This is Alva, a village that is part of the Stirling Mill Trail. We went here to check out the exhibits at the Mill Trail Visitors Center, which gave an overview of the history of the mills and the people who worked them. In the center of the picture, above the silver car, is the post office, situated in a stationery shop. Unlike in larger cities, village post offices are likely to be part of a general store. In pursuit of stamps, we learned that they are often closed during the lunch hour.

In the background is the Ochil Hills, which are really quite dramatic. The village tucks right up against them.

 

After we toured Alva we set out for the Wallace Monument, which is a huge Gothic tower built on Abbey Craig and completed in 1869.

 

This statue is in the parking area at the base of the craig. It looks an awful lot like Mel Gibson, which I have to assume was intentional. Across the targe the word "braveheart" is inscribed.

 

The approach to the monument itself is long, steep, winding trail up the craig. There are shuttle buses, but then you'd lose out on bragging rights.

Once inside the monument you can climb the 246 winding steps up the narrow tower stairway up to the top. Fortunately, every 70 steps or so there is an exhibition hall. On the first level is, among other things, the 700 year old Wallace Sword. It is huge! It's hard to imagine anyone wielding it.

There is also an animated mannequin re-enactment of his final trial which you can watch and listen to as you catch your breath and let your heart rate return to normal.

 

Once at the top, the views are magnificent! This view, I believe, is towards the Trossachs.

 

The Ochil Hills.

 

Stirling Castle.

 

The Monument's crown.