Callander, United Kingdom

CALLANDER, on the eastern edge of the Trossachs, sits on the banks of the River Teith at the southern end of the Pass of Leny, one of the key routes into the Highlands. It is a popular summer holiday base and suffers in high season for being on the main tourist trail from Stirling through to the west Highlands. There are no attractions as such in the town itself.

Callander's best central accommodation is at Callander Meadows, 24 Main St (Tel:01877/330181, Web: www.callandermeadows.co.uk ; Price: 51-60), an attractive townhouse with three comfortable en-suite rooms and a decent restaurant. Alternatively, Arden House on Bracklinn Road (Tel:01877/330235, Web: www.ardenhouse.org.uk ; April– Oct; Price: 71-90), is a grand Victorian guesthouse in its own gardens with good views and woodland walks from the back door, while ATrossachs Tryst, Invertrossachs Road (Tel:01877/331200, Web: www.trossachstryst.com ), is a friendly, well-equipped and comfortable 32-bed hostel and activity centre, with self-catering dorms (£15) and family rooms. Bike rental is available at Wheels Cycling Centre.

Callander has few restaurants worth recommending: Callander Meadows (restaurant closed Mon & Tues) dishes up delicious, freshly cooked lunches and dinners. Also on the main drag, the Ben Ledi Café is one of a new breed of fish and chip shops trying to offer more discerning fare with a sustainable fish policy, daily specials and a varied menu. For good pub food try the convivial Lade Inn in Kilmahog, a mile west of Callander. For fresh sandwiches, decent coffee and other deli items head for Deli Ecosse on Ancaster Square.