Stirling Circuit (3.8 miles)
Start at the village of Cambuskenneth, just off the A907. The remains of the abbey can be viewed before heading along South Street to cross the River Forth and into Stirling. Turn right along a pleasant trail which has information boards about the history of the town (now officially chartered as a city). There are great views of the towering Wallace Monument (completed in 1869) atop Abbey Craig on the opposite bank. Pass the rugby stadium and duck below the railway to emerge on the fringes of the town centre. Walk up Union Street then turn right on to Lower Bridge Street. Almost immediately you should see a signed path leading up the slopes of Gowan Hill. This route is known locally as Back Walk and basically takes you on a circuit around the castle.
It is most certainly worth taking a quick detour to the summit of Gowan Hill. There you will find the Beheading Stone and two ornamental cannons. The views are spectacular in all directions. Head back down to the main walkway and continue around the contours of the hill. Look out for occasional wood-carved animals and other symbols. Gaps in the trees provide an amazing panorama of the flat carse with distant peaks on the horizon. Explore the old cemetery that sits just outside the castle walls and has several viewpoints along with some impressive tombs. Back Walk eventually brings you to Corn Exchange Road. Make your way through the town/city centre towards the railway station. Cross the tracks via the lengthy Forthside Footbridge and pick up the river trail on the other side. Keep heading upstream, switching to the pavements on Shore Road and Abbey Road. You soon arrive at the bridge back across to Cambuskenneth.
