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National Wallace Monument, Stirling

View from the Wallace Monument

The age-old rivalry between Edinburgh and Glasgow was in full swing during the 1860s when the National Wallace Monument was being built. Because of this, the monument was finally constructed in Stirling, a neutral and quite fitting location. Stirling is, after all, the site of the famous Battle at Stirling Bridge, and the Abbey Craig, on which the monument stands, is where William Wallace once stood and watched the approaching English army before leading his troops into battle. Built well over 100 years ago, the National Wallace Monument remains a tourist attraction to this day, and a visit there is well worth the effort of the uphill journey.

The National Wallace Monument takes the form of a Victorian gothic tower perched high above the city of Stirling. You can take a shuttle bus up the hill to the monument or walk yourself (though the hill is rather steep). Once you reach the monument itself you should be prepared for some more climbing. The spiral staircases that lead to the top of the monument comprise 246 steps. Fortunately, you can take regular breaks along the way and examine the monument's several historical exhibits. The most exciting, perhaps, is the exhibit on Wallace himself which houses his five and a half foot long broadsword. The other exhibits include The Hall of Heroes, dedicated to great Scottish names in science, industry, education, and the arts and an exhibition on the history of the monument itself.

The real treat of the National Wallace Monument, however, is the view from the top. Suddenly, all that strenuous climbing seems worth it as you gaze out over the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding countryside. From here you can see Loch Lomond (subject of the famous folksong) and, on a clear day, some of the highest mountains in the southern highlands.

After you have descended, you might want to consider stopping in the small gift shop or having a bite to eat in the new Legends Coffee House. The open hours of the Wallace National Monument vary by month, but generally encompass the late morning and most of the afternoon. Admission is £6.50 for adults.