The Stirling City & Beyond Bike Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

5.0
(3 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

See far more than on a walking tour and make the most of your time in Stirling!

Join me on a truly unique journey through one of Scotlands most important and historic cities.

By using one of Scotland’s finest inventions, the pedal bicycle, we can travel through the history and stunning landscape of this ancient capital of Scotland.

Once the seat of Scottish power and monarchy, Stirling sits at the gateway to the Highlands. It has been said throughout history that he who holds Stirling, holds Scotland and this explains its ancient and rich historical importance.

Set to the back drop of the stunning Ochil Mountains our ride will take us to the farther, lesser known hidden gems that litter this part of the Forth Valley.

We will discuss ancient folklore, local heroes, triumphs, tragedies, art, sport, invention and science. Getting to know each other as well as the city and country that surrounds us.

What's Included

Helmet (Mandatory)
Use of bicycle

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We will meet at Stirling Train Station which is directly next door to Stirling Bus Station, both very central.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    We will begin by riding north towards The Ochil Mountains. Crossing The River Forth we will shortly be at Cambuskenneth Abbey, a little known gem of both religion and the Scottish Wars of Independence.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Heading along toward the campus of the University of Stirling we will able to enjoy, what is often voted, the most beautiful university campus in the UK. With the back drop of the Ochil Mountains and its own loch, its easy to see why. Its an oasis of nature to study and was in fact my university for 4 years.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    National Wallace Monument

    We will continue north getting closer to the mountains before we ascend the hill which plays host to one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland. The Wallace Monument was built in honour of Scotlands most famous warrior. We will experience the breathtaking views out over the Forth Valley and the town of Stirling itself. 



    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Returning towards town on excellent new cycle paths we will again reach the River Forth and cross it using the gorgeous stone bridge. Built on the suspected sight of the original Stirling Bridge it not only acts as a crossing but as a monument. William Wallace used the bridge to defeat a much larger English force in the 13th century. 


    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    We will ride around the back of the castle crag to Kings Knot, the still terraced gardens of royalty from centuries ago. From this point we will no only have incredible views of the castle upon its impenetrable rock but also west to the high mountain peaks of the Trossachs (on a clear day!).


    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    efore we make our steep climb into the Old Town, we will take the chance to discuss some Scottish heroes of battle and the arts, outside the old theatre of Stirling.



    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Having climbed the steep climb to the Old Town on our E assisted bikes we will squeeze through ancient alleys to reach The Church of Holy Rude and Cowanes Hospital, at 17th century hospice. 


    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    We will see the front and rear of the ruins of The Earls of Mar’s huge town house and enter the Old Town Cemetery flanked by the imposing fortress of Stirling Castle. 


    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Stirling Castle

    
Stirling’s most famous landmark, it’s castle. The seat of Scottish power for centuries and arguably Scotlands best loved castle. We will climb the cobbled street into the esplanade and right up to its impressive gates. From the esplanade we will have uninterrupted views of the mountains, the Forth Valley and the town itself. A truly incredible sight. You will have the option to end your tour here, if you wish to visit the castle.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10

    We will ride down through the town and back to modernity stopping back at the station and the centre of town.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Must be able to safely ride a bicycle
Supplied by Stuart's Bicycle Tours

Tags

Mountain Bike Tours
Half-day Tours
Historical Tours
Bike Tours
E-Bike Tours
Small Group
Top Product
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 3 3 reviews
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