38 Stirling – Falkirk

Journey Overview

Starting in Stirling, the bus navigates the town centre before heading out of town towards St Ninians. Along the way, customers can see the towering Stirling Castle perched atop a hill, a symbol of Scotland’s rich history and heritage. As the bus continues, the scenery begins to change, with rolling hills and open fields replacing the urban landscape. It’s very quickly a journey of fascinating contrasts.

Next, the bus stops at Bannockburn, where the Battle of Bannockburn took place in 1314. The site is marked by a monument and visitors centre. The surrounding countryside is lush and green, with fields of grazing sheep and cows stretching out to the horizon.

After leaving Bannockburn, the bus passes through Plean, which is home to a 15th-century tower house that was once the residence of the Stirling family. This charming village is surrounded by farmland before the bus stops at Larbert, and the Old Parish Church, an historic site that dates back to the 17th century.

Continuing on towards Falkirk, the bus stops in the heart of the Forth Valley at the village of Camelon, which is located on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal and has a long history, with Roman remains associated with the Antonine Wall excavated here. The famous fizzy drink Irun Bru was also produced here until 1996!  The canal is a popular spot for boating and fishing, and passengers on the bus can see the waterway from the window. The area around the canal is home to a variety of wildlife, including swans, ducks, chaffinches and herons, as well as pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bats.

Finally, the bus arrives in Falkirk, which is home to several historic landmarks, including the Falkirk Wheel, a unique boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. The town centre has a fab variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for visitors, so too there are plenty of interesting quiet woodland walks to be enjoyed in and around this great place.

Gateway to the 38

Citylink coach services travel to Stirling from across Scotland and also Megabus from major cities in the UK. Stagecoach and McGill’s provide frequent local bus services in the area and there is a regular service from Glasgow and Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland by train to Stirling.

A Fab Day Out!

There are many attractions and things to do along the route between Stirling and Falkirk, which includes a mix of historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

Stirling is a historic city that is home to a number of iconic attractions and is worth exploring before the journey begins. The most famous is Stirling Castle, a stunning fortress that has played a pivotal role in Scottish history. Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and learn about the battles and events that have shaped Scotland. Other top attractions in Stirling include the National Wallace Monument, which commemorates William Wallace’s victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and the Church of the Holy Rude, where many Scottish monarchs were crowned.

Onto the bus and the first recommended stop off is at St Ninians, which is home to the famous St Ninian’s Old Parish Church and dates back to the 12th century. The church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and historic architecture. Customers can also take a stroll through the village’s charming streets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Back on-board and this time to Bannockburn. Famous for the Battle of Bannockburn, a decisive Scottish victory over the English in 1314, customers can explore the interactive visitor centre, which offers an immersive experience of the battle and its aftermath. The site also has a large monument that commemorates the Scottish soldiers who fought and died at the battle.

The adventure continues, to Plean, a picturesque village that is known for its beautiful countryside and historic sites. Folk can take a walk through Plean Country Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside. The park also has a castle that dates back to the 15th century and a 17th-century doocot that was used to store grain.

On-board again and to Larbert, and maybe a peruse of Larbert Loch, which offers scenic walking and cycling paths. Customers can also explore the historic Larbert Old Church and the nearby Callendar House. For those interested in outdoor activities, there are several golf courses in the area, as well as opportunities for fishing and boating on the local canals.

Then, it’s one more stop before Falkirk and it’s in Camelon. The Falkirk Wheel, one of Scotland’s most famous attractions, is located nearby and offers boat trips, a visitor centre and stunning views. Camelon also has a rich industrial history, and visitors can explore the remnants of the Roman fort, as well as the nearby Antonine Wall. For those interested in outdoor activities, there are several parks and green spaces in the area, including the popular Dollar Park. Additionally, the town has a range of local shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy.

Finally, the bus ends in Falkirk and maybe a visit to The Kelpies, two giant horse sculptures, which are another “must-see” attraction. For those interested in history, there’s the Callendar House, which offers a glimpse into the lives of its former residents. Falkirk also has several parks and green spaces, including the popular Helix Park, which offers walking trails, a lagoon and a children’s play area. There’s so much to see and do on this fantastic route, that it really is a whirlwind experience of scenery, heritage, culture, family fun and shops!