Getting out into the countryside is great for physical and mental health.
The best way to explore the countryside around the Carse of Stirling is via footpaths. Some of these are ancient rights of way, while others have been created in more modern times to allow people to visit previously inaccessible areas.
COSP is working with local partners to investigate the creation of more path networks, linking local communities, and helping people to pursue more active lifestyles. Please take a look at our download “Paths Summit” for more information.
The Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003, gives everyone the right to roam on land and waterways in Scotland – within certain restrictions. Please make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code whenever you’re out enjoying the countryside. For full information, visit https://www.scotways.com/
We’ve put together a selection of popular walks on recognised routes for you to enjoy.
A short walk around Kippen
Terrain: road, track and footpath. Distance: 1km (1100 yards). Ascent: 30 feet.Starting from Kippen Memorial Cross at the crossroads in the village, walk up the Main Street on the roadside pavement on the left for about 150 yards and take the turning on the left into Castlehill Loan. Follow this road as it curves round to the right, then turn left at the road junction and continue for about 150 yards.
At the signpost on the left, saying “Public Path – Burnside ¼”, turn left and follow the path alongside the burn. There are numerous routes off to the left, but ignore these and keep to the right. Eventually you emerge onto the road called Burnside. Turn left here and follow Burnside back to the Kippen Memorial Cross.
Kippen Common & Nature Trail
Terrain: road, track and footpath. Distance: 2 km (1¼ miles). Ascent: 70 feet.From the Kippen Memorial Cross, walk up the Main Street on the roadside pavement for about 150 yards and take the turning on the left into Castlehill Loan. Follow this road as it curves round to the left and turn left at the road junction. This takes you to Kippen Common. At the junction of the paths, turn left and go along the side of the football field and follow it round to a path which goes over a bridge and through Burnside Wood.
This path is a Nature Trail and there are woodland structures along the path. It goes by a wee lochan, used by fishermen. Continue to a gate and the junction with the Gun Club Road, where you turn left and then left again into Burnside, which leads back to Kippen Memorial Cross. On the right the Burnside road often has views across the Carse of Stirling to the Highland hills beyond.
Burnside Wood and Redgate Hill
Terrain: road, track and footpath. Distance: 3.6 km (2¼ miles). Ascent: 200 feet.This route is a Core Path and is signposted throughout on good paths and tracks (which get quite muddy after rain) for a distance of 2¼ miles.
From Kippen Memorial Cross, cross the main road and go straight on into Burnside. For about 300 yards there is a pavement, but, thereafter, walk along the road itself – it’s almost traffic-free, because it’s a dead end. It has good views to the left across the Carse of Stirling to Ben Vorlich and Ben Ledi.