The
building is largely 13th century in date
incorporating an originally
free-standing 11th century bell-tower.
The tower was increased in height in the 15th century,
a change evident in the colour of the stonework
and in the
late gothic style of the upper windows.
Location:
Stirlingshire
Map: OS
Landranger 57 or free
Dunblane path leaflet available locally
Distance: 5.5
miles / 9km
Time: 2-3 hours
Terrain: Easy
low-level walk
This easy walk links
Dunblane
with two attractive villages and
provides an opportunity to visit
a wonderful historic church.
Ramoyle was once the main route
into Dunblane from the north.
This was a settlement of handloom
weavers. and some of the houses
date back to the 18th century.
Before long you will see the
Braes of Doune windfarm.
Crossing the large field which leads
towards Ashfield is not difficult but
the path is not continuous, though
it steadily improves as it heads
towards the railway line. Wherever
you reach the fence, walk along by
it until you reach the bridge over
the railway. If you arrive there by
a slightly different route, it doesn’t
matter.
Ashfield is another former
weaving settlement with attractive
rows of former weavers’ cottages,
beside the railway with the Allan
Water on your left. The section
between the villages of Ashfield
and Kinbuck is liable to flood, so
an alternative route is suggested
in the route directions. Kinbuck is
another attractive village, and the
road winds along beside the Allan
Water round several bends to reach
Kinbuck Bridge.
After a road section you go down
to cross the Allan Water yet again.
The scene here is pretty with trees
overhanging the bank. There's even
a small beach. You then follow
a riverside path back towards
Dunblane.
At the top of the rise you get a
good view of Gargunnock Crags
before reaching the area known as
the Laigh ( low ) Hills and heading
back, again beside the river, into
Dunblane.
Route:
Start from the Haining car
park, in Dunblane ( behind the Cathedral,
GR2 NN7B2015 ).
Continue uphill into Ramoyle.
At an old stone notice saying Laighhill Loan 1888 TL and go down the
path to the Scouring
Burn.
TR after crossing the burn and
then recross it.
Climb steps and fork
left.
Walk through a wood by a wall
and reach cemetery access road.
Take path R of cemetery wall.
Go L at roundabout to cross A9.
Opposite
slip road for Perth go L through gate
into large field ( signpost for Ashtield ).
Follow the track inside the gate for
about 100m then go half-right aiming
towards the windfarm, over a low
rise.
At fence, TR to railway bridge.
Cross and TL into Ashfield.
Pass bus
shelter and continue on path, signed for Kinbuck.
At gate, go through
and continue along field edges to
Craigton farm.
The next section can flood in winter. In this case, use farm
access road under the railway and
TL on the road into Kinbuck.
If it is
dry, continue with the path, eventually
climbing onto the road and TL.
Cross Kinbuck Bridge and TL on
minor road.
At fork, keep L
Continue
tor about 1km past Waterside and
Hutchison until, at a sharp R bend,
go L through gate down field side.
At far comer, go through small gate
and take path down to footbridge
over the river.
Cross and go R on a
path.
Pass under railway and A9, walk
beside new houses then go downhill
to railway then L into Laigh Hills.
Take first main path on R ( before houses )
and keep R past tyres in the ground
marking a cycle track.
Continue
with main path to cross railway.
Turn
immediately L and follow path down
to play area.
TL to rejoin Allan Water.
Go under railway and keep L up to
car park.
