Walks near Stirling by train

Moderate climb to Dumyat, the landmark peak at the western Ochils, through mixed woodland and a rhododendron tunnel, with summit views to the Wallace Monument.

Dumyat: A prominent peak at the western end of the Ochil Hills offering outstanding panoramic views over Strathallan and the Forth valley.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: A moderate hill climb with steep, occasionally slippery paths and crag edges; take care on the descent.

Walk details: Strathallan Community Rail Partnership (PDF).

Rural Union Canal towpath: the Avon Aqueduct (Scotland's longest and tallest) and the 630m Falkirk Tunnel (Scotland's longest); good for wildflowers.

Time: 5h (3h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Towpath can be muddy; suitable footwear advised.

Walk details: ScotRail (tips).

Scenic coastal walk on the Fife Coastal Path beneath the iconic Forth Bridge, through charming towns including Aberdour with its harbour and sandy beach, on to Burntisland.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Exposed to coastal weather; pack layers and waterproofs.

Walk details: ScotRail (tips).

Easy, flat Kelvin Walkway and Forth & Clyde Canal towpath out of Glasgow, Kelvin Aqueduct to Bowling, through varied landscape and habitat.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Towpath can be slippery after rain; good footwear advised.

Walk details: ScotRail (tips).

Recommended: The highlight of the route is the spectacular Avon Aqueduct. A simple, direct and easy-to-follow walk mostly along the Union Canal towpath, with an uphill section from Polmont at the start and a downhill section into Linlithgow. Good surfaces with no road sections and though the towpath is narrow in places and there are stepped sections in Linlithgow. Follows the Union Canal towpath. Linlithgow has plenty of history to explore.

Waterway: nine tenths along the Union Canal.

Time: 4h (2h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

1 end-of-walk reward: the Granary

Warnings: The towpath is narrow in places. Stepped sections in Linlithgow may present problems for some, though alternatives exist.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Recommended: Urban walk with some climbing, through parkland with views over the city, and along Portobello promenade.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: A quarter urban. Some climbing.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: A very green, quiet and largely traffic-free route, gently downhill towards Edinburgh for most of the way, with a good surface throughout. It follows the Water of Leith Walkway and then the Union Canal towpath and ending through the city's parks and streets. A few steepish slopes but no stairs; the river path can be muddy in places. Follows National Cycle Route 75 for most of its length and is part of the John Muir Way; the Colinton Tunnel is a highlight. Princes Street Gardens open at 7am and close at dusk.

Waterway: three quarters beside rivers and canals.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Lunch: Cafes near the route at Juniper Green, though most open around 10am.

Warnings: The Slateford Aqueduct has only a narrow, cobbled towpath with a drop, so take care and be patient when passing others.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Recommended: Route into Edinburgh along the shoreline and old railway path, with some modest climbing.

Coastal: three quarters along the coast.

Woodland: two fifths under tree cover.

Time: 8h30 (6h30 walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: Tarmac path along a burn then the John Muir Way behind the beaches, ending through Preston Tower.

Coastal: four fifths along the coast.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: Excellent views of Bowling Harbour and the Clyde. A very straightforward, level walk following a national cycle route, almost entirely on good surfaces alongside the canal and River Clyde. It includes a beautifully landscaped elevated walk/cycleway over Bowling, tree-shaded cuttings and a section running alongside the railway and ending through suburban streets and a park. Follows a national cycle route, largely free of steps. There is a replica Roman distance stone marking one end of the Antonine Wall near Old Kilpatrick.

Coastal: three quarters along the coast.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 3h30 (2h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Lunch: Shops and a cafe under the old railway arches at Bowling, plus services accessible from the cycle track about halfway along.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Recommended: Mainly hard-surfaced with a few short climbs, around suburban Dalgety Bay with some sections secluded by trees and great views to the Forth bridges.

Coastal: nine tenths along the coast.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: A few short climbs.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 5h (3h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Walk details: Slow Ways.