Stirling

Monument

Abbey Craig and Wallace Monument via Stirling University

Distance: 5 miles / 8 km

Tower A walk through the grounds of the University to this historic landmark.

From Fountain Road, turn right, then take the first turning left, just before the St Saviours Church along Keir Street. Follow the road and around the back of the Pullar Memorial Gardens. These gardens were created by John Pullar, Provost of Bridge of Allan 1870-1873 and member of the family who owned the bleach and dyeworks at Keirfield. (See Little Carse Walk)

Turn right into Henderson Street, at the roundabout turn left up the hill and into The University of Stirling campus. The University was opened in 1967 - only 350 years after King James VI had told of his desire for a `free university 'in Stirling.

The University now stands on the site of the former Airthrey Estate. Continue up the hill, crossing over a couple of smaller side roads, until you reach Airthrey Loch. Turn left to walk around the loch. Home to many water birds such as swans, mallards and tufted ducks.

The Castle, which you'll see as you walk around the loch, was built in 1791 for Robert Haldane to a design by the famous Scottish architect Robert Adam.

Continue around the loch until you reach a small path near some benches leading up to "The Causeway" and left onto East Link Road, follow this through the Innovation Park and out onto the Hillfoots Road with the Abbey Craig woodland and Wallace Monument ahead of you.

To visit the Wallace Monument and Abbey Craig turn right, cross the road and take the entrance before you reach The Sword Hotel, follow the road round to the Visitor Centre and shop at the foot of the hill.

Take the single track road uphill. When you get to the sharp bend why not take a walk through the woods - there are lots of birds and beautiful wildflowers including carpets of bluebells, scented wild garlic and honeysuckle and tall purple and white fox gloves. You'll also get fantastic views over the river valley, Stirling and the Castle.

Millstones
Most millstones used to come from France, while Britain was at war with them an alternative source was needed. The stone from Abbey Craig had a very rough surface when it was broken and was thought to be of equal quality to the French stone.

To complete your walk descend to the car park head out to the road and turn left, there is a bus stop if you don 't fancy walking back, otherwise continue down the hill. When you get to the sharp bend take the road to the right, which is actually the continuation of the Hillfoots Road (signed as a no through road) follow this and return to Henderson Street and head back to Bridge of Allan.