Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell Circular
Stirling
Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell is a dog friendly circular walk that takes you through a spectacular wooded gorge with waterfalls, footbridges, and viewpoints before arriving at the imposing 15th century Castle Campbell, perched high above the glen. The landscape is rich with mossy rocks, steep cliffs, and the sound of rushing burns, creating a magical atmosphere in the heart of the Ochil Hills.
Dogs are welcome on the trails and you will likely see other dog walkers on your visit. Leads are strongly recommended on sections where the path runs close to unfenced cliff edges with steep drops to the burns below. The paths are uneven and can be slippery, so this walk suits dogs with good footing rather than elderly or unsteady pups. Parking is available at the Quarry car park under Doom Hill near the glen entrance, or on West and East Burnside lanes off Dollar High Street. Castle Campbell itself (Historic Scotland) has an entry fee, though the glen walk is free.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Castle Campbell visitor facilities (seasonal); cafes and shops in Dollar village.
- Parking
- Quarry car park near glen entrance, free, around 15 spaces; additional street parking on West and East Burnside in Dollar.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in StirlingFrequently Asked Questions
Is Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell Circular dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails through Dollar Glen and up to Castle Campbell, and you'll likely encounter other dog walkers on your visit. It earns a solid 7.5 out of 10 for dog friendliness — a great outing for the right dog, though the rugged terrain means it suits more sure-footed pups rather than elderly or unsteady dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell Circular?
Leads are strongly recommended in sections where the path runs close to unfenced cliff edges with steep drops down to the burns below. The paths are also uneven and can be slippery, so keeping your dog on a lead in those areas is genuinely important for their safety rather than just a precaution.
What should I know before visiting Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell Circular with my dog?
The walk itself through the glen is free, but Castle Campbell is managed by Historic Scotland and charges an entry fee if you want to explore inside. Parking is available at the Quarry car park near the glen entrance (around 15 free spaces), with additional street parking on West and East Burnside lanes in Dollar. If you need a post-walk coffee or supplies, there are cafes and shops in Dollar village nearby.
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