Wallace National Monument (Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom)

“Braveheart” has always been one of my favorite movies since its release. This portrayal of Sir William Wallace, the Scottish national hero, speaks to my soul with regard to what a man will do for what he believes in. Leaving Edinburgh, I couldn't pass up the chance to see the monument built to honor this great man.

A short drive northwest from the capitol of Edinburgh lays the city of Stirling, site of one of Wallace’s famous battles with the English. And on a tall, rugged hillside overlooking Stirling, stands the Wallace National Monument. Completed in 1869 to honor the former High Defender of Scotland, the tower is menacing in appearance. Rising like a beacon for hope from the hillside, the tower holds vigil over Scotland, with a statue of Wallace himself on one of the corners.

After a bus ride to the top of the hill, we entered the tower and began making our way up the 246 steps sit in a spiral staircase on one corner of the monument; the only way up. There are four levels within the tower to visit. The first contains a holographic movie telling the tale of Wallace’s exploits against King Edward. Also, contained within this level is the broadsword actually used by the 13th century hero. The second level contains busts of several other notable Scottish heroes, statesmen, and artists. It also contains some beautiful stained glass windows. As the spiral staircase is extremely tight and step, and with the air frigid and thin, my wife decides to stay on this level, while I continue upwards to the top. Upon reaching the third level, I find a display of documents and informational posters talking about the construction of the monument; interesting, but not nearly as interesting to me as the levels below. Finally, upon reaching the top, I step outside to get a marvelous view of Stirling and the nearby River Forth. It’s cold up here though, and very windy. My stay is brief.

I make way back down, rejoin Cass at the second level. After the bus ride back down the hill, we continue on our journey to the famed Scottish Highlands.