Discover the Antonine Wall in Bonnybridge

There are three walks around the Antonine Wall in Bonnybridge:

• Rough Castle
• Seabegs Wood
• Underwood Lockhouse

Rough Castle

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Although one of the smallest Roman Forts on the Antonine Wall this is one of the best preserved. The earthworks of its rampart and ditches are still clearly visible. These northern defences were protected by deadly pits filled with stakes, known to the Romans as 'lilia'.

 

Although the site is grassed over, this impressive landscape gives a vivid impression of what a Roman frontier defence must have been like 2,000 years ago.

Finding your way

1. The walk begins at Rough Castle car park; follow the signs for the Antonine Wall from Bonnybridge onto Foundry Road and Bonnyside Road. Carry straight on to a track leading to the car park. View location using Google Maps.
2. From the car park, explore the area or follow the suggested circular walk marked on the map.

Grade

A large open grassy area. Walk as little or as much as you like.

Distance

Suggested walk 850m (1/2 a mile) circular walk from car park. (Allow at least 1 hour).

Surface

Mown grass paths and rough track. No surfaced paths.

Gradient

Some steep gradients up and down a track to Rowantree Burn.

Facilities

• Informal parking on site at end of rough track.
• Interpretation boards on site.
• No toilets.
• Nearby Bonnybridge has shops, pubs and other facilities.

Seabegs Wood

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The line of the Antonine ditch and wall can clearly be seen running for a quarter of a mile through Seabegs Wood, to the South of the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Finding your way

1. Start at the car park to the east of Seabegs Wood in Bonnybridge at the Community Centre. View location using Google Maps.
2. From the car park, there is a short, steep walk uphill and then right along the level canal towpath leads to the underpass and Seabegs Wood. (The underpass is not wheelchair friendly). Look out for a path that branches right off the towpath then under the canal to reach Seabegs Wood at the other side.
3. At Seabegs Wood a steep farm track leads uphill to a mown grass path on the right. This is the old Military Road. Follow a circular route around the site back to the main gates and retrace your steps.

Grade

Moderate to long with some tricky slopes and surfaces. No gates or stiles but there is uneven ground. (Only the towpath is wheelchair friendly).

Distance

3.5 km (2 miles).

 

Surface

The towpath is a hard, stone path. The underpass is narrow with cobbles and steps. (May be wet and difficult to negotiate). At Seabegs Wood a rough farm track leads uphill to a mown grass path around the site.

Gradient

The towpath is flat but the entrance and exit to the underpass is steep.

The farm track at Seabegs Wood is also steep, however, there is seating.

On the grass there are some ups and downs where you cross the ditch.

Enjoy a longer walk using the canal towpath and a small underpass to reach the Antonine Wall in a beautiful oak wood.

Facilities

• Interpretation board.
• Seats and signs to help you.
• No parking or toilets at Seabegs Wood.
• Nearby Bonnybridge has shops, pubs and other facilities.

Underwood Lockhouse

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This walk takes you to a section of the Antonine Wall in a beautiful oak wood. From the wood, you can still make out the line of the military road, which ran some 40m south of the rampart.

Finding your way

1. Start at the Underwood Lockhouse car park, which can be accessed to the west of Seabegs Wood off the B816. View location using Google Maps.
2. A gentle stroll east along the towpath leads to the underpass, known locally as the 'Pend'. (The underpass is not wheelchair friendly). Look out for a path that branches off the towpath left then under the canal to reach Seabegs Wood at the other side.
3. At Seabegs Wood a steep farm track leads uphill to a mown grass path on the right. This is the old Military Road. Follow a circular route around the site back to the main gates and retrace your steps.

Grade

Moderate to long with some tricky slopes and surfaces. No gates or stiles but there is uneven ground. (Only the towpath is wheelchair friendly).

Distance

3.5 km (2 miles).

Surface

The towpath is a hard, stone path. The underpass is narrow with cobbles and steps. (May be wet and difficult to negotiate). At Seabegs Wood a rough farm track leads uphill to a mown grass path around the site.

Gradient

The towpath is flat. The entrance and exit to the underpass is steep.

The farm track at Seabegs Wood is steep, however there is seating.

On the grass there are some ups and downs where you cross the ditch.

Facilities

• Interpretation board.
• Seats and signs to help you.
• No parking or toilets at Seabegs Wood.
• Nearby Bonnybridge has shops, pubs and other facilities.