Discover the paths in and around and

easy to use map and 7 suggested locations something for everyone Discover the paths in and around Larbert and Stenhousemuir A brief history of Larbert and Stenhousemuir

Paths in and around Larbert and 1 Stenhousemuir A 1 Castle and Tappoch Broch. 2 Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert Woods 3 Dorrator Loop (The Lade) 4 Larbert Viaduct weir path 5 Carron Dams circular Forth Larbert S Valley Royal t 6 ir Carronvale Road to l Hospital in and the Forth g R and Clyde Canal o a 7 Larbert Hospital d wood to The Hills of 2 cemetery F Larbert 7 Railway Station Places of interest A Torwood Castle and The Hills of Tappoch Broch d B Dunipace Roa nny B Larbert Old Parish cemetery De Church and graveyard H D C Carron Dams J River 4 D Larbert weir Carron E The Grahamston cast-iron gate F Larbert hospital woods and grounds (Larbert House) G highland cows H The Dovecot I Carron clock tower and J The Hills of Dunipace cemetery Larbert Lar-Beart (Scottish Gaellic), meaning Field of Action.

The origins of Larbert date back to the dark ages when it was a small settlement in a heavily forested area at an important crossing point on the River Carron. Early Ordnance Survey maps showed Larbert located on an old Roman Road between Camelon and , with the site of a Roman camp close by. The crossing point on the Stenhousemuir River Carron at Larbert was an important transportation S route for the Romans. Their ten Ro hou main route from Watling et ad se re G lodge on the to St n 5 Stirling was here. ai M The explorer I was born at Kinnaird, just C outside Larbert in 1730 and C 3 R a E is buried in the graveyard of r o r a o Larbert Old Parish Church. d n v Bruce travelled through a le much of and in the South process traced the origins of Broomage River the . Carron 6 The famous cattle Trysts were held in Larbert from Mungal 1782 with as many as 150,000 cattle, sheep and horses brought to Larbert S for sale from all over t ir . The arrival of l in g the railways ended the R trysts in the 1840s. o Camelon a d The area is famous for the Railway Camelon Station Carron Iron Works which Cemetery was founded as a partnership Mai n Str by three men, Dr John eet Roebuck, a chemist, Samuel Garbett, a merchant, and a Camelon wealthy Scottish ship owner, William Cadell. Its 1st blast Discover the paths in and around Larbert and Stenhousemuir

furnaces were operational made at Carron manhole covers which can from 1760 and eventually were used at the battle of be found all over the world. by 1814 it became Europe's Trafalgar in 1805. These Carron Iron Works finally largest smelting works with Carronades were short closed down in 1982. more than 2,000 staff. cannons with a high calibre, firing a large ball slowly. The famous McCowan’s The Carron Works also These were ideal for naval toffee was made in became associated with vessels as it ripped large Stenhousemuir. The iconic names such as Henry gashes in the wood of ships founders of McCowan’s Shrapnel who was invited hulls and quickly proved a business began making to test his new hit with the Royal Navy. toffees at home which they antipersonnel shell in 1804. sold from their shop in The tests were a huge In later years Carron Church Street. The success and shrapnel manufactured an amazing business then moved to the shells began being range of products - from old Drill Hall in Tryst Road manufactured a year later. artillery and ordnance for in the 1920s and began Alfred Nobel the inventor of the army, pots and pans for selling the famous Highland dynamite worked and lived domestic purposes to post Toffee and “Penny Dainties.” in the area for a time boxes, telephone boxes and as did who Dr funded to improve the function of the . Finding your way Take a close look at the map for each route. This should be all you need to find the start point and get on your way. OS Explorer map 349 covers the area. Signs Look out for sign posts and interpretation boards giving more information along the way. It’s up to you. This leaflet gives details of seven walks, with information on green transport options, path surfaces, gradients, parking and facilities. There are plenty of interesting things to see and do in and around Larbert and Stenhousemuir. Take a walk along some of the local paths and enjoy the great countryside, wildlife, history and views Larbert and Stenhousemuir has to offer. Some sites have options for further exploration or you could join together some of the routes and make a day of it.

Larbert Viaduct Places of interest

A Torwood Castle and Tappoch Broch Two magical historic sites. Torwood Castle is a ruined tower house, built in 1566, belonging to the Forresters, who were the keepers of Torwood. Tappoch Broch is the best preserved lowland broch site in Scotland, dating back 2,000 years, complete with staircase and door lintels. Steeped in history and well worth a visit. Please note Torwood Castle is closed to the public.

B Larbert Old Parish Church and graveyard The present Larbert Old Parish Church was designed by the celebrated architect David Hamilton and built in 1820. It replaced the previous building which stood in the adjacent churchyard and dates from the first half of the 16th century. The graveyard contains the tombs of Rev. Robert Bruce, James Bruce the celebrated 'Abyssinian Traveller' and many of the leading men of the famous 19th century Iron Works. Many of the gravestones woodland flowers and E The Grahamston are made from Iron instead bluebells in the spring and cast-iron gate of stone. The little cemetery a stunning little circular This ornamental triumphal is well worth a walk walking route of around cast-iron arch was made by through and a visit to the 40 minutes to explore. Grahamston Iron Company beautiful tombs and in Falkirk for the mausoleums of the Carron D Larbert Weir International Festival Company enclosure in the The broken weir at Larbert Exhibition of 1886, at which North West corner of the it won a Diploma of Honour. cemetery. on the River Carron gives good viewing opportunities The structure weighs 20 tons and is among the C to watch salmon returning Carron Dam to the River Carron. The largest cast iron arches in Carron Dams is a little gem best time to visit is in the UK. The arch was of woodland and water September and October. erected at the Grahamston hidden away behind Larbert There is a great viewing Works entrance the same High School. The Dams is a platform close to the weir year. The arch was partially drained reservoir where you can watch the refurbished in 2002 and and was originally a holding salmon and sea trout moved to its new location dam supplying water for jumping up through the beside the former Carron power and cooling purposes crashing waterfall. Company Iron Works. to the Carron Iron Works which was established 1759 and closed in 1982. The site is now managed by Scottish Wildlife Trust and contains a range of habitats including fen and deciduous woodland. It is one of the largest wetlands in the Falkirk Council area and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Local Nature Reserve. There are carpets of F Larbert hospital woods and grounds (Larbert House) The woodland surrounding Larbert hospital has a stunning network of paths. There are 3 easy routes around the woods that suit all abilities. There is an impressive timber pier, which gives scenic views over the peaceful loch as well as a short circular path around the loch with picnic benches. This area is set in mature grounds and is an ideal place for a quiet walk. There is also a new “Maggie’s Centre” next to the loch which offers help and support to people affected by cancer. G Cast iron Stenhousemuir's history factory that was based highland cows as a centre for cattle in Stenhousemuir. The “The Heart of markets in the 18th century cast iron reflects the Stenhousemuir" is the when livestock buyers and Carron and the name of the artwork by farmers travelled from heart is a play on the word the artist Alan Potter. It all over Scotland to attend tryst, implying lover's tryst is of two Highland cows the annual tryst gathering. but also a reference again fabricated in cast iron and The Highland cow is also to the cattle tryst as it stood on top of a heart the logo for the world was known. shaped mound, reflecting famous McCowan’s toffee H The Dovecot I Carron clock tower There has been a place and carronades worship near the hills since This tower is all that This isolated clock tower the middle ages. Tradition remains of the original is all that remains of the says that ’s Dunipace House or castle old stone buildings of the uncle was a priest in the which was built around the Iron Carron Company's chapel of Dunipace in the 15th Century. The tower works. The base of the 13th Century. has had the staircase tower contains a display removed and nest ledges of made by the We do know the body of put inside. It had a slate company. stopped roof and was waterproof here on the way to until the 1950s. It is still J The Hills of Dunipace Abbey for possible to see the old cemetery burial as the local people doorways, windows and The orgins of the strange wrote to the excheque to some of the original castles hills within the cemetery demand money in payment architectural details. has been the subject to for candles and guards for much debate. We now know the King. that the hills are a natural feature dating back to the There are records of a later ice-age, although the two church here dating from surviving hills may have 1500’s. If you look below been shaped to make them the old Yew trees, you will more suitable for a motte or find headstones dating back wooden castle. to the 1700’s. 1. Torwood Castle and Tappoch Broch Icon Key Starting point Main Path Glen Other Path Road Dog Fouling Bin 2 C Torwood Parking Bench Castle Loan A9 1 Tor Wood Glenbervie Golf Club M876 A9

A Old Oak Larbert Wood Denny Road Rasp Wood M876 Big Forth Wood Valley Royal Househill Hospital Farm

B Points of interest 3 Torwood Castle 1 Tappoch Broch Finding your way farm track. You can also 2 begin your walk at The Hills of Dunipace Hills of Dunipace 3 Cemetery Route A. Cemetery (Route B) Return on same route 2 Follow this straight track 1. Begin your walk at for around 0.5 miles sign posted track will Old Denny Road just off (0.8km) to the motorway take you onto the Old the North Broomage bridge across the M876. Falkirk-Stirling route. It Roundabout. At the end is long unused and is of the houses follow the 3 Cross the bridge and now a farm track that signposts to the right head through the gate on will lead you to Torwood onto the rough tarmac the opposite side. The and Tappoch Broch. 4 You will pass through a number of self closing Access Information gates along this old tree Bus : For further information lined track. on bus times, numbers, 5 Keep going until you routes, etc, call Traveline on come to a junction. The 0871 200 2233 or visit junction is signposted www.travelinescotland.com Denovan Road to the left Train : Nearest train station and Torwood straight is Larbert. ahead. Parking : Limited parking on 6 Go through the gate Stirling Road. directly ahead of you Distance : and follow this often Route A: muddy part of the track 6.72 miles (10.82km) until you come to two more gates. Livestock Route B: may be in these fields 3.4miles (8.58km) and on this part of the Route C: track. Please keep the gates closed at all times 4.76miles (7.66km) and follow the outdoor access code. Keep your 10 Here you will see a Path information: dogs on a short leash mound covered in Toilets and a café can be and under strict control bracken. Head to the found in Forth Valley Royal while passing through top of the mound and Hospital. this particular field. you will be standing on Facilities : top of Tappoch Broch. Rough farm and woodland 7 Once through the last Look out for the remains tracks. Tracks may be two gates you will see a of the internal staircase muddy and have livestock on sign post pointing uphill and the lintel above the them. Woodland paths near onto a narrow path. entrance. the Broch are used by 8 Take this path and head 11 You can take the same mountain bikes. uphill with Torwood route back the way Keep your dog on a short Woodland on your left you came to the gate lead and under close control and farmland on your at the top of the Torwood at all times near livestock. right. There is a small woodland track or you bench half way up the can head downhill again path where you can sit 12 You can either follow following the way the Castle Loan track to and enjoy views of markers. These will the Forth Road Bridges. your right and you will lead you downhill see Torwood Castle Continue uphill on the through thick conifer path for just under a directly ahead of you at forest and out onto the end of the track. mile where you will the Castle Loan track. reach a gate at the From here turn right end of the track. again and head back down the narrow 9 Directly opposite the Torwood woodland track. gate is another signposted track that 13 You can take a less leads into conifer scenic route back to your woodland. Follow the start point by turning left waymarkers on the onto Glen Road from often muddy track into Castle Loan and heading the woods and uphill right onto the busy main through the trees until Stirling Road. (Route C). you come to the highest point. Take care crossing the A9. 2. Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert Woods A choice of 3 easy circular walks.

S t ir l in g R o a Forth d Valley Royal Hospital

Maggie’s Centre

2

Big Wood Larbert Loch

Access Information Bus : For further information on bus times, numbers, Bungalows routes, etc, call Traveline on ad 1 0871 200 2233 or visit ny Ro www.travelinescotland.com Den Train : Nearest train station is Larbert. Points of interest Parking : Limited parking for There are three easy trails up to 4 hours in the hospital through the mature woods 1 Larbert Old car park when using the and around the picturesque Parish Church hospital facilities or its little loch. There is plenty of 2 Larbert House grounds. wildlife to look out for, Three short walks including roe deer, birds and Path information: squirrels amongst the trees Icon Key Tarmac or gravel surfaces. and dragonflies, damselflies Starting point Facilities : and frogs at the loch. Look Toilets and café can be found out for the information Main Path panels near the loch which in Forth Valley Royal Other Path Hospital. shows you the 3 simple routes around the woodland. Dog Fouling Bin www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk This site is managed by /visit/larbert_woods Forestry Commission Bench Scotland.

3. Dorrator Loop (The Lade)

Stenhouse Road Larbert Railway Larbert Station Carron A Dams

C R a o r Carronbridge a r The d o n Carronvale Lade v Mungal a l House e Community Woodland Larbert C Weir Larbert Weir Cotland Dorrator Drive Bridge D B

Falkirk Golf Club Cemetery Camelon Railway Station

Icon Key Camelon Starting point A, B, C & D Main Path Other Path There are a number of 1 Begin your walk on starting points for this walk. Stenhouse Road and Dog Fouling Bin For the purpose of this route follow the road along we will begin at Start point the riverbank past Carron Parking A on Stenhouse Road. You Works. (Be aware of lorry Bench can join the loop at a traffic on the 1st part of number of other points. this route). The road ends Footbridge at Carron Landfill site B. Dorrator Bridge. where you will see a sign C. Carronvale Road or posted tarmac route to D. Cotland Drive in Mungal. your right. Access Information Bus : For further information on bus times, numbers, routes, etc, call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com Train : Nearest train station is Larbert or Camelon. Parking : Available on Stirling Road car park at Dorrator Bridge. Distance : 6.2miles (10km) Path information: Smooth, flat tarmac path on most of the loop. Some gravel. Facilities : Parking, toilets and refreshments can be found in Larbert and Camelon.

2 Follow this surfaced path along “The Lade” for just under a mile or 1.4km until you come to a junction in the path. The path on the right leads to Carronvale Road and the path on the left leads down to the green Dorrator Bridge which you may see in the distance. 3 Follow the path down towards the bridge and once over the bridge you will see a car park at start point B. Take the new tarmac path on your left and follow it for around 500m along the behind the cemetery and towards the far side. edge of the playing fields crematorium until you until you come to come out at Cotland 6 Follow the signposts another ramp. Drive. Start point D. down a small lane behind the houses. 4 On the other side of 5 Follow the signposts into This path skirts the River the footbridge is Mungal Community Carron and brings you Camelon cemetery. woodland and take the out on Stenhouse Road Keep following the path path across the park back where you started. 4. Larbert Viaduct weir path Icon Key Starting point Main Path Dog Fouling Bin Points of interest Parking 1 Viaduct 2 Weir Larbert

River Carron Stirling Road Steps 2

Information panel 1 Access Information Bus : For further Larbert information on bus times, s d Bridges numbers, routes, etc, call n a l Traveline on 0871 200 h Lochlands c n 2233 or visit o a Indust. Est. L o www.travelinescotland.com L Train : Nearest train station is Larbert. The fishing season on the to Larbert weir. An Carron officially closes on absolute must to visit in Parking : Limited parking October 31 and no angling the autumn to watch the on Lochlands Industrial is permitted on any stretch salmon jumping the weir. estate access road. of the river until March 15. The best time to visit is in Distance : Larbert and Stenhousemuir October and early 300m Angling Club (LASAC)has November. Path information: sole fishing rights to the www.lasac.org.uk Rough surfaced path with river which it leases from an initial incline. Steep Callendar Estates. This Finding your way steps down to the weir. extends from the former Carron Works weir up to 1 Begin your walk directly Facilities : Auchinlillian spout in underneath Larbert Parking, toilets and Carron Glen, It awards viaduct. Enter through refreshments can be more than 800 permits to the kissing gates beside found in Larbert and paying members of the the interpretation board. Stenhousemuir. public each year. 2 Follow the path uphill www.lasac.org.uk This is a short path of until you come to steps around 300m that leads leading down to the weir.

Icon Key 5. Carron Dams circular Starting points Main Path Dog Fouling Bin Parking ks rdwal Boa Other paths Stenhouse Road

Larbert High School Stenhouse Carron Road Dams Forge Dam

Works

Carrongrange Ramp Gardens Access Information Steps Bus : For further information The Lade on bus times, numbers, routes, etc, call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com Finding your way circular route around the dams. Train : Nearest train station is 1 Carron Dams is situated 2 You can continue your Larbert . behind Larbert High walk by taking the steep Parking : Available on School. Begin your walk steps or ramp at the Carrongrange Road next to at one of the two south side of the dam Larbert High School playing Stenhouse Road onto the Lade and fields. Larbert High School entrances to the dams. further path networks. car park is available for From here follow the public use when the school community facilities are open. Distance : 1.2miles (1.63km) Path information: Boardwalks and flat woodland paths that may be muddy in places. Facilities : Additional parking as well as toilets and refreshments can be found in Larbert and Stenhousemuir Centre. www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk

6. Carronvale Road to Camelon Points of interest and The Forth & Clyde Canal 1 Dorrator Bridge

South Icon Key Broomage Starting point Carronvale Main Path Road Dog Fouling Bin Parking Bridge

River Carron

1

Playing Fields

Cemetery A9

Towards Camleon Railway Cauldhame Railway Farm Station

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Camelon r o t

a r M r ain o D Str eet Rosebank

Forth & Clyde Canal Access Information Bus : For further Finding your way the left down onto the cemetery main road. information on bus times, Cross over the road and numbers, routes, etc, call 1 Begin your walk at the Traveline on 0871 200 bottom of Carronvale take the next lot of steps directly opposite you. 2233 or visit Road. Here you will pass www.travelinescotland.com over a footbridge over 7 Follow this track down Train : Nearest train The Lade. Head straight the side of the cemetery downhill to the green stations are Larbert or until you come out at the Camelon. Dorrator Bridge in the entrance to the cemetery. distance. Cauldhame Farm Parking : There is parking entrance is on your left. on Carronvale Road and at 2 Cross over the bridge Dorrator Bridge. which spans the River 8 Take the path under the Distance : Carron and take the railway bridge to your tarmac path to your left. right onto Dorrator Road. 1.7miles (2.86km) one way. 3 Follow the path along the At the top of this road is side of the playing fields the Main Street in Path information: until you come to another Camelon (A9). A mixture of tarmac paths ramp. and rough track behind 9 Cross the main road the cemetery. 4. At the top of the ramp is and go through Camelon Public Park, up to the Facilities : an entrance on the right Parking, toilets and to the Camelon cemetery. Forth & Clyde Canal. From here you can refreshments can be 5 Enter the gates and further explore the path found in Larbert and follow the road uphill to network or retrace your Stenhousemuir Town the left. At the top of the steps to Carronvale Centre. road take the steps to Road. www.scottishcanals.co.uk 7. Larbert Hospital Wood to the Hills of Dunipace cemetery

Icon Key Forth Larbert Starting point Valley Royal Hospital Main Path Stirling Road Dog Fouling Bin Househill Parking Farm 3 Bench

Bungalows Luxury M876 Housing River Carron 2 B905

Access Information 1 Bus : For further information on bus times, numbers, routes, etc, call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com Finding your way right and follow the track Train : Nearest train through mature woodland. station is Larbert. 1 Begin your walk at The Look out for the old Bungalows just off the dovecote which was Parking : There is roundabout on the B905. converted from the on-street parking at Follow the tarmac path remains of the stairwell of Lochview, near Larbert along the roadside and a 15th century castle. Cross and at the rear of then turn left behind the the cemetery. walled garden and stable 5 The track continues Distance : block (luxury housing). behind the Hills of Dunipace cemetery and 1.7miles (2.86km) 2 Follow this path until you exits in the cemetery car one way. exit the woodland onto park. Path information: farmland. A mixture of tarmac 6 Retrace your steps to paths and farm tracks. return to Larbert Woods. 3 Continue on the farm Facilities : track until you come to a Points of interest Parking, toilets and junction. You will see refreshments can be Househill Farm uphill on found in Larbert and your right. Take the track 1 Hills of Dunipace cemetery Stenhousemuir Town to your left, downhill. Centre. 4 At the end of the track you 2 Dovecote www.scotland.forestry. will have reached the 3 Larbert House gov.uk/visit/larbert- Denny Road (B905). Turn woods

Discover the paths in and around Larbert and Stenhousemuir

Getting There : Suggested Walks Get your copy of the Green Travel Map Walking is easy. You don’t need any call 01324 504950. special equipment and what ever your age or level of fitness your health and By Foot: well being will benefit from this If you live nearby. natural, gentle form of exercise. So get your boots on and go explore Larbert By Cycle: and Stenhousemuir at your own pace. Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 76. Cycle route information Many of the paths in this guide can be available from www.sustrans.org.uk linked up to give a range of circular 0845 1130065. walks of varying length. It’s simply up to you to choose the routes that suit By Rail: you. There is as much variety of Larbert station is the nearest. surface conditions underfoot as there is scenery. By Bus:

For further information on bus For more information about the 7 1 0

times, numbers, routes etc, call history and local facilities in Larbert 2

. l i the traveline on 0871 200 2233 or and Stenhousemuir contact: c n u visit www.traveline.org.uk o

www.falkirk.gov.uk C

k r i

www.visitfalkirk.com k l

By Car: a F

www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk , Larbert and Stenhousemuir is well s e c i connected by the M876 and www.falkirklocalhistorysociety.co.uk v r e

local A roads. S

www.forestry.commission.gov.uk g n i s

www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk u Thank you o H

Local Landowners and Funders www.lasac.org.uk d n a

e Falkirk Local History Society www.catca.org.uk t a r o p Forestry Commission Scotland r

For more information about your o C

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paths and countryside access please t Scottish Wildlife Trust i n

contact Falkirk Council’s Outdoor U

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Communities Along The Carron i

Access Team 01324 504950. o c i t n a

Association u c i o n C

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Sustrans r m i k m l o a F C

Central Scotland Green

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Network Trust d d e e c n u g i d

A s N A' E FOR o e r P D