La Colina de Gowan

The city of Stirling has developed around a geographical fault that led to the development of several hills. One is Gowan Hill, and the trail here is actually one of the oldest routes through the forests and offers lovely views of the city and surrounding area as you travel between the castle and the river Forth. If you take your car, park at the Sainsbury's on Back O'Hill Road. It will take about fifteen minutes to walk to the top, and it's not difficult. Once at the top of Old Motte you'll find sixteenth century cannons and a curious monument dating back to the fifteenth century: the stone of the beheadings.