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.
Bog Factor
Pavement and riverside path - suitable for buggies, short underpass.
Stirling railway station.
Buses and trains to Stirling.
NS797935
Leaving the railway station, turn left and then head up the steps onto 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 descend the steps then bear half left on a tarred path towards the road at Frankie and Benny's restaurant and the Premier Inn. Cross the road and take a path that descends in zig-zags to the riverbank and then heads left along the waterside following the banks of the Forth. Nearby was the site of a major trading port with Europe dating back to the early 1400s.
Soon the path climbs up to reach the road between stone pillars. Turn right along the pavement and then through a small area of park before the path heads uphill back to the road where you head right. At the shops continue straight ahead along Abbey Road. At the end of the road turn left and then cross the pedestrian bridge.
The bridge links Stirling to Cambuskenneth and was built in the 1930s, replacing an ancient ferry route. Continue ahead up the street, turning right at the end to soon 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. Retrace your steps back to the pedestrian 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.
Just before the bowling club the path bears left, soon rejoining the river which has made a wide meander. Soon the path passes the turreted white building of Stirling Rowing Club and then passes under the railway bridge. As the clocktower comes into view at a roundabout keep right to follow an underpass which leads into the middle of the roundabout and the base of the clocktower.
Turn right in the middle of the roundabout, passing through another underpass 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 in the middle of the roundabout and this time keep ahead 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 and continuing ahead to the railway station.
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