The Roman empire was one of the greatest the world has ever seen. The Antonine Wall formed its north-west frontier from AD 142 to about AD 160. The Antonine Wall was placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2008, for its value to all humanity.
Getting There Get your copy of the Falkirk Green Travel Map at www.falkirk.gov.uk/services or call 01324 504977 By Foot: If you live nearby. By Rail: Nearest train stations are at Camelon, Falkirk Grahamston, Falkirk High or Polmont. By Bus: For further information on bus times, No’s, routes etc. call the Transport Helpline on 01324 504724. By Car: See location maps. Thank you To the many organisations, local individuals and landowners for their co-operation and support. Further information www.antoninewall.org www.csft.org.uk www.falkirk.gov.uk www.falkirkonline.net www.historic-scotland.gov.uk www.kinneil.org.uk www.srps.org.uk www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk www.visitscotland.com Supported by Produced by Falkirk Council Designed by Communications Unit, Corporate and Neighbourhood Services, Falkirk Council. 2009 Discover The Frontiers of the Roman Empire The Antonine Wall World Heritage Site in the Falkirk Council area easy to use map and six suggested locations something for everyone Discover The Frontiers of the Roman Empire The Antonine Wall World Heritage Site in the Falkirk Council area
Transcript
Getting ThereGet your copy of theFalkirk Green Travel Map atwww.falkirk.gov.uk/servicesor call 01324 504977
By Foot: If you live nearby.
By Rail: Nearest train stations are atCamelon, Falkirk Grahamston, Falkirk Highor Polmont.
By Bus: For further information on bustimes, No’s, routes etc. call the TransportHelpline on 01324 504724.
By Car: See location maps.
Thank youTo the many organisations, localindividuals and landowners for theirco-operation and support.
Further informationwww.antoninewall.orgwww.csft.org.ukwww.falkirk.gov.ukwww.falkirkonline.netwww.historic-scotland.gov.ukwww.kinneil.org.ukwww.srps.org.ukwww.thefalkirkwheel.co.ukwww.visitscotland.com
AANNEE FFOORR AA''
Supported by
Producedby
FalkirkCouncil
Designedby
Com
munications
Unit,CorporateandNeighbourhood
Services,FalkirkCouncil.2009
Discover The Frontiers of the Roman Empire
The Antonine WallWorld Heritage Site in the Falkirk Council area
The Antonine WallWorld Heritage Site in the Falkirk Council area
Finding your way
A mapTake a close lookat the maps foreach of the sites.These should beall you need tofind the site andget around.
SignsLook out forwooden sign postsand interpretationboards givingmore informationas you go alongthe path.
It’s up to you This leaflet givesdetails of sixlocations, withinformation onparking, pathsurfaces,gradients, facilitiesetc. Simply choosea section of thewall to visitdepending onwhere you live andyour own abilities.
Frontiers of the RomanEmpireThe Antonine Wall hasbeen placed on the WorldHeritage List, inscribed byUNESCO in 2008, for itsvalue to all humanity.
The Roman empire wasone of the greatest theworld has ever seen. TheAntonine Wall formed itsnorth-west frontier fromAD 142 to about AD 160.The empire was protectedby frontiers whichextended for over 5,000km from the Atlantic coastof Britain through Europe,the Middle East and NorthAfrica to the Atlantic coastof Morroco.
Although the wall was 37miles in length, from theRiver Forth to the RiverClyde, you don’t have to gofar around the Falkirk areato see some of the bestsections.
Access to the Past Walk the wall-roam likethe Romans-or just enjoy afew hours out. All walksare short and easy goingand suitable for families
Discover The Frontiers of the Roman Empire
The Antonine WallWorld Heritage Sitein the Falkirk Council area
Antonine WallFacts
The AntonineWall is thelargest relic ofthe Romanoccupation ofScotland.
Built in the yearsfollowing AD142,on the orders ofthe EmperorAntoninus Pius,it marked thenorthern borderto the RomanEmpire, andreplacedHadrian’s Wall,built only 20years earlier.
By AD160 theAntonine Wallwas abandonedas the RomanArmy retreatedto the south. Inmany places thewall has beenbuilt over or lostforever. It isoften hard tospot and youmay not knowthat you’rewalking over2000 years ofhistory!
with young children, elderlyor less able walkers.
However, please rememberthe paths go through parksand countryside and maynot be as accessible astarmac paths in towns.
Where possible paths havebeen improved by:Removing barriers such assteps and gates. Re-surfacing and drainageof some paths.New seating, hand railsand signage to help youenjoy your walk.
Which site to visit?Simply read through thefollowing suggested walksand choose a walk that suitsyour own needs and abilities.
Some of the sites have fewfacilities. Whereas CallendarPark and Kinniel Estate canoffer the visitor much more.
Due to the sensitivity of theWall, as an AncientMonument and WorldHeritage Site, these pathsare NOT suitable for horseriding or off-road cycling.Digging or excavation is notpermitted.
Antonine Wall
Seabegs
Roughcastle
Tamfourhil Polmont
Callendar Park
Kinneil
Grangemouth
Kincardine Bridge
Bonnybridge
Falkirk
From Stirling M9
From Edinburgh M9
Railway Stations
River Forth
From Glasgow
Although one of thesmallest Roman Forts onthe Antonine Wall this isone of the best preserved.The earthworks of itsrampart and ditches arestill clearly visible. Althoughthe site is grassed over, thisimpressive landscape givesa vivid impression of what aRoman frontier defencemust have been like 2000years ago.
Finding Your WayStart: Rough Castle CarPark. (See location map).
Follow signs for theAntonine Wall fromBonnybridge onto FoundryRoad and Bonnyside Road.Carry straight on to a trackleading to Rough Castle carpark.
1 From the car park simplyexplore the area or follow
the suggested, circularwalk marked on the map.
FacilitiesInformal parking on siteat end of rough trackInterpretation boards onsiteNo toiletsNearby Bonnybridge hasshops, pubs and otherfacilities
1 Rough Castle, Bonnybridge
Antonine Wall Facts
The northern defences wereprotected by deadly pitsfilled with stakes, known tothe Romans as ‘lilia’.
Path Information
GradeA large opengrassy area. Walkas little or as muchas you like.
DistanceSuggested walk850m (1/2 a mile)circular walk fromcar park. (Allow at least 1hour).
GradientSome steepgradients up anddown a track toRowantree Burn.
Key
Main Path (Tarmac)
Main Path (Stone)
Other Paths
Bench
Tarmac Surface
Disabled Parking
Parking
Information Board
LocationBonnybridge
Canal Bonnybridge RoadB816
From Falkirk
FromBonnybridge
RoughCastle
Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall
Polmont Wood
Antonine Wall Facts
The ditch of theAntonine Walldescends the hill in agraceful curve until itmeets the MillhallBurn.
Path Information
GradeA short, easygoing, ‘there andback again’ walkfrom the car park.
Distance100m walk. TheWall is visible asa break in thetrees.
SurfaceBoth the car parkand short 100msection of road toseating area istarmac. Suitablefor wheelchairs orpushchairs.
(Note: the rest ofthe woodlandtrack and pathsare not surfacedto this standard.)
GradientGentle gradienton a goodsurface.
2 Polmont Wood, Polmont
Key
Car Park
MillhallBurn
Polmont Wood
Smiddy Brae
Main Path (Tarmac)
Main Path (Stone)
Other Paths
Bench
Tarmac Surface
Disabled Parking
Parking
Information Board
Location
Antonine Wall
Smiddy Brae
Bo’ness Road
M9
Antonine Wall
Polmont
FromGrangemouth
Can you spot where the Wallwas on this short ‘there andback again’ walk?
Finding Your WayStart: Polmont Woods carpark. (See location map).
The small car park is off theB904 Smiddy Brae - Bo’nessRoad.
1 Simply walk along thetarmac track a shortdistance to the seatingarea.
GeneralThere are many more pathswith varying surfaces andgradients waiting to beexplored in Polmont Woods.
FacilitiesCar park and seating
Interpretation board
No toilets
Nearby Polmont has shops,pubs and other facilities.
Antonine WallFacts
The AntonineWall is thelargest relic ofthe Romanoccuptaion ofScotland.
3a Kinneil Estate, Bo’nessAn ‘easy going’ short walk
Path Information
GradeA short ‘wheelfriendly’ walkaround historicbuildings.
There are no gates,steps or stiles onthis route.
DistanceA short walk of 850m. (1/2 mile).
SurfaceThe paths in andaround the car parkand Kinneil Houseare hard stonepaths. These aresuitable forwheelchairs orpushchairs.
The hard surfacestops just after thebridge at KinneilChurch ruins.
GradientNo steps andmostly level with asteeper gradientfrom the car parkto Kinneil House.
site of a mediaeval towerand was extended in itspresent form in 1677.Continue uphill past theestate cottages and oldwalled garden to return tothe car park.
GeneralWhy not go on a steam trainride at Bo’ness and KinneilRailway? There is anaccessible carriage forwheelchairs and pushchairs.Follow signs in Bo’ness towncentre.
Facilities Car ParkInterpretation boards
Seating and signs to helpyou
Disabled Toilet at entranceto old walled garden(RADAR key required)
‘Superloo’ toilet just offProvost Road at rear carpark entrance
Small museum includingRoman artefacts is openfrom 12.30 - 4.00pm Mon. - Sat. all year round.There are steps at theentrance. (For moreinformation call FalkirkCouncil on 01324 503770)
Nearby Bo’ness has shops,cafes and pubs
Key
Main Path (Tarmac)
Main Path (Stone)
Other Paths
Bench
Tarmac Surface
Disabled Parking
Parking
KinneilHouse
From Bo’ness
Antonine Wall
Kinneil Church
Museum
Provost Road
A choice of a short, easygoing walk or a longer walkaround this historic estate.
Finding Your WayStart: Car Park marked onmap. (See map).
Kinneil Estate can beaccessed from twolocations off Provost Road.1 From the car park followa path downhill to an oldbridge and a small ruinedcottage. The famousengineer, James Wattused this cottage as aworkshop from 1769 -1770 where he tested asteam engine designedto pump water fromlocal coal mines.
2 From the bridge thereare good views into thesteep glen of the GilBurn. Cross the bridgeand turn right towardsthe ruin of KinneilChurch. The church onceserved the mediaevalvillage of Kinneil.
3 Retrace your steps backover the bridge thencontinue left around therear of Kinneil House. Inthe courtyard of privatecottages is a smallmuseum. (See ‘Facilities’for more information).
4 Follow the road throughthe courtyard for animpressive view of thefront of Kinneil House.The house is built on the
onto a forest trackleading back to thecar park.
GeneralFor the moreadventurous, a networkof paths can be foundwithin Kinneil Wood,extending your walkback to the car parkfrom the West Pond.
Facilities
Car Park
Interpretation boards
Seating and signs tohelp youDisabled Toilet atentrance to old walledgarden (RADAR keyrequired) ‘Superloo’ toilet justoff Provost Road atrear car park entranceSmall museumincluding Romanartefacts is open from12.30 - 4.00pm Mon. -Sat. all year round.There are steps at theentrance. (For more
information call FalkirkCouncil on 01324503770)Nearby Bo’ness hasshops, cafes and pubs.
Finding Your WayStart: Car Park marked onmap (See map).
Kinneil Estate can beaccessed from twolocations off Provost Road.
1 & 2 Please followpoints 1 and 2 in Walk Ato Kinneil Church.
3 At Kinneil Churchfollow the stone pathout onto grass and turnright. You are nowwalking on the courseof the Antonine Wall.Follow the mown grass
path towards the EastPond.There are seatsplaced along the pathto guide you.
4 At the East Pond turnright onto a stone path.Just after the EastPond turn left back ontograss. As you walktowards the West Pondthe Roman Fortlet is onyour left marked bywooden posts.
5 At the West Pond turnleft uphill then alongthe waterside pathbefore turning left down
3b Kinneil Estate, Bo’nessA longer walk around Kinneil Estate.
Path Information
GradeA longer walk ongrass throughscenic parkland.
Distance1500 m. (Onemile). There isseating along thepath at variouslocations.
Surface From KinneilChurch most ofthe path is ongrass.
The return pathfrom the WestPond is a foresttrack. This pathcan be rough andwet underfootdepending on theweather and timeof year. Thesemay be suitablefor wheelchairs orpushchairs withlarger wheels.
GradientNo steps andmostly level withtwo ramps ateither end of theWest Pond path.There is also agentle uphill slopeon the forest trackback to the carpark.
Antonine WallFacts
Both the AntonineWall and the fortletrampart originallystood some 10 fthigh, built of turfand earth resting ona stone base.
Key
Main Path (Tarmac)
Main Path (Stone)
Other Paths
Bench
Tarmac Surface
Disabled Parking
Parking
Information Board
Kinneil Church
East Pond
RomanFortlet
Antonine Wall
From Bo’ness
Museum
Provost Road
KinneilHouse
through Callendar Woods.
FacilitiesIn addition to the closeproximity of Falkirk towncentre, Callendar Parkhas many other facilitiesincluding; Car park at Tea Roomand The Park GalleryCallendar House andthe Tea Room havetoilets for patrons.(Callendar House toilets
are suitable fordisabled)Seating and signs tohelp youCallendar Park kiosk,adjacent to children’splay area, sellsrefreshments Public toilets at parkkiosk with disabledtoilet - open 10.00 -5.00 seven days aweek (obtain key fromkiosk) or ‘Superloo’outwith normaloperating hours
There’s much to see and doaround Callendar Parknear Falkirk town centre.The Antonine Wall can beseen in the grounds of theimpressive mansion ofCallendar House. Thehouse has been restored byFalkirk Council as a visitorattraction and has apermanent exhibition oflocal history.
Finding Your WayStart: Car park near ThePark Gallery and TeaRoom. (See location map).
From Falkirk town centrefollow signs for CallendarPark at the roundabout onCallendar Road. FromEstate Avenue turn left intoSeaton Place past anumber of high towerflats.The small car park isat the end of this road.
1 From the car park follow
a tree-lined path straightuphill towards the flats.
Carry on for a great viewof the ditch of theAntonine Wall.
2 Where the tree linedpath meets the pavedpath turn off the hardsurface to your rightonto the mown grass.You are now on thesouth of the AntonineWall. Follow this levelgrass path past seatingbefore turning rightdown towards CallendarHouse.
3 At the bottom of theslope simply turn rightalong the track back tothe car park.
GeneralWhy not explore the rest ofCallendar Park, CallendarHouse Museum or thenetwork of forest tracks
Antonine Wall Facts
The most obviousfeature in the park isthe Antonine Ditch.Here it is around 40feet (12m) wide and 10feet (3m) deep.
Path Information
GradeA short, circularwalk with moderategradients.
There are no gates,steps or stiles on thepath.
Distance700 m. There areseats placed aroundthe walk as restingpoints.
SurfaceHalf of the route is astone path - half ismown grass whichmay be soft.
Gradient Long moderateuphill slope from carpark. Grass sectionalong the Wall isgenerally flat thendownhill towardsCallendar House.Stone track in frontof Callendar Houseis level. There are nosteps or kerbs onthis route.
4 Callendar Park, Falkirk
Key
Main Path (Tarmac)
Main Path (Stone)
Other Paths
Bench
Tarmac Surface
Disabled Parking
Parking
Information Board
CallendarHouse
Kiosk
Tea Room
The Park Gallery
From FalkirkFrom Polmont
Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall
Callendar Road
Antonine WallFacts
Each legioncontained trainedengineers,stonemasons,carpenters andbuilders, with atotal work forceof some 18,000men.
Two small, wooded sectionsof Antonine Wall.
Finding Your WayStart: Tamfourhill Road. (See map).
Both sites can be founddirectly adjacent toTamfourhill Road, nearCamelon.1 Simply look for the signsoff Tamfourhill Road forthese very short, ‘thereand back again’ walkswith wooded views of theAntonine Wall ditch.
GeneralAnother section of Wall canbe found to the south ofTamfourhill Road. These paths are un-surfacedand the gradients aresteeper.
FacilitiesInterpretation boardsSeats and signs to helpyouNo formal car parkingLimited street parkingNo toiletsNearby Camelon hasshops, pubs and otherfacilities
5 Tamfourhill, Camelon
Path Information
GradeEasy going, veryshort , there andback again walksadjacent toTamfourhill Road.There are nogates, steps orstiles on thepath.
Distance20 to 80 m. fromroadside.
Surface A choice of twoshort, stonepaths lead tointerpretationareas with a viewinto the Wallditch. However,wheel chairaccess is difficultfrom the housingside of the road,as there is, atpresent, noprotectedcrossings ordropped kerbs.
GradientGentle gradientson Wall to north of TamfourhillRoad.
Key
Main Path (Tarmac)
Main Path (Stone)
Other Paths
Bench
Tarmac Surface
Information Board
Tamfourhill Road
Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall
CumbraeDrive
Antonine Wall
FromCamelon
Enjoy a longer walk usingthe canal towpath and asmall underpass to reachthe Antonine Wall in abeautiful oak wood. Finding Your WayStart: Start your walk inBonnybridge to the eastof Seabegs Wood.
Walk 6a FromBonnybridge1 Car parking can befound to the east ofSeabegs Wood inBonnybridge at the
Community Centre.
2 A short, steep walkuphill and then rightalong the level canaltowpath leads to theunderpass andSeabegs Wood.(Theunderpass is notwheelchair friendly).Look out for a paththat branches right offthe towpath thenunder the canal toreach Seabegs Woodat the other side.
3 At Seabegs Wood a
6a Seabegs Wood, from Bonnybridge
Path Information
GradeWalk 6a is moderate tolong - with some trickyslopes and surfaces.No gates or stiles butthere is uneven ground.
(Only the towpath iswheelchair friendly).
DistanceWalk 6a Bonnybridgearound Seabegs Woodand back is 3.5 km (2miles).
Surface The towpath is a hard,stone path. Theunderpass is narrowwith cobbles and steps.(May be wet anddifficult to negotiate).At Seabegs Wood arough farm track leadsuphill to a mown grasspath around the site.
GradientThe towpath is flat. Theentrance and exit to theunderpass is steep.
The farm track atSeabegs Wood is steep,however there isseating.
On the grass there aresome ups and downswhere you cross theditch!
steep farm track leadsuphill to a mown grasspath on the right. This isthe old Military Road.Follow a circular routearound the site back tothe main gates andretrace your steps.
GeneralThe underpass is knownlocally as ‘the Pend’.
Facilities
Interpretation boards
Seats and signs to helpyou
No parking or toilets atSeabegs Wood
Nearby Bonnybridge hasshops, pubs and otherfacilities
Location
Key
Main Path (Tarmac)
Main Path (Stone)
Other Paths
Bench
Tarmac Surface
Disabled Parking
Parking
Information Board
Antonine WallFactsYou can still makeout the line of themilitary road,which ran some40m south of therampart.
Underpass
Forth and Clyde Canal
Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall
B816
From Bonnybridge
Military Road
Bonnybridge
Underpass
Antonine WallFacts
You can still makeout the line of themilitary road,which ran some40m south of therampart.
Enjoy a longer walkusing the canaltowpath and a smallunderpass to reach theAntonine Wall in abeautiful oak wood.
Finding Your WayStart: Start at theUnderwood Lockhouseto the west of SeabegsWood.
Walk 6b From Underwood Lockhouse1 Car parking atUnderwoodLockhouse is to the
west of SeabegsWood off the B816.
2 A gentle stroll eastalong the towpathleads to theunderpass. (Theunderpass is notwheelchair friendly).Look out for a paththat branches off thetowpath left thenunder the canal toreach Seabegs Woodat the other side.
3 At Seabegs Wood asteep farm trackleads uphill to a
6b Seabegs Wood, from Underwood Lockhouse
mown grass path onthe right. This is theold Military Road.Follow a circular routearound the site backto the main gates andretrace your steps.
GeneralThe underpass is knownlocally as ‘the Pend’.
FacilitiesInterpretation boardsSeats and signs tohelp youNo parking or toilets atSeabegs WoodNearby Bonnybridgehas shops, pubs andother facilities
Key
Main Path (Tarmac)
Main Path (Stone)
Other Paths
Bench
Tarmac Surface
Disabled Parking
Parking
Information Board
Path Information
GradeWalk 6b is moderate tolong - with some trickyslopes and surfaces. Nogates or stiles but thereis uneven ground.
(Only the towpath iswheelchair friendly).
DistanceWalk 6b Underwoodaround Seabegs Woodand back is 3.5 km (2miles).
SurfaceThe towpath is a hard,stone path. Theunderpass is narrowwith cobbles and steps.(May be wet anddifficult to negotiate). AtSeabegs Wood a roughfarm track leads uphillto a mown grass patharound the site.
GradientThe towpath is flat. Theentrance and exit to theunderpass is steep.
The farm track atSeabegs Wood is steep,however there isseating. On the grass there aresome ups and downswhere you cross theditch!
