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Suggested cycle rides in Stirling & Clackmannanshire

If you are looking for ideas or inspiration for a cycle ride in Stirling or Clackmannanshire then look no further.  Our suggested routes below take in some of these places' historic sites.

 

 

1. Stirling Castle Loop

Stirling Castle Loop
A short distance route with one big climb up to the castle. It is less than two miles but brings you to one of the most beautiful visitor attractions in Stirling. The steep climb rewards you with amazing views of the surrounding area from the castle and you'll also get to enjoy the downhill ride on your return.
  • Start Point : Stirling Active Travel Hub
  • Finish Point : Stirling Active Travel Hub
  • Approximate Time Taken : 20-30 minutes
  • Terrain / Surface: Mainly quiet and small city centre streets
  • Distance : 1.8 miles / 2.9 km
  • Total Climbing And Descent : +213ft -2216ft / +64m -65m
 

2. Wallace Monument Loop

Wallace Monument Loop
Difficulty Rating: EASY. A short route, with one climb up to the monument's visitor centre. During the ride you will cross the beautiful river Forth, can rest on a bench alongside it and some stunning views towards the Ochil Hills. On the way back you will cross the famous cobbled Stirling Bridge.
  • Start Point : Stirling Active Travel Hub
  • Finish Point : Stirling Active Travel Hub
  • Approximate Time Taken : 50 - 60 minutes
  • Terrain / Surface: Quiet roads - mostly on National Cycle Network routes
  • Distance : 4.3 miles / 6.9 km
  • Total Climbing And Descent : +183ft - 182ft / +55m -55m
 

3. The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
A short distance route, with mainly flat on road cycling make this an easy route. You will pass by the King’s Park which where you can visit the Peace of Mind Garden. The park makes an excellent picnic stop.
  • Start Point : Stirling Active Travel Hub
  • Finish Point : Stirling Active Travel Hub
  • Approximate Time Taken : 15 - 20 minutes ( one way )
  • Terrain / Surface: On roads partly through quiet residential areas
  • Distance : 3.1 miles / 4.9 km
  • Total Climbing And Descent : +169ft - 46ft / +51m -14m
 

4. Round the City Loop

Round the City Loop
A fairly easy ride but you need to make a bit more time for this one. This ride is 10 miles in total and will go past fantastic tourist attractions such the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. It combines parts of the shorter routes into one amazing loop around the City of Stirling. There are two big climbs but they are short and there's always the option to push to the top.
  • Start Point : Stirling Active Travel Hub
  • Finish Point : Stirling Active Travel Hub
  • Approximate Time Taken : 2 hours
  • Terrain / Surface: A mixture between quiet roads and National Cycle Network routes
  • Distance : 10.5 miles / 16.8 km
  • Total Climbing And Descent : +528ft -532ft / +160m -162m
 

5. Bannockburn Tartan Weaving Trail

Bannockburn Tartan Weaving Trail
See the remaining buildings of Wilson and Sons Tartan Weaving, which was once the heart of the Scottish tartan industry.
  • Start Point : Forth Bike station - Bannockburn
  • Finish Point : Forth Bike station - Bannockburn
  • Approximate Time Taken : 8 minutes
  • Terrain / Surface: Road.
  • Distance : 1.2 miles / 2 km
  • Total Climbing And Descent :
 

6. Old Stirling Heritage Trail (University Loop)

Old Stirling Heritage Trail (University Loop)
Visit the Old Town area of Stirling and learn about Stirling’s past as one of the most powerful places in Scotland.
  • Start Point : Forth Bike station - University of Stirling
  • Finish Point : Forth Bike station - University of Stirling
  • Approximate Time Taken : 40 minutes
  • Terrain / Surface: Mostly road. Some cycle paths.
  • Distance : 6.2 miles/ 10 km
  • Total Climbing And Descent :
 

7. Old Stirling Heritage Trail (Health Care Village Loop)

Old Stirling Heritage Trail (Health Care Village Loop)
Visit the Old Town area of Stirling and learn about Stirling’s past as one of the most powerful places in Scotland.
  • Start Point : Forth Bike station - Health Care Village
  • Finish Point : Forth Bike station - Health Care Village
  • Approximate Time Taken : 30 minutes
  • Terrain / Surface: Road. Cycle path.
  • Distance : 3.7 miles/ 6 km
  • Total Climbing And Descent :
 

8. Bannockburn, Plean and Polmaise

Bannockburn, Plean and Polmaise
The mining industry shaped the Eastern villages of Stirling, learn about the role the industry had in these communities and follow the routes the workers took between the towns.
  • Start Point : Forth Bike station - Bannockburn
  • Finish Point : Forth Bike station - Bannockburn
  • Approximate Time Taken : 1 hour
  • Terrain / Surface: Mostly road. Some cycle paths.
  • Distance : 10.5 miles / 17km
  • Total Climbing And Descent :
 

9. Old Clackmannan Trail

Old Clackmannan Trail
Clackmannan was once home to the Bruce family, and was an important location on the River Forth.
  • Start Point : Forth Bike station - Alloa Train Station
  • Finish Point : Forth Bike station - Alloa Train Station
  • Approximate Time Taken : 30 minutes
  • Terrain / Surface: Road. Cycle path.
  • Distance : 4.3 miles/ 7km
  • Total Climbing And Descent :
 

10. Dollar & Tillicoultry on the Devonway Trail

Dollar & Tillicoultry on the Devonway Trail
Follow the route of the former Devon Valley Railway and learn about the heritage of the towns and the impact a visit to the Harviestoun estate had on Robert Burns.
  • Start Point : Forth Bike station - Tillicoultry
  • Finish Point : Forth Bike station - Dollar
  • Approximate Time Taken : 20 minutes
  • Terrain / Surface: Road. Cycle path.
  • Distance : 3.1 miles/ 5 km
  • Total Climbing And Descent :