Dumgoyne and the Campsie Fells Circular
Stirling
Dumgoyne and the Campsie Fells circular is a dog friendly hill walk that combines the steep, distinctive volcanic plug of Dumgoyne with a moorland traverse to Earl's Seat, the highest point of the Campsie Fells at 578 metres. The views north to the Highlands and south across the Central Belt are outstanding on a clear day.
Dogs can run off lead across much of the open moorland, though leads are advisable on the initial steep climb up Dumgoyne where the path is eroded and narrow. Some sheep graze on the lower fields, so care is needed at the start and finish. The terrain is steep on Dumgoyne itself, then transitions to boggy moorland paths towards Earl's Seat. Parking is limited to roadside spaces near Glengoyne Distillery; arrive early on weekends. There are no facilities on the hill, but the distillery offers a cafe and toilets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.6 km (6.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 4 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Glengoyne Distillery has a cafe and toilets near the start; none on the hill.
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking near Glengoyne Distillery on the A81; no formal car park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dumgoyne and the Campsie Fells Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-suited walk for dogs and earns a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The open moorland sections offer plenty of freedom, and the varied terrain — from the dramatic cone of Dumgoyne to the boggy plateau around Earl's Seat — makes for an engaging outing for active dogs and their owners alike.
Can dogs be off lead at Dumgoyne and the Campsie Fells Circular?
There's good off lead potential across much of the upper moorland, so dogs with reliable recall can enjoy a real roam once you're clear of the lower ground. That said, leads are advisable on the steep, eroded path up Dumgoyne itself, and at the start and finish of the route where sheep graze in the lower fields.
What should I know before visiting Dumgoyne and the Campsie Fells Circular with my dog?
The terrain ranges from a steep, narrow climb on Dumgoyne to boggy moorland paths heading towards Earl's Seat at 578 metres, so it's worth coming prepared with sturdy footwear and being aware that conditions underfoot can be wet. Parking is limited to roadside spaces near Glengoyne Distillery on the A81, so arriving early on weekends is a good idea — and while there are no facilities on the hill itself, the distillery has a cafe and toilets near the start.
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