Discover The Frontiers of the Roman Empire The World Heritage Site in the Council area

easy to use

map and six suggested locations

something for everyone Discover The Frontiers of the Roman Empire The Antonine Wall World Heritage Site in the Falkirk Council area

Frontiers of the Roman Empire The Antonine Wall has been placed on the World Heritage List, inscribed by UNESCO in 2008, for its value to all humanity. The Roman empire was Finding your way one of the greatest the world has ever seen. The A map Antonine Wall formed its Take a close look north-west frontier from at the maps for AD 142 to about AD 160. each of the sites. The empire was protected These should be by frontiers which all you need to extended for over 5,000 find the site and km from the Atlantic coast get around. of Britain through Europe, the Middle East and North Signs Africa to the Atlantic coast Look out for of Morroco. wooden sign posts and interpretation Although the wall was 37 boards giving miles in length, from the Access to the Past more information River Forth to the River Walk the wall-roam like as you go along Clyde, you don’t have to go the Romans-or just enjoy a the path. far around the Falkirk area few hours out. All walks to see some of the best are short and easy going It’s up to you sections. and suitable for families This leaflet gives details of six From Stirling M9 Kincardine Bridge locations, with information on parking, path River Forth surfaces, gradients, facilities etc. Simply choose Roughcastle a section of the Falkirk Antonine Wall wall to visit depending on where you live and Seabegs Tamfourhil Kinneil your own abilities. Callendar Park From From Glasgow Edinburgh M9 Railway Stations Antonine Wall Facts

The Antonine Wall is the largest relic of the Roman occupation of . Built in the years following AD142, on the orders of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, it marked the northern border to the Roman Empire, and replaced Hadrian’s Wall, with young children, elderly Which site to visit? built only 20 years earlier. or less able walkers. Simply read through the following suggested walks By AD160 the However, please remember and choose a walk that suits Antonine Wall the paths go through parks your own needs and abilities. was abandoned and countryside and may as the Roman not be as accessible as Some of the sites have few Army retreated tarmac paths in towns. facilities. Whereas Callendar to the south. In Park and Kinniel Estate can many places the Where possible paths have offer the visitor much more. wall has been been improved by: built over or lost Removing barriers such as Due to the sensitivity of the forever. It is steps and gates. Wall, as an Ancient often hard to Re-surfacing and drainage Monument and World spot and you of some paths. Heritage Site, these paths may not know are NOT suitable for horse that you’re New seating, hand rails riding or off-road cycling. walking over and signage to help you Digging or excavation is not 2000 years of enjoy your walk. permitted. history! Location Bonnybridge From Falkirk 1 Rough Castle, Bonnybridge

Bonnybridge Road Canal B816

Antonine Wall From Bonnybridge Antonine Wall Antonine Wall Rough Castle

Key Main Path (Tarmac) Tarmac Surface Main Path (Stone) Disabled Parking Other Paths Parking Bench Information Board

Although one of the the suggested, circular Path Information smallest Roman Forts on walk marked on the map. the Antonine Wall this is Grade one of the best preserved. Facilities A large open The earthworks of its Informal parking on site grassy area. Walk rampart and ditches are at end of rough track as little or as much still clearly visible. Although as you like. Interpretation boards on the site is grassed over, this site impressive landscape gives Distance a vivid impression of what a No toilets Suggested walk Roman frontier defence Nearby Bonnybridge has 850m (1/2 a mile) must have been like 2000 shops, pubs and other circular walk from years ago. facilities car park. (Allow at least Finding Your Way 1 hour). Start: Rough Castle Car Antonine Wall Facts Park. (See location map). Surface Mown grass paths Follow signs for the and rough track. No Antonine Wall from surfaced paths. Bonnybridge onto Foundry Road and Bonnyside Road. Gradient Carry straight on to a track Some steep leading to Rough Castle car The northern defences were gradients up and park. protected by deadly pits down a track to filled with stakes, known to Rowantree Burn. 1 From the car park simply the Romans as ‘lilia’. explore the area or follow From Falkirk 2 Polmont Wood, Polmont Smiddy Brae Location From Smiddy Grangemouth Brae

Bo’ness Road Antonine Wall Car Park

M9

Polmont Polmont Wood Polmont Wood

Path Information Grade A short, easy Antonine Wall going, ‘there and Millhall back again’ walk Burn from the car park. Key Distance Main Path (Tarmac) Tarmac Surface 100m walk. The Wall is visible as a Main Path (Stone) Disabled Parking break in the trees. Other Paths Parking Surface Bench Information Board Both the car park Dog Fouling Bin and short 100m section of road to Can you spot where the Wall General seating area is was on this short ‘there and There are many more paths tarmac. Suitable back again’ walk? with varying surfaces and for wheelchairs or Finding Your Way gradients waiting to be pushchairs. explored in Polmont Woods. Start: Polmont Woods car (Note: the rest of park. (See location map). the woodland track Facilities and paths are not The small car park is off the Car park and seating surfaced to this B904 Smiddy Brae - Bo’ness standard.) Road. Interpretation board No toilets Gradient 1 Simply walk along the tarmac track a short Nearby Polmont has Gentle gradient on shops, pubs and other a good surface. distance to the seating area. facilities. Antonine Wall Facts

The ditch of the Antonine Wall descends the hill in a graceful curve until it meets the Millhall Burn. 3a Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness An ‘easy going’ short walk

Path Information Museum Grade Kinneil Church A short ‘wheel friendly’ walk From around historic Kinneil Bo’ness buildings. House There are no gates, steps or stiles on this route. Antonine Wall Distance A short walk of 1 Provost Road 850m. ( /2 mile). Surface The paths in and Key around the car park and Main Path (Tarmac) Tarmac Surface are hard stone Main Path (Stone) Disabled Parking paths. These are suitable for Other Paths Parking wheelchairs or Bench Dog Fouling Bin pushchairs. The hard surface stops just after the bridge at Kinneil A choice of a short, easy local coal mines. Church ruins. going walk or a longer walk 2 From the bridge there around this historic estate. are good views into the Gradient steep glen of the Gil No steps and Finding Your Way Burn. Cross the bridge mostly level with a Start: Car Park marked on map. (See map). and turn right towards steeper gradient the ruin of Kinneil from the car park to Church. The church once Kinneil House. Kinneil Estate can be accessed from two served the mediaeval locations off Provost Road. village of Kinneil. 1 From the car park follow 3 Retrace your steps back a path downhill to an old over the bridge then bridge and a small ruined continue left around the cottage. The famous rear of Kinneil House. In engineer, James Watt the courtyard of private used this cottage as a cottages is a small workshop from 1769 - museum. (See ‘Facilities’ 1770 where he tested a for more information). steam engine designed 4 Follow the road through to pump water from the courtyard for an impressive view of the Facilities Antonine Wall front of Kinneil House. Car Park Facts The house is built on the site of a mediaeval tower Interpretation boards and was extended in its Seating and signs to present form in 1677. help you Continue uphill past the ‘Superloo’ toilet just off estate cottages and old Provost Road at rear car walled garden to return park entrance to the car park. Small museum including General Roman artefacts is open Why not go on a steam train from 12.30 - 4.00pm Mon. - Sat. all year round. ride at Bo’ness and Kinneil The Antonine Railway? There is an There are steps at the Wall is the largest entrance. (For more accessible carriage for relic of the wheelchairs and information call Falkirk Roman Council on 01324 503770) pushchairs. Follow signs occuptaion of in Bo’ness town centre. Nearby Bo’ness has Scotland. shops, cafes and pubs 3b Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness A longer walk around Kinneil Estate.

Path Information Grade A longer walk on grass through scenic parkland. Distance 1500 m. (One mile). There is seating along the path at various locations. Surface From Kinneil Church most of the path is on grass. The return path from the West Pond is a forest track. This path can be rough Finding Your Way Follow the mown grass and wet underfoot Start: Car Park marked on path towards the East depending on the map (See map). Pond.There are seats weather and time of placed along the path year. These may be Kinneil Estate can be to guide you. suitable for accessed from two wheelchairs or 4 At the East Pond turn locations off Provost right onto a stone path. pushchairs with Road. larger wheels. Just after the East 1 & 2 Please follow Pond turn left back Gradient points 1 and 2 in Walk onto grass. As you walk No steps and mostly A to Kinneil Church. towards the West Pond level with two ramps the Roman Fortlet is on at either end of the 3 At Kinneil Church follow the stone path your left marked by West Pond path. wooden posts. There is also a out onto grass and turn gentle uphill slope right. You are now 5 At the West Pond turn on the forest track walking on the course left uphill then along back to the car park. of the Antonine Wall. the waterside path Key Main Path (Tarmac) Disabled Parking Main Path (Stone) Parking Other Paths Information Board Bench Dog Fouling Bin Tarmac Surface Museum Kinneil Church

Kinneil From House Bo’ness

Antonine Wall

East Pond Provost Road

Roman Fortlet

before turning left Seating and signs to Antonine Wall down onto a forest help you Facts track leading back to ‘Superloo’ toilet just the car park. off Provost Road at rear car park entrance General Small museum For the more including Roman adventurous, a network artefacts is open from of paths can be found 12.30 - 4.00pm Mon. - within Kinneil Wood, Sat. all year round. extending your walk There are steps at the back to the car park Both the Antonine entrance. (For more from the West Pond. Wall and the fortlet information call Falkirk rampart originally Facilities Council on 01324 stood some 10 ft 503770) high, built of turf Car Park Nearby Bo’ness has and earth resting on Interpretation boards shops, cafes and pubs. a stone base. 4 Callendar Park, Falkirk

Path Information Grade A short, circular walk with moderate gradients. There are no gates, steps or stiles on the path. Distance 700 m. There are seats placed around the walk as resting points. Surface Half of the route is a stone path - half is mown grass which There’s much to see and do a tree-lined path straight may be soft. around Callendar Park uphill towards the flats. near Falkirk town centre. Gradient The Antonine Wall can be Carry on for a great view Long moderate seen in the grounds of the of the ditch of the uphill slope from car impressive mansion of Antonine Wall. park. Grass section Callendar House. The 2 Where the tree lined along the Wall is house has been restored by path meets the paved generally flat then Falkirk Council as a visitor path turn off the hard downhill towards attraction and has a surface to your right Callendar House. permanent exhibition of onto the mown grass. Stone track in front local history. You are now on the of Callendar House south of the Antonine is level. There are no Finding Your Way Wall. Follow this level steps or kerbs on Start: Car park near The grass path past seating this route. Park Gallery and Tea before turning right Room. (See location map). down towards Callendar House. From Falkirk town centre 3 At the bottom of the follow signs for Callendar slope simply turn right Park at the roundabout on along the track back to Callendar Road. From the car park. Estate Avenue turn left into Seaton Place past a General number of high tower flats.The small car park is Why not explore the rest of at the end of this road. Callendar Park, Callendar House Museum or the 1 From the car park follow network of forest tracks From Falkirk Callendar Road From Polmont Antonine Wall

Antonine Wall

Key Main Path (Tarmac) Main Path (Stone) Other Paths Kiosk

Bench Callendar Tarmac Surface House Disabled Parking The Park Gallery Parking Information Board Tea Room Dog Fouling Bin are suitable for disabled) through Callendar Woods. Seating and signs to help you Facilities Callendar Park kiosk, In addition to the close adjacent to children’s proximity of Falkirk town play area, sells centre, Callendar Park refreshments has many other facilities Antonine Wall Facts including; Public toilets at park kiosk with disabled The most obvious Car park at Tea Room toilet - open 10.00 - feature in the park is and The Park Gallery 5.00 seven days a the Antonine Ditch. Callendar House and week (obtain key from Here it is around 40 the Tea Room have kiosk) or ‘Superloo’ feet (12m) wide and 10 toilets for patrons. outwith normal feet (3m) deep. (Callendar House toilets operating hours 5 Tamfourhill,

Path Information Two small, wooded General sections of Antonine Wall. Another section of Wall can be Grade found to the south of Easy going, very Finding Your Way Tamfourhill Road. short , there and Start: Tamfourhill Road. These paths are un-surfaced back again walks (See map). adjacent to and the gradients are steeper. Tamfourhill Road. Both sites can be found There are no gates, directly adjacent to Facilities steps or stiles on Tamfourhill Road, near Interpretation boards the path. Camelon. Seats and signs to help you 1 Simply look for the signs No formal car parking Distance off Tamfourhill Road for Limited street parking 20 to 80 m. from these very short, ‘there roadside. and back again’ walks No toilets with wooded views of Nearby Camelon has shops, Surface the Antonine Wall ditch. pubs and other facilities A choice of two short, stone paths lead to interpretation areas with a view into the Wall ditch. However, wheel chair access is difficult from the Antonine Wall housing side of the road, as there is, at present, no protected crossings or dropped kerbs. Tamfourhill Road Gradient Gentle gradients on Wall to north of Tamfourhill Road. Antonine Wall Facts

From Camelon Antonine Wall Antonine Wall

Each legion Cumbrae Drive contained trained engineers, Key stonemasons, Main Path (Tarmac) Bench carpenters and builders, with a Main Path (Stone) Tarmac Surface total work force of some 18,000 men. Other Paths Information Board 6a Seabegs Wood, from Bonnybridge

Path Information Grade Walk 6a is moderate to long - with some tricky slopes and surfaces. No gates or stiles but there is uneven ground. (Only the towpath is wheelchair friendly). Distance Walk 6a Bonnybridge around Seabegs Wood and back is 3.5 km (2 miles). Surface The towpath is a hard, stone path. The underpass is narrow with cobbles and steps. (May be wet and difficult to negotiate). At Seabegs Wood a Enjoy a longer walk using Community Centre. rough farm track leads uphill to a mown grass the canal towpath and a small underpass to reach 2 A short, steep walk path around the site. the Antonine Wall in a uphill and then right beautiful oak wood. along the level canal Gradient towpath leads to the The towpath is flat. The Finding Your Way underpass and entrance and exit to the Start: Start your walk in Seabegs Wood.(The underpass is steep. Bonnybridge to the east underpass is not of Seabegs Wood. wheelchair friendly). The farm track at Look out for a path Seabegs Wood is steep, Walk 6a From that branches right off however there is Bonnybridge the towpath then seating. 1 Car parking can be under the canal to On the grass there are found to the east of reach Seabegs Wood some ups and downs Seabegs Wood in at the other side. where you cross the Bonnybridge at the 3 At Seabegs Wood a ditch! Location From Bonnybridge Bonnybridge Underpass Underpass

B816

Antonine Wall

Antonine Wall

Military Road

Key Main Path (Tarmac) Tarmac Surface Main Path (Stone) Disabled Parking Other Paths Parking Bench Information Board

steep farm track leads Facilities uphill to a mown grass Antonine Wall path on the right. This is Interpretation boards Facts the old Military Road. Seats and signs to help Follow a circular route you You can still make around the site back to out the line of the the main gates and No parking or toilets at military road, retrace your steps. Seabegs Wood which ran some General Nearby Bonnybridge has 40m south of the The underpass is known shops, pubs and other rampart. locally as ‘the Pend’. facilities 6b Seabegs Wood, from Underwood Lockhouse

Path Information Grade Walk 6b is moderate to long - with some tricky slopes and surfaces. No gates or stiles but there is uneven ground. (Only the towpath is wheelchair friendly). Distance Walk 6b Underwood around Seabegs Wood and back is 3.5 km (2 miles). Surface The towpath is a hard, stone path. The underpass is narrow with cobbles and steps. (May be wet and difficult to negotiate). Enjoy a longer walk west of Seabegs At Seabegs Wood a using the canal Wood off the B816. rough farm track leads towpath and a small uphill to a mown grass 2 A gentle stroll east path around the site. underpass to reach the Antonine Wall in a along the towpath beautiful oak wood. leads to the Gradient underpass. (The The towpath is flat. The entrance and exit Finding Your Way underpass is not wheelchair friendly). to the underpass is Start: Start at the steep. Underwood Lockhouse Look out for a path that branches off the The farm track at to the west of Seabegs Wood. towpath left then Seabegs Wood is steep, under the canal to however there is reach Seabegs Wood seating. Walk 6b From Underwood Lockhouse at the other side. On the grass there are some ups and downs 1 Car parking at 3 At Seabegs Wood a where you cross the Underwood steep farm track ditch! Lockhouse is to the leads uphill to a Location Underpass

Antonine Underwood Wall House Underpass

B816

Forth and Clyde Canal B816

Antonine Wall

Antonine Wall

Military Road

Key Antonine Wall Main Path (Tarmac) Tarmac Surface Facts Main Path (Stone) Disabled Parking Other Paths Parking Bench Information Board

mown grass path on Facilities the right. This is the Interpretation boards old Military Road. Follow a circular route Seats and signs to You can still make around the site back help you out the line of the to the main gates and No parking or toilets at military road, retrace your steps. Seabegs Wood which ran some 40m south of the Nearby Bonnybridge General rampart. The underpass is known has shops, pubs and locally as ‘the Pend’. other facilities Discover The Frontiers of the Roman Empire The Antonine Wall World Heritage Site in the Falkirk Council area

Getting There Supported by Get your copy of the Falkirk Green Travel Map at www.falkirk.gov.uk/services or call 01324 504977

AA By Foot: If you live nearby. NNEEFFOORRAA''

By Rail: Nearest train stations are at Camelon, Falkirk Grahamston, Falkirk High or Polmont.

By Bus: For further information on bus times, No’s, routes etc. call the Transport Helpline on 01324 504724.

By Car: See location maps. Council.

Thank you Falkirk To the many organisations, local individuals and Services, landowners for their co-operation and support.

Further information www.antoninewall.org

www.csft.org.uk Neighbourhood

www.falkirk.gov.uk and www.falkirkonline.net www.historic-scotland.gov.uk www.kinneil.org.uk Corporate www.srps.org.uk Unit, www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk www.visitscotland.com Council Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO.© Crown copyright and database right 2015. Falkirk All rights reserved. Communications by by

Ordnance Survey Licence number 100023384 Published: 2015 Designed Produced