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 - Paths for All

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 visitors 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:
• 1. 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
  2. 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

There are a range of walks on the scenic campus at Stirling. View more information on Medal Routes

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?

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 accessible 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. Please keep an eye on the Portal for announcements regarding visits 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:

1. 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

2. 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

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.

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

FirstBus operate the following services to the University – Unilink (UL), 53, 54, 58, 62 and 63.
Timetables for these services

This also includes details of the night service which operates on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

We also have a live feed of buses leaving the university.

Apply for your FirstGroup ID card to get staff/student discounted bus fares

Bus travel from Edinburgh
Bus Travel from Glasgow

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.

• Scotrail information about transporting your bike on the train

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.

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 or Bridge of Allan
• walk from Stirling or Bridge of Allan to the University, getting some exercise and seeing the University's beautiful surroundings first hand

Parking for Visitors

Pay & Display machines are in operation within all campus car parks and affect all who drive to and from, and park on, campus.  Visitors should note the following:

• Pay & Display only operates Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm during the University’s academic semesters.  For the 2012/2013 academic session semester dates are as follows: Monday 10 September – Monday 17 December 2012 inclusive and Monday 11 February – Friday 31 May 2013 inclusive. 

• Blue Badge holders are not required to Pay & Display.

• Pay & Display rates are as follows:
  • Up to 1 hour – 50p
  • 1 - 3 hours - £1.00
  • 3 - 5 hours – £2.00
  • 5+ hours - £3.00

• Where vehicles do not have a ‘Pay & Display’ ticket displayed and/or are otherwise in breach of the University’s Traffic & Parking Regulations (e.g. parking on double yellow lines or in disabled bays), a Private Parking Notice (PPN) will be issued requiring a payment of £40 to the University.  This will be reduced to £20, if paid within 14 days of the date of the notice.  Failure to pay a PPN within 28 days will result in the vehicle being denied access to the campus at the main control barriers.

The University’s Traffic and Car Parking Regulations, along with a list of Car Parking FAQs can be accessed by clicking the relevant links below or by calling in person, at Cottrell Room 4Z2.

Traffic and Car Parking Regulations (PDF) Car parking frequently asked questions (PDF)

Queries regarding any aspect of car parking on campus can be directed to the Car Parking Office, Cottrell Room 4Z2 (Tel: 01786 466065)

Car Sharing

Visitors to campus are encouraged to do their bit for the environment, ease congestion and save fuel costs by car sharing.  Visitors to campus can find potential car sharing partners by logging on to tactran liftshare

Staff and Students are encouraged to car share for journeys to and from the Stirling campus.  The university has its own private, web based car sharing scheme.  This scheme, operated by Liftshare, is exclusively available to staff and students of the University. Register now to save up to £1000 per year in travelling costs.

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. 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.

Park in a designated parking space. Possession of a valid permit does not guarantee a parking space.

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.  From Stirling city centre, you can access First Bus routes UL, 54, 54A, 58, 62 and 63, all of which come on to the Stirling campus.

Parking for Staff and Students

Staff and students wishing to park on campus should note that they must:

• purchase and display a valid car parking permit, for which a fee is levied and/or purchase, and display, a ‘Pay & Display’ parking ticket.

• park in a designated parking space. Possession of a valid permit does not guarantee a parking space.

What Parking Permit options are available?

• Standard/Full year permit (Staff and Students)
• Pay-as-you-go permit (Staff and Students)
• Single Semester Permit (Students only)
• Resident Student Permit

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

Traffic and Car Parking Regulations (PDF) Car parking frequently asked questions (PDF)

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.

Flights to Scotland

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.

Planning your 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.

Useful Mapping Websites

• Google Maps
• Visit Stirling

Public Transport and Journey Planning

• Public Transport Planner www.trafficscotland.org
• Public Transport Planner www.traveline.org.uk
• Tayside and Central Scotland Transport www.tactranconnect.com
• 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 www.rac.co.uk/route-planner

Where to Stay

Stirling Management Centre

Stirling Management Centre is a purpose built conference and management training centre with quality restaurant / bar facilities and accommodation.

Hotels Nearby

There is also a range of accommodation in nearby Bridge of Allan and Stirling

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).