Cowie - Whitehill - Plean

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
4.8 kms	01:45 (hrs:mins)	0 metres	Explorer 366 - Stirling and Ochil Hills West

Description

This pleasant link route between Cowie and Plean has many points of archaeological and historical interest along the way. There are several start points for this route, all to the east of Cowie. The path from Scotstoun Road which passes Cowiehall Farm and meets up with the path from Ochilview carries onto a path/road junction. Roads at this junction lead left to Carnock, on to Hillhead or right to Whitehill; a path along the disused railway goes back to Cowie. Take the right hand tarmac road and walk towards Whitehill. Look out for the remains of Bruce's Castle, a 15th Century Tower House which belonged to Robert the Bruce's descendents. Carry on and cross over the B9124 and past Plane Tower, (otherwise known as Menzies Castle or Cockabendies) which was originally built in 1449. Follow the road, then take a track on the right leading to a bridge over the railway and into a field. Cross the field, diagonally to the right, towards wooden steps next to the motorway. Go down the steps and through the tunnel which goes under the motorway. Continue on this track to a farm road. This road joins the A9 just South of Plean. A return could be made the same way or by following the first section of the Plean -Sink- Sauchenford route ( 1 1/2 miles).

Access Info

The walk starts at the signposted path at Scotstoun Road in Cowie. The walk is on paths, farm tracks and country roads.

Additional Info

Route and Timings are one way only!

More Info

This walk appears in the Community Paths Eastern Villages Leaflet. To obtain a copy, contact the Stirling Council's Countryside Service on 01786 442971.