Stirling, Clackmannan and the Ochils walks

The small city of Stirling is dubbed the Heart of Scotland - and the reasons are not merely geographic. Its great castle has helped to give it a key place in Scottish history, with almost legendary Scots victories such as the Battles of Stirling Bridge, and Bannockburn, fought in its shadow. Today the iconic Wallace Monument and the distinctive outline of Dumyat complete a unique landscape.

The Ochils are a very extensive plateau providing great scope for hillwalkers, whilst the abrupt southern flanks, carved by a fault, make a sharp contrast. These flanks are riven by series of dramatic short glens which make ideal shorter walks. Further south the landscape is more rolling as it extends to the upper reaches of the Firth of Forth, but fascinating features such as the medieval towers that dot the landscape, and the unmissable town of Culross, ensure there is no lack of interest.