Dunblane to Ashfield riverside walk, Dunblane

Summary

A scenic and straightforward riverside walk linking Dunblane, with its attractive Cathedral and interesting main street, with the pretty village of Ashfield. The walk can be combined with the Bridge of Allan to Dunblane walk and a bus can be caught to return to either start.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Clear path, two railway bridges, path narrow and close to the river at times.

Getting there

Start

Dunblane railway station.

Public Transport

Train and buses to Dunblane.

Start Grid Ref

NN781011

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.25km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 74m (Profile)

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Explorer 366 - Stirling

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

If starting from the railway station cross the river and head left to join a riverside path. If driving, Mill Row Car Park just below the cathedral is adjacent to the riverside path. Before starting Dunblane Cathedral is well worth a visit. Dating from the 12th century, much of the building seen today dates from the 13th century. It was a seat of a Bishopric until the Reformation, and is one of the few surviving medieval churches in Scotland.

Stage 2

From Mill Row car park follow the riverside path upstream next to a park and soon pass a weir and then go under the railway bridge (the riverside path has sometimes been closed here and a diversion in place - if this is the case then follow the path up the steep hill towards the catherdral, walk along the past the bungalows on your right and then down the path to reconnect with the riverside path). Continue past the Faery Bridge which dates from 1911 and has a large converted mill on the far side, and enter Laighills Park. Leave the riverside and take the path crossing the park to head uphill keeping the play equipment on your left. Keep straight on as the path crosses general recreation land criss-crossed with numerous paths. Eventually the main path reaches a pedestrian bridge over the railway line. Cross it and continue straight ahead on the far side dipping down to reach a stream and keeping to the right of a stand of trees.

Stage 3

Soon a signed junction is reached, turn left here signed for Ashfield. Keep next to a stone wall to cross another area of open space which is full of wild flowers and rabbits in the spring and summer. The path climbs steeply up to some houses, keep left here to follow the path past the houses and then along a narrow path back alongside the Allan Water.

Stage 4

After passing under the A9, go through a gate and follow the riverside until the path bears right to pass an egg-shaped mound with trees growing on it on the right - this is a drumlin, formed from glacial debris at the end of the last ice-age. Where the path splits just beyond, keep left along the edge of a field with the railway and river on your left.

Stage 5

As it follows a fence, the path is joined by a larger one from the right, keep straight on here. Soon a white railway bridge comes into view, cross this to reach Ashfield. Turn right on the other side to walk through the village, a cluster of small cottages built close to each other and well kept - the main road is at the far end.

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