Walking

The Falkirk area offers a huge variety of places to walk. From canal paths, country parks to sections of the John Muir Way, and our new paths in and around The Helix and Kelpies. Dont just take our word for it we were voted The Best Walking Neighbourhood 2019 by The Ramblers. 

There are a huge number of routes of various lengths and difficulties, taking in every kind of scenery imaginable.  Falkirk is a great place to get out and explore on foot, whether you are looking for a group to go walking with or somewhere suitable to push a pram or wheelchair, you can be sure that there will be something to suit.

Falkirk Paths Network 

The paths network forms the system of paths in the Falkirk Council area and is managed by the Falkirk Council Ranger Service. The whole path network has been designed to  provide for a range of activities including walking, cycling, horse riding, canoeing, etc - and includes paths for all abilities. 

The entire network of paths which covers Airth, Denny, Blackness & Bo'ness, The Falkirk Wheel and South Falkirk and the Antonine Wall. 

John Muir Way

The John Muir Way stretches 134 miles from Helensburgh to Dunbar, taking approximately 7-10 days to walk.  Of course, you don’t have to complete the whole coast to coast route, as this can be done in sections or loops to suit you.  

The Falkirk area has two main sections of the John Muir Way - Linlithgow to Falkirk and then Falkirk to Kilsyth - these sections take in many of the main attractions within the area including Blackness Castle, Bon'ess and Kinneil Railway, Callendar House, and sections of the Antonine Wall.

Why not show your success off by acquiring the John Muir Way official passport!? Mark your progress and enjoy exclusive offers and discounts with businesses and you will find ‘stamping stations’ for your passport along the route. Find out more here

The route has been designed to be very accessible to all and uses a mix of paths, with many of places of interest along the way. 

Visit the John Muir Way website for more information 

JMW PC: scotlandbigpicture.com

Photo by: scotlandbigpicture.com

The Helix Park 

The Helix, the newest park within the area has a path network with a stunning backdrop for walks and runs, connecting 16 communities via 26 kilometres of paths. So if you fancy a walk around the lagoon or a walk which takes you past the world famous Kelpies then get down to the Helix.

It is also a popular meeting place for many organized group walks including Nordic Walking.

Visit The Helix website for more information

Callendar Estates

Callendar Estate offers fantastic walking opportunities from short walks for all abilities to longer, more challenging walks. The paths take you through mature woodland and farm land and provide a great opportunity to explore the countryside around Falkirk with some fantastic views across the Forth Estuary and the Carse of Stirling to the Ochil Hills.

Visit the Callendar Estates website for more information 

Callendar Estates Walking Trial

The Falkirk Wheel and Canal Paths

If you fancy a gentle stroll in the woods The Falkirk Wheel has over four miles of woodland paths for you to enjoy.

All walks start from the visitor centre and lead you up into the hills where you can discover The Antonine Wall a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Rough Castle Roman Fort. The most popular circular walks are marked on The Falkirk Wheel site map which has suggestions for 12 different walks which you can download here. (Please note the bus routes mentioned in this publication have changed please check the First Bus website for up to date transport information.) 

There are also many walks to enjoy along the canal towpaths of the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals but please remember to stay SAFE (Stay Away From the Edge)!

Visit the Falkirk Wheel and Scottish Canals website for more information

 

#Wheel2Kelpies Selfie Trail!

Canal Encounters is an exciting new challenge for the whole family and a great way to explore the Forth & Clyde Canal, from The Falkirk Wheel to The Kelpies. Discover favourite photo-spots along the towpath, learn about the tales of the canals’ past and the genius engineering which went into creating these iconic structures.Grab a map at your starting point at The Wheel or The Kelpies, or download one before you go! 

Antonine Wall

Built by the Romans, around AD142, it marked the northern border to the Roman Empire. Running for 60 km from modern Old Kilpatrick on the north side of the River Clyde to Bo'ness on the Firth of Forth, you can walk the wall and there a number of easy walks suitable for families and children.  The Wall is now  a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Falkirk council produce a guide to walking around the Antonine Wall which can be downloaded here 

Visit the Antonine Wall website for more information

Muiravonside Country Park

An old country estate formerly owned by the Stirling family of Falkirk, the Park is free to access and open all-year round. There’s a lot to do with nature trails, picnic sites and play areas throughout the Parks 170 acres.

Visitors can follow the River Avon Heritage Trail around the Park past the historic Avon Aqueduct and see the relics of bygone industry and farming.

Visit the Falkirk Community Trust website for more information 

Muiravonside Country Park - Walking - PC: Fiona Wishart

Photo by: Fiona Wishart

Falkirk Town Heritage Trail 

Discover local heritage and take a walk around Falkirk town centre heritage trails. Featuring the Grave of Sir John De Graeme who died fighting alongside William Wallace in the battle of Falkirk 1298. 30 blue plaques are located through-out the town centre. Download the FREE app and find out what the buildings and streets look like in 360 degrees augmented content.  For more info click here. 

Falkirk Active Travel Hub 

The Falkirk Active Travel Hub aims to encourage and support people to make more of their everyday journeys by walking, cycling and through the use of sustainable modes of transportation.

The Active Travel Hub team provide expert knowledge on local active travel routes and networks from our base at 203 High Street, Falkirk.  For more details click here

Charlotte Dundas Heritage Trail

Celebrating the Charlotte Dundas, the world's first practical steam boat. created by William Symington. Enjoy an informative and educational walk along this new interpretative trail from the Kelpies Basin down the canal to Lock 1 where the Queen Elizabeth canal joins the River Carron. 

Charlotte Dundas Heritage Trail Int Panel

 

The Foundry Fortunes Heritage Trail

Take the Right Route’s Foundry Fortune is a community engagement project that encourages exploration and celebrates heritage in Larbert and Stenhousemuir. This 5-miles circular trail is made up of a series of six large coin monuments which depict the different elements and processes associated with the foundry.

The large coins are made of stainless steel, mounted on granite boulders, situated along one of the heritage trails in Larbert and Stenhousemuir. The trail takes in the sights of the Carron Dams, the Lido (Crownest Park), South Broomage and Larbert Old Parish Church.

The project was brought to life by community artists NADFLY, who specialise in placemaking, wayfinding and engagement through art. Discover more here.

 

Walking Groups and Tours

Gemini Walks specialise in booking Scottish Walking Holidays and have great knowledge and experience of the John Muir Way.  Visit the Gemini Walks website for more information.

Step Forth is a local walking for health initiative, which aims to get more people active within their own communities. It is aimed at all ages and abilities, and all walks are free of charge. Visit the Step Forth website for more information 

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) have also created a great self guided walking tour which takes in great sites including the Falkirk Wheel and Roughcastle Roman Fort.  You can find all the details on the Discovering Britain website here.

Stirling, Falkirk & District Ramblers Forth Valley group , meets every weekend, usually on a Sunday and most of the walks are between 4 and 12 miles with varied ascent. For details of the walks see the Walks Programme on their website. Please contact the Walk Leader if you plan to attend.

Ramblers walking group

 

 Discover Falkirk area's top 10 walks here.