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NINE HERITAGE TRAILS TO EXPLORE ON TWO WHEELS THIS WINTER

Charity Forth Environment Link has joined forces with local heritage consultant Alan Buchan to create a series of nine heritage trails to explore by Forth Bike this winter, showcasing Forth Valley’s hidden (and not-so-hidden) heritage.

Funded by Scottish Waterways Trust, the new cycle routes are designed to encourage visitors and locals to discover the area’s rich history by e-bike; with all routes falling within the 30-minute Forth Bike hire time.

Shirley Paterson, Active Travel Development Manager for Forth Environment Link said: “It’s all too easy to reach for the car keys as the weather turns colder, but why not take advantage of the cool, crisp days and take some time out to explore the fantastic heritage on your doorstep by bike.

“With the trails taking 30 minutes or less to complete, you could even squeeze them into your lunch hour – getting you away from your desk and on the move.”

Alan Buchan, who designed the trails, added: “Forth Valley is an area bursting with heritage! Exploring, even familiar sites, by e-bike is a fantastic way to get a new perspective on history as well as boost your wellbeing.”

Riders can choose from nine itineraries at www.forthbike.co.uk/explore:

1. Callendar House Trail: A brief history of Callendar estate, highlighting some of the important historical figures who visited the house including Bonnie Prince Charlie.
2. RAF Grangemouth Trail: Uncover the role Grangemouth played in World War 2 and see the footprint of a former airbase.
3. Charlotte Dundas and Zetland Park Trail: Cycle along the canal and learn about the world’s first practical steam engine.
4. Forth & Clyde Canal Trail: Discover the industrial heritage of Falkirk as you cycle between Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies.
5. Bannockburn Tartan Weaving Trail: Did you know Bannockburn was once the heart of the Scottish tartan industry? See the remaining buildings of Wilson and Sons Tartan Weaving.
6. Old Stirling Heritage Trail: Visit the Old Town of Stirling and learn how the Royal Burgh was once one of the most powerful places in Scotland.
7. Bannockburn, Polmaise and Plean Mining Trail: Discover the role the mining industry played in the Eastern Villages and follow the routes the workers once took.
8. Old Clackmannan Trail: Clackmannan was once home to Scottish royalty and was an important location on the River Forth.
9. Dollar & Tillicoultry on the Devonway Trail: Follow the former Devon Valley Railway and learn about the heritage of the towns including the impact a visit to the Harviestoun estate had on Robert Burns.

Forth Bike is Scotland’s largest cross regional bike scheme, connecting Falkirk, Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire.

To locate the nearest Forth Bike station to you, visit forthbike.co.uk. Riders can pay per journey (£2 for a 30-minute hire) or take out a monthly (£10) or annual membership (£65).