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The Wallace Monument is a 220 ft (67 metre) sandstone tower standing on a volcanic crag above Cambuskenneth Abbey – on the so-called Abbey Craig.

The Monument is visible from far afield and is not difficult to find, two miles to north of Stirling. Architect John Thomas Rochead was responsible for the design of the Monument, adhering to the Victorian Gothic style. Its final cost was £18,000, with construction being finished in 1869.

The Wallace Monument is iconic in the resurgence of a Scottish national identity, constructed following a fundraising campaign in the 19th century.

Legend has it that the Monument stands atop the famous hill where Sir William Wallace – the 13th century war leader – watched the army of King Edward I of England approach across Stirling Bridge before leading the Scots into battle in 1297. The Scots were victorious in the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge – so it is very fitting for the Monument to carry the name of Wallace as a Scots national hero.

It was not only public subscription that raised funds for the construction of the Monument, for private contributions were also received, including a number of foreign donations such as one from Italian leader Giuseppe Garibaldi.

The Wallace Monument is open for those who are interested in climbing the 246 steps of its spiral staircase. There are four levels inside the Monument, with an amazing viewing gallery inside the Monument’s crown. Perfect for photographs, video or just enjoying with your eyes the great views of the Forth Valley and the Ochil Hills, you will find this a great spot. And of course you will also be able to see the city of Stirling, dominated by the beautiful Stirling Castle. On one of the levels inside the Monument there is also a Diorama – an illustration of the geographical layout around the monument marked with important local landmarks and historical battlefields.

On your way up to the Crown you can also find a number of ancient artefacts believed to have belonged to Sir William Wallace, including the famous Wallace Sword. There is huge Hall of Heroes inside of Monument, replete with marble statues of notable Scotsmen – the Hall itself is the result of worldwide financial appeals by custodians in 1885. It is essentially a little national half of fame. There is a 3D simulation in which Wallace appears at his trial at Westminster Hall, telling his own story – the ‘William Wallace Talking Head’.

You have to leave your car beside the foot of the hill and reach the Monument on foot. There is also a minibus service available from the Pavilion Visitor Centre next to the car park.

There is also a wee gift shop and Victorian Tearoom at the Monument.

BY CAR

From Edinburgh (40 miles)

In light traffic, your journey time from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle should be approximately 55 minutes.

Head west out of Edinburgh on the A8, and at Newbridge Junction take the M9 westbound, signposted for the Forth Road Bridge and Stirling. Follow signs for Stirling all the way past Linlithgow, Polmont, Grangemouth, Falkirk, Larbert, and eventually you will pass the Stirling Service Area. About 4 miles later, take the Junction 10 cut-off for Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow on the A84. At Kildean Roundabout, take the first exit onto Drip Road, signposted for Raploch. At Laurencecroft Roundabout, take the second exit onto Back o’Hill Road, signposted for Bus and Rail Stations. Turn into Lower Bridge Street at the mini-roundabout, then right onto Barn Road, and then continue onto Lower Castlehill. As the name suggests, you’re close to Stirling Castle, and should turn right onto Upper Castlehill, and finally go continue forward onto Ballengeich Pass, arriving at Stirling Castle.

From Glasgow (31 miles)

Assuming light traffic conditions, your journey from Glasgow to Stirling Castle should take about 40 minutes.

Take the M8 eastbound out of Glasgow, and then the M80 in the direction of Stirling and the Kincardine Bridge. Follow the M80 past Kirkintilloch, Stepps, Chryston and Cumbernauld. Keep following signs for Stirling, taking the M9 signposted for Perth. Leave the M9 at the Junction 10 cut-off for Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow on the A84. At Kildean Roundabout, take the first exit onto Drip Road, signposted for Raploch. At Laurencecroft Roundabout, take the second exit onto Back o’Hill Road, signposted for Bus and Rail Stations. Turn into Lower Bridge Street at the mini-roundabout, then right onto Barn Road, and then continue onto Lower Castlehill. As the name suggests, you’re close to Stirling Castle, and should turn right onto Upper Castlehill, and finally go continue forward onto Ballengeich Pass, arriving at Stirling Castle.

From Perth (34 miles)

In normal traffic, your journey from Perth to Stirling Castle should take around 55 minutes.

Take the A9 in a south-westerly direction, following it past Auchterarder and Dunblane, until it becomes the M9 signposted for Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow, just after the roundabout. Leave the M9 at Junction 10, joining the route described above.

From Carlisle (114 miles)

In light traffic conditions, your car journey from Carlisle to Stirling Castle should take around 2 hours.

Take the M6 northbound, signposted for Scotland. Shortly after the Todhills Service Area, you will cross the England-Scotland border, and the road then becomes the A74(M). Follow this road northbound all the way until it becomes the M74, and then continuing on until you come to the Hamilton Service Area. Shortly after this, take the cut-off for the M73, signposted for Stirling and Glasgow. Follow signs for Stirling and the Kincardine Bridge, then joining the M80. You should then join the route described above, from Glasgow, to continue your journey towards Stirling Castle.

BY TRAIN

Stirling is the closest station to Stirling Castle, and the station is well connected with other Scottish cities. Trains are operated by Scotrail and run directly to Glasgow Queen Street, Edinburgh Waverley, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. There is also a Scotrail Caledonian Sleeper service running to London Euston.

BY AIR

Edinburgh Airport is 34 miles from Stirling Castle, with regular scheduled air connections to UK and European destinations, and a limited selection of scheduled flights to the United States and Greenland.

Glasgow Airport is 40 miles away from Stirling Castle, with regular scheduled air connections to UK and European destinations, and a limited selection of scheduled flights to Iceland, the United States, Dubai, and Pakistan.

Cumbernauld Airport is just 18 miles from Stirling Castle, but has no scheduled passenger flights.

-  Information about access to the castle today

-  The different buildings and fortifications of Stirling Castle

-  The nearby National Wallace Monument, which is not part of Stirling Castle ]]> http://www.stirlingcastle.org.uk/stirling-castle/feed/ 0