Stirling

Cambusbarron Quarry

Canbusbarron Upper Quarry Path and Three Fields

Distance: 3.2 miles/5.2 kms, Time: 2 hours

Bird This pleasant walk takes in the old and new quarries, the old lime kilns at Murrayshall and the Bannock Burn before returning along the Three Fields and woodland paths. There are several uphill sections and some very muddy sections through the fields, which are stocked with cattle, horses and sheep. Please keep your dog under close control through stocked fields and avoid these areas with your dog when calves and lambs are present.

There is an information panel at the start of the walk; and a leaflet with further information on local walks is available from the Cambusbarron Library.

Start at the Old Drove Road, Cambusbarron, where there is limited parking. Alternatively, park in the Cambusbarron Community Centre and Library Car Park and walk up through the village.

From the Old Drove Road follow the path signposted to North Third, past the information panel and around the large metal gate. Follow the main track before turning left along the signposted Upper Quarry Path, which leads to the Fourth Quarry. The Fourth Quarry operated from the early 1920’s until 1980. The Quartz, Dolerite and Whinstone which was quarried was a source of kerbstones and road metal.

Keep to the path, marked by a bollard, through birch woodland and at the junction turn right along a gravel path. At the next junction turn left and join the main path, which climbs steadily uphill to Murrayshall Quarry. Walk around the metal gate and take the path signposted to Polmaise Road. Follow the bollards marking the path which joins the quarry track leading down to the road. On the left are the remains of the Craigend Limekilns, which operated from 1780 until 1840, using limestone extracted from beneath the Sauchie Crags. The lime extracted was mainly used for improving the soil on the carse of Stirling.

Turn right and walk along the road, following the Bannock Burn upstream. Pass Murrayshall Farm and continue along the road, climbing steadily uphill. Turn right through a metal gate and follow the Three Fields Path signposted to Cambusbarron.

At the fork in the first field, bear left along a grassy path. Cross over the farm track and go through the metal gate. Turn left and follow the waymarkers along the field boundary. Cross the stream and climb over the stile into the next field. Follow the stream to the bottom of the field and go through a gate in the far left hand corner into Murray’s Wood. Follow the path through this wood and at the junction turn left along the path signposted to Cambusbarron. Continue straight ahead back to the start point.