Campus Life
Getting Here
Transport and Maps
- Getting Here
- Walking
- Cycling
- Bus
- Train
- Car
- By Air
- Maps
- Google Maps
- Travel Websites
- Safety
- Your Feedback
Getting to our Stirling Campus
Our Getting Here pages are intended to provide students, staff and visitors alike with details on how best to travel to and from our Stirling campus. In recent years the University has sought to develop a range of Green Travel / Active Travel initiatives aimed at encouraging all who travel to the campus to consider alternatives to the car for their journey.
Our Stirling campus, located at the heart of central Scotland, enjoys excellent public transport links and is easily accessible on foot, by bike, by bus and by train or by most combinations of the above travel methods.
The Getting Here pages are designed to show how easy it is to reach our Stirling campus, and to highlight the benefits of taking a more active approach to your journey to “the most picturesque university campus in Europe”.
Getting Here on Foot
Our Stirling campus is a pleasant walk from both Stirling city centre and from Bridge of Allan. (If travelling to the University by train you can get off the train at either Stirling rail station – a better option if you intend to continue your journey to campus by bus or taxi - or Bridge of Allan station). Click the map icons right to view suggested routes.
Why Walk - 10 ways your decision to walk helps you
Weather check
Check out the weather forecast to see whether you’ll need to apply your sunscreen when you walk to campus.
On campus walks
Whilst walking represents a healthy and economical way of commuting to and from campus, there are a number of great walks in and around campus that students, staff and vistors can take during the day, to either keep fit or simply unwind from a stressful day. Click the map icons right to view suggested routes.
Why Walk?
30 minutes a day of moderate activity is all you need to start feeling healthier – and it doesn’t need to be vigorous physical activity. Active people live longer and healthier lives than inactive people. Find out why it makes sense to start walking to, from and around the University campus.
Stirling Rail Station – University of Stirling (Approx 40 minutes walk)
- On exiting Stirling Rail station turn right and follow Goosecroft Road until its junction with Wallace Street.
- Turn right into Wallace Street (you will pass a large Tesco Store on your right).
- At end of Wallace Street follow the underpass footpath and then cross the historic Old Stirling Bridge over the River Forth. Carry straight on until you reach the pelican crossing at the junction of Cornton Road/Causewayhead Road.
- Cross over at the crossing and then proceed straight along Causewayhead Road (A9), passing under the railway bridge and, on the right, the entrance to Stirling County Rugby Club.
- Continue straight on up Causewayhead Road until reaching the Causewayhead roundabout.
- Turn left at the Causeway head roundabout and follow the path along until reaching the pelican crossing at Wallace High School where you should cross to the pavement at opposite side of the road.
- Continue on the A9. Thereafter you can opt to either access the University via:
- the entrance to the Scottish Institute of Sport (quite a steep climb, with the University’s sports facilities on your left) which takes you out opposite the main Cottrell Building car park
- the University’s main entrance (accessed by continuing past the turn off for the Scottish Institute of Sport). At the main entrance you should cross over the road to access the footpath which runs from the main entrance to the campus itself.
Bridge of Allan Rail Station – University of Stirling (Approx 25 minutes walk)
- On alighting from your train make your way up to the A9 main road (road bridge crosses over the railway line).
- Once on the main road, turn right and make your way into the town of Bridge of Allan.
- Cross the road at the pelican crossing, located at the Allanwater Café, and then continue to make your way through the town. Follow this route all the way through the town and out the other side.
- The main entrance to the University of Stirling is located approximately one mile after leaving Bridge of Allan
Campus Leisure Routes
Airthrey Loch provides the ideal focus for a leisurely stroll around “the most picturesque university campus in Europe”. At just over 1.5 miles long the lochside path can be accessed from a number of points on campus and provides a flat walk suitable for all levels of fitness. (Please note that after inclement weather some areas of the path can become muddy).
Campus Perimeter
With over 300 acres of beautiful parkland to explore, it almost seems a sin to wander off campus. However for staff and students looking for a change of scene the following walks all offer a chance to clear the ‘cobwebs’.
Campus – Hillfoots Road – Airthrey Road – Campus
Exiting the University via the rear entrance (located by Stirling University Innovation Park) turn right onto Hillfoots Road. Follow Hillfoots Road all the way along, passing the Wallace Monument on the left, until reaching the junction of Airthrey Road and Causewayhead Road (at the Causewayhead roundabout). Turn right at Wallace’s pub and follow the footpath along (passing Wallace High School on your left). Thereafter you can opt to either access the University via:
- the entrance to the Scottish Institute of Sport (quite a steep climb, with the University’s sports facilities on your left) which takes you out opposite the main Cottrell Building car park
- the University’s main entrance (accessed by continuing past the turn off for the Scottish Institute of Sport). At the main entrance you should cross over the road to access the footpath which runs from the main entrance to the campus itself.
Campus to Bridge of Allan
A straightforward route, easily manageable within a lunch hour. Follow the main drive down to the main entrance on Airthrey Road. If walking down the path on the Sports Centre side of the main drive, please use the zebra crossing just before the boat house to ensure a safe walk. On reaching Airthrey Road turn right and then you have a straight route, along Henderson Street, of approximately half a mile into Bridge of Allan.
Location Location Location walk
This is where you can walk to Bridge of Allan and Back but if you come turn right when you come out of the main gate and then turn right and go up the hill you can look at all the lovely houses and then you have a choice you can come down the hill and this brings you out at the little roundabout in Bridge of Allan or you can take a left and walk down another of the top roads and look a more houses.
Noisy walk
This is where you just walk to Bridge of Allan and back if you keep at a good pace you even have enough time to pop into Clive’s and bring your lunch back with you.
Little walk
This is where you can come out of the main entrance and turn Left go along to the Co-op at the Causeway head and then turn left follow the signs for the "Monument" then you can come in the back gate and get back to your desk in plenty of time to eat your lunch. You can even do this one the other way round if you don't want to walk up the steep hill.
Energetic Little walk
Again this is where we go out of the back gate and then walk to the foot of the Monument; this is not for the faint hearted and is very invigorating.
Getting Here By Bike
Our Stirling campus is very accessible by bicycle. In recent years, the University, in tandem with other agencies such as SUSTRANS, Tactran and Cycling Scotland, has sought to provide greatly improved cycle storage areas across campus. In total there are now some 480 bicycle parking spaces.
Cyclists travelling on trains
Cyclists can alight at either Stirling or Bridge of Allan railway stations, and from there enjoy a relaxed cycle journey on to the campus. Staff, students and visitors commuting to campus should note that, on most Scotrail services, bikes will be transported free of charge. View Scotrail information about transporting your bike on the train
Click the map icon on the right to view suggested routes.
Why Cycle?
Cycling to work is a great way to fit physical activity into your daily life. By making your commute, or part of your commute, an active one you don’t have to find extra time to go to the gym before or after work. Discover Benefits to You of Cycling.
Useful Cycling Information
Useful Information on Bike Maintenance, Bike Safety and Bike Clothing.
Training: Cycling with Confidence
Staff and students who are nervous about getting 'back in the saddle' should note that we will be running in-house commuter cycle training programmes – details of dates and venue will be circulated in due course. It is intended that these courses will be run in a flexible and convenient format to encourage as much take up as possible. To find out more about course content, please feel free to contact Michael Chambers.
Need a New Bike?
Cyclescheme
The University's Cyclescheme allows permanent members of University staff to purchase a brand new bike at a fraction of the retail price.
Whether you are an existing cyclist looking to 'upgrade' your current bike or have been considering buying a bike to help you get a little bit fitter and/or do your bit for the environment, there's never been a better time to 'get on your bike' and pick up a bargain.
Colleagues can access the University's dedicated Cyclescheme web page by logging on to: http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/c6184d.
If you have any queries regarding the Cyclescheme, please do not hesitate to contact: Michael Chambers (Estates & Campus Services Marketing Manager) or Anne Anderson, Payroll and Pensions Manager.
Recyke-a-Bike
Students or staff looking for a ‘run-around’ bike should consider purchasing a used bike, from as little as £40, from local community based, not-for-profit enterprise, Recyke-a-Bike. They have a shop which is based in Stirling city centre and is easily accesible from the main Stirling campus.
Recyke-a-bike is a non-profit organisation and charity, which aims to recycle bikes that are no longer needed, or thrown away. Recyke-a-Bike sell reconditioned bikes and repair bikes. They have Please keep an eye on the Portal for announcements regarding vists to campus by Recyke-a-Bike.
Stirling Rail Station – University of Stirling
- On exiting Stirling Rail station turn right and follow Goosecroft Road until its junction with Wallace Street.
- Turn right into Wallace Street (you will pass a large Tesco Store on your right).
- At end of Wallace Street follow the underpass footpath and then cross the historic Old Stirling Bridge over the River Forth. Carry straight on until you reach the pelican crossing at the junction of Cornton Road/Causewayhead Road.
- Cross over at the crossing and then proceed straight along Causewayhead Road (A9), passing under the railway bridge and, on the right, the entrance to Stirling County Rugby Club.
- Continue straight on up Causewayhead Road until reaching the Causewayhead roundabout.
- Turn left at the Causeway head roundabout and follow the path along until reaching the pelican crossing at Wallace High School where you should cross to the pavement at opposite side of the road.
- Continue on the A9. Thereafter you can opt to either access the University via:
- the entrance to the Scottish Institute of Sport (quite a steep climb, with the University’s sports facilities on your left) which takes you out opposite the main Cottrell Building car park
- the University’s main entrance (accessed by continuing past the turn off for the Scottish Institute of Sport). At the main entrance you should cross over the road to access the footpath which runs from the main entrance to the campus itself.
Bridge of Allan Rail Station – University of Stirling
- On alighting from your train make your way up to the A9 main road (road bridge crosses over the railway line).
- Once on the main road, turn right and make your way into the town of Bridge of Allan.
- Cross the road at the pelican crossing, located at the Allanwater Café, and then continue to make your way through the town. Follow this route all the way through the town and out the other side.
- The main entrance to the University of Stirling is located approximately one mile after leaving Bridge of Allan
Code |
Location |
Number of |
Covered or External |
A |
Main Entrance |
12 |
External |
B1 |
Pathfoots Building |
10 |
Covered |
B1 |
Pathfoots Building |
4 |
External |
B2 |
Pathfoots Building |
10 |
Covered |
C1 |
Peindrich Way Chalets |
6 |
External |
C2 |
Peindrich Way Chalets |
6 |
External |
D |
Andrew Stewart Hall |
15 |
10 Covered & 5 External |
E |
Donnelly House |
22 |
10 Covered & 12 External |
F |
Polwarth House |
26 |
26 Covered (includes 6 cycle lockers) |
G |
Murray Hall |
22 |
External |
H |
Geddes Court & A K Davidson Hall |
10 |
External |
I |
Medical Centre |
10 |
Covered |
J |
Airthrey Castle |
6 |
External |
K1 |
Alexander Court |
40 |
Covered |
K2 |
Alexander Court |
20 |
Covered |
L |
Alpha Centre |
6 |
External |
M |
Beta Centre |
16 |
10 Covered & 6 External |
N1 |
Scion House |
10 |
Covered |
N2 |
Scion House |
6 |
External |
O1 |
Colin Bell Building |
10 |
Covered |
O2 |
Colin Bell Building |
7 |
External |
P1 |
Cottrell Building |
25 |
Covered |
P2 |
Cottrell Building |
84 |
Covered |
Q |
MacRobert Arts Centre & Andrew Miller Building |
48 |
Covered |
R |
Stirling Management Centre |
6 |
External |
S1 |
Spittal Hill Chalets |
5 |
External |
S2 |
Spittal Hill Chalets |
10 |
Covered |
T |
Scottish Institute of Sport |
12 |
External |
U |
Gannochy Sports & National Tennis Centre |
10 |
Covered |
V |
National Swimming Academy |
10 |
Covered |
|
Total Bike Parking Spaces |
484 |
|
Getting Here By Bus
The University of Stirling is served by excellent bus links from Stirling city centre. At peak times some 19 buses per hour run from Stirling to the main University campus. Most bus services to the campus run from either just outside Stirling’s Rail Station or a two minute walk away, in Murray Place, making it possible to enjoy an easily integrated public transport journey to the campus.
Map: where to catch a bus to the University from town
Regular travellers to and from the University can also enjoy substantially discounted fares on First Group buses by purchasing a weekly FirstWeek ticket. FirstWeek ticket holders can enjoy unlimited travel within their designated travel zone over a period of seven days.
The principal provider of bus services is First Group, which operates the following services to/from the University.
Timetables
Your guide to the service between the University and Stirling PDF format (383KB). Also includes details of the night service which operates on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Apply for your FirstGroup ID card to get staff/student discounted bus fares
Bus travel from Edinburgh
Bus Travel from Glasgow
This map shows the location of the nearest bus stop to the railway station from where you can catch a bus to university.
Leave the station by the main entrance and cross the taxi rank to the pelican crossing on Goosecroft Road. Turn left along Goosecroft Road and then right onto Station Road. Walk up Station road to Murray Place and cross at the traffic island. The bus stop (red circle on the map) is just to your right.
Getting Here By Train
Our central location, at the very heart of Scotland, ensures that students, staff and visitors enjoy excellent rail services to and from the city of Stirling. Regular services run from Edinburgh and Glasgow, which are both key interchanges for the rest of the UK national rail network. Those travelling from the North can get to Stirling via Scotrail services from Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth.
Visit Scotrail for fares, timetables and journey information.
Our Stirling campus is a pleasant walk from both Stirling city centre and from Bridge of Allan rail station. (If travelling to the University by train you can get off the train at either Stirling rail station – a better option if you intend to continue your journey to campus by bus or taxi – or Bridge of Allan rail station, which is closer if walking / cycling to campus).
Travelling Between Train Stations and the Campus
Walking from the rail stations
- From Stirling Rail Station (approx 40 minutes walk)
- From Bridge of Allan Rail Station (approx 25 minutes walk)
- See the 'Walking' section for route suggestions.
Cycling from the rail stations
Staff, students and visitors commuting to campus by train should note that, on most Scotrail services, bikes will be transported free of charge. See the 'Cycling' section for route suggestions.
If travelling by train, cyclists can either alight at either Stirling Rail Station or Bridge of Allan Rail Station, and, from there, enjoy a relaxed cycle journey on to the campus.
By bus from Stirling Station
- Unilink ‘shuttle’ service: Stirling City – University of Stirling – Stirling City
- 53: Whins of Milton – University (via Stirling City Centre)
- 54: Stirling - Stirling (via Cornton, Bridge of Allan, University, Causewayhead)
- 54A: Stirling - Stirling (via Causewayhead, University, Bridge of Allan, Cornton)
Getting Here By Car
We encourage everyone coming to the university to use sustainable transport, however we recognise that for some journeys a car may be necessary.
Visitors to the campus should note that at certain times, during semester, demand for car parking spaces may exceed supply. Visitors are therefore strongly encouraged to:
- use the excellent public transport links to and from Stirling
- walk between Stirling or Bridge of Allan to the University, getting some exercise and seeing the University’s beautiful surroundings first hand
- leave your car in Stirling and use the park and ride facility, saving time parking on campus [see below]
Parking for Visitors
Visitors to the University are advised that a vehicle access barrier system operates on campus, from September to May inclusive. Visitors are requested to enter the University via the main entrance, and, keeping to the left-hand, Visitors' Lane, stop at the manned booth to collect a visitors' parking permit. Please note that possession of a valid permit does not guarantee a parking space.
Staff and Student Parking
View information about Staff and Student Parking
Car Sharing
All staff and students are encouraged to do their bit for the environment, and to save up to £1000 per year, by car sharing. The University has its own web based car sharing scheme, operated by Liftshare.com, which enables staff and students to match up journeys to and from campus.
Parking for Staff and Students
Staff and students wishing to park on campus should note that they must:
- display a valid car parking permit, for which a fee is levied, and
- park in a designated parking space. Possession of a valid permit does not guarantee a parking space.
What Kind of Parking Permit Do I Need?
- Standard/Full year permit (Staff & Students)
- Low User Permit (Staff & Students)
- Single Semester Permit (Students Only)
The cost of your permit is determined by how often you park on campus and your vehicle's level of carbon dioxide emissions. Apply for a parking permit using the University portal (you must be a current student or member of staff to be able to view this page)
Frequently Asked Questions and Regulations
- Car parking frequently asked questions (PDF 37kb)
- Traffic and Car Parking Regulations (PDF 63.9kb)
Parking for First Year Students Resident On Campus
If you are a first year student and resident on campus you are not permitted to bring a car onto campus.
Park and Ride
There are two park and ride routes in Stirling, situated at Castleview and Springkerse, with buses every 12 minutes to and from Stirling city centre.
View a map of Stirling’s park and ride locations (PDF 488KB) and find out more about park and ride in Stirling
Driving Directions
Directions for Driving to the University’s Stirling Campus
Visitors to the University who choose to bring their car should note the following directions:
- From the East, South or West take the M9 to Junction 11. Once at the junction there is a roundabout which marks the end of the M9. From here you should take the exit for Bridge of Allan, follow the road through the town itself, and after about 200 metres you will find the University entrance on the left.
- From the North take the A9 to the same roundabout and follow the same route through Bridge of Allan as above.
You can fly to either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airports from a wide range of international and domestic airports. It may be the case, however, that if you are flying in from a country that does not go direct to either of these airports that your journey will have to go via one of the London airports. There are very regular shuttle flights to both Glasgow and Edinburgh from London.
Frequent coach transfers are available from each of the two airports to their respective city centres. From there, visitors can access the frequent and reliable train services which run to Stirling from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
If you are an international student flying in to Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport, then you may want to take advantage of the University's Airport Pickup Service.
www.flybybus.com (Coach Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city centre.)
www.citylink.co.uk/timetables.html (Coach transfer from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow city centre)
If you are planning to drive, Glasgow Airport is approximately a 1 hour 20 minute drive to the University campus while Edinburgh Airport is a 45 minute drive.
Campus, Local and National Maps
Cycling Maps
For more information on cycle routes in your area, click on ‘get cycling’ on the Sustrans website. To purchase a maps of the National Cycle Networks go to www.sustransshop.co.uk
Useful Mapping Websites
Maps
click to enlarge
(For high resolution PDF version click here (374KB))
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Google Map
Example Directions
Directions
Useful Websites
Public Transport Journey Planning
- Public Transport Planner www.trafficscotland.org
- Public Transport Planner www.traveline.org.uk
- Rail Travel in Scotland http://www.scotrail.co.uk/
- Inter City Coaches www.citylink.co.uk/timetables.html
- Edinburgh Airport Bus Connections www.flybybus.com
Driving Directions
- AA Route Planner www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp
- RAC Route Planner route.rac.co.uk
Staying Safe
Know your route
If you are venturing out for either a walk or cycle, be sure to know your route and if possible notify someone of this route.
Local police station
You can contact either of the following local police stations by calling 01786 456000:
- Stirling Police Station, Randolphfield, Stirling
- Bannockburn Police Station, 70 Quakerfield, Bannockburn
Security on Campus
The University’s Security team provide security cover for the main Stirling campus 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year. The team carries out a wide range of duties all aimed at ensuring the safety & welfare of all staff, students & visitors. A network of CCTV cameras is also in place to help ensure that the main Stirling campus lives up to its well earned reputation as a safe and welcoming environment. Staff or students who notice signs of suspicious activity are advised to contact the security team on Ext: 7001 (Tel: 01786 467001, if phoning form an outside line or mobile phone). In an emergency staff or students should phone 2222 (Tel: 01786 467999, if phoning from an outside line or mobile phone).
Your Favourite Routes
If you know of a walking or cycling route to Stirling campus that you'd like to share, please use this form to submit the details. You can also use this form to provide feedback on any aspect of travel to and from the University.
