The National Wallace Monument was built in commemoration of Sir William Wallace on another rocky outcrop overlooking the scene of his greatest triumph, the Battle of Stirling Bridge. His compatriot, King Robert the Bruce, is remembered at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, site of another legendary victory, the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Bruce's parliament met at nearby Cambuskenneth Abbey.

At Falkirk, the Antonine Wall can be explored at the Kinneil Estate and Museum, and the Carron Iron Works and Callendar House, which has a 900 year history, are well worth visiting, as is the new Falkirk Wheel, an integral element of the restoration of the Forth & Clyde Canal. Travel on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Steam Railway to the Birkhill Fireclay Mine, where visitors can marvel at the vast caverns and 300 million year old fossils of giant tree ferns.

Although Clackmannanshire is the smallest county in Scotland, it was at the centre of the textiles industry in the 19th century, utilising the water from the surrounding Ochill Hills to power the looms. Some mills are still working producing woollens today, and the Mill Trail Visitor Centre in Alva tells the story of the woollen industry through the ages. Tillicoultry is a haven for shoppers, offering Sterling Warehouse and Sterling Mills for those seeking some retail therapy. History is well represented in 16th century Menstrie Castle and 15th century Castle Campbell, nestling in the Ochil Hills above Dollar. The nearby Dollar Museum has fascinating displays on the town and the Devon Valley Railway is also well worth visiting.

Alloa is the main town of Clackmannanshire, it is the home to the 14th century Alloa Tower. Nearby Clackmannan Tower and the 16th century Tolbooth are all reminders of the area's past.

Doune, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan are attractive towns lying close to Stirling on tributaries of the River Forth. Visit imposing 14th century Doune Castle and Doune Ponds nature reserve, with birdwatching hides from which to observe the abundant wildlife. Blair Drummond Safari Park is famed for its drive through reserves with wild animals from around the world.

Dunblane Cathedral is a superb 12th century church overlooking the Allan Water, and the Cathedral Museum and Leighton Library unfold the heritage of this smallest of cities.

Kippen, Killearn, Buchlyvie, Balfron, Fintry and Strathblane are surrounded by fine agricultural land and the Campsie Fells, with many countryside attractions and parks - none better than Culcreuch Castle and its 1,600 acres of parkland.

Suggested Itinerary

Starting in Falkirk (Callendar House, Kinneil Estate, The Falkirk Wheel), take the A904 to Bo'ness (5 miles ­ Bo'ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, Birkhill Fireclay Mine). Follow the M9 to Stirling (23 miles ­ Stirling Castle, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, Royal Burgh of Stirling Visitor Centre, Tolbooth, Argyll's Lodging, Old Town Jail, National Wallace Monument, Bannockburn Heritage Centre). On to Dunblane (4 miles ­ Cathedral, Leighton Library) and Doune (6 miles ­ Castle, nature reserve, Blair Drummond Safari Park).

Alternatively, follow the Mill Trail ­ the A91 through Menstrie (Castle), Tillicoultry (retail outlets) to Alva (7 miles ­ Mill Trail Visitor Centre) and on to Dollar (8 miles ­ Castle Campbell). Return on the A91 and A908 to Alloa (9 miles ­ Alloa Tower).

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