Kippen is a small Scottish village nestling between the Gargunnock and Fintry hills and overlooking the valley of the River Forth. The village of Kippen commands enviable views over some of Scotland’s finest scenery. Kippen and the nearby Kippen Muir are steeped in some of Scotland’s most colourful history.
Things To Do
Nature
Kippen is at the heart of historic Stirlingshire and the famous Trossachs, one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas of countryside, lochs and hills.
History
The Cross Keys is minutes from Stirling Castle, Argyll’s Lodging, the Bannockburn battle site and visitor centre, Wallace Monument,
Walking
Outdoor enthusiasts have a wide choice of easy, intermediate or advanced walks across the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park or within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
Cycling
Cyclists and mountain bikers are spoiled for choice with the Loch Ard Forest Cycle Route particularly popular for families and serious cyclists alike.
Fishing
There is plenty opportunity for fishing nearby – trout, salmon, char and pike is available on 15 lochs and rivers across the area.
Golf
Golfers have an excellent range of courses to choose from, including 18 hole courses at Aberfoyle, St Fillans, Killin, Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Alva, Alloa and Dollar.
Shooting
Kippen was the venue for the shooting events during the 1986 Commonwealth Games and shooting facilities are available at Kippen Gun Club, (01786) 465125 and the Central Scotland Shooting School, Slamannan.
Music, Theatre & Art
Those looking for culture are also well served with Bridge of Allan’s excellent Macrobert arts centre, which includes a theatre and cinema, the Stirling Tolbooth, which hosts a wide range of music and comedy, the Changing Room contemporary art gallery and Stirling Smith Museum and Gallery.
Shopping
There are a number of antiques shops in the surrounding area, including the Scottish Art and Antiques Centre, Doune, boasting over forty dealers in art, antiques, rare books, linen, jewellery and bric-a-brac under one roof. Good second hand bookshops can be found in Stirling and Callander.
Family Fun
The Blair Drummond Safari Park and Go Ape Forest Adventure park are both great options for a fun family day out.
Boat Trips
All year the famous Sir Walter Scott steamer runs daily excursions on stunning Loch Katrine, while boats are for hire on close-by Loch Venacher.
Whisky Distillery
Whisky lovers can sample the ‘water of life’ at the famous Glengoyle Distillery, around 25 minutes from Kippen.