Welcoming People
The Estate has for many years welcomed local people and visitors for quiet recreational pursuits.
Since 1997 the Estate has worked closely in partnership with Falkirk Council and the Central Scotland Forest Trust to open up a network of paths and tracks for walking, cycling and horse riding. Wherever possible we have attempted to avoid potential conflicts with our other activities and so generally these paths and tracks make use of our woodlands and farm roads, but tend to avoid crossing open farmland.
In developing the network we have consulted closely with the various local communities involved and in particular we would like to thank the Lionthorn Community Woodland Association, the Sheildhill & California Community Council, the Falkirk Area Riders Access Group, the Hallglen Youth & Environment Group and the Central Free Riders for their invaluable support and help.
If you wish to explore the path network you can
download trail maps from the links below.
Falkirk Council have produced walks maps for Denny and Dunipace and South Falkirk which includes many of the paths and tracks that are available across the Estate. Please remember that these trails pass through land used for farming and forestry purposes from which our tenant farmers derive their livelihood. Please respect their needs and in particular follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
These trails are for walking, cycling, and horse riding and are not available for vehicles unless with the written consent of the Estate.
As the demands on the countryside around our towns have changed with time so too has our management philosophy. Whilst the production of food and timber will always play an important part of what we do we are increasingly looking to our central location as one of our strengths.
To this end we are developing the recreational opportunities the Estate has to offer from activities such as cycling, horse riding and walking.
As well as informal recreation we are developing recreational enterprises in partnership with ‘Players of War’ Airsoft.
Developing recreational businesses opportunities is an important role within the Estate and we are also working with our neighbours so that maximum benefit can be derived from our investment in the path network to local rural based businesses. For example we are working with Kingsbarns Equestrian Centre at Shieldhill to jointly develop trails for horse riding.
Walks in Lionthorn Woods
'Walk with Braveheart' walking routes, researched and designed for adults with heart problems in and around the Falkirk District, include two circular routes which incorporate Lionthorn Woods"
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
A quick guide to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 establishes a statutory right of responsible access to land and inland waters for:
* outdoor recreation,
* crossing land, and
* some educational and commercial purposes.
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