is the best hostel I've ever stayed in! And the prices are very good!
Willy Wallace Hostel in Stirling … This hostel was the best one I stayed in during my trip to Scotland. It's located just five minutes from the bus and train station, and well within walking distance to most of the sights in Stirling (except maybe the Willy Wallace Monument). Each dorm contains bright blue beds, with each bed named after a fake Scottish hero, I think. The clean and fully-functional kitchen was excellent, and open throughout the day. The common room can be a little smoky if you don't smoke, though. And in the day, the owner brings in a friendly, lovely dog called Sass, who rests its head on your lap while you eat, hoping for you to give it food.
Crianlarich Youth Hostel in Crianlarich … We stayed in this hostel in 2002 after the Dunoon Highland Games. We were only there for one night and I remember the hostel as a quiet place located in the middle of the Highlands. The staff was very friendly and even reimbursed our money we lost in the laundry! My only problem with the hostel was the lockout - we couldn't stay for the awards ceremony at the Games because we had to check in prior to 11:00 or we wouldn't get into the hostel (but the staff needs to sleep at some point too) rendering us homeless for the night.
Feel free to email me for other hostels around Scotland (spent 3 weeks there in 2002.)
Cheers!
Bonne (mcgowanb45@hotmail.com)
Crianlarich Youth Hostel in Crianlarich … Stayed here while walking the West Highland Way in the summer of 2006. Clean, friendly, great.
Crianlarich Youth Hostel in Crianlarich … A superb place to stay with good kitchen facilities. The staff are very helpful and cheerful. We, a group of ten had a great time here. Lot of walks around including West Highland Way. Surely I would recommend this hostel.
Willy Wallace Hostel in Stirling … The only negative I could say about the hostel was the shower facilities. The kitchen and common room are great and there is a separate smoker's room. The staff were more than obliging.
Willy Wallace Hostel in Stirling … Excellent staff and right in the middle of stirling large kitchen. dont forget to check out Doune castle and take some coconuts.
Crianlarich Youth Hostel in Crianlarich … Very good and efficient. Good breakfasts at the railway station.
Willy Wallace Hostel in Stirling … I stayed in this hostel in June of 2004. It has an excellent location. The facilities were average. The smell in the ten-bed room was sickening. The service at the desk was good, but I wouldn't stay here again.
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