Cambuskenneth Abbey from Stirling

Explore a different part of Stirling, heading past the old harbour to visit the ancient abbey at Camuskenneth before returning along the River Forth to Old Stirling Bridge.

Terrain

Pavement and riverside path - suitable for buggies, short underpass.

Public Transport

Buses and trains to Stirling

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Start

Stirling railway station. Map and directions.

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.25km/3.25 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 13m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NS797935

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 366 - Stirling
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

From the railway station head up the ramp to the new Forthside Bridge with its distinctive white spikes and glass sides. From here there are good views ahead to the Wallace Monument and the Ochils beyond. From the far side bear left to reach the road, cross, and head right. Once opposite Frankie and Benny's restaurant take the riverside path on the left which winds down to the waterside and follows the banks of the Forth. Just near here used to be the site of a major trading port with European trade dating back to the early 1400's.

Stage 2

Soon the path climbs up to reach the road between stone pillars. Carefully cross the road and head slightly left along a walkway until it is possible to turn right along Forth Crescent. This pleasant residential street has good views of the Old Harbour area on the bend in the river. When the shops are reached continue straight ahead along Abbey Road. At the end of the road bear left across grass to reach a pedestrian bridge.

Stage 3

The bridge links Stirling to Cambuskenneth and was built in the 1930's, replacing an ancient ferry route. Continue ahead up the street and turn right at the end to reach Cambuskenneth Abbey. Only the bell tower remains of the abbey, built in 1140 and part of a large complex. Robert the Bruce used it as a parliament building and confirmed the succession of his son here in 1326. Return back down to the bridge and once on the far side turn right to follow the riverside path. There are good views of the Wallace Monument across the wide river.

Stage 4

Eventually the path passes between the hedge of the bowling club and the river, turn left at the end of the bowling club and cross the road to reach the next section of riverside path after a wide bend in the river. Soon the path passes the turreted white building of Stirling Rowing Club and passes under the railway bridge. When the clocktower comes into view keep right to follow an underpass to the middle of the roundabout and the clocktower.

Stage 5

Bear right in the middle of the roundabout to reach Old Stirling Bridge. The medieval bridge has the remains of an older narrower wooden bridge underneath. This was instrumental in the victory of William Wallace in the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The English army was 20,000 strong and outnumbered by 4 to 1 Wallace's men. However the narrower confines of the bridge and the causeway on the other side meant the English forces had to cross the water and marshland two abreast and were easy targets for Wallace's attack. Return to the clocktower and this time bear right to reach Wallace Street. Head up the pavement passing Tesco on the left. At the next junction bear left still keeping straight ahead but now walking downhill to pass the Rainbows Leisure Centre on the left and continuing ahead to the railway station.

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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.