National Wallace Monument
41 minute walk from Stirling station · Stirling, Central and Fife
The National Wallace Monument is a 67-metre sandstone tower located on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig, overlooking Stirling. Completed in 1869, this Victorian Gothic structure commemorates Sir William Wallace, the legendary 13th-century Scottish hero, on the site where he is said to have watched the English army before the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
The tower offers a deep dive into Scottish history through three exhibition rooms, including a Hall of Heroes featuring busts of famous Scots like Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns. A highlight of the collection is the Wallace Sword, an impressive longsword measuring over 1.6 metres in length.
Visitors can climb the 246-step spiral staircase to reach the viewing gallery nestled within the monument's crown. From this vantage point, you can enjoy expansive views of the Forth Valley and the Ochil Hills. Outside, the monument is adorned with an original Victorian statue of Wallace created by sculptor David Watson Stevenson.
[Note: the route below takes you to the visitor centre at the foot of Abbey Craig. You'll have another hike up the hill to get to the monument itself!]
Visitor information
- Place type
- Monument
- Good for
- Architecture, Historic monuments, Museums, Scenic viewpoints
- Characteristics
- Gothic, Hilltop, Nationally significant, Victorian
- Admission
- Paid admission
- Facilities
- Visitor centre
- Access
- Not step-free
- Region
- Stirling, Central and Fife
Stations within walking distance
- Stirling station — 41 min walk, 3.1 km
Other places near Stirling
- Stirling Castle and Gowanhill — 1 min walk from the station
- Cambuskenneth Abbey from Stirling — 1 min walk from the station
- Albert Halls — 7 min walk from the station
- Holy Trinity Episcopal Church — 8 min walk from the station
- Tolbooth — 11 min walk from the station
- Smith Art Gallery & Museum — 11 min walk from the station