13
ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM
Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead
Stirling, FK9 5LF
Tel: 01786 472140
THE WALLACE
MONUMENT
For anyone interested in Scottish
history, the Wallace Monument
is an essential Stirling attraction.
The tower was constructed in the
19th century to commemorate
William Wallace – that’s right,
Braveheart – and stands at
67 metres high. It’s built from
sandstone, which lends it a
beautiful colour, and stands on
the Abbey Craig, from where
it is said that Wallace watched
the gathering of King Edward
I’s army just before the Battle
of Stirling Bridge. Visitors to the
monument can climb the 246-
step spiral staircase to the very
top, where a viewing gallery
offers expansive, panoramic
views across the Ochil Hills and
the Forth Valley. The monument
is home to various artefacts that
are believed to have been owned
by William Wallace, including
the Wallace Sword, an imposing
5ft claymore. Visitors can also
look around the Hall of Heroes,
which houses busts of famous
Scots. A day spent climbing up
the Wallace Monument is more
than just good exercise; it offers
a unique insight into Scotland’s
history coupled with fantastic
views across the region. Take the
stairs, take a moment to catch
your breath and then marvel at
the glorious sight of Stirling and
the surrounding area.
