Bridge of Allan is a small Victorian Spa town in Stirlingshire in central Scotland, with a population of 5380 in 2016. Nestled beneath the world famous Wallace Monument, it's known to some as Stirling's west end. Demarcated by the meandering River Forth, Bridge of Allan grew up where the main road north crossed the small river Allan Water. There was a brief spell of copper mining in the 18th century, but in the 19th the village morphed into a spa resort, boosted by the railways and celebrity visitors, and the great monument to Wallace's victory was built. In the 20th century, the University of Stirling was developed on the town's doorstep, in the grounds of Airthrey Estate.
Understand
In 1297 William Wallace held much of the north and Dundee was his next target, when the English under the Earl of Surrey marched north against him. At Stirling, Surrey dithered over crossing the River Forth, while the Scots got ready to meet him. He was urged to ford the river further upstream, which he could have done quickly outflanking the Scots. Instead he began to advance over the bridge, a ricketty narrow wooden structure that could only fit two horsemen abreast - the manouevre was bound to take hours. The Scots bided their time till 2000 had crossed then set on and slew them. Surrey could still have held his position at Stirling but bolted south to Berwick, and Scotland was in the hands of Wallace.
Wallace was never crowned king, but ruled as "Guardian of Scotland" until his betrayal, capture and execution in 1305 by the English. A war of succession broke out in Scotland: King Edward II tried to place a puppet king on their throne, and occupied Stirling Castle, but in 1314 the Scots under Robert the Bruce besieged the castle and defeated the English army a few miles south at Bannockburn. Scotland's independence was recognised in 1320 in the Declaration of Arbroath.
These two great victories are icons of Scottish lore and identity to this day - which gives the game away, that they were never so successful in battle again. There was a long period of peace until 1502 when, not leaving well enough alone, the two nations signed the Treaty of Perpetual Peace. Hostilities soon resumed and in 1513 Scotland suffered a catastrophic defeat at Flodden in Northumberland, with King James IV killed. They regrouped and came again, but suffered another crushing defeat near Carlisle in 1542. Never again could Scotland by itself pose a military threat to England. But if, say, France were to join as an ally, as in the Jacobite rebellions, surely they'd fare better?
Visitor information
- Discover Bridge of Allan (dead link: March 2023) run by a local community development trust.
Get in
By road
Follow M9 to its terminus at Junction 11 then return south on A9. For the University, bypass Stirling to the east on A91 then turn onto Alloa Rd past the monument. From Stirling simply follow A9 north.
By rail
Trains take four minutes from Stirling, and continue north to Dunblane; they run every 30 min and originate either from Glasgow Queen Street or from Edinburgh via Falkirk. Trains heading further north towards Aberdeen or Inverness seldom stop here, change at Stirling or Dunblane.
Bridge of Allan railway station has EV charging and free parking, but is just a platform halt.
By bus
Long distance coaches don't stop here, change in Stirling.
First Scotland East Bus 54 runs between Stirling, Bridge of Allan village and the University. The Uni-link bus also runs to the University but doesn't come into Bridge of Allan.
Scottish Citylink 909 runs from Edinburgh every two hours via the airport, Bo'ness, Grangemouth, and Falkirk to Stirling, with two per day continuing to the University.
Addison News Bus 1 runs twice a day to Callander via Dunblane and Doune.
Stagecoach Bus 15 runs hourly to Perth via Dunblane and Crieff.
Get around
On foot
You could use Bus 54 between the village and the University, however the town is fantastically compact, with almost all everything you need walkable within 10-15 minutes - the town is an excellent example of the 20 minute neighbourhood.
Although a lot of Bridge of Allan's residential homes are on a hill, the main street, community facilities etc. are mainly on the flat, making the area well accessible for those with mobility issues.
See
- Wallace Monument, Abbey Craig (1 mile northeast of Stirling near Bridge of Allan), 56.13877°, -3.91811°, +44 1786 472140. Nov-Mar 10:00-16:00, Apr-Jun & Sept-Oct 09:30-17:00, Jul-Aug 09:30-18:00. Set on the hill north of Stirling, this monument honours William Wallace who led the Scottish to victory over the English. It was built 1861-69 - Garibaldi was among those who contributed to the funding. Inside are displays about the Battle of Stirling Bridge and about important Scottish people. You have a great view over Stirling and its surroundings from the top. Adult £10.50, child 5-15 years £6.50, conc £8.50 2019-08-31
- Stirling University is set in a landscaped park and estate, with Airthrey Castle and a lake with lots of wildlife. It's two miles east of Bridge of Allan railway station, or take the bus from Stirling.
- In 1745 the Jacobites occupied the town and charged a toll to cross the bridge: the Tollbar marks the spot.
- Lecropt Kirk, 56.15851°, -3.96496°. Handsome church in Gothic revival style, built in 1827 so it's late Georgian. Note the stain glass windows. The church is on a slight rise with views over the "carse" - the riverside meadows - and Stirling and the Monument. Of the former village of Lecropt nothing remains. 2019-03-22
- Cambuskenneth Abbey 📍 is this side of the river, downstream from the Monument, but it's easier to access by the footbridge from Stirling.
Do
- Bridge of Allan Highland Games are held here in early August, with the next on Su 6 Aug 2023.
- Golf: Bridge of Allan Golf Club is north side of the village. It's nine holes, designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895. Twice around off white tees is 5120 yards, par 66, visitor fee £20.
- Darn Walk is an old drovers' trail along the east bank of the Allan Water north to Dunblane, 3 miles. Start from Blairforkie Drive at the village bridge. Follow a rough track along the wooded riverbank to "Ben Gunn's Cave" - Robert Louis Stevenson often holidayed in this area as a youth and may have taken this cave as his model. Beyond, you cross a low ridge to come into Dunblane. The riverbank path continues upstream to Ashfield.
- The Ochils rise steeply above the village - they're not the Highlands, but a good overture. Dumyat Hill (429 m) is their outpost, reached by a trail (5 miles there and back) from Pendreich Forest car park on Sheriffmuir Rd. A branch path leads onto Castle Law, with the best views of the monument and Stirling Castle.
- Dollar Glen further east is a ravine leading up to Castle Campbell - the autumn colours are sublime.
Buy
There's a Co-op food store and Tesco Express in Bridge of Allan, as well as a wide range of independently owned stores, from butchers & delicatessens to interiors, clothing & hardware.
Eat
- Main street cheap and cheerful eateries include Rana's (Punjabi Indian), Jam Jar British bistro, Bayne's Bakery, Lee's Chinese takeaway, Friend of Mine licensed cafe, and La Cucina Italian. Nick's suffered a fire in Aug 2021 and is closed ufn. The Grill by HW is just west of the river.
- Allanwater Cafe, 15 Henderson St FK9 4HN, 56.155641°, -3.949886°, +44 1786 833060. Daily 08:00-20:30. Great fish and chips, vegan & gluten-free options. 2019-03-22
- Westerton Arms, 34 Henderson St FK9 4HR, 56.154953°, -3.948417°, +44 1786 833999. Daily 11:30-23:30. Pub with decent food. New owners in March 2019. 2019-03-22
- Vecchia Bologna, Mine Road FK9 4DT, 56.156625°, -3.940538°, +44 1786 833617. M 17:30-22:00, Tu-Sa 12:00-15:00 & 17:30-22:00, Su 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-20:00. Smart Italian restaurant. 2019-03-22
Drink
- The Meadowpark, 56 Kenilworth Rd FK9 4RY (southeast of town near University), 56.148943°, -3.930304°, +44 1786 834084. M-Th 11:00-23:00, F Sa 11:00-00:00, Su 10:00-23:00. Pub with restaurant, last serving for food is 2 hours before closing. They no longer operate as a hotel. 2019-03-22
- Allanwater Brewhouse, Queens Lane, Bridge of Allan FK9 4HP, 56.15512°, -3.94969°, +44 1786 834555. M-Th 12:00-23:00, F Sa 12:00-00:00, Su 12:00-22:00. Pub with its own microbrewery. Brews a wide range of ales including one with mangoes, another with nettles. Occasional music in the evening. Tours £15-25 2019-03-22
Sleep
- Witches Craig Caravan Park, Blairlogie FK9 5PX (On A91), 56.1483°, -3.8993°, +44 1786 474947. Open March-Oct, a clean friendly site with great views. Tent £21, hook-up £27 2022-02-22
Connect
Bridge of Allan has 4G from all UK carriers. As of Aug 2021, 5G has not reached this area.