Kippen: Views, Trails and Local History

Kippen lies on the southern slopes of the Gargunnock Hills and overlooks the Carse of Forth. Kippen also offers views of the Trossachs Mountains, the Arrochar Alps and the Ochil Hills. This brings together the village’s distinct hillside setting and its far-reaching views. Burnside Wood and Pond are also used for recreation in Kippen.

Scenery and Trails

A short circular route 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. It passes through woodland and by a small loch used by anglers. Compared with the circular route, the Nature Trail is one kilometre longer and has 40 feet more ascent. This lets you distinguish the two routes by length and ascent, as well as by their described trail features.

Burnside Wood and Redgate Hill is a 3.6 km-long Core Path. It follows good paths and tracks throughout and is signposted. At this length, it is the longest of the three routes described; its continuous signage is another specific feature to help with navigation. The Nature Trail passes through woodland and by a small loch used by anglers, while the Core Path is characterised by good paths and signposting throughout.

History in Kippen

Kippen Smiddy offers a glimpse into the village’s history. The historic smithy dates from the 18th century and is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. A rare double hearth is preserved in the smithy. It therefore combines a clear date with a distinctive surviving feature.

Kippen’s original church was first mentioned in public records in the 14th century. At the Old Kirk, the restored bell tower and churchyard date from the 1690s. This brings together an early written reference and specific features dated to a later period in Kippen’s church history.

The recently discovered Hill of Dasher hillfort lies on the eastern edge of Kippen. It is about 2,000 years old and was occupied during the Roman Empire. Taken together, these historical references range from Roman occupation to the first mention of the original church in the 14th century and the features at the Old Kirk dating from the 1690s. These archaeological, written and architectural landmarks offer different ways to explore the village’s history.

The Kippen Heritage Trail offers a way to explore Kippen’s cultural tradition.

Discover more destinations: Lochearnhead, Dunblane, Aberfoyle, Callander, Gartmore, Strathyre, Doune, Cambusbarron

For the main travel overview: Stirling.