Making friends in Dunblane

[natura]

I'm moving to Dunblane next month after a really tough breakup, and I'm nervous...

It's my second big fresh start in a short period of time (long story) and starting from scratch in a whole new place when I'm emotionally exhausted is feeling tough.

I don't know the area at all, so I guess I'm just looking for a mix of encouragement and suggestions for how I can start building a life there.

If you know the area, and you were in my situation, what would you do to start getting to know people?

I have a dog, I love being out in nature, dance, crafts, exercise, books...

Any suggestions or even just a little reassurance would be really welcome.

Unless (even if?) you are a dyed-in-the-wool atheist, try joining the community here: www.stmarysdunblane.org - lovely people and lots going on.

Thanks, @OhBuggerandArse - I'm Jewish and went to a Quaker school, so I've got a funny blend of things in my spiritual background. I've never been to a church service, and don't know much about how things work in Christian churches, but I'll certainly keep this in mind... thank you!

Lots of lovely walks around Dunblane sure you will meet other dog walkers quickly. Bridge of Allan and Stirling nearby with many clubs and activities.

dunblanecentre.co.uk

There is all sorts on but also cafe that people just come in & out of (& you don't need to buy anything if you don't want to - you can just come in & sit). Staff are lovely.

I think you'll find plenty of people via dog walking though - loads of dogs!

There's a parkrun at Stirling Uni campus you could run, walk or volunteer at. Volunteering is a good way to meet people and they usually go in the sports centre cafe for coffee afterwards.

Its a great area for walking and cycling. The trails from the east side of town up to Sherrifmuir are a great place to start exploring. There are various local walking and cycling groups - I've heard the peaky cyclists based from the Peak in Stirling are a welcoming sociable lot. Theres also local groups that do a mixture of helping to maintain local paths and going out together.
The sports club (tennis and squash) is great, very active, has a schedule of sociable club sessions pitched at various levels, and opportunies for local competition. Golf club is also a good place to meet people if thats your thing. Sport facilities at the Uni are great.
Worth getting the Stirling Observer, published on Wednesday and Friday. It has a section with updates from local clubs and groups, covering slightly different areas in the Wednesday and Friday editions.
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Good luck!

Are you going to be moving with children?

Joining local classes is your best bet I think. There is a lovely and welcoming jewellery and crafts school on the High Street offering a range of classes. The beginners jewellery making class would be a great start. It’s very mindful and you get to chat to other people.

How old are you op? I have family in dunblane and family friends and one of the men do dance classes but unsure where but I can find out! (He's really good!) The village inn is good for socialising and entertainment (I don't drink but enjoy it too!). Can also recommend dunblane complimentary therapies if you need to relax! The lady who runs it is lovely!

I don't live in Dunblane but my friend does and it seems like a lovely size of place for building up friends in the community. Big enough to have a station and an M&S, but small enough to have lots of local groups. I don't have any specific advice except it seems like a nice place go be.

Do you like singing? This is a lovely group with a wonderful teacher, based in Dunblane www.theliltinlassies.co.uk/

Oh wow look at all of this! Thank you all so much, I'm feeling a little more confident just seeing all your suggestions.

No kids, @MandUs – just me and the pooch. Jewellery making sounds like a lovely thing to do to meet people; get me out of my busy brain and using my hands... 😀

@PenguinLover24 I'm late 30s. LOVE to dance – a regular class would be lots of fun. Do you know what style your friend does? And oh, I think a big dose of something relaxing is exactly what my nervous system needs just now; I'm so tired and stressed after the last 6 months.

@SuperLemonCrush I love singing in the shower – does that count? 😂

@rookiemere that's the vibe I'm getting, too – manageably small but big enough not to feel isolated. Just need to get through that first leap and cross my fingers I make the most of it.

There are a few meet up groups locally, I met a very good friend through one. I’m in Stirling but chat to loads of people walking the dog. Def join some groups. Dunblane is a lovely place, very easy to get to other areas too so I hope you enjoy moving there. (Parents in law live there)