Route 3 - Route 8: Roman Falkirk and the Carron

Length: 23 miles

Route type: 1-way+public transport

Difficulty: Medium/High

Immerse yourself in the history of Falkirk this circular route created by Inner Forth Landscapes. One of its Wandering & Windings routes, look out for way markers located at key points to help guide you as you cycle round. 

Start your ride at Falkirk High Station, riding up the hill through Bantaskin Estate to find the monument to the Battle of Falkirk Muir. The battle took place in 1746 between the Jacobites and the Government army. From there, ride on to the Café at Canada Wood and follow the woodland trail down to the Union Canal. Take the towpath towards the Falkirk Wheel, dismounting to walk through the colourfully lit Roughcastle Tunnel. Enjoy spectacular views of the Wheel and across to the Ochil Hills as you emerge out the other side before riding downhill to the visitor centre. There, turn right to cycle along the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath.

The route will take you past the historic Rosebank Distillery, home of the famous lowland whisky. Cycle over the railway bridge and take a left to join the bike track that takes you to Carron Dams - a thriving wetland nature reserve created from the old Carron Iron Works reservoirs. Your ride will take you past the impressive Grahamston Ironworks Gate, once the largest iron gate in the world. 

Soon, you’ll reach the world-famous Kelpies at the Helix Park. Once you have had a chance to cycle around these incredible steel sculptures, stop for a break at the Visitor Centre. Then cycle under the motorway to take the Charlotte Dundas Trail commemorating the world’s first practical steamship which was built at Grangemouth. Ride through Grangemouth town centre to reach Zetland Park with its cycle paths, pump track, E-bike station and a bike library offering free bike hire. 

From here, your route will take you past sections of the Roman Antonine Wall before making its way to Westquarter Valley and past its beautiful waterfall. Cycle on to Callendar Park, past the elegant, French chateau-style Callender House and more remnants of the Antonine Wall. Leave the park at Kemper Avenue and return to Falkirk High Station.

 

Map location: FK1 5QX

View route (external website)