From Dunblane to Bridge of Allan

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Walk directions

From the station, walk past the Dunblane Hotel to go over the bridge, then turn left down Mill Row. Follow the wide track beside the Allan Water. Pass a bridge on the left-hand side, and continue ahead under a railway bridge. Follow the path to another bridge, where you cross a small burn and take the path that bears right, passing a children's play area. Follow this path uphill to reach a railway cutting. Soon reach some steps on the right-hand side, which lead down to a bridge and across the railway. The route continues ahead, leading over rough ground that in summer is ablaze with pink rosebay willowherb and golden ragwort. Follow the main track to a fingerpost, signed 'Ashfield 1'.

Turn right here, following the edge of the burn to reach a crossing of tracks. Turn right and cross the burn, following the track as it now swings up to the road. At the road turn right. Pass some attractive old weaver's cottages, reminders of the weaving industry that was once so important to this area. Follow the road as it bears to the left and walk straight down to reach Dunblane Cathedral.

After visiting the cathedral, continue down to a roundabout to join the High Street, and walk up to the Stirling Arms Hotel. Walk ahead, keeping the hotel on your right, and go uphill to reach the main road.

Cross the dual carriageway with care, then take the track almost opposite, next to the bus stop, signed 'Bridge of Allan 2.5'. You're now on the Darn Road. It's a clear track and easy to follow. Pass the clubhouse of a golf course on the left-hand side and go through a wooden gate into woodland. Eventually come to a footbridge over the Wharry Burn, and then a signpost where you follow signs for Bridge of Allan.

You'll now see the river on your right-hand side. Ignore the footbridge on the right and continue ahead through woodland. Soon reach a cave on the left, said to be the inspiration for Ben Gunn's cave in Treasure Island (1883). After this you'll come to some steps, which take you higher above the water.

Follow the path downhill and over a footbridge with green railings. Continue to follow the track as it goes beside pastures and then houses, before eventually meeting the main road. Turn right and follow this into Bridge of Allan. Turn left and walk along Henderson Street, the bustling main street which is lined with shops and eating places. At Fountain Road turn right. Pass Holy Trinity Church on the right-hand side, noted for its associations with Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Walk down beyond the fountain, past a roundabout, then turn right along Allanvale Road – almost doubling back on yourself. Pass some unusual cottages on the right-hand side. Follow this road as it bears round to the right, becoming Union Street, and back on to Henderson Street. Now turn left and walk ahead to cross over the bridge. Turn left down Inverallan Road and bear right to the station to catch the train back to Dunblane.

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Location

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Additional information

Terrain - Firm tracks and pavements throughout

Landscape - Quiet riverbanks and small towns, plus grand cathedral

Dog friendliness - Good, can run free for much of walk

Parking - By station in Dunblane

Toilets en route - Near station in Dunblane

Walks in Dumfries & Galloway Dog-friendly walks in Dumfries & Galloway

About the walk

Though it’s a small and tranquil place today, Dunblane during the middle ages was much more important. Its rather splendid cathedral was founded in the 12th century, and hugely expanded by Bishop Clement during the first half of the 13th. The interior became ever more opulent – but in the 16th...

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Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Dumfries and Galloway is a wonderfully undiscovered corner of Scotland – a romantic land of wooded glens, high hills and exposed moorland, haunted by its colourful past and the ghosts of those who fell in fierce and bloody battles. Heading west from Gretna Green you soon reach Dumfries, straddling the River Nith, where you may see red-breasted mergansers in summer.