The Wallace Monument and Abbey Craig.
Start. Wallace Monument Visitors Centre.
Route. N/A
Notes. A short break in Scotland, or to be more precise Clackmannanshire, the low lying lands around Stirling and Alloa to the south of the Ochil Hills, if the weather gods had permitted we'd have spent time exploring rolling grassy ridges, deep cut glens and the heavily afforested slopes of the splendid Ochil Hills. Unfortunately rain bearing cloud hung low over the many summits, the wet stuff was falling, not heavy but constant, conspiring against us a strong wind, not the kind of weather to be exploring unfamiliar territory, we needed a plan B, quickly, welcome to Abbey Craig.
The National Wallace Monument stands proud atop the 365ft high Abbey Craig, said to be the spot William Wallace watched the gathering army of King Edward I before the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Our plan was to conquer the crag before visiting the monument, on entering the Visitors Centre a disappointment, the monument was closed for refurbishments, a viewing of Wallace's 5ft 4inch long sword would have to wait until a later date. A short wander round Abbey Craig followed, way marked paths guided us to a number of view points before depositing us back at the Visitors Centre.
On Abbey Craig looking to the Ochil Hills.
The National Wallace Monument.....
.....completed in 1889 at a cost of £18.000, this 220ft tall sandstone tower is built in the Victorian Gothic style.
Seen from Abbey Craig, the Campsie Fells dominate the horizon.
Rising above the roof tops of Stirling, surveying all in sight Stirling Castle.
Views over Alloa and the flatlands of Clackmannanshire.
Statue to a 13th century Scots hero Sir William Wallace.
Stirling Castle and the meandering River Forth.
View taken from the Visitors Centre car park.