Discover Doune: History and Nature

Doune is easily accessible from the Highlands and the Trossachs National Park. The town offers different highlights to help you plan your trip: a 14th-century castle, a Roman fort, a historic bridge, nature trails and motorsport events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Doune, you can plan your stay around cultural history, nature or an event date.

Castles, Roman Fort and Film History

Doune Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved 14th-century castles in Scotland. Today’s Doune Castle was probably built or remodelled between 1380 and 1400 for Robert, Duke of Albany, on the site of an earlier castle. The castle has featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones.

Doune Roman Fort takes you back to a much earlier era: it dates from the late 1st century AD and is a rare example of a single-phase Flavian fort. The fort controlled a local river crossing and served as an operating base in the surrounding area. The contrast in age between the Roman fort and the medieval castle brings the different historical layers of the town to life.

Routes and Tours

The Doune & Deanston Heritage Trail explores more than 2,000 years of history and leads to historic and nature-based attractions. This makes the route a way to experience the area through two distinct perspectives: cultural history and landscape. The circular Commonty Walk and Doune Trail (The Old Railway Line) runs along the northern edge of Doune, is 1¾ miles (3 km) long and includes some uphill sections.

The cycle route from Callander via Doune and Dunblane is 45 km long. You can choose between the 3 km circular walk and the 45 km cycle route as two different types of tour. Route conditions can vary and signage may change; check both before setting off.

Nature and Historic Buildings

Doune Ponds is a 16-hectare nature reserve on the site of a former sand and gravel quarry. The network of paths is suitable for walks and for people with a range of mobility needs. Path conditions may change with the weather. The Doune Ponds car park is on Station Wynd and provides direct access, including for people with limited mobility. As parking arrangements can change, check the latest visitor information before your visit. With a little luck, you may spot red squirrels in Doune; sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

The Bridge of Teith is a stone arch bridge dating from 1535. It adds a 16th-century structure to Doune’s historical timeline. Deanston Distillery is housed in a former cotton mill on the banks of the River Teith. Bus No. 59/C59 to Callander stops right outside the Deanston Distillery visitor centre. As bus services can change, check the timetable before travelling.

Motorsport in Doune

The Doune Speed Hillclimb Course hosts two rounds of the British Speed Hillclimb Championship and four rounds of the Scottish Hill Climb Championship each year. If you’re planning your trip around a race, check the dates in advance, as event calendars and championship formats may change.

Discover more destinations: Killin, Kinlochard, Stirling, Fintry, Aberfoyle, Balfron, Gartmore, Kinbuck

Back to the main travel overview: Stirling.