Flower and Freedom On The Backroad to Bannockburn

Rarely, in the history of the world, has there been such a serene and peaceful cycle route as the 20 or so kilometres between Croy and Stirling, the 'backroad to Bannockburn' as I like to call it, crossing the fells and hills that separate two of Scotland's main urban centres, Glasgow and Stirling.

Being the 7th centennial anniversary of the rout of the English by Robert the Bruce and his squad made the day even more palatable as I surveyed the green June hills, listened to the call of the curlews, and 'struggled' onwards (and mostly upwards) towards the pinnacle rock upon which Stirling Castle now sits. Passing through these empty roads, no man nor car to be seen, freedom and peace has never seemed so tangible. Call it a pilgrimage for freedom, a celebration of space, a salute to the great Self, on the single track road called Scot-land.

The route is straightforward enough. Take the train to Queen Street (a return ticket to Stirling is 8.10) and get off at Croy. Follow the route previously marked for the Carron Valley, that is, through Kilsyth and up the Tak Ma Doon to the quiet crossroads where the Carron Birdge Hotel sits. Now, just carry on north taking the road to Stirling (8 miles). From here, just follow the route marked above for the most scenic and peaceful cycle imaginable.


























The approach to North Third Reservoir (June, 2014)

The idyllic North Third Reservoir (June, 2014)


Lewis Hill and cliffs on the east side of North Third Reservoir (August, 2011)

Entering Stirling from the west is a magical experience as one is shot through a linden studded street with large sandstone villas on either side. Some of the lime trees (now at the end of June fully flowered) look as if they are several hundred years old. It's a great entrance to a city, and moreover it's downhill, so the cyclist has the added advantage of soaring into the city. In spite of the fact that this is not a race, I always find my arms raising themselves at this point to embrace the space and the 'finish line' which is Stirling's high street. The castle and the views across to the Ochils and beyond are a few hundred metres up the hill. And the train station from where we will get a train back to Glasgow Queen Street is just beside the High Street.


























The view east from Stirling Castle ramparts towards the Wallace Monument and the Ochil Hills
(August, 2011)