The Wallace Monument stands on the Abbey Craig in the City of Stirling. 220 feet (67m) high, this Victorian Gothic tower was opened in 1869 to commemorate Scotland's greatest freedom fighter, Sir William Wallace (1267-1305). It was funded by public subscription, and donations poured in from expatriate Scots around the world. Support came from many European leaders, including the Italian patriot, Garibaldi.

In 1296, Edward I of England invaded Scotland and the Scottish Wars of Independence began. William Wallace began a guerrilla campaign against the English and became known as the hammer and scourge of the English. On 11th september, 1297, the Scots defeated the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
After defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, Wallace was betrayed and captured. He was hanged, drawn and quartered in London in 1305, and has since become a symbol for Scotland and Freedom.

The Wallace Monument is on the Abbey Craig, a rocky crag from which Wallace watched the English army gather on the South side of Stirling Bridge.

246 steps take you to the the top of the tower and there are three chambers where you can stop off during your climb. Take your time and catch your breath while you look at Wallace's famous double-handed broadsword, meet William Wallace and learn of his struggle to free Scotland from English rule.

In the Scottish Hall of Heroes you will meet other great Scots sculpted in marble. Writers, explorers, inventors and statesmen including, Robert the Bruce, Sir Walter Scott, David Livingstone, Robert Burns and James Watt.

The third floor of the Wallace Monument contains the 'Building the Monument' Exhibition.

The Wallace Monument was completed in 1869 on the back of a wave of nationalism then sweeping Europe, with expatriate Scots and international figures contributing towards its construction. The exhibition tells the fascinating story behind the building of the monument, including the fund-raising campaign, the design competition, and the building and opening of what has become a national landmark. The amazing story is told of how Victorian craftsmen overcame the challenges of their day to create their masterpiece on the Abbey Craig.

There is a shuttle bus which runs from the visitor centre car park to the top of the Abbey Craig.
Or you could walk the tarmac path up the hill and through the woods which surrounds the monument. If you decide not to climb the Wallace Monument, you will still be rewarded with a panoramic view from the base but the view from the top is breathtaking.

If you are on foot, the Wallace Monument can be reached by walking over Stirling Old Bridge and heading straight out on the Causewayhead Road. Cross over at the Causewayhead roundabout to the William Wallace pub. Walk up Logie Road to the Hillfoots Road and straight on to the visitor centre. The walk will take you about 30 minutes.

While you are up on the Abbey Craig, it's worth taking time to explore the semi-natural woodlands and enjoy the breathtaking views. Take things at your own pace and Whether you want to enjoy a brisk walk up to the Wallace Monument or take a relaxing ramble through the woods, you will find a route that is suited to you. From the front of the Wallace Monument you can follow the trails using the special waymarkers.

Read more about Woodland Walks and Nature Trails around the Wallace Monument and the Abbey Craig

Map of Woodland Walks and Nature Trails on the Abbey Craig

A major project designed to improve the visitor experience at The National Wallace Monument has been completed with re-development of the area at the base of The Abbey Craig, the main point of arrival for visitors coming to see the famous tower.

Relax in Legends Coffee House, with its magnificent views of the Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument. Enjoy a speciality coffee, and make your choice from a range of home-made soups, freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and cakes.

You can also take time to browse around The Gift Shop, and select a souvenir of your visit from the range of Scottish clothing and crafts, including a special selection of books on the life of William Wallace and Scottish history.