Discover the Antonine Wall in Kinneil Estate, Bo'ness

 

Choose between a short, easy going walk or a longer walk around this historic estate. Why not go on a steam train ride at Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway?

 

View larger image in a new window.|

 

Both walks start at Kinneil Estate car park, which can be accessed from two locations off Provost Road, or by following signs in Bo'ness town centre. View location using Google Maps.|

Short walk

View larger image in a new window.|

Finding your way

1. From the car park follow a path downhill to an old bridge and a small ruined cottage.
   
   The famous engineer, James Watt used this cottage as a workshop from 1769–1770 where he tested a steam engine designed to pump water from local coal mines.
2. From the bridge there are good views into the steep glen of the Gil Burn. Cross the bridge and turn right towards the ruin of Kinneil Church. The church once served the
   medieval village of Kinneil.
3. Retrace your steps back over the bridge then continue left around the rear of Kinneil House. In the courtyard of private cottages is a small museum. (See 'Facilities' for more information).
4. Follow the road through the courtyard for an impressive view of the front of Kinneil House. The house is built on the site of a mediaeval tower and was extended in its present form in 1677. Continue uphill past the estate cottages and old walled garden to return to the car park.

Grade

A short 'wheel-friendly' walk around historic buildings. There are no gates, steps or stiles on this route.

Distance

A short walk of 850m (1/2 mile).

Surface

The paths in and around the car park and Kinneil House are hard stone paths. These are suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The hard surface stops just after the bridge at Kinneil Church ruins.

Gradient

No steps and mostly level with a steeper gradient from the car park to Kinneil House.

Facilities

• Car Park.
• Interpretation boards.
• Seating and signs to help you.
• Disabled toilet at entrance to old walled garden (RADAR key required).
• 'Superloo' toilet just off Provost Road at rear car park entrance.
• Kinneil Museum, which includes a collection of Roman artefacts, is open from 12.30–4.00pm, Monday–Saturday all year round. There are steps at the entrance. The museum is run by Falkirk Council and is free of charge to visit.
• Nearby Bo'ness has shops, cafes and pubs.

Longer walk

View larger image in a new window.|

Finding your way

1. From the car park follow a path downhill to an old bridge and a small ruined cottage.
   
   The famous engineer, James Watt used this cottage as a workshop from 1769–1770 where he tested a steam engine designed to pump water from local coal mines.
2. From the bridge there are good views into the steep glen of the Gil Burn. Cross the bridge and turn right towards the ruin of Kinneil Church. The church once served the
   mediaeval village of Kinneil.
   
3. At Kinneil Church follow the stone path out onto grass and turn right. You are now walking on the course of the Antonine Wall. Follow the mown grass path towards the East Pond. There are seats placed along the path to guide you.
   
4. At the East Pond turn right onto a stone path. Just after the East Pond turn left back onto grass. As you walk towards the West Pond the Roman Fortlet is on your left marked by wooden posts.
   
5. At the West Pond turn left uphill then along the waterside path before turning left down onto a forest track leading back to the car park.

Grade

A longer walk on grass through scenic parkland.

Distance

1500m (1 mile). There is seating along the path at various locations.

Surface

From Kinneil Church most of the path is on grass. The return path from the West Pond is a forest track.
This path can be rough and wet underfoot depending on the weather and time of year.
These may be suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs with larger wheels.

Gradient

No steps and mostly level with two ramps at either end of the West Pond path. There is also a gentle uphill slope on the forest track back to the car park.

Facilities

• Car park.
• Interpretation boards.
• Seating and signs to help you.
• Disabled toilet at entrance to old walled garden (RADAR key required).
• 'Superloo' toilet just off Provost Road at rear car park entrance.
• Kinneil Museum, which includes a collection of Roman artefacts, is open from 12.30–4.00pm, Monday–Saturday all year round. There are steps at the entrance. The museum is run by Falkirk Council and is free of charge to visit.
• Nearby Bo'ness has shops, cafes and pubs.