Only 7 miles west of the City of Stirling. Old Leckie Farmstay is nestled at the bottom of the glacial Gargunnock Hills with breathtaking views North to the Trossachs, and West to Ben Lomond.

The very popular walking and cycle route between the pretty villages of Gargunnock (2 miles) and Kippen (3 miles) passes right through the farm. Both Villages offer access to shops, pubs, restaurants and high quality local food offering.

Our central location offers visitors ease of access to a wealth of local activities including Blairdrummond Safari Park (5 miles), Stirling Castle (7 miles), Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park (23 miles) and the Falkirk Wheel (26 miles).

Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth are all easily reached by car or train.

We would be really pleased to show you round our farm whilst you are staying with us. We are a working farm and there’s lots to interest young and old – however animals and machinery can be unpredictable and we would ask that you refrain from walking through the main farmyards and farm buildings unless accompanied by us, or our representative, and that children are supervised at all times around the farm.

Old Leckie Farmstay is located near to a whole host of fun things to enjoy with the kids:

Blairdrummond Safari Park – is just a 5 minute drive from Old Leckie.

At Blairdrummond Safari and Adventure Park you can drive through the animal reserves, feed the tamer ones at the pets farm, take a boat trip to see the Chimpanzes on the their island - and watch the kids enjoy themselves on some of the best play equipment in the area. Food can be purchased on site, but they also have plenty of picnic tables and BBQ spots for a DIY day.

Briarlands Farm  - Neighbouring the Safari Park, just 5 minutes drive from Old Leckie, Briarlands Farm is an ideal stop off for visitors with young families. On a sunny day the outside area offers huge jumping pillows to tire out little (and big) legs, introductions to some of their farm animals, a whole host of play equipment, sand pits, go carts etc. In wet weather the cafe with its play area and Little Tykes climbing frame offers parents the opportunity for a cuppa from the cafe, whilst the little ones race about.

GO APE and David Marshall Lodge at Aberfoyle, heart of the Trossachs, provide a range of activities to keep you all busy for many days. The High Wire adventure course at Go Ape offers thrill seekers a real adrenalin rush, whilst the Visitor Centre offers a great starting point for visitors to explore the well marked walks, bike tracks and childrens forest playground. The Lodge also has closed circuit TV used to observe Ospreys at their nest during breeding season.

From cycling expeditions to family adventures – a sail on Loch Katrine is a great way to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Trossachs. Experience the ever changing Trossachs landscape on the elegant steamship the Sir Walter Scott. Select your sailing based on time, the route, or your ship of choice ... those of you feeling energetic can get off at the head of the Loch and cycling back!

There’s a range of Soft Play and indoor activity centres within a short drive of Old Leckie; Noahs Ark – Children’s indoor play centre in Perth; Wonderworld Soft Play – Falkirk; and a smaller offering at Callendar’s McLaren Sports Centre.

Auchingarrich – a picturesque 40 minute drive north to Comrie takes you to Auchingarrich Visitor Centre which hosts wild animals, woodland walks, falconry, fishery, adventure playground, picnic sites , and a coffee shop.

Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres – The Peak in Stirling offers loads of indoors activites for children – including a learner pool and splash pool (both very warm!) for the smallest tots, through to ice rink and indoor climbing wall for those a little bigger. The McLaren Leisure Centre in Callander also has a good family pool and indoor climbing wall.

Edinburgh Zoo - see the pandas and a whole lot more!

Deep Sea World – Scotland’s National Aquarium

Old Leckie 

The farm has been run by the family for over 100 years and is incredibly picturesque with rolling hills and big old trees. It is also a very historic landscape - Old Leckie Famstay sits above Old Leckie House – a Scottish Tower house built by the Leckies in the 1530’s which can boast a personal visit by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. Every year the farm is visited by Leckies from far and wide coming by to visit their ancestral family home. The farm is also very close to the Iron Age Leckie Broch (http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/45379/details/leckie/) which was rediscovered by Fergus’ father in the 1960’s.

Stirling Castle  (10 minute drive)

A visit to Stirling Castle is shortlisted within a list of the top 40 Amazing Experiences in Eurpoe (Lonely Planet). From the stunning views from the ramparts to the recently-refurbished Royal Palace, the Great Hall and the Stirling Heads Gallery, a visit to Stirling Castle is indeed an unforgettable experience. It has played a key role in Scotland’s history and was the centre of art, culture and celebrity in Scotland in the 16th century. Costumed performers help bring history to life for visitors and there are loads of interactive features for all. Audio tours in six languages are available.

National Wallace Monument  (15 minute drive) - standing tall and proud outside the city of Stirling, and overlooking the scene of Scotland’s victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. For over 140 years, this world-famous landmark has fascinated visitors with its exhibits and displays, telling the story of Sir William Wallace patriot, martyr, and Guardian of Scotland.

Bannockburn Visitors Centre  (20 minute drive) - The Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre re-opened in 2014 as a world-class visitor attraction marking the 700th anniversary of the famous battle where Robert Bruce, King of Scots, faced down the English army led by Edward II. Harnessing state-of-the-art 3D technology, visitors can experience medieval combat like never before to learn about this crucial event in Scottish history.

Doune Castle - Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle. Its most striking feature is the 100ft high gatehouse which includes the splendid Lord's Hall with its musicians' gallery, double fireplace and carved oak screen steeped in history. Fans of ”Monty Python and the Holy Grail” fans will recognise it.  There are also some lovely walks around the Castle. 

Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Mentieth is only a 20 minute drive away. A brilliant day trip includes a boat trip to the island which is home to an idyllically-situated Augustinian monastery dating from 1238. Much of the 13th century building remains and the island is small enough to meander round looking for your perfect picnic spot. 

http://www.gargunnockvillagehistory.co.uk/index.html provides some interesting background to Gargunnock 

From a gentle stroll round the farm, a walk into the nearby villages for lunch, or a more strenuous hike up nearby Munros (hills over 3000ft) there are plenty of options to explore. Too many to list them all, but here are some of our favourites:

From the farm

- A walk following Leckie Burn upto Leckie Broch and reservoir

- Follow the old military road through the farm to Gargunnock (2 miles) or Kippen (3 miles)

- Go ‘round the square’ circling Watson House,the new mansion house of Leckie – built in 1829 by Robert Moir of Leckie’s son Charles Alexander Graham in 1829.

Immediate area

Downies’ Loup Waterfall – a short climb from the vllage to the impressive crags of the Gargunnock Hills escarpment where a waterfall cascades over the cliff.

Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve -  follow this disabled friendly path over ancient peat bogs, and climb the tower to find yourself in the middle of the Carse ground

Dumyat - a straight forward climb to the north of Stirling (418m) to the summit with incredible views over Stirling and the whole of the Forth Valley.

Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

David Marshall Lodge at Aberfoyle, heart of the Trossachs, has well marked walks, bike tracks and childrens forest playground.

A sail on Loch Katrine is a great way to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Trossachs.  ... you can rent bikes and take the steamship up the Loch before disembarking and cycling back - a memorable trip.

Trosssachs.co.uk website contains comprehensive information on walks, hills climbs and Munros in the National Park area, and has a good range of PDF’s to download.

The best information on local walks can be found

• www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

• www.instirling.com/walks/walks.htm

• www.walking.visitscotland.com/walks/lomondtrossachs/

• www.walkhighlands.co.uk

During your stay at Old Leckie there are plenty of eating out options nearby – here are some of our recommendations:

Blairdrummond Smiddy Farm shop - 3 miles away on A84 - great local produce, butchery counter and coffee shop - open 9-5

Gargunnock Inn –  quality pub grub featuring Old Leckie produce on the menu, with great value early evening menu. Family friendly.

Woodhouse Coffee Shop, Kippen roundabout (just off A811) - open 9 – 4.30 for teas, coffees, cakes and yummy lunches. High quality local ingredients and changing menu. Fantastic farm shop with butchery counter run by the famous Skinners of Kippen.

The Inn at Kippen has a great menu featuring local produce and served with great attention to detail.

Nicks - Nick Nairs's resturant in Bridge Of Allan  - independent restaurant with dining events and tasting menus. Superb focus on quality local produce.

Kippen Cross Keys – another good quality pub offering with cosy atmosphere. Beer garden to rear with childrens play equipment.

Lion and Unicorn, Thornhill – really good pub food. Favourite with the local farmers.

The Forth Inn, Aberfoyle - fabulous location and super tasty cask beers and food. Great outside seating area.

Coffee Kiln , Buchlyvie - small and cosy, great cakes

Venachar Lochside  nestles at the edge of Loch Venachar near Callendar and has a good offering and good wine choice. Check their website before you go as sometimes they are closed due to weddings.

Monach Isle Mhor and Mhor 84  – for a real treat or special occasion this award winning restaurant uses the very best in Scottish produce and provides exemplary service in its intimate setting. Worth the drive up the Glen!

Edinburgh City – Scotland’s capital is full to bursting with museums and historical delights. Best way to get there is by train as the drive into the city centre is a nightmare. Trains run from Stirling every half hour and take between 45 – 55 minutes.

Glasgow – celebrated for its shopping and nightlife Glasgow is much easier to reach by car with good city centre parking just off the motorway. It takes about 45 minutes to drive into the city and park, but the trains are really good too – they run from Stirling every half hour and take 30 minutes.

Perth – Gateway to the Highlands Perth is a small city sitting on the edge of attractive park ground and the River Tay. To drive, allow about 40 minutes to get into the city centre, but again the train links are good from Stirling, they run every half hour and take just over 30 minutes. If you do take the car then there is lots to see in the Perth surrounds – including Scone Palace where Scottish Kings were coronated.

Falkirk Wheel - 25 minutes drive. Marvel at the engineering of the Falkirk Wheel which creates the link between the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals – 35 meters apart – vertically! You can book on a boat package and experience the wheel itself, or explore the many walks along the canal tow paths to the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site and Rough Castle Roman Fort. Great kids water play park.

Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park – the Headquarters of the Park is based at Balloch, a 30 minute drive West from where you can rent boats and kayaks, take a cruise up Loch Lomond or visit the Aquarium. The David Marshall Lodge near Aberfoyle takes you into the heart of the National park woods with loads of walking and bike tracks, plus the excellent GO APE adventure park.

Inveraray – head west to Balloch and then follow Loch Lomond as it runs north to Tarbet, before bearing West again to Inveraray. The drive is approx 1hour 30minutes but is stunning on a fine day, running beneath the Arrochar Alps, over the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ mountain pass before dropping down to the shores of Loch Fyne. Great food to be had at en route at Loch Fyne Oysters at Cairndow, and Inveraray attractions include Inveraray Jail, Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, and some great walks around the castle grounds – I’d recommend the one to Dun na Cuaiche and the watchtower.

Travelling around Scotland

By Car

Traffic Scotland - this site gives up to date information on the roads network – delays, road works, weather conditions etc.

By Bus

First Group - Local bus service, routes and timetables.

City Link - Long distance buses.

By Rail

Scot Rail – Scottish rail network, times and fares.

By Boat

Calmac - Caledonian MacBrayne sail to 22 islands and 4 penninsulas on Scotland’s West Coast.

The Weather

BBC 5 day weather forecast for Stirling.