Falkirk Heritage (2.8 miles)
Falkirk belongs historically to Stirlingshire and lies roughly halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow. There is a frequent train service and buses arrive from various towns in Central Scotland. Scottish folk here William Wallace was defeated at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and two of his henchmen are buried in the Faw Kirk Graveyard in the town centre. The tomb of Sir John de Graeme - Wallace's finest knight - is a grand memorial while the grave of military commander Sir John Stewart of Bonkyll is a simpler affair.
Make your way along the High Street, following signs for Callander House which dates from the 14th century. The impressive building is located with the sprawling greenery of Callander Park, which also features some remnants of the Roman-built Antonine Wall. This turf fortification at one time ran right across the middle of Scotland. Callander House is now owned by the local authority and contains a local history museum and a beautiful tearoom. The Georgian kitchen has been fully restored and was used as a filming location in the popular fantasy series Outlander. This room alone attracts visitors from far and wide.
As you leave the house, bear slightly right across the grass towards a mound. The estate icehouse can still be seen among the shrubbery. Should you wish to do a circuit of the pond, take the high path on the other side and you'll pass by Forbes Mausoleum. The resting place of an 18th-century entrepreneur, the building sadly has a dilapidated feel to it and is daubed in graffiti. Apparently the family have commissioned repairs in the past but the sprayers have always returned. Nothing like a bit of pride in your own area! Back in the town centre, the best choice of ale is found at the Carron Works Wetherspoons.
