Follow history at Bannockburn

Bannockburn, a small village just outside Stirling, is the world-famous site of a bloody battle in the Wars of Independence between Scotland and England in 1314. A large monument to Robert the Bruce and a National Trust for Scotland (NTS) visitor centre can be found near the site.

The Bannockburn Heritage Walk starts at Bannockburn Monument. Follow the path away from the car park and down onto the road to Chartershall. Turn left just before the bridge over the Bannock burn. Follow the path alongside the old mill lade all the way to Glasgow Road. Cross the road and take the road running behind the garage towards Milton Farm. Follow a track past some buildings and bear right onto a path, signposted to 'The Falls', which leads to the foot of Coal Wynd. Take in the lovely view from the top of the hill.

Descend into Bannockburn and turn left down The Brae. Cross the burn and turn left on a track to cross the burn again on a footbridge. Follow the path upstream to the weir. Cross the footbridge just beyond it to join the track that leads back to Milton Farm. Cross Glasgow Road, turn right and follow the pavement back to the NTS Visitor Centre.

With a wealth of local folklore and tales of legends being passed down from generation to generation, a trip to Stirling offers you a history lesson like no other. As you explore the city, make sure to visit Stirling Castle and climb the 220ft Wallace Monument.

With some parts dating back to the 14th century, a visit to Stirling Castle can be like stepping back in time. Having witnessed its last ever siege, an unsuccessful attack by 'Bonnie Prince Charlie', in 1746, Stirling Castle has since been a prison, army barracks and now the region's primary attraction.

Spot wildlife on a Galloway walk

The Caerlaverock Castle and Reserve wildlife walk takes in the impressive triangular moated castle, set within Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve on the Solway Firth. The Reserve is internationally important for waterfowl and wading birds and there’s also rare natterjack toads, roe deer, badger and otter to look out for too.

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