Callendar Park and House, Falkirk

Callander Park is a vast area of wooded parkland within easy reach of the centre of Falkirk. The highlight is Callander House, one of Scotland's finest Baronial Mansions.

Terrain

Tracks through woodland park; can be a little muddy at times.

Public Transport

The start of the walk is a short distance from Falkirk bus station and town centre.

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Start

Callendar Park car park. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.25km/3.25 miles
Time: 1- 1.5 hours
Ascent: 92m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NS893794

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 349 - Falkirk
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a good sized car park near the entrance to Callendar Park. Begin the walk along the tarred walkway which begins past the yellow vehicle barrier. Lined by some magnificent mature trees, the route passes close to a cairn which commemorates the 1298 Battle of Falkirk which saw William Wallace defeated by the English army of King Edward I. Continue ahead when another walkway joins in from the right, soon passing an excellent childrens adventure playground.

Stage 2

Continue straight ahead past the kiosk and soon reach the hugely impressive Callendar House. One of Scotland's finest Baronial Mansions, the house has played host to figures such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary Queen of Scots and Oliver Cromwell. Today it is run by the local council; a great highlight of a visit is the working Georgian kitchen, complete with costumed staff. Go straight ahead across the front of the house.

Photo: Neil Henderson

Stage 3

Soon there are views down onto Callendar Loch on the right; it is possible to hire boats in the summer. Continue to the far end and then fork right onto a path through the trees above a circular steel scuplture. Pass a barrier and sign for Callendar Woods Path Network; from here you are now following the blue waymarked route, so ignore the other routes that head off right and keep straight ahead. Eventually the earth track swings right; continue to ignore paths off to either side and follow the main track ahead.

Stage 4

After several junctions - including crossing a larger track - the route curves to the right with an open grassy hill to the left. This is Henry's Hill; it is worth a quick detour up the grassy path onto it for the views over the Forth towards the great wall of the Ochils, with their highest summit Ben Cleuch. Return to the blue route, again keeping straight on and ignoring paths off to the right, until a cross-junction is reached with an old kennels building - enclosed in iron railings - over to the left. At this point turn right, downhill.

Stage 5

Ignore a track off to the left, and continue ahead when the first of two paths run across the route but turn left at the next one, soon reaching yellow waymarkers. Keep straight ahead until the path comes alongside a road beside the tower blocks of Falkirk. Soon turn right again back into the park, with the Par 3 golf course over to the right and a pitch-and-putt practice area on the left. Finally cross a stone bridge and then turn left to return to the car park and the start.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.