Discover the paths in and around The Braesarea of Falkirk

Includes easy to use map and eleven suggested locations something for everyone Discover the paths in and around The Braes area of Falkirk A brief history

Falkir Path networks key and page

1 Westquarter Glen 5 The John circular Muir Way 2 Polmont Wood 8 NCN 754 Walkabout Union Canal 3 Brightons Wander 10 4 Maddiston to Rumford Loop 12 Shieldhill 5 Standburn Meander 14 6 Whitecross to 16 Muiravonside Loop 7 Big Limerigg Loop 18 8 Wallacestone Wander 20 Califor B803 9 Avonbridge Walk 22 10 Shieldhill to California 24 B810 and back again B 11 Slamannan Walkabout 26 River Avon

r Slamannan e w o T k c B8022 o l C Binniehill n a n B825

n B8021 a m a l Limerigg S

This leaflet covers walks in and around the villages of Westquarter, Polmont, Brightons, Maddiston, Standburn, Wallacestone, Whitecross, Limerigg, Avonbridge, Slamannan and Shieldhill to California. The villages are mainly of mining origin providing employment for local people especially during the 18th-19th centuries when demand for coal was at its highest. Today none of the pits are in use but evidence of the industrial past can still be seen. 2 rk Icon Key John Muir Way National Cycle M9 Network (NCN) Redding River Avon Polmont A801

Brightons Whitecross Linlithgow

Wallacestone Maddiston nia B825 Union Canal

Standburn 8028

B825 River Avon Avonbridge A801

Small scale coal mining has existed in Scotland since the 12th Century. Between the 17th & 19th Century the demand for coal increased greatly. Events such as the opening of Carron Iron Foundry in 1759, the invention of the steam engine by James Watt and the development of the railway network all contributed greatly to this increased demand. Slamannan Parish Church 3 Discover the paths in and around The Braes area of Falkirk

Up until the late 1700’s all colliers working in the mines were called Serfs which meant they were bound to the coal mine owner. Once bound to a pit they and their family could not leave to look elsewhere for work. If anyone dared to leave they were returned and severely punished. The children born to a collier were bought in effect by the coal mine owner and they too were bound to the pit and owner. As the demand for coal l

increased, so did the a n

demand for a workforce. a C People did not want a life of n

serfdom so with reluctance o i

the owners granted workers n their freedom. U This happened around the Finding your way There are plenty of same time as the 500th interesting things to see anniversary of the Battle of Take a close look at the and do in the The Braes Falkirk 1292 led by William map for each route. This area. Choose a walk and Wallace and the colliers should be all you need to discover the countryside, adopted his name to create find the start point and get wildlife, fantastic views and the Sir William Wallace you on your way. OS the wealth of history Grand Lodge of Scotland Explorer map 349 covers waiting to be discovered on Free Colliers. the area. your doorstep. To mark this historic battle the Free Colliers began an Signs Which site should I visit? annual march between Look out for sign posts and Simply read through the the coal mining villages. interpretation boards giving suggested routes and This tradition still carries more information along the choose one that suits your on today on the first way. interests, needs and Saturday in August, starting abilities. Many walks have at the Reddingmuirhead It’s up to you! options for further Lodgerooms at 12 noon. This leaflet gives you exploration and the paths Colliers march linking details of eleven walks with lead on to other areas in pinkies visiting Redding, information on green The Braes. Westquarter, Laurieston & transport options, parking Reddingmuirhead a total and facilities. Just choose a Where else can I visit? of 10 miles. This march route that suits your See the full list and details demonstrates their interest and ability to enjoy of key places of interest to forefathers rights as free the paths in and around The see and visit while on the men. At the end of the day Braes area. routes. they walk to the monument in Wallacestone known as “Wallace’s Stone”.

4 1. A wee shortie: Points of interest Westquarter Glen circular A Well B Dovecot Langton Road C Redding pit disaster memorial Pa Ramsay rk D Cre Westquarter Drive scent Community Cafe Westquarter Burn LAURIESTON WESTQUARTER

n

e l Westquarter D

G School r

e t e r nu a ve

Livingstone u A er q rt Drive t ua s tq e s We W

Waterfalls

A B Garden Do vec Terrace ot R oad Icon Key Starting point Main path Other paths R ed Dog Fouling Bin din g Ro Layby ad C

The village of was built in the early Westquarter 17th century. This was The lands of Westquarter subsequently demolished in belonged to the Livingstone 1884 and all that remains family from the mid 16th today is the lectern style dovecot with a date 1647 t century until the early 20th o and the initials of Sir c century. e William Livingstone and his v o wife Dame Henemore

D They were related to the r Livingstone family of Livingstone. The style of e t the dovecot suggests it was r Callendar estate. a built in the 18th century and u q constructed of rubble with t The first known house to be s walls 3 feet thick. e associated with the estate

W 5 Access Information Bus: Number 1 & F16 bus to Westquarter for bus timetable information contact. Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com Train: Polmont Station 2.1km following the canal towpath and downhill walk c i l on the Redding Road. r a

G Parking: A small layby on d

l the main Redding Road. i

W Cycle: No NCN network nearby A new baronial mansion Distance: was built by Thomas F 1.12 miles (1.8km) Livingstone and served until the 1930’s. It was sold to Path information: James Nimmo a coal This route follows the merchant. He and his family contours of the glen which settled in the area and is easily accessible using subsequently leased and surfaced paths. However worked the mines in the there are some small local area. This included sections where the inclines Redding Pit no;23 in which are very steep. There is no 40 men lost their lives in formal seating except at September 1923. This was the picnic area next to the seen as one of the worst waterfall coal mining tragedies in Britain. Facilities: There are no public glen. You should hear the In 1934 the estate was facilities however there is roar coming from the sold and bought by Stirling the Westquarter water fall depending on County Council. Plans were Community Wing attached the time for year. The set to build a model village to Westquarter Primary picnic tables you see in containing 450 houses School where they sell hot front of you are the only shops and school for the drinks and food with seating in the glen. Head people of Westquarter and welfare facilities open daily towards the waterfall on Standburn who were living until 1.00pm. your left and cross the in squalid conditions. bridge, taking in the ambiance of the waterfall. Westquarter Glen is a schools also use the site as Once over the bridge turn broadleaved woodland with an outdoor classroom. right and follow the steps an extensive path network onto the lower path. Local community groups have been working to Finding your way 2 Continue along the improve this important surfaced path as it starts local space by eradicating 1 Start at the car park to climb up into the glen laurels and other non native on Redding Road. where the waterfall again species; this will be evident From the layby enter dominates. Once up and as you walk around the site. Westquarter Glen through around the corner, the Opening up the glen will the opening in the wall, noise of the waterfall allow re growth of native walking down the tarmac fades, and you may start flowers and shrubs. Local ramp access into the to hear more of the bird 6 l l a f r e t a W

n e l G

r e t r a u q t s e W

3 Take the steps leading before the ramp access you back uphill and turn to the car park and r e right at the top. You are follow the main drive of t s at a much higher point in the original estate back a s i the glen and the noise of out of Westquarter Glen. d

t the waterfall will return. At this point you will i l p pass the original gate

a i g

r 4 Keep following this path posts. n i o

d around the glen and at m d e

e this point you will see the 6 Once past the gate

R m old well (uncovered posts you are now on during rhododenderon Garden Terrace. Follow calls in the glen. removal) down near the the road round to the Continue to follow the water’s edge. Cross over left then cross over onto burn until you come to a the small metal bridge Westquarter Avenue. junction in the path. which will bring you back Turn to the right and to the picnic area. walk uphill a very short 3 At the junction turn right distance to Dovecot Road. over another bridge 5 Before you return to the Turn left and walk a very crossing the Westquarter start, it’s well worth a short distance crossing Burn. Once over the burn short visit to the dovecot the road to the dovecot. turn right and follow the associated with the burn back along on the original Westquarter 7 Retrace your steps to opposite bank. estate. Turn left just return to the start. 7 2. Polmont Wood Walkabout Icon Key Starting point Main path Other paths Antonine Wall Brae Smiddy Parking

Millhall A Burn

d Polmont a

o Woods

R

s B

s e

n Millhall Burn

’

o B

Millhall Reservior

Points of interest Roman Camp M9 A Antonine Wall B Information panels POLMONT

The village of Polmont The wealth generated by through the woods. The the industrial successes Wall is a World Heritage The lands of Abbotskerse brought many fine Site and formed the North were broken up after the reformation and much of mansions to Polmont for West frontier of the Roman The Braes came into the example Parkhill, Millfield, Empire from AD142 – hands of the Earls and Polmont House and AD160. The wall is 37 later the Dukes of Polmont Bank. All, except miles in length and was Hamilton. For nearly two Parkhill, have since been built on the order of centuries the area was demolished to make way Emperor Antoninius Pius. exploited for its coal until for housing and For more information about the people persuaded the commercial development. the Antonine Wall you will church authorities to Parkhill has been find an information panel separate them from Falkirk converted into flats. next to the path as you in 1724 thus creating a begin your walk. Polmont new parish of Polmont. Polmont Woods was part Woods consists mainly of of the Millhall estate conifer woodland ”Old Polmont” consisted of which took its name from surrounding the Antonine a few cottages perhaps a the Baronial Mill which Wall however the southern school, mills and smiddy stood where the car park site, planted around 20 on the sloping escarpment is situated now. years ago, is mainly leading to the Forth. The Antonine Wall runs broadleaved. 8 Access Information Bus: Number 38x to Edinburgh passes through Polmont. For bus timetable information contact traveline 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com Train: Polmont train Station 1.8km following the main road down to Polmont then onwards to Old Polmont. Cycle: Polmont Woods is situated next to the NCN 76 network.

s Parking: Car park on d o Smiddy Brae. o W

Distance: t n 0.86 miles (1.4km). o m l

o Path information: P The paths within the wood are mostly Finding your way 3 Once at the top, turn left and follow the track surfaced, starting with a 1 Starting at the car park parallel to the motorway. tarmac path it is a there is a panel which After a short distance the moderate walk with a explains the local history path will start to head gradual climb and on of the area, follow the back downhill. return it can be steep tarmac path around to with steps. There are the right hand side of the 4 At the bottom of the other paths you can take wood. Continue uphill hill turn right at the if it’s not suitable (see until you come to the “T” junction. map) barrier and junction. This Facilities: road leads to Millhall 5 Continue through the self There are no public fishery. Cross the road, closing gate where you facilities. keeping to the left and will return onto the continue uphill. After a tarmac road. Turn right short distance you will and continue along the the path uphill. Here you come to a self closing roadside passing the will see some steps gate which will lead you settling ponds on your leading you upwards. into the community right. woodland signposted 7 Once at the top turn left “Polmont Woods”. 6 Once you cross the and continue to follow bridge over Millhall Burn the path keeping to the 2 The path surface changes turn left, which takes you woodland edge. There are at this point to surfaced into the mature conifer several sets of steps on track. Keeping to the right woodland. Follow this this section as you make follow the track straight path as it starts to climb. your way back down. up to the top where you You will come to a will start to become junction where you can 8 The last steep section of aware of the noise of either walk straight steps with handrail will motorway traffic. ahead following the burn lead you back to the car or turn right and follow park. 9 3. Brightons Wander

Polmont Station Station Road Station POLMONT Lane

ay John Muir W

n Canal Main Unio Bridge 53 Street A Woodside Gardens Lawrie W D

o Young’s Wood Park r i o v

e d l Q B a

u n r a a d Icon Key e r s r

y oad Starting point all R Erc Main path BRIGHTONS John Muir Way Other paths The village of Brightons Lawrie Park in the quarry owner’s honour although it Parking The village of Brightons is also known as Quarry was built up around a Park. Dog Fouling Bin sandstone quarry which was in operation from the Cycle NCN 754 17th Century. The Union Finding your way Railway Canal was built to the 1 This walk starts at North of the village in 1822 any of the car parks and connected the village situated on Station Lane Points of interest with the two main cities in at Polmont Station. Scotland. Some of the As you walk onto the stone from the quarry was roadside turn right A Interpretation used to help build walking away from the panel Edinburgh’s new town in train station. You will the 1830’s and Falkirk’s come to a bridge on 4 Pass under the bridge public buildings in the your left crossing over and walk a few metres 1850’s. the railway onto the before you turn left onto Union Canal Towpath. a track. Head uphill and The village church was It is signposted. over the bridge. built in 1846 - 47 from stone quarried in the village 2 Once on the towpath 5 Once you pass the field which was donated by the turn left and follow the gates on either side of quarry owner, Alexander canal for 0.8 miles the path it begins to Lawrie. The site of the (1.4km). narrow. Follow the quarry is now a public 3 Leave the towpath at unsurfaced path to the space and was named Bridge no.53. left of the woodland. 10 Access Information Bus: Number 1 service to Maddiston passes Polmont Station. For bus timetable information contact traveline 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com Train: Polmont train Station car park is start l

a of walk. n a Cycle: You can use the C

n Union Canal towpath to o i get to the start of the n

U walk. NCN 754 6 This will take you into Lawrie/Quarry Park. Parking: There are Young’s Wood. There are Once past the building several large car parks a few unsurfaced tracks on your right take the however these can be going through this path downhill to a stone especially busy during woodland and they can interpretation plaque. the week. be muddy in the winter months. Follow the main 8 Turn right and walk to Distance: path up through the the pedestrian crossing 2.3 miles (3.7km) woodland crossing two island. Cross over and follow the pedestrian Path information: boardwalks, until you The paths are in good reach Ercall Road. walkway over the canal then turn left. At the condition. The walk 7 Follow the road to the bottom of the road turn takes in the canal end bringing you onto left again bringing you towpath natural Quarry Brae. Turn right back onto the canal woodland floor (can be and head downhill after a towpath. Retrace your muddy in the winter short distance cross over steps back to Polmont months), and the road into station. pavements. 11 4. Maddiston to Rumford Loop Points of interest

A War memorial BRIGHTONS

RUMFORD

Sunnyside Road

Carr Wallacelea on Terr ace Maddiston Primary School

M ain Road

Street Parking Fire Station ia Road Californ

A

MADDISTON Golf Club To California

The village of Maddiston Coal mining continued to The village of Maddiston be an important part of life Icon Key has a long history, the area in the village providing Starting point was first mentioned in a employment throughout the charter relating to the Victorian era and it wasn’t Main path barony of Haining in 1424. until after the Second World War that mining declined. Other path Coal was mined in the parish Dog Fouling Bin as early as 1501 and the Finding your way evidence first recorded was a “coal hewer” Allan 1 Starting at Maddiston fire the unsurfaced path on Hill in 1581. station turn right your left, which was following the pavement. orginally a mineral railway With the coming of the Take a right at the gap in line. industrial revolution the the fence and follow the demand for coal increased tarmac path. 3 Continue following the dramatically and as a result path until you come to a T Carron Company leased 2 Continue along the junction. Turn right at the most of the mines in the tarmac path until you sign and walk uphill. area. come to a junction. Take 12 l a i r o m e M r a W n o t s i d d a M

4 Pass through the metal Parking: Street parking. gate which will bring you Access Information out onto the California Bus: Number 1 Cycle: No NCN network Road. Cross over onto the Maddiston to Linlithgow nearby other side pass through passes the fire station. the metal gate and Distance: For bus timetable 2.08 miles (3.3km) continue downhill. information contact traveline 0871 200 2233 Path information 5 This section of path will or visit This route is a good bring you out onto www.travelinescotland.com surfaced path and Wallacelea. Follow this pavement. road east to the end Train: Nearest train where you turn right Station is Polmont Facilities: None. and follow the Main Road 1.2miles (1.9km) (B805) back up to the fire however there is a good station. Alternatively you bus service from the can take the bus back. train station to Maddiston.

13 5. Standburn Meander

Points of interest B o xt on R A o Drumbowie Pond ad B Miners row C C Rest and be thankful View Point A

Drumbowie Community Woodland ce rra STANDBURN Te e en Drumbowie Ir Primary School

25 B8

Icon Key Starting point Main path B Other path Bench Dog Fouling Bin The village of Standburn Today the population sits Drumbowie Community at around 150 residents. Woodland was mined for partnership with the coal from the 1890’s - When the mining had gone landowner and community, 1930’s and had a mineral the area was used for Central Scotland railway running through it grazing cattle. Working in Countryside Trust created to transport the coal. At a community woodland in this time Standburn was a 1995. Local residents thriving community with a formed Drumbowie population of over 1,000 Environment Action Group people. When the mining to protect the site. Many ceased Stirling County people have come to this Council moved most of the area to study the site and tenants to the new model have discovered that the village of Westquarter pond is a breeding site for commonly known as “the Great Crested Newts, valley” as conditions in the which are protected by law. village were very poor. The local Primary School 14 d n o P e i w o b m u

r Access Information D Bus: E20 bus passes through also uses the site as an to that take the path to Standburn. For bus outdoor classroom. your right. timetable information contact traveline 0871 4 This unsurfaced path Finding your way will take you on a 200 2233 or visit 1 Starting at the entrance circular route back to www.travelinescotland.com next to the school, walk the starting point. Train: through the green Nearest train Station is barrier. Walk a short Polmont 3.1 miles (5 km). distance then turn to your right following the Parking: Street parking. path until you come to the pond. Take time to Cycle: No NCN network enjoy the pond and see nearby what’s about. Different Distance: sights and sounds are 1.2 miles (1.94km) seen at different times of the year. Path information 2 Continue along the path This route is split in two on a circular route the first section is good around the back of the surfaced path and the pond. second section is grass which in winter can be 3 This path will eventually muddy in places. bring you back to the Facilities: none. start so before you come 15 6. Whitecross to Muiravonside loop Icon Key Starting point Main path A Other path Dog Fouling Bin John Muir Way Cycle NCN 754 C WHITECROSS

Vell ore Road Manuel U nio Terrace n C an al Almond Road Bridge 50

25 Almond Bing B8

Canal Basin Bridge 49 Bistro River Avon Loan The

B e l t s a C

d

n Points of interest o m l D A Almond Castle A B Union Canal and Avon Aqueduct The village of Whitecross 2001. Firebricks were sent from this factory all over C Muiravonside The village of Whitecoss the world. Church is small and relatively D Muiravonside new in comparison to other Standing in the former Country Park villages in the Braes area, brickwork site is Almond or probably built to house Haining Castle, first built as employees of Stein Manuel a tower house in the 15th redevelopment of the Firebrick and Refractory Century by the Crawford site will secure the future Works (1928). This was the family. The remains you see of this castle. It is second largest brickwork in today are the original advisable not to enter this the world employing up to house, the additions made building. 1,200 people in the 1970’s in the 16th century have before it closed down in disappeared. It is hoped Muiravonside Country 16 Access Information Bus: For bus timetable information contact traveline 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com Train: Nearest train Station t is Polmont 3.1 miles (5 km). c u

d Parking: Street car a parking. u q

A Cycle: National Cycle

n Network (NCN) 754 nearby. o v Distance: A Park covers an area of along the back of the 2.5 miles (3.1 km) 170 acres of woodland, housing until you come Path information: parkland and gardens with out onto the playing This route is a combination standing and running water. fields. of surfaced and unsurfaced The area is very rich in 3 Continue along this paths with a steep section history, industry and path and cross over the of steps up onto the Avon biodiversity. Part of the burn using the bridge Aqueduct. River Avon Heritage Trail onto the field edge. Facilities: Cafe in passes through the park. 4 Turn left at the junction Muiravonside Country Park Once home of the and Bridge 49, Bistro. influential Stirling family and continue uphill (founders of the SAS) the towards the Union Canal. There is a short estate was bought by to the left and into Falkirk Council in the steep incline onto Almond Road. Muiravonside Country 1970’s. The house was Park which is well worth demolished because of 5 Once at the road a visit. vandalism; however the turn right and cross foundations can still be over the bridge where 10 Keep following the track seen today. The estate you will see a metal downhill until you come was at one time self gate. Go through the to the River Avon. sufficient employing gate and walk to the 11 To your left is a many local people from bottom of the slope. boardwalk and steps. the surrounding villages of 6 Turn left and pass under Follow this taking you Whitecross and Maddiston. the bridge taking you under Avon Aqueduct into Almond Bing. and up onto the Union The park is open all Canal. year round and boasts 7 Follow the path adjacent a children’s farm, picnic to the canal bringing you 12 Once at the Union areas, play area and café out onto the basin. Take Canal turn right and run to help young people the ramp down to the follow the towpath. to gain valuable experience basin and continue 13 After following this for into employment. following the path a distance you will towards the gap in the pass under two bridges. wall. This will bring Finding your way On passing under the you out onto the car latter Bridge 50, turn 1 From Whitecross take park of Bridge 49, immediately right onto the path between the Bistro car park. some steps keeping medical centre and 8 Walk straight up through right up onto the Almond houses on Manuel the car park onto the Road and Fairview Terrace which follows main road. Cottage. From here you Manuel Burn. 9 Cross the road and can retrace your steps 2 Keep following the path take the track down back to Whitecross. 17 7. Big Limerigg Loop

BINNIEHILL

d oa Pond R ill ieh nn Bi

Culloch Burn Salterhill Farm

S

t a

t i o Lodge n

R

Farm o a

d LOW LIMERIGG

LIMERIGG

HIGH LIMERIGG

Icon Key 825 Starting point B Main path Black Loch Other path Dog Fouling Bin Councillor Rev Alexander Finding your way Cameron used his influence to have the miner’s row 1 Begin your walk at the The village of Limerigg cottages demolished, and small park in Binniehill. new council houses built. Behind the swings there The village of Limerigg like He was also responsible for is a path following a most villages in the Braes, encouraging the Forestry disused railway line. The was a mining village, which Commission to plant large railway line once served also saw the pit closures blocks of conifer plantation the many coal pits in the after the Second World over the moorland on the area. Follow this path War. Once the pits closed village outskirts. until you come to a set the local minister and of steps. Walk down the 18 Access Information Bus: For bus timetable information contact traveline 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com Train: Caldercruix 3.4m

k Parking: c a Street car parking. r t t

s Cycle: No NCN network e r nearby. o f

g Distance: g i 4 miles (6 km) r m Path information This e i

L route is a combination of surfaced and steps and across the continue following the unsurfaced paths with country road towards burn for some distance. steep inclines and another set of steps that Cross over the burn at steps in places. lead up onto the railway the bridge. Facilities: None. path again. 5 You can extend this 2 Continue on this path walk by turning right towards the road and until you come to a pond. at the main road and turn to your right. Take Walk up the continuing up hill to the next forest track on embankment on your High Limerigg and take your left. Once through right and follow the a short circular walk the barrier you will path until you come to alongside the Black begin another similar a junction. Take the path Loch. circular route down that heads uphill to through the forestry. your left into plantation 6 When you reach the woodland. Depending T junction at High 10 When you come to a on the time of year the Limerigg turn left T junction walk straight woodland straight ahead following the pavement ahead. This path is worth taking a look at for approx 350m then changes from surfaced as it is carpeted in Pink look for the green barrier to unsurfaced and can Purslane which flowers on the opposite side of be very wet in places. in Spring/early Summer. the road. This will take 11 Turn left following the you on a short 10min 3 The path leads upwards pipeline and continue loop bringing you back up and through the through the woodland out onto High Limerigg. and can be muddy in woodland plantation. places. Continue 7 When you come back You will cross a small following this woodland onto the road cross burn and eventually path until you come over, turn left then right rejoin Station Road at to a kissing gate on back downhill. the entrance to Salterhill Farm. the Binniehill Road. 8 Take the forestry track Cross the road and on your right just before 12 Take care walking along enter Lodge Farm you get to the houses the country road and use Woodland Walk through opposite the park. the pavements wherever possible. the kissing gate. 9 At the end of this 4 Follow the path track pass through the 13 Follow the road back downhill turn right and metal gate and walk to Binniehill. 19 8. Wallacestone Wander

d Roa gon Wag

W a l a c e s ive t d Dr o wfor n Cra e B ive r Dr a Elderslie e WALLACESTONE A

d Sunbeam oa R Cottage g g ri d n ta S

Points of interest Burnside Community A Wallace’s Stone Woodland Icon Key Starting point Main path Other path CALIFORNIA Dog Fouling Bin The village of the world. It was at one Wallacestone time supported financially The village of Wallacestone by the miners who gave a the path to your left was a mining village. It is percentage of their wages. behind the children’s said that its name was Today, thankfully the pipe play area. taken from the stone which band is self financing. 2 This will take you onto a was used to mark the spot grass path and bring where William Wallace Finding your way you out onto a track. stood in July 1298 and Continue to follow the watched the English army 1 The starting point for this track on your left and advance from Linlithgow. A walk is in the car park walk uphill. Once at the stone was laid to mark the where the views of Forth top take the path to your spot but was replaced in Valley are spectacular. right next to the metal 1810 by a stone monument. It is also the location chicane and dog bin. Wallacestone pipe band is of the Wallace’s Stone one of the oldest surviving (see map). Once you have 3 This surfaced path civilian pipe bands in taken in the view follow will take you through 20 h c r a M

s r e i l l o C

e e r F Burnside Community and follow the path right and walk uphill. Woodland. Again you downhill. This will loop Turn right at the top will get to enjoy the round the community taking you back to the fantastic views of Forth woodland. start. Valley as you make your way along. 5 At the last junction Access Information keep to your left and 4 When you come to the follow the path bringing Bus: junction keep to the left you out into the village For bus timetable of California. information contact traveline 0871 200 2233 6 Once through the wooden or visit gate turn right and head www.traveline.org.uk towards the road. Cross over the driveway Train: entrance and continue The nearest train station down hill towards is Polmont at a distance Reddingmuirhead, of 1 mile (1.6 km). enjoying the view as Cycle: There is no NCN you go. near. 7 You will pass Sunbeam Parking: Cottage on your right. Street parking. Shortly afterwards you will come to a sign Distance: posted junction on a 1.2 miles (1.84 km) e n bend. Take the path to Path information: o t your right passing This route is a S combination of surfaced

s through the metal gate. ’

e and un-surfaced paths, c 8 This path will bring you a some sections are steep. l l out onto Wallacestone a Brae where you will turn Facilities: None. W 21 9. Avonbridge Walk

Sunnybrae Cottage Blackston Road

n vo A er iv R B r i New Lin d g Mill e n Cottage d

R A o a d

Slamannan Road Points of interest Main Street A War Memorial B B Avonbridge Church Avonbridge Primary School AVONBRIDGE Icon Key Starting point Main path River Avon Heritage Trail Dog Fouling Bin

The village of Avonbridge The village has been in existence for several centuries, a record in 1699 referred to this place as Avonbridgend. As late as 1839 it was little more than a few houses where milling

h and agriculture was the c r main source of income. u

h The arrival of the railway C probably brought more e

g people to the area and this d i

r opened up the opportunity b

n for small scale open cast o

v coal mining. A

22 There are no records to say when the bridge over the River Avon at Avonbridge was built. This allowed drovers from the South to cross the river on their way to the Tryst and Avonbridge would have been an overnight stop for them. Avonbridge brickworks created further employment in the village from 1952 to 1977. Avonbridge is also the starting point for the River Avon Heritage Trail which is a stunning nine mile gorge walk to Linlithgow. It can also be a challenging walk with mainly unsurfaced paths. Today Avonbridge is mainly a residential community. n o v A

Finding your way r e v 1 Start at Avonbridge i Primary School. R 2 Immediately beyond pavement on this Access Information the main entrance to section of the walk. the school and housing Bus: For bus timetable turn right onto the 8 Follow the country road information contact tarmac path. for approx 0.3 miles traveline 0871 200 2233 (0.5 km). or visit 3 Follow this path www.traveline.org.uk towards the play area. 9 Opposite Sunnybrae Cottage is a small Train: The nearest train 4 This will take you out wooden bridge sign station is Polmont at a onto Slamannan Road. posted River Avon distance of 5.1 miles Turn right and head Heritage Trail, cross (8.2 km). back towards the Main over the bridge and walk Street. along the field edge. Cycle: There is no NCN near Avonbridge. 5 At the junction is the 10 When you come to war memorial. two cottages turn right Parking: Street parking. 6 Cross the road, turn and follow the wide Distance left and walk over the track back towards the 1.2 miles (1.84 km) village. bridge on the River Path information: Avon. 11 The track will bring This route is a 7 Once over the river turn you out onto Bridgend combination of surfaced right and head down Road. Keep left and and un-surfaced paths. Blackston Road. Be follow the road back to aware there is no the Main Street. Facilities: None.

23 10. Shieldhill to California and back again

Cross Brae A et Stre SHIELDHILL B8028 Main

Shieldhill Primary California School Road

CALIFORNIA Community Woodland California Primary School

Recreation Ground

The villages of California is an introduced Shieldhill and California name. Points of interest The lands of Shieldhill and In the 18th Century A War memorial California served as an drovers brought their cattle important resource for the to the Falkirk Trysts and people of Polmont parish. one focal point was the The land formed part of a field just south of Shieldhill large common muir. Main Street near the cross. Icon Key Livestock were brought In the 19th Century came Starting point here during the summer the Industrial Revolution months to graze, away and Carron Works required Main path from the fertile arable vast amounts of coal, by Parking fields. 1885 Carron Company owned and worked the coal Dog Fouling Bin They also had other mines in Shieldhill. privileges such as removing turf and stone from the Like many of the villages in cottages. site. The name Shieldhill is The Braes, Shieldhill and found in areas where California appeared on the Coal mining came to an end common grazing was map around 1860 as around the mid 20th practised, the name clusters of miners Century. 24 Access Information Bus: For timetable information contact traveline on 08712002233 or visit www.travelinescotland. com Train: The nearest station is Polmont. Cycle: No NCN network nearby. Parking: You can park on the main street in Shieldhill or the car park in California. Distance From Shieldhill 2 miles (3 km), from California 1.1 miles .

(1.8 km) s ’ 0

Path information: 0 9

This route is mainly 1

surfaced with small e t a

sections where the path l

inclines the paths are d n

narrow in places. There u o

are several seats along r a

the route. l l i h

Facilities: There is one d l e

shop in Shieldhill. i h S

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s t n e d i s e Finding your way R For the purposes of the 4. Once at the top turn left Forth Valley can be leaflet Shieldhill has been this will take you to spectacular. Seating is chosen as the main starting California. situated along this part point. of the walk, you can 5. Turn left and follow the relax and take in the 1 Take the path next to the path alongside the play view. shop, following it over a area, bringing you out at bridge. the school. 8. When you reach the bottom of the hill turn 2. When you come to a T 6. Turn left and this will right and retrace your junction turn left then take you back into the steps back to Shieldhill. take a right turn. community woodland. 3. This will take you uphill 7. As you head back for a distance. downhill the views of 25 11. Slamannan Walkabout

A Icon Key Starting point New Street Main path Main Dog Fouling Bin Street

Slamannan Primary School igh B C H et Stre Libray

Community Centre 03 t B8 tree SLAMANNAN S S t ank a B t i o

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2 Culloch Burn

BINNIEHILL

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The village of Slamannan the Malherbe family were Points of interest Slamannan is one of the recorded as the barons of original parishes created in Slamannan after changing A Slamannan the early 12th Century. The hands a few times the Parish Church original church of 1176 lay Sandilands become the barons in the early 14th B Clocktower at a River Avon crossing point protected by a small Century and remained in C War Memorial wooden fort built on a this position for centuries. motte. In the 13th Century 26 Slamannan was a small dispersed farming community until the beginning of the 19th l a i

Century when part of the r population was displaced o m by the enclosure system. e M This lead to an increase in r demand for blacksmiths, a W carpenters and masons n they settled in the village a n

near the church. n a m

Coal was required to fuel a l

Carron Iron Works and, as S with many of the villages in the Braes, mining was pubs and hotels all 3. Follow the bend in the important. The railway appeared in the mid 1850’s road and when you come opened in 1840 to transport at the height of prosperity. to a line of trees on your the coal to the Carron left look for a green/ Works, the village By the end of the century white metal Right of population increased as coal became harder to Way sign and walk miners came looking for extract and less profitable. through the kissing gate. work. Slamannan became By WWII mining had scaled down dramatically. 4. This field contains a thriving village, miners livestock please keep rows sprouted up, shops, Many people left the village, shops closed and the your dog on a lead. population declined. 5. Keeping to the field edge Access Information Today Slamannan is a continue downhill and Bus: Number 2 service to commuter village. pass through the kissing Slamannan. For bus gate at the bottom. Cross timetable information Finding your way the narrow bridge over contact traveline 0871 200 the Culloch Burn walk 2233 or visit 1. Park on the High Street, along the grass path www.travelinescotland. head SW uphill through then head back uphill. com the village passing the community education 6. You will come to a track Train: No services to building on your left at the top turn left Slamannan then the Primary School towards Binniehill Road. on your right. Just At the road end look to Cycle: No NCN network your right and take the nearby. beyond on your right you will come to a play wooden steps up onto Parking: Street parking park where you will find the disused railway path. seating and bins. You can 7. Follow this path to the Distance: take a detour and walk 2.14 miles (4.5km) play area. Then turn left around the park taking in and walk towards the Path information: the views across the road. The paths are mostly countryside all around or surfaced, at points walking keep on walking on the 8. Keeping on the pavement on country roads. Walking pavement. turn right towards Station Road. through fields can be 2. Continue walking along muddy in places. A Bank Street take the first 9. Cross over to the moderate walk with gentle road turning on your left pavement and head back ascents and descents. . with a sign Sandilands. downhill to Slamannan. Facilities: Local shop, pub, Cross the road and make 10.At the War memorial, library and community you way down the cross over the road and education centre. country lane. Be aware return to your car. of oncoming traffic. 27 Discover the paths in and around The Braesarea of Falkirk

Getting There: Suggested Walks Get your copy of the Green Travel Walking is easy. You don’t need any Map call 01324 504950. special equipment and what ever your age or level of fitness your By Foot: health and well being will benefit If you live nearby. from this natural, gentle form of exercise. So get your boots on and By Cycle: go explore the Braes at your own Sustrans National Cycle Network pace. Route 76 and 754. Cycle route information available from Many of the paths in this guide can www.sustrans.org.uk 0845 be linked up to give a range of 1130065. circular walks of varying length. It’s simply up to you to choose the By Rail: routes that suit you. There is as Polmont station is the nearest. much variety of surface conditions Calderecruix in the nearest station underfoot as there is scenery.

to Limerigg and Slamannan. 9 1 0

For more information about the 2

. l i

By Bus: history and local facilities in The c n u

For further information on bus Braes contact: o C

k

times, numbers, routes etc, call r www.falkirk.gov.uk/ i k l

Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit a F

www.historicenvironment.scot , www.travelinescotland.com s e c i

www.visitscotland.com v r e

By Car: S

www.antoninewall.org g n

The Braes are well connected by i s u the M9 and local A roads. www.scottishcanals.co.uk/ o H

falkirkwheel d n a

Thank you e t

www.falkirklocalhistorysociety.co.uk a Geoff Bailey of Falkirk Community r o p r

Trust for his help finding material. www.facebook.com/falkirkexplored o C

,

Much of this material was also t i www.johnmuirway.org n U

found in Falkirk Local History s n l i

Society. o c i

www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org t n a u c i o n C

u k r m i k m For more information about l o a F C

paths www.falkirk.gov.uk/paths y y b b

d A d N A' E FOR e e c n u g i d s o e r P D