Gardens, Parks and Walks

STAYCATION SPECIAL

Packages which include a two course dinner from our set menu, bed and breakfast are available with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to check in.

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At a Glance

  • Location: 17 Miles South
  • Admission (2020): Adult £7.50, Children Free
  • Open: Open All Year
  • More Information: View website

The Kelpies

Come and see the world’s largest equine sculptures up close and even go inside to marvel at the complexity and engineering which created these fantastic pieces of art. Join the 30-minute guided walking tour that takes you through the vision of artist Andy Scott and how history and industry impacted on his designing of these breath-taking sculptures.
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At a Glance

  • Location: 17 Miles South
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: Park Open All Year, Splash Play weekends and school holidays only.
  • More Information: View website

The Helix Park

The Helix Park was created in 2003, born from an idea to create a local greenspace that connects and engages with its local communities. It is home to the Kelpies of course but also has a visitor centre, waterside cafe, an Adventure Zone and a Splash Play area that children of all ages will love! There is also a circular 18 miles cycle route around Falkirk and plenty of lovely walks throughout the park.
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At a Glance

  • Location: 3.6 Miles North West
  • Admission (2020): Free. Charges for water sports
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

Airthey Loch

Airthrey Loch is part of the University of St Andrews campus and is put to good use for kayaking and canoeing but the 2.5km path around its banks is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a morning jog.

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At a Glance

  • Location: 0.9 Miles South
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

Kings Park

So called because this park was used as the hunting ground for the Royal Court at Stirling, these days it pays host to a wide range of less blood thirsty pursuits! There is a scenic circular walk, a BMX and skate park, Tennis courts and a range of outdoor gym equipment. The path network that follows the boundary of the park provides you with great views of Stirling Castle, the city skyline and views of the Ochil Hills, Hillfoots, Cambusbarron and Gillies Hill.
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At a Glance

  • Location: 1.4 Miles North East
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

Kings Knot

The earthworks known as the King’s and Queen’s Knots were part of the formal gardens of Stirling Castle. These were remodelled for Charles I’s ‘hamecoming’ for his Scottish coronation, which took place in 1633. It was subject to extensive restoration under orders of Queen Victoria in 1842. Comprising an octagonal stepped mound rising to 3m high, from the top there’s a spectacular view of the Royal Castle towering overhead.
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At a Glance

  • Location: 0.1 Miles South
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

The Castle Back Walk

This is a terrific scenic walk around the old town walls of Stirling, with views over to the Campsie Fells, Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi, Stuc a’Chroin and Ben Vorlich. The route is mainly on well surfaced paths and passes through woods, scrub and grasslands. At a good pace you can probably complete this circular walk in 1 to 1.5 hours but on a nice day it is worth taking time to look around you and appreciate the views. The path runs right behind the Hotel, so you are in the perfect spot to start with!
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At a Glance

  • Location: 3.6 Miles North West
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

Hermitage Woods Walk

The Hermitage woods are a good spot for a short stroll or as part of a longer walk up to Sherrifmuir or Dumyat. A couple of miles from Stirling, this dense, mixed woodland is rich with plants, wild flowers and wildlife. The woods back on to the grounds of the University which is sited on the old Airthrey estate.
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At a Glance

  • Location: 4 Miles South
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

Baston Burn and Touch Glen Walk

A bit of a forgotten gem this location, though you may need your walking boots as it can get muddy! A circular walk takes you to West Burn and Touch Burn where you can find Gilmour’s Linn. Legend has it that the cave was used by Charles Edward Stuart while in hiding from British Forces following the failed Jacobite Rebellion in 1745.
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At a Glance

  • Location: 4.1 Miles North West
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

Bridge of Allan Mine Wood Walk

The Mine Wood was formerly owned by the Westerton Estate and was purchased by the local council to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The network of paths which run through the wood were laid out in the mid 19th Century by Sir James Alexander of Westerton and have been improved. There are some fine views back to Stirling and the mouth of the abandoned coppermine can still be found.
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At a Glance

  • Location: 4.1 Miles North West
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

Bridge of Allan Glen Road Walk

This beautiful linear walk links Bridge of Allan to Dunblane, close by the river for much of the route, following the line of an ancient path known as the Darn Road which is reputed to date back to Roman times. It’s best enjoyed by starting in Bridge of Allan up to Wharry Burn and then back, but if you are feeling more ambitious you can continue on into Dunblane itself, a charming small town where tennis star Andy Murray was brought up.
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At a Glance

  • Location: 15 Miles West
  • Admission (2020): Free
  • Open: All Year
  • More Information: View website

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

This National Park has some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and is just 15 miles from Colessio. It includes Loch Lomond of course but also breathtaking mountains and glens, and the beauty of the vast mountains and glens covering 720 square miles.

If you are looking for some walking and hiking routes and ideas for your break then 10adventures.com has created a well researched useful guide here:
https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/loch-lomond-and-the-trossachs/

Image credits: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam – VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Information correct at July 2020. Please confirm details direct with attraction. E&OE.

Why not take a picnic?

To make things easier we can put together a picnic lunch for you to take on your travels, just ask at reception for more details.

Dog Friendly Welcome

We like to welcome your whole family, so don’t leave your beloved dog at home, bring them with you! There are so many walks and parks nearby they'll have a great time! See our Pet Policy.

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