The best walks and hikes around King'S Park
4.5
(642)
6,077
hikers
13
hikes
Hiking around King'S Park offers routes that combine urban exploration with parkland paths in the historic city of Stirling. The area is characterized by its proximity to Stirling Castle, with trails ascending Gowan Hill for views over the city. The landscape provides a mix of paved walkways, park trails, and some gentle inclines suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around King'S Park
- The most popular hiking route is Stirling Castle & Gowanhill loop from Stirling, a 2.6 mile (4.2 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This route features an ascent of Gowan Hill, providing views of the castle and the surrounding city.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Animal Carvings Bench – Scottish Animal Sculptures loop from Stirling, a moderate 5.9 mile (9.5 km) path. This trail leads through parkland to a collection of animal sculptures carved from wood.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Stirling Old Town Jail – Stirling Castle loop from Kings Park, a 3.4 mile (5.5 km) trail leading through historic Stirling, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around King'S Park is defined by historic city paths, public parkland, and ascents of small hills like Gowan Hill. The network of trails offers options for different ability levels, from short city walks to longer park routes.
- The routes in King'S Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 580 reviews. More than 6,000 hikers have used komoot to explore King'S Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.1
(9)
85
hikers
5.51km
01:31
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
30
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
33
hikers
2.77km
00:47
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
13.8km
03:44
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
4
hikers
8.52km
02:17
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Highly recommend the Escape Rooms based out of the Old Town Jail in Stirling!
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Erected by the men of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to commemorate the fallen in the Boer War, this eight-foot bronze infantryman, has been in place since 1905. The kilted figure, which weighs three quarters of a tonne and was sculpted by W Hubert Paton, stands on a six-foot high granite plinth.
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Great path to link Kings Knot with Stirling Castle, The Beheading Stone, the Old Cemetery and Stirling Old Town. A very enjoyable walk with lots of historical interest.
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This sculpture is part of the Wallace Way wood carving trail at Abbey Craig, which is FREE to access and starts from the Wallace Monument Carpark. The 15-20 minute route ascends the Abbey Craig from the car park to the entrance of The National Wallace Monument. The trail takes visitors on a journey through Stirling’s history, from ice age to the building of the Wallace Monument.
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This Whale sculpture celebrates the whale bones that were washed up on the prehistoric shoreline at the Carse of Stirling, 5000 BC. The sculpture is part of the Wallace Way wood carving trail at Abbey Craig, which is FREE to access and starts from the Wallace Monument Carpark. The trail takes visitors on a journey through Stirling’s history, from ice age to the building of the Wallace Monument.
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These animal sculptures celebrates Scotland’s first farmers who kept pigs, sheep, goats and cattle. The sculptures are part of the Wallace Way wood carving trail at Abbey Craig, which is FREE to access and starts from the Wallace Monument Carpark. The trail takes visitors on a journey through Stirling’s history, from ice age to the building of the Wallace Monument.
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Beautiful views to Stirling Castle with benches to enjoy the views and information boards.
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Super spot to rest weary legs and take in the views.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around King's Park?
There are nearly 300 routes to explore around King's Park. They range from easy city walks to more moderate parkland trails, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Yes, the area is great for families. A particularly suitable option is the Stirling Castle – Stirling Old Town Jail loop from Stirling. It's a short, easy walk that takes you past some of the city's most famous historic sites.
What do other hikers think of the trails around King's Park?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views of Stirling Castle and the mix of historic city paths with green parkland.
Can I do a circular walk that starts and ends in King's Park?
Absolutely. A popular circular route is the Stirling Old Town Jail – Stirling Castle loop from Kings Park. This trail is about 5.5 km and offers a fantastic tour of the historic old town before returning to the park.
Are there any trails with interesting features besides the views?
Yes, for something a bit different, try the Animal Carvings Bench – Scottish Animal Sculptures loop from Stirling. This moderate trail leads you through parkland to discover a unique collection of animal sculptures carved from wood.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails?
The hikes around King's Park feature a mix of paved city walkways, well-maintained park trails, and some gentle inclines. You can expect ascents like the one up Gowan Hill, which provides excellent views over Stirling.
Are the trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, many of the trails are perfect for beginners. There are over 150 easy routes available. A good starting point is the Stirling Old Town Jail – Stirling Castle loop from Stirling, which is mostly flat and follows clear paths.
What are the main highlights to see while hiking?
The primary highlight is the constant presence of historic Stirling. Many trails offer fantastic views of Stirling Castle, the Old Town Jail, and the city skyline from viewpoints like Gowan Hill. The combination of urban history and green park space is what makes the area unique.
How long do the hikes around King's Park typically take?
Hike durations vary. You can find short walks that take about an hour, like the popular Stirling Castle & Gowanhill loop from Stirling, as well as longer routes that can take over two hours to complete.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in King's Park?
King's Park is a public park and dogs are generally welcome. The trails that go through the park and surrounding city streets are suitable for walking with a dog, but they should be kept under control, especially in areas with traffic or near historic sites.
Is public transport a good option for getting to the trailheads?
Yes, Stirling is well-served by public transport. Many of the trails, especially those starting near the city centre or Stirling Castle, are easily accessible from the main train and bus stations, making it convenient to explore the area without a car.
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