Kippen brings together short walks, connections to the surrounding landscape and local history as distinct focuses for a stay. Options range from a 1 km circular walk to historical traces whose time span stretches from the 14th century back to Roman times. You can plan your stay around whether nature, exercise or local history matters most to you.

Landscape and views

Kippen lies on the southern slopes of the Gargunnock Hills and overlooks the Carse of Forth. From Kippen, there are also views of the Trossachs Mountains, the Arrochar Alps and the Ochil Hills. This combines the specific hillside location with several named landscape features. If you also choose a place for its setting, these views can factor into your plans alongside the trails and historical themes.

History across several periods

Kippen Smiddy is a historic 18th-century blacksmith’s workshop maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. Its rare surviving features include a double hearth. Kippen’s original church is first mentioned in public records from the 14th century. The Old Kirk includes a restored bell tower and a churchyard dating from the 1690s.

Hill of Dasher adds an archaeological perspective to the local history. The recently discovered hillfort lies on Kippen’s eastern edge and is around 2,000 years old. The hill was inhabited during the Roman Empire. Together, these sites and structures represent different historical reference points, from the documented mention of the original church to a hillfort from Roman times.

Trails by length and character

The short circular walk around Kippen is 1 km long, with an ascent of 30 feet. The Kippen Common & Nature Trail is 2 km long, with an ascent of 70 feet. In direct comparison, the nature trail is 1 km longer and has 40 feet more ascent. It passes through woodland and by a small loch used by anglers. The two trails therefore differ both in length and in the landscape features described.

A longer option is the 3.6 km Core Path Burnside Wood and Redgate Hill. It follows good paths and tracks throughout and is waymarked. At 3.6 km, it is longer than the other two routes mentioned. Burnside Wood and Pond are also used for recreation in Kippen. If you would like to explore Kippen’s cultural heritage on foot, you can choose the Kippen Heritage Trail.

Plan your journey and stay

The 2025 Local Place Plan lists a bus service from Kippen to Stirling and Glasgow. If this service is important to your travel plans, check the timetable separately for your travel dates. This will help you choose a destination suited to what you most want to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Aberfoyle, Balfron, Fintry, Cambusbarron, Drymen, Stirling, Crianlarich, Callander

Go to the main travel overview: Stirling.