1. Hidden HeritageFollow in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots,
amongst the rolling countryside of Central Scotland.
Castle Campbell, Dollar
 Castle Campbell, Dollar

 The Falkirk Wheel
 The Falkirk Wheel

 Loch Leven Castle
 Loch Leven Castle
FocusFALKIRK, FIFE & THE WEE COUNTY
Map
Click map to enlarge		 Falkland Palace
Falkland Palace

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Take the M9 then M876 from Edinburgh or A80/M80 then M876 from Glasgow.
1 Exit the M876 at Junction 1 (Falkirk) and follow tourist signs to the spectacular Falkirk Wheel, a magnificent feat of modern-day engineering, linking two historic canals.
2 Follow the A803 into Falkirk, looking out for signs for Callendar House, a historic mansion with displays on local history stretching back to Roman times.
3 Take the M876/A876 North to the Kincardine Bridge across the widening River Forth. In Kincardine take the A977 to the village of Clackmannan, home of the ancient Stone of Mannan.
4 The A907 leads to the county town of Alloa. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed at 14th century Alloa Tower (recently restored) with her ill-fated husband, Lord Darnley.
5 Take the A908 via Sauchie, where historic Gartmorn Dam offers peaceful, level walks and spectacular views to the Ochil Hills. Continue by the A908 to Tillicoultry, where you can also stretch your legs, in steep-sided Tillicoultry Glen.
6 Follow the A91 East to Dollar and the dramatic ruin of Castle Campbell, overlooking the Forth Valley.
7 The A91, through Milnathort, then the A912 via Strathmiglo, lead to the quaint village of Falkland. Falkland Palace, with its beautiful gardens, was a favourite place for Mary, Queen of Scots to relax and play 'real tennis'.
8 A quiet back-road leads South, between the shapely Lomond Hills (steep walks) to join the A911 at Glenrothes. Continue around picturesque Loch Leven to Kinross. Boat trips run to the island castle where Mary - in sadder times - found herself imprisoned.
9 Join the M90 South to Dunfermline, a former capital of Scotland. The historic Abbey dates back 1,200 years and is the burial place of several Scottish monarchs.
10 Continue by the M90/A90 across the elegant Forth Road Bridge, adjoining the world-famous Forth Rail Bridge.
11 Turn West by the A904, then A803, to Linlithgow. Linlithgow Palace was the birth place, in 1542, of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Alloa Tower
Alloa Tower		 Victorian kitchen at Callandar House
Victorian kitchen
at Callendar House		 Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace
 
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LOOK OUT FOR

The Falkirk Wheel, near Falkirk
The world's first and only rotating boat lift. Marvel at the energy-efficient engineering as it lifts you between two historic canals. Visitor centre, play areas.

The Antonine Wall, around Falkirk
Roman earthwork, dating from 140AD - visible at various locations around Falkirk, including Callendar Park.

Callendar House, Falkirk
Imposing mansion with 600 year history. Exhibitions, costumed interpreters and working Georgian kitchen, set in extensive parklands with excellent play areas.

Clackmannan Tower, by Clackmannan
14th century tower, once home to (King) Robert the Bruce. Fine hill-top viewpoint.

Alloa Tower
Beautifully restored ancestral home of the Earls of Mar, dating to 1497. Now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

Gartmorn Dam, by Alloa
Country park and nature reserve centred around Scotland's oldest reservoir. Walks, bird-watching, fishing, picnics, visitor centre, countryside rangers.

Castle Campbell, Dollar
15th century fortification in magnificent setting high in the Ochil Hills, overlooking the Forth Valley. Also glen walks, superb views.

Falkland Palace
Country residence for the Stuart monarchs, established in 1450. Restored royal bedchambers, 16th century real tennis courts, colourful herbaceous gardens.

Loch Leven Castle
Late 14th century island tower where, in 1567, Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned and forced to abdicate before her dramatic escape a year later.

Dunfermline Abbey
Founded in the 11th century by Queen Margaret. The Abbey Church is the last resting place of many Scottish kings and queens.

Forth Bridges
The Forth Rail Bridge, completed in 1890, was the world's first major steel bridge. Alongside sits the graceful road bridge, opened in 1964.

Linlithgow Palace
Substantial ruins of former home to all of the Stewart kings and birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Regular events programme.

 

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