NC500 – Day 7: Stirling to Chinley
Last day, last breakfast (including Scottish square sausage) at the University of Stirling. This time, however, I found myself surrounded by a group of Pilates instructors attending a training course! It certainly made for an interesting breakfast setting.
Before setting off, I called my sister, who (with the help of my other sister) gave me the phone numbers of my great-aunties, both of whom live close to Stirling. I spent the morning catching up with them, reminiscing about the old days and hearing their stories. It was an unexpected but very special part of the trip. After so many miles on the road, spending time with family and reconnecting with the past was a refreshing change of pace — and genuinely good for the soul.
Doune Castle
My first stop of the day was Doune Castle, a remarkable medieval castle near the village of Doune. Parts of the castle date back to the late 14th century, and it has a fascinating history.
Doune is perhaps just as famous for its appearances on screen. Fans of Monty Python and the Holy Grail will recognize it immediately from some of the film’s memorable castle scenes. It has also featured in productions including Outlander and Game of Thrones.
Adding to its royal pedigree, the castle was built as the home of Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany and son of King Robert II, who effectively ruled Scotland as regent for much of his life. It later frequently served as a royal retreat and hunting lodge for monarchs like Mary, Queen of Scots, who spent time here enjoying the surrounding forests.
Walking around the castle, it was easy to see why filmmakers have been drawn to it over the years. Its imposing stone walls and towers, combined with the surrounding countryside, create a wonderfully atmospheric setting. There was plenty of history to absorb, too, making it a worthwhile final sightseeing stop before beginning the long journey home.
Callander
From Doune, I continued to Callander, a small town on the edge of the Trossachs, often described as the gateway to the Highlands.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Callander is a popular base for exploring the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs area. The town itself has a pleasant main street lined with cafés, shops and places to stop for a drink or something to eat. It was a good place to pause for a while, take in the atmosphere and reflect on the journey before making the final decision to head south.
The Long Road to Chinley
After my final stop in Callander, I checked the weather and decided that it was time to head back to Chinley. The navigation was showing around five and a half hours of driving, taking me from Scotland and back into the heart of England.
The M6 became my main route south, passing through the spectacular landscapes of Northern England and alongside the Lake District. As the miles rolled by, I had plenty of time to think back over the journey.
The NC500 had been an epic adventure through some of the most spectacular scenery Scotland has to offer. Along the way, I had met some fantastic people, heard fascinating stories about travel, education and life, and experienced places that will stay with me for a long time. And, of course, there was the Scottish breakfasts!
Would I recommend taking on the NC500? Absolutely. It is a journey that offers far more than simply following a famous road. The scenery is incredible, but it is the people, the unexpected encounters and the little moments along the way that make the trip memorable.
If I were to do it again, I would definitely travel the same route counter-clockwise (clockwise is the official way). There is something about the way the scenery unfolds that I think makes the journey even more enjoyable from the opposite direction.
Eventually, I arrived back in Chinley just as the sun was setting. After so many miles, spectacular landscapes, great conversations and memorable experiences, it felt like the perfect ending to a great trip.
And so, my NC500 adventure came to an end — tired, happy, and already wondering where the next journey might take me.
LC
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