Central Belt Way

Day 1: Bannockburn to Carronvalley  Your guide will meet you in the King Robert Hotel at 9 am for a welcome meeting. Shortly after leaving Bannockburn, we pass through the small quaint village of Chartershall, before some minor road walking through rolling green fields of the countryside brings us to a forest track. The first few miles of this walk is steeped in history, this is where your guide will recount, not one battle but two battles, one more famous than the other. A gentle climb uphill on forest tracks and paths brings us to peak of Lewis hill 266m (872ft), there are fantastic views of North Third reservoir and to the Callander hills in the west, where on a clear day you can see as far as Ben Lomond. The last few miles walking to Carronvalley are on minor roads and forest tracks through undulating farmland.   Walk details: 13.4km/ 8.3 miles approx. 5-6 hours 380m/ 1247ft ascent

Day 2: Carronvalley to Castlecary  

After a short walk on a minor road, we arrive at the third largest water-supply reservoir in Scotland, Carronvalley. A visit to Duncarron Fort before a short walk along the shoreline allowing you time to admire the scenic views. Once leaving the shoreline, there is a steady climb uphill and over the ridge of the Kilsyth hills. A short walk on a minor road brings us to a viewpoint where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking views. A gentle walk down hill on a minor road and you arrive at the Colzium estate, where your guide will tell you all about the history of the estate. A short walk along a minor road, farm tracks and paths leads you to the famous Antonine wall. Castlecary is at the end of this section of the Antonine wall. Walk details:  20km/ 12.5 miles  approx. 6 hours 333m/ 1093ft ascent

Day 3: Castlecary to Falkirk  We start the day by passing under Castlecary viaduct, a Victorian railway line between Glasgow and Edinburgh. This part of the walk is on a minor road and then forest tracks and paths towards the Falkirk Wheel. Just before the Falkirk Wheel is Roughcastle Fort, one of many Roman fort ruins along the Antonine wall. Shortly after leaving Roughcastle fort we arrive at the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat of its kind in the world, where you will have the time to partake on a journey on the Falkirk Wheel. A visit to the 1746 Battle of Falkirk monument is next before heading down and onto the towpath alongside the Forth and Clyde canal. Then a visit to Calendar house before ending day at Falkirk football stadium. Walk details: 20.5km/ 12.8 miles approx. 7-8 hours 281m/ 923ft ascent

Day 4: Falkirk to Culross Follow a cycle path to the Kelpies, the largest horse head statues in the world. Then a short walk along a minor road and then a farm track brings us to the Bothkennar pools. Two lagoons next to the river Forth that is full of various different bird and animal species. A short walk along the shore path of the the River Forth, you pass the Skinflats lagoons, just like the Bothkennar lagoons, it is rich in various birds and If you are lucky you may spot a rare sighting of the Baikal Teal. Not long after crossing the Kincardine bridge, you are soon walking on forest tracks through the Devilla forest, where you may spot a red squirrel or an otter in one of the lochs. Within a couple of miles of leaving the Devilla forest, you soon arrive at the most scenic village in Scotland Culross, where you will have the opportunity to visit Culross Palace. Walk details: 21km/ 13 miles 6-7 hours 145/ 476ft ascent

Day 5: Culross to Tillicoultry  After a short walk uphill through the scenic village of Culross you soon arrive at Culross Abbey, an abbey full of history and mystery. After leaving the village of Culross, there are beautiful views towards the Forth road bridge. After walking along a minor road and then along a cycle path, it brings you to the last section of this walk to Tillicoultry, where you will have fantastic views of the rolling hills of the Ochils, that dominate the skyline from Dunblane to Milnathort. Along this stretch you pass Gartmorn Dam, which is abundant in wildlife, history and beauty. Walk details: 20km/ 12.5 miles approx 6-7 hours 241m/ 791ft ascent

Day 6: Tillicoultry to Stirling Castle The last day of walking is the most undulating section of the Central Belt Way, as you walk uphill to the Silver mines in the Ochil hills, to the Wallace Monument and finishing off with the last uphill walk of the day to Stirling Castle. This section of the walk is full of history, folklore and myths, where your guide will recount stories of hidden treasure, treachery and a famous Scottish legend along the way. A visit to the Wallace monument is a must during this part of the walk. Reaching Stirling castle with the last uphill climb of the day, you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Forth valley and also on completing the Central Belt Way. Walk details: 21km/ 13 miles approx 7-8 hours 488m/ 1604ft ascent