The Ochil Hills at a glance
The Ochil Hills run behind Alloa and form the backdrop to the Hillfoots, the string of towns at their foot: Alva, Tillicoultry and Dollar. These were wool mill and weaving towns, and the hills above them are the walking ground. Dumyat, near Menstrie, sits at the western end of the area and is the most popular single walk.
This page covers one route in detail, Dumyat by the hill path from Pendreich, and the practical points that apply to any hill day: the Mill Glen closure, livestock, weather and mountain rescue. For a gentler outing, Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen are close by.
Dumyat by the hill path
The route is Dumyat by the hill path, starting from Pendreich Forestry Car Park. It is 7 km there and back and takes 2 to 2.5 hours, with about 290 m of ascent. You return the same way. These figures apply to the Pendreich start only. A different starting point gives a different distance, so do not use the numbers for other routes up Dumyat.
The forest car park is reached by Sheriffmuir Road from Bridge of Allan. Plan to arrive by car. From the top the view runs over the Forth valley, so pick a clear day for it.
Tours and day trips around the Ochil Hills
Castles, the Kelpies and more around Stirling, with live prices and availability.
Mill Glen and the Hillfoots
Know what is closed before you choose a path.
Mill Glen (Tillicoultry Glen)
The path is closed beyond the first bridge. Some sections are washed out or undercut and could collapse. Do not enter. An alternative route runs on the east side. Do not plan a through-walk of the glen.
Mill history
The Tillicoultry Burn once drove 8 textile mills through dams and water channels. Alva, Tillicoultry and Dollar all have a wool and weaving past.
Hazards in the glens
Expect cliffs, steep slopes and rockfall, especially after frost or heavy rain. Supervise children closely.
Dollar Glen
A free, generally year-round walk with a castle at the top. See Castle Campbell.
Mountain safety in the Ochils
Tell someone your route before you set out, and check the mountain weather. Wear proper footwear, carry rain and warm layers and bring a map and compass. In an emergency in the hills, call 999, ask for the police, then ask for Mountain Rescue.
Where livestock graze, keep a safe distance, watch the animals and look for an alternative path before you enter a field with livestock. Conditions on the hills can differ from conditions in town. For seasonal averages, see the weather page, which uses an Edinburgh station and not hill measurements.
Planning a day in the Ochils
A good plan is a hill morning and a town afternoon. Walk Dumyat from Pendreich, then return to Alloa for Alloa Tower, which opens Friday to Monday from 12:00 to 16:00 between 3 April and 31 October. On a day when the tower is shut, the Dollar Glen walk is a good alternative.
If you want a different hill day, Ben Lomond near Loch Lomond has its own guide. To stay near the hills, compare Dollar, Alloa and Bridge of Allan on the where to stay page.
Ochil Hills: frequently asked questions
How long is the Dumyat walk?
By the hill path from Pendreich Forestry Car Park it is 7 km there and back, 2 to 2.5 hours, with about 290 m of ascent. A different start gives a different distance.
Where do I park for Dumyat?
Use Pendreich Forestry Car Park, reached by Sheriffmuir Road from Bridge of Allan.
Can I walk through Mill Glen?
No. The path is closed beyond the first bridge because sections are washed out or undercut. Do not enter. An alternative route runs on the east side.
Who do I call in a mountain emergency?
Call 999, ask for Police Scotland, then ask for Mountain Rescue.
What should I do about grazing animals?
Keep a safe distance, watch the animals and check for an alternative route before you enter the field.
Is alloa.org run by the council or a walking organisation?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the council, the National Trust for Scotland or any mountain rescue body.