Discover the paths in and around

Easy to use map and six suggested Bonnybridge trails. Something for everyone. Includes part of the . Discover the paths in and around Bonnybridge

DENNY Chacefield G Wood M876 HEAD of ad Ro Bonny Water MUIR rt be Denny ar L 3 Road A80 oad irk R 6 Falk 2 4 Forth & Clyde Can BONNYBRIDGE 3 B E Ba R n Joh BONNYFIELD F o ks ad id Mu Road Whisky 1 e A Warehouse Broomhill D Road B816 HIGH 5 BONNYBRIDGE Bonny Water Bonnyhill Road C B816 Greenhill

A Short History of Bonnybridge Paths in and around Bonnybridge Bonnybridge is a small Bonnybridge was the 1 which lies to the north establishment of several iron Bonnyfield Local of the Forth and Clyde foundries including the Nature Reserve in the district of . It is famous Smith and Wellstood 2 The Bonny Water situated on the Bonny Water, Foundry (The Columbian riverbank a tributary of the River Carron Stoneworks), which produced 3 Pend to Roughcastle which runs through the town. American metal heating Roman Fort and stoves for Europe under the The A settlement has existed “Esse stoves” brand. Famous near the river crossing for clients include Florence 4 Forth & Clyde canal several centuries and the Nightingale, Ernest to The current town was originally Shackleton and Captain Scott, 5 The Doctor’s Pend, developed in the 19th century the Antarctic explorers. The Antonine Wall in association with a new and Seabegs Wood paper mill, sawmill and iron Bonnybridge also has two foundries. well preserved sections of 6 Drove Loan to the Antonine Wall, a UNESCO Chacefield Wood Particularly important for World Heritage Site; the Interesting facts about Bonnybridge

remnants of Roughcastle William the Conqueror‘s Roman Fort - the most full name was William De complete of the surviving Rollo and Mr John Rollo Roman forts of the Wall, who owned the small and Seabegs Wood. engineering works in is believed to The town is also infamous be a direct descendant. for being the UFO capital of being in It is alleged that Burke and the “Falkirk Triangle” with Hare used the canal to over 300 UFO sightings a transport bodies from the year! Doctor‘s wood to nal . The Doctor’s wood is named after Finding your way Charles Grindlay, a local who was expelled from hn Falkirk Wheel Take a close look at the map Glasgow medical school ir Way for each route. This should because of his dubious be all you need to find the connections with Burke and start point and get you on Hare, the notorious your way. OS Explorer map murderers and 349 covers the area. bodysnatchers. John Signs Bonnybridge is also famous Muir Look out for sign posts and for harbouring the Stone of Way interpretation boards giving Destiny after it was stolen more information along the from Westminister Abbey in way. 1950 by Scottish Nationalists. For some time after the event the Stone Places of Interest It’s up to you! This leaflet gives you was hidden in the offices of Rollo Lathes in A The Antonine Wall, details of six locations with information on green Bonnybridge by the founder Roughcastle Roman John M. Rollo. It was Fort transport options, path surfaces, gradients, parking returned to Westminster B The Radical Pend and facilities. Just choose a Abbey in 1951 before finally C route that suits your interest returning to Scotland for Seabegs Wood, good in 1996 where it is The Antonine Wall and ability and enjoy the paths in and around now kept at Edinburgh D Seabegs Pend Bonnybridge. Castle along with the (The Doctor’s Pend) Scottish Crown Jewels. E Bonnyfield Local In addition there are plenty Nature Reserve of other interesting things to F see and do in and around Which site should I visit? The Canal Bridge Bonnybridge. Take a wander Simply read through the G Chacefield Wood Cup along some of the local following suggested routes and Ring Marks paths or follow the John and choose one that suits Muir Way and you will find your own interests, needs Key Buildings some great countryside, and abilities. Some sites wildlife, fantastic views and have options for further Community Centre a wealth of history waiting exploration and the paths to be discovered. lead on to other areas in Library Falkirk. Places of interest to visit

A The Antonine Wall and Roughcastle Roman Fort This is the best preserved section of the Wall which separated Roman occupied Britain from the tribally controlled north. The remains of a fort and two signalling platforms can also be seen here.

B The Radical Pend Named to commemorate the Battle of Bonnymuir. On 5 April 1820 a group of striking weavers were intercepted on the way to the Carron Ironworks. The group had C Seabegs Wood and been infiltrated by government agents. The Antonine Wall A well preserved section of the Roman The men, who were protesting about wall and ditch that once divided the the right to vote, were ambushed by an tribal north from the Roman south, can armed force outside the village of be seen here. The 'Military Way', the Bonnybridge. In the ensuing struggle, road that linked the forts along the at least four of the weavers, a police wall can also be seen. lieutenant and sergeant were badly wounded. Three of the rebel leaders - Andrew Hardie, James Wilson and John Baird were arrested and later executed. D Seabegs Pend (The Doctor’s Pend) The Doctor’s Pend is so called after Dr Grindlay, a farmer and grain merchant who had premises at Barley Hill in the early 1800’s. The story goes that Dr Grindlay was not in fact a doctor because he did not complete his medical course at Glasgow University. This supposedly arose from an unsavoury incident connected with the body snatchers Burke and Hare. Places of interest to visit

E Bonnyfield Local Nature Reserve Bonnyfield Nature Reserve is situated on the former Bonnyfield sand and gravel quarry. It was Falkirk’s 1st Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and was officially opened in November 2008. It is approximately 28.7 hectares in size and offers natural habitat to a wide range of wildlife and plants. The site is mainly grassland, meadow and small woodland areas which include ash, aspen, sycamore and alder trees. There are several ponds in the reserve which attract a wide range of wildlife. One of the most important and unusual inhabitants is the brightly coloured red and black spotted Burnet Moth. Bonnyfield was recently awarded Coronation Meadow status from HRH the Prince of Wales to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the coronation. www.coronationmeadows.org.uk

F The Canal Bridge The first bridge to be built was a lifting 'bascule bridge' in the year 1900. It replaced the Pend as a way across the G Chacefield Wood Cup canal. The bridge tilted up on both sides and Ring Marks to let boats through. The term "cup and ring carving" The modern bridge - built as part of the describes a range of rock carved Millennium Canal development (exactly symbols that are found mainly in 100 years later) is also a 'lifting bridge' northern Europe, although similar - but this time the section of roadway carvings occur in other countries across the canal lifts vertically to allow around the world. boats to pass through. In Britain the carvings are estimated to be around 4000 - 5000 years old which dates them to the Neolithic and Bronze ages. The purpose and meaning of the symbols is unclear. Many of the rock carvings are sited near or on cairns and burial mounds, linking the symbols with death, ancestors and an afterlife. 1. Bonnyfield Local Nature Reserve: A choice of 2 circular walks

Bonnybridge High Street Road

Bonnyvale Community Place Centre

North Playing Entrance fields Emma’s Library Way Ponds

ath gs igh P e H ab Bonnyfield Local e d S oa 1 Mural R 6 Nature Reserve h 8 Bonded at B Pond P Warehouses w o y L n Icon Key on B e r Starting Point h e T at W Path A

l a Path B n a C e Other Path d ly C Bench d n a h Parking rt Fo Dog Fouling Bin

Finding your way 2 Once in the LNR take the area with several shallow low path which runs ponds and a large sloping 1 Start your walk behind alongside the Bonny grassland meadow. Look Bonnybridge Community Water. out for the colourful red Centre. Cross the small and black Burnet Moth footbridge behind the 3 The low path firstly and dragonflies in this sports pitch over the passes through a marshy area. Bonny Water and into Duncan Stewart Park, 4 Continuing along this known locally as Jenny’s path you will see a large Park. Head left towards pond on your right. There the playing fields and you is a bench here to sit and

will see the entrance to h enjoy the peace and quiet. t

Bonnyfield Local Nature o M

5 When you come to the

Reserve (LNR) on the t other side of the fenced e junction with a wide n r tarmac path you can football ground. u B Access Information Bus : For further information on bus times, numbers, routes, etc, call Traveline on 08712002233 or visit www.travelinescotland. com Train : None, nearest train station Falkirk Grahamston. Cycle : Sustrans Route 754. Parking : There is limited or no parking at the access points to the LNR as they are in private housing. The main parking for the LNR is at Bonnybridge Community Centre. This is just a few minutes walk from the eastern entrance to the reserve. Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3km) circular route. The Forth & Clyde Canal. either; (B) - Turn left and walk to a Path information: (A) - Turn right and after small bridge that goes over Surfaced pavements and the large colourful mural the Bonny Water to the paths, mostly flat with on what was the old bridge . one or two inclines. to the Whisky Warehouse Turn left onto the towpath Facilities: turn right again along the then left at the road bridge Toilets, shops, cafes and high path to complete your to complete your walk parking are all available circular walk. back to the community in Bonnybridge town or centre. centre. 2. The Bonny Water Riverbank

s n Icon Key e rd a Starting Points G w ie yv Main Paths n The Bonny n o Water Bench B Parking Bonnybridge Dog Fouling Bin Primary School

The Avenue e Bonny Thornton ac rr Water Te k ar lp el W Social Club Access Information Bonnybridge War Hig Bus : Road h St Memorial Garage reet For further information Mill Garage on bus times, numbers, Jennys routes, etc call Traveline Park Bonnybridge on 08712002233 or visit Community 6 Forth & 1 www.travelinescotland.c Centre 8 Clyde Canal B om Train : None, nearest train station Falkirk Grahamston. Cycle : Sustrans Route 754. Parking : Available in Bonnybridge town centre. Distance: Finding your way when the river was low. 0.3 miles (0.5km). 1 You can access these 2 Follow the path along quiet riverside paths from the Bonny Water over Path information: many locations. From the several small bridges then Flat tarmac and corner of the High Street retrace your steps or surfaced paths in Bonnybridge, at the War explore the various Facilities: Memorial, take the little paths from Bonnyview Parking, toilets and Gardens, Thornton Avenue bridge over the Bonny refreshments can be Water and turn right. The or the old railway gardens bridge crosses the orginal at Wellpark Terrace. found in Bonnybridge ‘Ford’, which was used town centre.

3. The Radical Pend to Roughcastle Roman Fort and The Antonine Wall

oad Tow path irk R Falk Community Forth & Clyde Canal Centre High Cowden Hill Street BONNYBRIDGE Bo nn Red ys id Burn Radical e Ro Pend ad Library Bonnyside s Farm eg Foundry Road ab ad Se Ro

St. Helen’s Access Information Gate B Loch Bus : R ro o o a m For further information on d h i bus times, numbers, routes, ll etc call Traveline on 08712002233 or visit Bonnyhill Road www.travelinescotland.com Train : None, nearest train Icon Key station Falkirk Finding your way Starting Point Grahamston. 1 Begin your walk at Main Path Cycle : Bridge Street opposite Sustrans Route 754. Bonnybridge Dog Fouling Bin Parking : Community Centre in Railway Line Available in Bonnybridge the centre of town. Follow the path through Antonine Wall Town Centre. Limited the Radical Pend parking is available at underneath the Forth & Parking Roughcastle Roman Fort at Clyde Canal beside Mill the top of Bonnyside Road. garage. On exiting the Distance: pend, turn left and At the top of the hill follow the pavement here you will be Pend- Roughcastle 1.6 standing on miles (2.6km) uphill on Bonnyside Road and over the Roughcastle Roman Pend- Falkirk Wheel railway bridge. Fort. There are 2.7 miles (3km) interpretation panels Pend- Falkirk Wheel 2 Continue on the track explaining the history circular. 3.36 miles until you come to a car of the fort. (5.4km) park. Pend- Bonnybridge 5 You can retrace your circular. 4 miles 3 Turn left through a steps to Bonnybridge or (6.4km) metal gate onto The follow signs for a longer Antonine Wall. circular which will lead Path information: Surfaced you to The Falkirk pavements and paths, 4 Follow the desire line Wheel where you can grassy surface on the heading east until you return to Bonnybridge Antonine Wall and cross a little wooden via the towpath on the towpaths. bridge over Red Burn. Forth & Clyde Canal. Tow Path

The Falkirk Wheel Gate

Roughcastle Roman Fort B816 4. The Forth & Clyde Canal leading to The Falkirk Wheel

03 d A8 Roa lkirk High Fa Street To Forth & Clyde Canal Falkirk The Bonnyfield Falkirk Roughcastle Wheel Local Nature Roman Fort Reserve Bonnybridge

To Access Information Icon Key Bus : Starting Point For further information Finding your way on bus times, numbers, Main Path routes, etc call Traveline 1 You can access the canal Other Path on 08712002233 or visit from the centre of www.travelinescotland. Bonnybridge. From here Dog Fouling Bin com you can either walk west towards Kilsyth or head Train : None, nearest east towards The Falkirk over the canal to the train station Falkirk Wheel and Falkirk. world’s only rotating Grahamston. . Parking : 2 Keep following the towpath Available in Bonnybridge to the east (left) until you 3 Paths from the Falkirk town centre . see The Falkirk Wheel on Wheel lead to Roughcastle your right hand side. Use Roman Fort and a rural path Distance: the wooden bridge to cross network. (See path No.3) 1.9miles (3.8km) Path information Hard surfaced canal towpath. Facilities: Parking, toilets and refreshments can be found in Bonnybridge town centre and also at The Falkirk Wheel. Please remember the canal towpath is also used by cyclists and horses as well as pedestrians.

5. The Doctor’s Pend, The Antonine Wall and Seabegs Wood

Hig h St Jenny’s reet Park 2 1 Emma’s Community Way Playing Centre Bonnybridge C fields Pend M o Road r e n Library a a d t h o io at w n P Ponds s h Bonnyfield ig Local Nature H Reserve The Bonny Broomhill Water Road Bonded Pond Warehouses h at P l w a 1 Lo an 6 C 8 e B yd d l oa C R & gs th e or b F ea S Wooden G Icon Key r bridge R e o e a n Starting Point d h i Pend ll Main Path (Doctor’s Pend) Dog Fouling Bin Antonine Wall Road Seabegs egs Seab Wood Boardwalk Parking Bench 3 Leapark Drive

Finding your way 2 Follow the path behind 3 Follow the bottom path the community centre west past the smaller You can begin your walk and take the wooden ponds and the large from any of the three bridge over the Bonny pond on your right. different starting points on Water and into Duncan the map. All of them will Stewart Park (known 4 At the junction turn left take you to Seabegs Wood locally as Jenny’s Park). and cross another and to the Doctor’s pend. Head left through the wooden bridge over the playing fields to the Bonny Water. Starting point 1 eastern entrance of 5 Head uphill towards 1 Includes a short walk Bonnyfield Local Nature the Forth & Clyde Canal. through Bonnyfield LNR. Reserve (BLNR). Begin your walk at the Just below the canal Community Centre. take signposted path Access Information Bus : For further information on bus times, numbers, routes, etc call Traveline on 08712002233 or visit www.travelinescotland. com Train : None, nearest train station Falkirk Grahamston. to the right and within a Starting point 3 short walk you will come You can reach Seabegs Wood Parking : across the Doctor’s Pend. as well as The Antonine Wall Available in Bonnybridge town centre. 6 Walk down the centre and the Doctor’s Pend from Greenhill. of the pend on the raised Distance platform and on exiting 7 At Leapark Drive take the Starting point 1. turn sharp right and path through the wooden 0.8miles (1.4km) head up a short incline gate at the corner of the Starting point 2. to the Antonine Wall and road. 0.8miles (1km) Seabegs Wood. Take care on the slippery cobbles at 8 Follow the path along Starting point 3. 0.46 miles (0.7km) the pend’s southern exit. the edge of the wood until it heads downhill Starting Point 2 onto a rough track. Path information Hard surfaced canal From Bonnybridge Road 9 From here you are on towpath. Restricted enter BLNR and head the Antonine Wall. width and wet surface at down the wide tarmac path. pend underpass. Pass the mural on your 10 At the bottom of the track left and continue on to the leading to Seabegs Road Facilities wooden bridge over the (B861) take the path Parking and toilets can Bonny Water. From here down below the road and be found in Bonnybridge follow the same route as into the Doctor’s Pend town centre and also starting point 1. towards Bonnyfield. at The Falkirk Wheel. 6. Drove Loan to Chacefield Wood

Townhouse Sports Centre DENNY Street A8 83

Herbertshire Cuthelton Glasgow Playing Fields Farm Road Mydub Farm t r e Chasefield b Chacefield Wood r Cottage a L o T Denny Road Access Information Bus : For further information on bus times, numbers, 76 M8 routes, etc call Drove Traveline on Loan 08712002233 or visit d www.travelinescotland. oa R com A872 ld ie yf nn Train : None, nearest Bo train station Falkirk Icon Key To Bonnybridge Grahamston. Starting Point Town Centre Parking : Available on woodland and turn right Main Path Bonnybridge Road or onto the wide main forest Denny Sports Centre Other Path track through the woods. Dog Fouling Bin This track heads east to Distance the furthest edge of the 2.9miles (4.8km) Parking woods where you can Path information follow the well surfaced Rough but surfaced path track downhill then west throughout woodland. Finding your way towards Denny past Linked by natural forest Cuthelton Farm. 1 From Bonnyfield Road, floor paths. start at the bottom of 4 From here the tracks are Facilities the hill called Drove Loan, well signposted to either Parking, toilets and which is just 5 minutes return to Bonnybridge refreshments can be walk from Bonnybridge uphill and back via found in Bonnybridge High Street. Chacefield Wood or to Town Centre. Please carry on into Denny and remember you are 2 Follow the Drove Loan explore the path network walking through uphill underneath the there. working farmland and M876. At the road bend forests. follow the signpost for Please remember this is “Chacefield Wood”. farmland with livestock and Chacefield Wood is to keep your dog under owned and managed 3 Follow the track into the close control at all times . by Callendar Estate. Tel: 01324 624236

Discover the paths in and around Bonnybridge

Getting There: For more information about the Get your copy of the Green Travel history and local facilities in Map call 01324 504950. Bonnybridge contact: By Cycle: Sustrans National Cycle www.falkirk.gov.uk Network Route 754. Cycle route www.visitfalkirk.com information available from www.sustrans.org.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk 0845 113 0065. www.visitscotland.com By Rail: There are no train stations www.antoninewall.org in Bonnybridge. Nearest stations are at Falkirk High, Falkirk www.johnmuirway.org Grahamston and . www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk www.bonnyfieldlnr.co.uk

By Bus: For further information 5 1 on bus times, numbers and routes, 0 2

www.callendarestate.co.uk . l i

etc call Traveline on c n u

0871 200 2233 or visit o C

www.travelinescotland.com. For more information about your k r i k paths and countryside access l a F

please contact Falkirk Council’s , By Car: See location maps. s e c Outdoor Access Team i v r Thank you: To all organisations, 01324 504950. e S

d landowners and local communities o o h for their cooperation and support. r u o b h g i e N

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