Jessica S.
Yelp
They say it's 246 steps to the top of the monument. I counted 236. Not sure how I missed the last 10 steps, but I'm sure it was one of the many times I got dizzy on descent.
My husband and I took the train into Stirling Station and walked the 2+ miles from the station to the monument. Upon arrival, we paid the admission fee and started the hike up the hill to the monument itself, stopping to take pictures of and admire the many wooden sculptures scattered around the area.
There's quite a bit to see and experience as you wend your way up the spiral staircase within the center of the monument itself. The levels are a nice spot to get your bearings, read a bit, and give others a chance to use the staircase. (It can be quite alarming when you come upon another tourist in that cramped space. Thankfully it only happened twice for us, but there was a fair amount of maneuvering required to allow everyone safe passage...)
We dutifully stopped at each level, reading plaques and admiring the displays while slowly making our way to the top. One level has a video on loop, giving a dramatic retelling of one of the battles. There's the "Hall of Heroes" which details the lives and accomplishments of some of Stirling's and Scotland's most-loved people.
There's displays of armor and sharp, pointy things; maps of battles and acreage; and letters sent and received. The most impressive thing (other than the view up top, of course) is Wallace's sword. That thing is immense. I have no idea how one would wield something that large in battle, and do so with any success. It was taller than me! I mean, yeah - I guess they just grew them bigger back then.
Getting to the top of the monument is so worth the dizzying climb. (Maybe I'm just an overly dizzy person!) The view is fantastic, from every spot along the rail. There are a few plaques at each compass point, detailing the landmarks laid out before you, but it's kind of hard to decipher, as they're a bit weather-beaten and worn down.
We spent a bit of time up top, taking pictures and marveling at the landscape before heading down to the gift shop. And yes, I had to slow my pace - and pull off to stop at one point - because the spiral made my head spin.
The gift shop is about what you'd expect, with tons of "I scaled the 246 steps!" memorabilia (really, HOW did I miss those last 10 steps?!) and Scotland-specific items. We didn't end up buying anything, but made our way back to the main gift shop, where I did pick up a couple items while my husband went to the little boys' room.
If you're a fan of history and stunning views, I would absolutely recommend this. Just being inside and marveling at the fact that they built the structure so very long ago is worth the admission itself.