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Stirling Castle & Gowanhill loop from Stirling

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Stirling Castle & Gowanhill loop from Stirling

Easy

4.5

(12)

hikers

Stirling Castle & Gowanhill loop from Stirling

01:13

4.24km

110m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 7, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

785 m

Stirling Old Town Jail

Highlight • Historical Site

The Old Town Jail was first opened in 1847. Located at the top of St. John Street, the jail paints a frightening picture of what it would have been like to be imprisoned in the 1800's. As you travel round the dark corridors inspecting the cells you'll experience the atmosphere of jail life: creaking hinges, a shuffle of feet, time hanging heavily in the air. You may be in 'luck' and a desperate prisoner might even try to make good his escape. If this happens, you must follow the instructions of your warder - do not panic, try to stay calm.

Tip by

882 m

Mar's Wark

Highlight • Historical Site

Commissioned around 1569 by the powerful Earl of Mar, heriditary Keeper of Stirling Castle and one time Regent of Scotland during the minority of James VI. The Earls of Mar were originally the Erskine Family who were appointed by David II as heriditary keepers of Stirling Castle.
The shell of a splendid renaissance style town house is all that remains of a once, grand building at the top of the Old Town. The facade of Mars Wark is decorated with stone carvings, panels, gargoyles and much of the stone would have come from the ruined Cambuskenneth Abbey.
The 11th Earl of Mar supported the Jacobite cause and following the failure of the 1715 rebellion, the house was converted into barracks. During the 1745-6 rising it was damaged by cannon fire and fell into ruin.

Tip by

1.17 km

Back o' Hill Walk, Stirling Castle

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Scenic walk around the hill under the imposing castle.

Tip by

2.17 km

Beheading Stone and Cannons on Gowan Hill

Highlight • Historical Site

The beheading stone is thought to have been used for capital punishments in the 15th Century and was probably used in the executions of various important figures.
In 1425, Murdoch, Duke of Albany and former Regent of Scotland, two of his sons and his father-in-law, the Earl of Lennox were executed. King James I was taking revenge for Albany's 18 year abuse of power when the King was held captive in England.

Tip by

3.03 km

Stirling Castle

Highlight • Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle.
Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to Stirling Castle to revel in its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. It was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations.

Open
1 April to 30 September:
Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm

1 October to 31 March:
Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5pm
New Year’s Day (1 January): 11am to 5pm
Last entry to Stirling Castle is 45 minutes before closing. The Regimental Museum closes 45 minutes before the castle.

Café opening hours
The Unicorn Café is open year-round and serves a delicious menu of traditional hot and cold food.
The Pentice open-air café is open from April to September and offers a good selection of sandwiches, home baking and hot/cold drinks.

Closed
Christmas Day
Boxing Day

Tip by

4.24 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.35 km

1.24 km

421 m

229 m

Surfaces

1.77 km

1.08 km

970 m

241 m

116 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Tuesday 7 July

22°C

14°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Stirling Castle & Gowanhill loop from Stirling

Stirling Old Town Jail

Mar's Wark

Back o' Hill Walk, Stirling Castle

Beheading Stone and Cannons on Gowan Hill

Stirling Castle

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