Scotland – Forth Valley, Stirlingshire

Distance: 13km/8 miles
Time: 3hrs
Type: Country
Where: Circular walk from the picturesque village of Kippen, near Stirling.
Start/End: War memorial, The Cross, Kippen (NS653947).
Terrain: Country lanes, grassy paths, farm tracks and minor roads. A couple of stiles and gates to negotiate
Maps: OS Explorer 366; OS Landranger 57.

The ample and very pleasant countryside on the north side of the Campsie Fells has always been popular with both walkers and wealthy commuter-belt residents seeking peace and privacy in the beautiful surroundings. So it’s perhaps no surprise that it was here that the broad public access rights enjoyed in Scotland – and recently enshrined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, legislation fought hard for by Ramblers Scotland – faced one of their sternest challenges. In 2005, Euan Snowie locked his gates to his 70-acre Boquhan Estate on the edge of Kippen and applied to the courts to have his estate declared to be land over which access rights should not apply. He claimed that the order was needed to protect his family from the risk of kidnap and to allow shooting on the grounds. Ramblers Scotland, together with Stirling Council, successfully challenged the order in the courts (the sheriff judged that only 13 acres right beside the house should be regarded as private), and earlier this year Mr Snowie dropped his appeal against the decision. As well as passing by the Boquhan Estate, this gentle circular walk highlights some of Kippen’s most attractive surrounding countryside, which can and should be enjoyed by everyone.

Click here to download a route card