12 Stunning Walks Near Stirling to Explore Year-Round

No matter the time of year, Stirlingshire is a stunning spot for anyone who wants to step outside and enjoy nature.

Stirling and the surrounding area is home to some of the most beautiful walks in Scotland.

From a stroll in the woods to a hike in the hills, we’ve rounded up some of the best walks near Stirling for budding explorers.

Lace up your walking shoes, grab a waterproof jacket and give one of these remarkable routes a try.

1) Stirling Back Walk and Gowan Hill

A scenic view across Stirling in the snow, showing houses in the foreground with the National Wallace Monument tower visible in the background, as well as snow-covered mountains — The view from Gowan Hill, looking towards the Wallace Monument. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson

If you’re in the city, walking along the Stirling Back Walk to Gowan Hill is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Starting from Corn Exchange Road, this route follows the outline of the old city walls.

Along the way, there are lovely wood carvings to be seen, as well as the Old Town Cemetery.

Once you reach Gowan Hill, you’ll see the Beheading Stone and a great view of Stirling from above.

Starting address: Corn Exchange Road, Stirling, FK8 2HX

Getting there: 10-minute walk from Stirling railway and bus stations; limited parking

Estimated walk time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

2) Riverside and Cambuskenneth

The exterior of stone building Cambuskenneth Abbey, with ornate arched windows and trees in the foreground. Two people are standing in the distance, looking at the Abbey — Cambuskenneth Abbey is a bit of a hidden gem and has a rich history. Image: Eve Conroy/DC Thomson

A wander down Riverside Drive, taking in the calm river, is always a pleasant walk.

Over the footbridge is Cambuskenneth, a quaint village with flawless gardens and a beautiful abbey.

Cambuskenneth Abbey, one of Stirling’s many historical buildings, is the burial place of James III and Margaret of Denmark.

Starting address: Corner of Riverside Drive and Queenshaugh Drive, Stirling, FK8 1XF

Getting there: 20-minute walk from Stirling railway and bus stations; on-street parking in residential area

Estimated walk time: 40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

3) Plean Country Park

A dirt path flanked by trees covered with red, autumn foliage — Plean Country Park during autumn. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson

Plean Country Park, located in the former mining village, is fantastic for a leisurely stroll.

A walk around the park is a great one to take the kids on – there’s a play park to keep them entertained and different paths to explore.

Enjoy the forest area or gaze up at the ruins of Plean House.

Starting address: Off Cadger’s Loan, Plean, FK7 8BB

Getting there: 25 minutes on number 38 bus from Stirling bus station, followed by 15-minute walk from Plean village; 15-minute drive from Stirling railway station; ample free on-site parking

Estimated walk time: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

4) Darn Walk

A woodland area of the Darn Road with leaves on the forest floor, mossy tree stumps and trees without leaves. Sunlight shines through the trees — The Darn Road is an ancient trackway that runs along the bank of the Allan Water. Image: Dougie Milne Photography/Shutterstock

Linking Bridge of Allan and Dunblane, the Darn Walk is… well… a Darn good walk through peaceful woodland.

The route follows the Allan Water river and has links to author Robert Louis Stevenson, who used to walk this way as a child.

It is even thought a small cave on the route inspired Ben Gunn’s cave in Treasure Island.

No matter which direction you walk in, there’s a railway station at each end, so you can jump on a train if you don’t fancy hiking all the way back to the start.

Starting address: Blairforkie Drive, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4PE

Getting there: 15-minute walk from Bridge of Allan railway station; on-street parking in residential area

Estimated walk time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

5) Downie’s Loup

A tall waterfall flows in front of a rugged rockface, with moss and ferns in the foreground — The waterfall is in the Gargunnock Hills. Image: Travelly Minimalist/Shutterstock

With a breath-taking waterfall at the end, Downie’s Loup is well worth the steep hike up into the Gargunnock Hills.

From Gargunnock, this adventure takes around two hours, there and back.

When you arrive back at the village, why not pop into the Gargunnock Inn for a well-earned pint or a bite to eat?

Starting address: Manse Brae, Gargunnock, FK8 3DG

Getting there: 20 minutes on number X10 bus from Stirling bus station, followed by 10-minute walk from Gargunnock village; 15-minute drive from Stirling railway station; on-street parking in village

Estimated walk time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

6) Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe

A fairy house carved into the trunk of an old tree, with a small door and windows, standing in a forest — Fairy-themed delights can be found along this walk. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson

Children and adults alike will be charmed by the magic of Aberfoyle’s Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe walk.

This walk is beautiful during the autumn when the leaves are orange and there’s mist on the hills.

It’s a circular route, with a mystical tree at the top of Doon Hill that is said to be the doorway to a fairy palace.

Starting address: Riverside car park, Aberfoyle, FK8 3UQ

Getting there: Getting there: 55 minutes on number X10A bus from Stirling railway station; 40-minute drive from Stirling railway station; ample free parking at Riverside car park

Estimated walk time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

7) Bracklinn Falls

Flowing falls in the centre, flanked by large rocks and trees with orange and red autumn foliage on either side — The beautiful Bracklinn Falls in Callander. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson

With a designated car park, Bracklinn Falls is a great and convenient spot to visit near Callander.

As you near the falls, you’ll hear them thundering below and can enjoy the view from the bridge.

The nearby Callander Crags walk is also worth it for a stunning view of the town.

Starting address: Bracklin Road, Callander, FK17 8EH

Getting there: 50 minutes on number 59 bus from Stirling railway station; 35-minute drive from Stirling railway station; ample free on-site parking

Estimated walk time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

8) North Third Reservoir

Trees and long grass in the foreground, with a large reservoir in the background. There are small islands in the middle of the water, and there is green land visible across the other side of the reservoir — The reservoir was originally built for a practical purpose but is now a serene spot to visit. Image: Robert Brailsford/Shutterstock

North Third Reservoir is on the outskirts of Stirling. It was built in 1911 and once delivered over nine million litres of water per day to the surrounding area, but is no longer in use.

This walk around the reservoir’s edge has towering hills, lovely forestry and is where you can see the famous Bannock Burn.

On a good day, the Ben Ledi, Stùc a’Chròin and Ben Vorlich mountains are all visible from this gorgeous spot.

Starting address: North Third, FK7 9QS

Getting there: No public transport options; 20-minute drive from Stirling railway station; no on-site parking

Estimated walk time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

9) Doune Castle and River Teith

The view from a Stirlingshire walk: A slightly-ruined light-coloured stone castle with turrets sits on a grassy hill, framed by leaves from trees — Doune Castle has appeared in several films and TV programmes over the years. Image: imageBROKER/Shutterstock

For a short walk, Doune is a nice location to explore.

After an amble around the village, follow the River Teith and head towards Doune Castle, which has featured in Outlander and Game of Thrones.

There’s also a blackthorn hedge tunnel on the route.

Starting address: 61-63 Balkerach Street, Doune, FK16 6DF

Getting there: 35 minutes on number 59 bus from Stirling railway station; 20-minute drive from Stirling railway station; on-street parking in town

Estimated walk time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

10) Dumyat

A view of Stirlingshire, with a forest in the foreground and farmland in front, stretching across to industrial and residential buildings beyond — The view of Stirlingshire from Dumyat. Image: Cedarkae/Shutterstock

For a hill walk, Dumyat is the perfect place to start.

The 418m-tall Ochil Hill boats a beautiful view of Stirling and has two summits to conquer: Castle Law and Dumyat.

With signposted paths, you can concentrate on the stunning surroundings without having to worry about finding your way.

Starting address: Dumyat car park, Stirling, FK9 5PX

Getting there: No public transport options; 15-minute drive from Stirling railway station; on-site parking

Estimated walk time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

11) Killin Heritage Trail

A walk near Stirling in which fast-moving falls in the foreground with an island of trees behind and white, traditional cottages in the background — The Falls of Dochart in Killin aren’t the only lovely thing to see while visiting. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson

While the Falls of Dochart attract hundreds of tourists, Killin also has a wonderful heritage trail.

Make sure to check out the mill with its restored water wheel, Fingal’s Stone, the Parish Church of Killin and Ardeonaig, and the ruins of Finlarig Castle.

This short walk takes up to an hour and is suitable for all.

Starting address: Main Street, Killin, FK21 8XE

Getting there: No public transport options; 1 hour and 10-minute drive from Stirling railway station; on-street parking in town

Estimated walk time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

12) King’s Park and the King’s Knot

A walk in Stirling in which a man-made grassy structure is in the forefront, similar to a hedge maze, with grand houses and trees in the background — The historic King’s Knot. Image: Clyde Property

Another city centre spot, King’s Park is a lovely green space to walk around.

A short stroll away, past some stunning houses, sits the King’s and Queen’s Knots, a feature of the ancient King’s Park where royalty jousted, hawked and hunted.

These mounds were once part of the Stirling Castle grounds, which still towers above them today.

Starting address: King’s Park Road, Stirling, FK8 2FA

Getting there: 20-minute walk from Stirling railway and bus stations; on-street parking

Estimated walk time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

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