Trip Highlights
- Breathtaking views across Central Scotland.
- Steeped in Scottish history throughout the walk.
- A visit to the Bannockburn Experience.
- A trip on the Falkirk Wheel.
- Visit to the Wallace Monument.
- A visit to Duncarron Medieval Fort
- A visit to Culross Palace
- A visit to the 14th century mansion, Calendar House
- 5 nights accommodation will be provided on or near the route in 3 and 4 star hotels and a 2 star farmhouse.
- Optional accomodation can be made for an over night stay prior to and also on completion of the trip at an additional cost.
- If you are a solo walker and are willing to share with someone of the same sex, there will be no single supplement. If not a single supplement will be added.
- All meals are included in the cost of your trip.
- All transport and luggage transfers on walking days.
- The services of an experienced guide leader.
- The Battle of Bannockburn experience, with cutting-edge 3D technology, where you can experience medieval combat like never before.
- A trip on the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world.
- A visit to the Wallace Monument, 67m (220ft) in height with 246 steps. You will also be able to see the Wallace sword.
- A visit to Duncarron Medieval Fort (a complete reproduction of a fortified village from the 12th century.)
- A visit to Culross Palace
Your guide will meet you in the King Robert Hotel at 9 am for a welcome meeting. Shortly after leaving Bannockburn, we pass through the small quaint village of Chartershall, before some minor road walking through rolling green fields of the countryside brings us to a forest track. The first few miles of this walk is steeped in history, this is where your guide will recount, not one battle but two battles, one more famous than the other. A gentle climb uphill on forest tracks and paths brings us to peak of Lewis hill 266m (872ft), there are fantastic views of North Third reservoir and to the Callander hills in the west, where on a clear day you can see as far as Ben Lomond. The last few miles walking to Carronvalley are on minor roads and forest tracks through undulating farmland. Walk details: 13.4km/ 8.3 miles approx. 5-6 hours 380m/ 1247ft ascent
Day 2: Carronvalley to Castlecary
After a short walk on a minor road, we arrive at the third largest water-supply reservoir in Scotland, Carronvalley. A visit to Duncarron Fort before a short walk along the shoreline allowing you time to admire the scenic views. Once leaving the shoreline, there is a steady climb uphill and over the ridge of the Kilsyth hills. A short walk on a minor road brings us to a viewpoint where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking views. A gentle walk down hill on a minor road and you arrive at the Colzium estate, where your guide will tell you all about the history of the estate. A short walk along a minor road, farm tracks and paths leads you to the famous Antonine wall. Castlecary is at the end of this section of the Antonine wall.
Walk details: 20km/ 12.5 miles approx. 6 hours 333m/ 1093ft ascent
Day 3: Castlecary to Falkirk
We start the day by passing under Castlecary viaduct, a Victorian railway line between Glasgow and Edinburgh. This part of the walk is on a minor road and then forest tracks and paths towards the Falkirk Wheel. Just before the Falkirk Wheel is Roughcastle Fort, one of many Roman fort ruins along the Antonine wall. Shortly after leaving Roughcastle fort we arrive at the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat of its kind in the world, where you will have the time to partake on a journey on the Falkirk Wheel. A visit to the 1746 Battle of Falkirk monument is next before heading down and onto the towpath alongside the Forth and Clyde canal. Then a visit to Calendar house before ending day at Falkirk football stadium.
Walk details: 20.5km/ 12.8 miles approx. 7-8 hours 281m/ 923ft ascent
Day 4: Falkirk to Culross
Follow a cycle path to the Kelpies, the largest horse head statues in the world. Then a short walk along a minor road and then a farm track brings us to the Bothkennar pools. Two lagoons next to the river Forth that is full of various different bird and animal species. A short walk along the shore path of the the River Forth, you pass the Skinflats lagoons, just like the Bothkennar lagoons, it is rich in various birds and If you are lucky you may spot a rare sighting of the Baikal Teal. Not long after crossing the Kincardine bridge, you are soon walking on forest tracks through the Devilla forest, where you may spot a red squirrel or an otter in one of the lochs. Within a couple of miles of leaving the Devilla forest, you soon arrive at the most scenic village in Scotland Culross, where you will have the opportunity to visit Culross Palace.
Walk details: 21km/ 13 miles 6-7 hours 145/ 476ft ascent
Day 5: Culross to Tillicoultry
After a short walk uphill through the scenic village of Culross you soon arrive at Culross Abbey, an abbey full of history and mystery. After leaving the village of Culross, there are beautiful views towards the Forth road bridge. After walking along a minor road and then along a cycle path, it brings you to the last section of this walk to Tillicoultry, where you will have fantastic views of the rolling hills of the Ochils, that dominate the skyline from Dunblane to Milnathort. Along this stretch you pass Gartmorn Dam, which is abundant in wildlife, history and beauty.
Walk details: 20km/ 12.5 miles approx 6-7 hours 241m/ 791ft ascent
Day 6: Tillicoultry to Stirling Castle
The last day of walking is the most undulating section of the Central Belt Way, as you walk uphill to the Silver mines in the Ochil hills, to the Wallace Monument and finishing off with the last uphill walk of the day to Stirling Castle. This section of the walk is full of history, folklore and myths, where your guide will recount stories of hidden treasure, treachery and a famous Scottish legend along the way. A visit to the Wallace monument is a must during this part of the walk. Reaching Stirling castle with the last uphill climb of the day, you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Forth valley and also on completing the Central Belt Way.
Walk details: 21km/ 13 miles approx 7-8 hours 488m/ 1604ft ascent
A more detailed Itinerary will be available upon booking
| Trip Dates for 2023 | Prices | Places available |
|---|---|---|
| 1st May – 6th May 2023 | From £1100 | 6 |
| 15th May – 20th May 2023 | from £1100 | 6 |
| 12th June – 17th June 2023 Women only departure | from £1100 | 6 |
| 26th June – 1st July 2023 | from £1100 | 6 |
| 10th July – 15th July 2023 | from £1100 | 6 |
| 24th July – 29th July 2023 | from £1100 | 6 |
| 7th August – 12th August 2023 | from £1100 | 6 |
| 21st August – 26th August 2023 | from £1100 | 6 |
| 4th September – 9th September 2023 | from £1100 | 6 |
| 18th September - 23rd September 2023 | from £1100 | 6 |
Single supplement of up to £200 will be added to the price if required
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Just getting round to this just now but I had the pleasure of completing a part of the Central Belt Way from Powfoulis Manor to Tillicoultry (15.5miles). There was always something to see whether it was an ice house, old church, castle, waterfall, wildlife or the beautiful views. I was well informed by the very knowledgeable guide throughout the walk. I also had a belly full of wild strawberries which I had never had before and raspberries that we picked along the way. I am very much looking forward to completing the rest of the walk.
I was ecstatic to be asked to walk part of the Central Belt Way as I enjoy scenic walks and routes. We walked from Tillicoultry to Stirling and this was such a beautiful, historical section of the walk. The views were outstanding. The majority of the route was on core paths with mesmerising surroundings. I was never bored along this walk as there was always something different to see and learn about. The guide John was very knowledgeable about the history and folklore throughout this walk. Along the way I ate wild raspberries, drank fresh Scottish spring water and saw numerous birds of prey. I also saw beautiful lambs within the Ochil hills. I found walking to Stirling Castle such an enjoyment, passing Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Bridge. I look forward to doing the full Central Belt Way next year.