This circular walk, of approximately 7 miles, links the towns of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane. The walk initially follows the Allan Water starting at the west side of Bridge of Allan and follows along the Darn Road (an old drove road). It continues as a path between drystane dykes, passes fields, a golf course and Kippencross House before entering the town of Dunblane. The route returns along Glen Road crossing the Wharry Bridge and dropping back into Bridge of Allan and the starting point.
Starting Point for the Walk:
Blairforkie Drive in Bridge of Allan (just off the roundabout on Henderson Street). There is plenty of free parking available on Blairforkie Drive – OS Reference NS 788 978.
Getting there: 34 miles/50 minutes
Take your favourite route to the M8 (Edinburgh) and then onto the M80 (Stirling). Then continue onto the M9 and exit at Junction 11 (the end of the M9). At this roundabout, take the 4th exit onto the A9 (Bridge of Allan) heading south. Enter Bridge of Allan on Henderson Street, pass the Bridge of Allan railway station, cross the bridge over the Allan Water and immediately turn left into Blairforkie Drive and park at a convenient location.
The Walk: Bridge of Allan/Dunblane Loop – 7.0 miles (11 km)
Starting from the foot of Blairforkie Drive, go up the road and after about 400 yards turn left where the start of the ‘Darn Road’ is signed. Follow this as it runs above the Allan Water then bear right into a gorge carrying a burn. Cross carefully by stones and a footbridge before continuing uphill to the right. The track eventually continues as a sunken path between drystane dykes, past fields and skirts past Dunblane Golf Course and close to Kippencross House. Halfway along the sunken path, alongside a golf fairway, the path veers left – follow it to a main road on the edge of Dunblane. Continue into Dunblane and along by the Allan Water towards the cathedral. There are benches for a lunch or rest.
After lunch, walk back to the main road and turn left up to the roundabout and follow the Glen Road signed for Sheriffmuir. After a mile, ignore the sign for Sheriffmuir, and carry straight on down a single-track road. This becomes traffic free after about half a mile. Continue on the Glen Road and cross the Wharry Bridge, eventually dropping into Bridge of Allan. Pass through Sunnylaw, and after approximately 500 yards, turn right into Blairforkie Drive to return to the starting point.