Stirling is definitely magnetic. I can’t explain it any other way, because my wife and I are magically drawn back to this little town on the southern edge of the Highlands time and time again…
Intro and travel report
Yes, we’ve been to Stirling before, and I’ve already written an article about Stirling, which I’ll link to at the bottom (below the text).
But this small, impressive town definitely deserves a second visit – and a second article!
This time, we are travelling in early summer, in our motorhome, on a longer tour of Scotland.
We find a campsite very close to Stirling and can already see the Wallace Monument as we approach. The tall tower rises proudly above a wooded hill.
The next morning, we drive there early and find plenty of space in the large car park – we are almost the first ones here and the small visitor centre with its exhibition and café is not yet open.
We hike up the steep hill on a winding forest path. We stop several times along the way: an artist has carved wonderful figures from tree trunks that line our path: forest animals, a blacksmith at work, a knight or king, and the monument itself – beautifully done.
This probably helps families get their children all the way up the hill. Incidentally, the hill is densely wooded and pleasantly shady now in summer. It’s warm and sunny and steep – just a few more bends and we’re there.
Artistic – I can hardly describe the Wallace Monument any better than that. Someone has really let their artistic creativity run wild here. The Great Tower, with a wide building at its base, is beautifully decorated. The statue of William Wallace looks down on us and there are numerous bay windows, flourishes and ornaments. A truly beautiful structure.
The view is just as beautiful: sitting on a bench in front of the entrance to the monument, we look far into the distance: hills, forests and small villages. The foothills of the Highlands are beautiful.
You can walk a little further up the hill and reach a viewpoint over vertical cliffs. We did that and enjoyed the view of Stirling over the cliffs.
The River Forth winds its way in large curves below the old town. The old town is located on a large hill, at the top of which Stirling Castle sits enthroned. The large throne room shimmers yellowish, almost golden in the morning sun. An incredible sight – and a magnetic one – we want to go there!
We walk down the hill. The sun plays in the treetops and illuminates entire areas full of bluebells, small blue flowers in the forest. Numerous visitors come towards us as we finish our visit and set off on the short drive to Stirling.
Unbelievable but true: we find a parking space large enough for our motorhome in the middle of the old town, on Castle Hill. There is also a large car park directly at the castle.
But we don’t need it. Beautiful old buildings and small alleys adorn the old town. The small streets lead steeply upwards towards the castle. I have already reported on the castle and its history in my previous article.
Just briefly this time: I can highly recommend Stirling Castle: it is a very beautiful castle, which I also visited inside last time. The views from the castle into the hilly landscape are also wonderful. (See also: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/stirling-castle).
Stirling Castle was once the seat of the Scottish kings. Mary Stuart ruled here before the royal seat was moved to Edinburgh.
Today, I am walking more through the old town and around the castle. An ancient cemetery, directly below the castle, arouses my curiosity.
I stroll around in the sunshine and discover numerous Celtic crosses, statues of saints and wonderful old trees on the extensive grounds.
The old cemetery extends right up to the steep castle walls. A steep staircase leads back up to the castle entrance.
I wander down into the old town and take my time to let the impressions sink in: cherry blossoms adorn the squares between historic walls and there are small parks and green spaces. Flower pots hang from the beautiful old façades, which are made of large, dark stone blocks.
I like the Scottish architectural style and can’t help thinking of Harry Potter and the old town of Edinburgh. This one is much smaller, but similar and very beautiful.
People are enjoying the sun in the street cafés. A bagpipe player in a kilt provides entertainment and colourful hustle and bustle fills the shopping streets and shops. Simply beautiful.
We drift along, I take a few pictures and we find a nice little restaurant for a leisurely lunch.
Full and satisfied, we roll down the castle hill and continue our journey. Stirling is wonderful – we come ge
Brief background information on the Wallace Monument
The Wallace Monument consists primarily of a 67-metre-high tower with an ornate open spire reminiscent of a cathedral.
It is located on a wooded hill in the east of Stirling and was erected in 1869 in memory of the Scottish freedom fighter and national hero William Wallace.
Inside the monument is a museum with lots of information about the Scottish War of Independence against the English and the great battle of 1297 near Stirling, in which the rebellious Scots, led by William Wallace, defeated the English army.
Wallace had thus achieved the incredible: he had managed to unite the divided Scottish clans and lead them in a united front against the English.
The museum and the tower are open to visitors, and there is a viewing platform at the top of the open spire. (See also: https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com.)
More interesting articles for you
ON THE EDGE: DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
NORTH OF INVERNESS…
MAGICAL GLENCOE VALLEY
MOTORHOME CAMPING IN SCOTLAND: EXPERIENCES AND TIPS
Image credit: Scotland-fan at Stirling Castle (photo: Ulrich Knüppel-Gertberg)
