“I don’t feel particularly proud of myself. But when I walk alone in the woods or lie in the meadows, all is well.” – Franz Kafka
Being in nature is one of the most well-known and respected methods to look after your mental well-being. Connecting with our roots, with the trees and hills and flowers, has the power to make your brain go quiet. Stress diminishes even just for a minute, and the concrete pressure that comes with city living takes a break.
In light of this, Braw has asked fellow students where they run to when it all gets too much – if they’re willing to share their peaceful spots. Escaping the world is a private and individual experience, so here are some of our fellow student’s favourite hideaways, in nature and elsewhere, to get you inspired to find a place in Stirling for you:
Ali, Brig’s wonderful secretary, shared their hint for those staying near Bridge of Allan. Pullar Memorial Park is a beautiful green space, lying halfway between Bridge of Allan and the university. Dog walkers populate the park, making it the perfect spot for those into pup-spotting, whilst enjoying the green, peaceful scenery.
One of my favourite spots that I’m willing to share is on campus itself. Tucked away in Hermitage woods are winding paths that snake across the hillside. Each leads somewhere unique – out towards Dumyat, Coxburn Reservoir, and old Logie Kirk (all wonderful places to escape to). However, just above the university is a viewpoint looking out over the campus and towards the Wallace Monument and beyond. The view is stunning, and the walk there even more so – you may even spot a red squirrel on your way. The woods are a constantly changing environment – dense mushrooms in Autumn, snowdrops in Winter, and bluebells and daffodils make a striking appearance in Spring. As Kafka says, when walking alone in the woods, all is well. And it really is.
Clarisse is an international student from Portugal. In contrast to Ali and myself, she finds a connection with her far away home in the university lecture theatres.
“Going to a classroom and seeing all of your friends and professors is sort of a universal feeling that you’ve experienced in the past and is familiar.”
The communal learning space is reminiscent of her school back at home – sometimes, a quiet and mindful space can be found inside and not exclusively in nature. It’s important to look beyond what works for the majority – each of us is individual to our own connection and Relaxation.
Another popular student favourite outwith the classroom is to trek up to the Wallace Monument. The distinctive landmark is home to spectacular views over the city and to the distant hills. The historical site is often populated with locals and tourists alike to take in the scenery. If you continue walking past the monument, you’ll find yourself at a second viewpoint in Abbey Craig woodland. Marked near ‘Wallace’s Pass’ on the map, the spot is mossy, warm and private, nestled into the hillside with a mind-calming view of the big Scottish skies. There’s nowhere better to start than finding nature and connection with yourself, whether you seek out woodlands, grasslands, hilltops, parks, or even within the university itself (questionable though the architecture may be).
Use this article as a guide to get out and about and find the places around Stirling’s Green Campus that help you to escape the world when it just all becomes too much.
You can read more about Braw’s musings on connecting with nature here.
Featured Image (The View from Dumyat) Credit: Alice Pollard
Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
You can see my portfolio here: https://www.clippings.me/alicepollard
