Best attractions and places to see around Cowie, a village in the Stirling council area of Scotland, include a mix of local historical interest and prominent nearby landmarks. The area offers historical remnants and serves as a gateway to significant Scottish attractions. Visitors can explore sites within Cowie and easily access major points of interest in the surrounding region. This makes Cowie a central point for discovering history, culture, and unique engineering feats.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Highlight • Summit
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Who doesn't remember the movie Braveheart with Mel Gibson as William Wallace? Although these two people never met, they are closely connected through the film.
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nice cycle way, can be busy at weekends with walkers and joggers. can gain access to Devilla forest and Fife Coastal path from this route
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It was a great hike and very enjoyable. It’s not too long, but part of the trail involves climbing over some rocks, which can be a bit slippery if it’s wet. The path coming back down the backside is muddy, so if it’s been raining, it’s better to return the same way you went up.
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Great relaxed through route on car free tarmac. Popular with dog walkers and the odd horse rider. Please share with care and respect.
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One of many castles in Scotland, very beautiful and well organized. The history is very interesting and in my opinion also worthwhile. Entry can be booked with or without a donation, I recommend with a donation, the money is well spent there. Go there and enjoy
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What an amazing structure and piece of engineering. It is the only wheel of its kind. Well worth the visit
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So much to see and do at this wonderful castle - a great day out!
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The historical surroundings and the view over Sterling are impressive
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Near Cowie, you can marvel at The Kelpies, impressive 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures in Falkirk, which are the largest equine statues in the world. Another must-see is the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift, connecting the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.
Absolutely. Just a short distance from Cowie, you'll find Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most historically significant sites and a former royal residence. Within Cowie itself, you can explore the remains of the medieval Castle of Cowie and evidence of Mesolithic and Neolithic settlements.
For stunning vistas, consider climbing Dumyat Summit in the Ochil Hills. It's a popular spot for walkers and mountain bikers, offering extensive views across to Stirling and beyond. The summit also features a memorial to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel are both highly recommended for their unique appeal and visitor facilities. Stirling Castle also offers an engaging historical experience for all ages. Additionally, the Clackmannan Way Cycle Path provides an excellent off-road option for family cycling.
Yes, both The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel are noted for being wheelchair accessible, offering facilities and pathways designed for ease of access.
The area around Cowie offers various outdoor activities. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Little Burn Waterfall loop from Bannockburn' or 'Carron Valley Reservoir loop'. Gravel biking options include routes like 'Roughcastle Tunnel – Falkirk Wheel Aqueduct loop from Larbert'. Runners can enjoy trails such as the 'WW1 Practice Trench – Plean House Ruins loop from Plean'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Cowie, Gravel biking around Cowie, and Running Trails around Cowie guides.
Yes, hiking is a popular activity. Dumyat Summit is an easily approached hill with a straightforward path, offering rewarding views. For more running and walking trails, refer to the Running Trails around Cowie guide, which includes various loops and paths suitable for walking.
Visitors frequently praise the impressive scale of The Kelpies, noting them as 'massive' and 'very impressive'. The Falkirk Wheel is celebrated as a 'very special kind of ship lift' and a 'feat of engineering'. Stirling Castle is appreciated for its historical importance, beautiful organization, and interesting history.
Cowie holds its own historical significance. You can find the remains of a medieval royal hunting lodge, known as the Castle of Cowie, with a visible length of masonry. Excavations in Chapelfield have also uncovered evidence of Mesolithic and Neolithic settlements, indicating a long human presence in the area.
The Clackmannan Way Cycle Path offers an excellent off-road cycling experience with smooth asphalt and rural Scottish scenery. It's also linked to the National Cycle Network (NCN 76), providing safe and pleasurable routes to destinations like The Kelpies and beyond.
Yes, The Kelpies are noted as a dog-friendly attraction, making it a great spot to visit with your canine companion. Many of the outdoor walking and cycling routes in the area are also suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control.
Beyond the major landmarks, the Stirling Old Town Jail, located around 3.9 miles from Cowie, offers a unique historical experience. It provides insight into 19th-century prison life and is a fascinating, though perhaps less prominent, historical attraction compared to Stirling Castle.


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