Stirling University and Hermitage Woods, Stirling

The easy circuit of Airthrey Loch in the heart of the University of Stirling has lovely views of Dumyat and plenty of wildlife, then a steep climb is rewarded by a great viewpoint to the Wallace Monument and the city itself.

Terrain

Good footpath around Loch at University - suitable for all-terrain buggies, then rough woodland path with steep sections.

Public Transport

Buses from city centre.

Start

Stirling University. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Stirling University is set on a campus built in the landscaped grounds of Airthrey Castle. It is an easy walk or short bus ride from the city centre. If driving, visitors need to stop at the kiosk on the main entrance and can then park in the main car park outside the Cottrell Building. From here walk to the left as you face the building and cross the road to reach the lochside path. Turn left here to start walking around Airthrey Loch in a clockwise direction.

Stage 2

At the far end of the loch there is a square sculpture and usually lots of ducks, swans and moorhens as well as a great view of Dumyat, the hill in the distance. Turn right immediately after the sculpture to stay near the water's edge and continue around the loch, passing below the first of the halls of residences on the George Forrest Walk which is planted with species originally collected in China by the eponymous collector and botanist. After passing the bridge keep on the main path which heads up to the residence buildings away from the Loch. Keep straight ahead when a surfaced path goes off to the left and soon a road is reached near Geddes Court Hall.

Stage 3

Turn left and cross the road crossing and after a short distance take the earth path on the right which heads back gently uphill towards the woods. Lookout for a turning on the left and take this through a doorway in the stone wall. Go up the steps opposite and immediately turn right at the top to follow a path - flat at first and then very steeply uphill. These woods are named are a hermitage built by Robert Haldane but never occupied as no-one would agree to living full-time in the hermitage.

Stage 4

As the gradient of the climb eases watch out for a fork and take the left hand path which heads up between two hillocks. Keep straight on until a high stone wall is reached. At the wall turn left onto a larger path which stays close to the wall initially and then heads slightly downhill on an often-muddy section before climbing, ignoring a path heading downhill to the left.

Stage 5

Soon a viewpoint is reached looking out over the University to the Wallace Monument opposite. The Great Hall of Stirling Castle can also be easily seen, painted cream it stands out on the skyline. Keep on the woodland path which soon drops steeply, stay on the main path rather than heading for a gap in the wall. Eventually some wooden steps lead down to a track, turn left along this for a short distance before turning right through a gap in the wall to regain the University grounds.

Stage 6

Cross the road and keep to the right of the residence building to work your way back down to the lochside path where you turn left. Take the earth path just to the left of the bridge which continues around the loch. Soon Airthrey Castle can be seen on the left - take care if approaching it as it stands in the middle of a golf course. Follow the path around the loch until opposite the bridge. Here you you can take a direct route back through the building passing shops and then the cafe, MacRobert arts centre, cinema and Haldanes - a bistro named after Robert Haldane who was responsible for landscaping the area in 1759. After a walkway go straight across the courtyard of the Cottrell Building to return to the main car park. Alternatively you can retrace your outward route around to the right of the building to get to the car park or the main entrance of the University.

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