Dunblane: Cathedral, Collections and Walking Routes

When choosing Dunblane for a stay, you can focus on cultural history or walking routes. The cathedral, Dunblane Museum and Leighton Library represent different aspects of the town’s history; Laigh Hills and several routes add walks and longer hikes to these themes. Depending on whether you are more interested in history, collections or a particular walking distance, you will find different starting points for planning your trip.

The Cathedral and Medieval Dunblane

Dunblane Cathedral dates back to the 12th century. Most of the surviving structure was built in the 13th century during the episcopate of Bishop Clement. Later medieval details include covered choir stalls dating from around 1500, commissioned by Bishop James Chisholm. Underground archaeological remains of the cathedral and its precinct preserve evidence of early Christian and medieval activity associated with the site’s use as an ecclesiastical centre.

Following the Reformation of the Church of Scotland in 1560, the choir was used as a parish church. The nave fell out of use, and its roof collapsed around 1600. The surviving remains of the Bishop’s Palace are part of what was once the extensive medieval bishop’s palace of Dunblane Cathedral and are of national importance. The palace is thought to have been built for Bishop Clement in the mid-13th century; it probably consisted of four wings arranged around a central courtyard.

Museum and Leighton Library

Dunblane Museum houses artefacts, paintings, prints and photographs about Dunblane and its cathedral. It also has one of the largest collections of communion tokens. Themed galleries cover Dunblane’s long history: from a 4,000-year-old child’s necklace to the medieval cathedral and the Jacobite Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715, the two world wars, a replica of the Atlantic Wall, and the achievements of Jamie Murray and Sir Andy Murray. Exhibition themes may change over time.

The Leighton Library is considered Scotland’s oldest surviving purpose-built library. Its collection has remained largely intact and includes some very rare early printed books; much of the library’s furnishings have also been preserved. The museum and library therefore offer different points of interest: the museum brings together a wide range of subjects from Dunblane’s history, while the Leighton Library is known for its preserved collection and furnishings.

Laigh Hills and Walking Routes

Laigh Hills Park is near Dunblane Cathedral and Allan Water. It offers several woodland and wildlife walks. From the free car park at The Haining, opposite the cathedral, you can reach Laigh Hills in five minutes on foot. As parking arrangements may change, it is best to check the current conditions before setting off.

The Allan Water/Laighills Loop is two miles long. A longer riverside route connects Dunblane with the village of Ashfield: this scenic, easy-going walk is 4.5 miles long. The distances offer a clear comparison, while the routes have different destinations: the loop is a circular route, while the riverside path leads to Ashfield. The Stevenson Way also passes through Dunblane. Described as a wilderness walking route, it runs from Mull to South Queensferry.

If golf is part of your trip plans, Dunblane New Golf Club also welcomes non-members to play. This means you can choose between local history, walks and hikes, or golf as the focus of your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bridge Of Allan, Lochearnhead, Kinlochard, Drymen, Strathyre, Aberfoyle, Stirling, Kinbuck

For the overview of the wider area: Stirling.