Nestled Between Glasgow and Edinburgh: A Charming Scottish Town with Stunning Canal Views

Travelers who visit Scotland flock to the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as the famously picturesque Highlands. These locales are home to some of the best activities you can’t skip on a trip to Scotland, after all. However, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and even parts of the Highlands can be quite busy with tourists, especially in the high season. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds and experience real-life Scotland, look outside the major cities to the smaller towns scattered throughout the countryside. 

One such town, handily situated between Glasgow and Edinburgh, is Larbert. Larbert, populated largely with families and commuters, dates back to the 12th century, although other ruins nearby can be traced back to the Romans. Near the River Carron and several canals, Larbert is best known for its rural feel, with many trails, forests, and parks. In Larbert’s vicinity, you’ll also discover castles, both in ruins and well-preserved, in addition to beautiful churches, charming inns, and even the remains of a Roman wall. 

Larbert is located in Scotland’s Central Lowlands, between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Glasgow, the most underrated destination in all of Scotland, is about 25 minutes from Larbert via train or car, while Edinburgh lies about 45 minutes to the east of Larbert. Travelers hoping to visit both cities can base themselves in Larbert while gaining access to Scotland’s lovely countryside and experiencing a slice of local life. 

Larbert is much more peaceful and quiet than its bigger neighbors, and receives fewer visitors. While the town itself is small, it’s welcoming and quaint, with seasonal festivals, a selection of shops and cute eateries, and of course, the requisite handful of pubs. The surrounding countryside also provides a respite from the city, with a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities, like hiking, kayaking, or meandering. One bonus of staying in Larbert is its public transport. Clean, regular, and affordable train or bus connections make it easy to get to elsewhere in the country, hassle-free.