Ben Cleuch Circular from Tillicoultry
Clackmannanshire
Ben Cleuch is the highest summit in the Ochil Hills, the steep green escarpment that rises straight out of the Hillfoots towns north of Alloa. Dogs need a careful lead on the ridge scramble and the steep ground by the quarry on the descent. This 9.5km circuit starts at the top of Upper Mill Street in Tillicoultry and climbs by the Mill Glen to a steep, grassy ridge leading to The Law. A fence line then guides the path onto the main Ochils ridge and a gradual final climb to the trig point in a stone windshelter, where the view reaches Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi, Stuc a'Chroin and Ben Vorlich. The return heads south-west over Ben Ever and the top above Wood Hill, then drops steeply past the quarry edge to rejoin the glen. There is 731 metres of climbing on grassy hill paths, with a slight scramble at the start of the ridge and very steep ground on the descent. The lower Mill Glen path is currently closed from the first bridge, so start on the path above the east side of the glen instead.
This dog friendly hill walk suits fit, agile dogs. The upper ridge is open, grassy and kind underfoot, giving moderate off-lead potential when no grazing stock is in sight, but keep your dog on a lead near sheep and in the nesting season. There are several stiles, some beside gates. The quarry edge on the descent is a real hazard, so use a lead there. Water is scarce above the glen.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 5 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; shops, cafes and toilets in Tillicoultry.
- Parking
- Free on-street parking on Upper Mill Street and a small parking area at its top end, Tillicoultry.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Ben Cleuch Circular from Tillicoultry, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben Cleuch Circular from Tillicoultry dog friendly?
Yes, for fit and agile dogs, and it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The grassy upper ridge is a joy for a dog, with space and big views. The score reflects the steep climb and descent, the stiles, the likely sheep on the ridge and the dangerous quarry edge above Tillicoultry on the way down, which all need care.
Can dogs be off lead at Ben Cleuch Circular from Tillicoultry?
There is moderate off-lead potential on the open, grassy ridge between The Law, Ben Cleuch and Ben Ever when no grazing stock is in sight. Keep your dog on a lead wherever you see sheep, during the spring and early summer nesting season, and on the steep descent beside the quarry fence above Tillicoultry.
What should I know before visiting Ben Cleuch Circular from Tillicoultry with my dog?
The lower Mill Glen path is closed from the first bridge, so begin on the path above the east side of the glen. The climb is steep and relentless, with a slight scramble at the start of the ridge, and the descent passes a very steep quarry edge. Carry water for your dog, as there is little above the glen. Allow four and a half to six hours.
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