Get active in Bridge of Allan
Staying Active in Bridge of Allan
Bridge of Allan has a wealth of options for active visitors of all fitness levels. Enjoy a gentle stroll around our vibrant parks and woodlands; marvel at the panoramic views our famous golf course boasts; work up a sweat at the gym or on the courts; or if you’re feeling adventurous, take on the cliff faces and mountain bike trails hidden away in the Mine Woods.
Bridge of Allan Golf Club
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Robert Kroeger, the renowned Old Tom Morris historian, of Cincinnati, USA, considers this one of his favourite Scottish golf courses. His book ‘ The Golf Courses of Old Tom Morris’ describes it as the best preserved in that the layout and length of holes and greens are exactly as they were in 1895.
The course sits on the hill above our magnificently preserved Victorian Spa town of Bridge of Allan. There are no flat lies on this tricky nine hole course where it is possible to go out of bounds on every tee shot. Delightful blind shots, quaint stone walls and crossing fairways take you back in a time machine to the Victorian era.
Kroeger describes the course as ‘one of Scotland’s national treasures.’ identifying the first hole as a clue for it to be given such an accolade. At 223 yards it is a long par 3 by anyone’s standards. But the 40 degree uphill climb and the old stone dyke that crosses about 30 yards to the front of the green, perched on a small plateau, makes it one of the toughest par 3’s in Scotland.
Members and visiting golfers have access to the course, Clubhouse and facilities. An associate membership for non-golfers is also available, to access certain Clubhouse facilities. Please contact the venue directly for more detail.
Family Friendly
Accessible Parking Space
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01786 832332
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For climbing enthusiasts, Wolfcrag Quarry is a hidden gem set in Mine Woods above Bridge of Allan. It’s a sun trap (if it’s sunny) and has plenty of bouldering to make it a worthwhile visit.
The routes can reach quite a height and so caution and bouldering pads are recommended. An alternative to topping out would be some of the great low level traverses.
The grades range from 4b to 7a and the site includes trad routes.
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For inclusive play, Fountain Road playpark is an ideal place to visit. In addition to the ample space and leafy trees providing shade on sunny days, the play equipment has recently been upgraded to include an accessible roundabout which works for all children, no matter their ability. A new swing set has also been added, which includes a tandem swing and high backed swing for children less able to sit without support.
A bongo set for children with more sensory needs and a communications board to enable children to talk about the park have been installed, as well as an extended picnic bench top to enable wheelchair users of any age to sit at it.
Accessible paths are also installed to make moving prams and wheelchairs easier.
The Bridge of Allan community is especially grateful to Jennifer Rutherford for her tireless work to bring about these fantastic upgrades. They are best seen in person, but you can also find out more on her blog at www.qtandcp.com
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Bridge of Allan Sports Club
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We are a family-oriented sports club with Tennis, Squash and Padel courts, a gym, and fitness classes including circuits and yoga.
Suitable for all and all are welcome.
Pet Friendly
Family Friendly
Accessible Parking Space
Wheelchair Accessible (with some limitations – please contact venue directly for more detail)
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www.boasc.com
01786 834397
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With historic architecture, outstanding natural beauty and a wealth of unique features, Bridge of Allan really does reward those who explore on foot. And because so many of our town’s key points of interest are sited on the flat, it’s easy for most people to do.
We recommend taking a stroll along the Allanwater River at the North End and down towards Pullar Memorial Park to the South. Or for a longer walk, the Darn Walk to Dunblane and back, starting at the Allanwater River, is a favourite among local families, dog walkers and historians. This fairly flat walk keeps close to the river and follows the ancient Darn Road, thought to date back to Roman times.
Also on our doorstep and well worth a visit, is Stirling University – arguably one of the world’s most scenic campuses. Set within 330 acres and rich with mature woodland, lochs, wildlife, historic buildings and art installations, students often cite this stunning setting as a key factor in choosing to study at the University.
For more challenging hikes, the Ochils and Dumyat sit just behind us and treat walkers to wildlife, waterfalls and unforgettable views.
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www.instirling.com/walks/darnmap.htm
www.stir.ac.uk/study/visit-us/virtualtour/
www.wikiloc.com/trails/hiking/united-kingdom/scotland/bridge-of-allan
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For a more serene park experience, a stroll around Pullar Memorial Park is an enjoyable way to pass the time. Lovingly tended to by our Friends of Bridge of Allan community volunteers, the park is lush and full of colour all year round. The centre piece is the war memorial, donated by Major Edmund Pullar in 1919 to commemorate those in Bridge of Allan who gave their lives in war.
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Sitrling University Sports Centre
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Health and fitness. Elite and community sport. We live and breathe it all.
At Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we have world-class gym facilities, an Olympic sized swimming pool and a superb variety of exercise classes, sport and leisure activities for users of all abilities and experience.
Community memberships and sports development programmes are also available.
Family Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible Bathroom
Accessible Parking Space
Hearing Loop
Braille Services
Changing Places Toilet
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www.stir.ac.uk/sport-at-stirling
01786 466900
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Bridge of Allan is a great town for novice and expert cyclists alike, with a fantastic mix of flat and steep routes around the town for road riders, mountain and BMX bikers.
It takes just 20 minutes to cycle from Stirling city centre to Bridge of Allan - and no matter which of these mostly flat routes you take, you're guaranteed to enjoy breathtaking views of Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and surrounding hills.
For inspiring suggestions on cycle routes in and around the area, check out Stirling’s Active Travel Hub, which includes the five mile mountain bike trail from Stirling University, up through Mine Woods and back down to Airthrey Loch, and longer routes taking you across Forth Valley and beyond.
Cutting through beautiful mature woodland, short mountain biking routes in Mine Woods are accessible from Sunnylaw Road. They feature 14 different trails for a range of skill levels from easy to severe and descents of up to 120m. Choose from the Star Wars Trail, Tweety Pie, the Chute of Doom, or go All The Way Down…
Visitors can also hire bikes through Next Bike which has collection & deposit spots at Bridge of Allan library, Stirling University and Stirling train station.
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www.stirlingactivetravelhub.org/services/route-planning
www.nextbike.co.uk/en/stirling/locations/
www.trailforks.com/region/mine-wood-34266
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No trip to Bridge of Allan would be complete without a visit to our beautiful riverside spots. Perfect for a waterside picnic, stone skimming or even a paddle in the shallow areas during the Summer! Don’t forget to look out for our resident heron, who spends his days fishing along the banks.
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For a list of other activity based services in Bridge of Allan, check out our Business Directory
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