Blairlogie
Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km (one way)
A pleasant linear walk to the historic village of Blairlogie past the ancient Logie Kirk, with the option of a loop through Hermitage Wood, this has steep slopes and can be loose under foot.
Starting from Fountain Road turn left to cross Henderson Street at a safe point. Take Well Road up past the Provost's Park and follow the road as it curves round to the right, then take Kenilworth Road the first on your right.
Many of the large houses you pass were built in the late 1800s when the town had begun to boom as a spa town.
Carry on along Kenilworth Road until you reach Wellgate Drive on your left. Head up Wellgate Drive and take the small path on the right leading through to Pathfoot Drive. Pathfoot was once a small village of shoe-makers.
Cross over to Logie Lane and continue over the bridge round the front of Blawlowan. This is the last surviving house of Pathfoot and was an Inn and tannery in the 18th Century. Drovers passed down the main route of Sherrifmuir Road on their way to the Falkirk Tryst (Cattle Market).
Take care crossing the Sherrifmuir Road then continue along the track, known as 'Back of the Dyke' around the back of the University.
From this point there are two options:
1.Go up the wooden steps on your left and take a loop up through Hermitage Woods (40mins)
Turn left at the top of the steps and follow the path up the hill, don't go through the wall but bear right. Look out for a Wellingtonia (Swquoiadendron giganteum) at a fork in the path; go to the left of it. On your way past hit the bark of the tree, it's quite soft, giving it some protection against forest fires in its native North America. Follow this route, bearing left when when there's an option, but never going through the wall, until the path drops back down to join the Back of the Dyke Road
OR
2. You can continue along the slightly muddy 'Back of the Dyke' Road until you reach the metalled road.
When you reach the metalled road branch right and walk down past Logie Kirk and the old Cemetery. Old Logie Kirk was built around 1400 and dedicated to St Serf.
In the cemetry you can see the grave of Dr Paterson, local doctor and internationally distinguished botanist and horticulturist (the clock in Henderson Street is a memorial to him) and the Henderson family, owners of Airthrey Castle.
Above you to the north is the Witches Craig where 'The Witches of Logie' were reputed to meet the De'l on Carlie Craig (Carlie or Carlin being old Scots words for witch). Walk down the road past the new Logie Kirk and down towards the main road. Take the small footpath that runs along to the left and carry on into Blairlogie.
In the early part of the 19th Century the village gained a reputation as a health resort. The oldest building is 'The Blair' formally known as Blairlogie Castle, a private residence built in the 16th Century for a Stirling Merchant, Alexander Spittal. To return, either retrace the route you've just covered or take public transport.
