Dumyat from Pendreich by the Hill Path
Stirling
Dumyat is the craggy western end of the Ochil Hills, rising above Stirling and Bridge of Allan, with a big view for a modest effort. Dogs can enjoy this hill on a lead, since the open ground beyond the gate is likely grazed, with a steep drop by the hillfort. This 7km out and back from Pendreich Forest car park, up the Sheriffmuir road from Bridge of Allan, follows a path through birchwoods beside the road, then goes through a pedestrian gate onto a broad hill path across the open slopes. The views over the Central Belt and the River Forth open almost at once, with the Wallace Monument prominent below. A short detour leads to the tumbledown ramparts of an ancient hillfort on a lower top. The final climb reaches a metal beacon, a memorial to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and a trig point, with Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi and Ben Lawers on the northern horizon and Alva far below. There is about 290 metres of climbing on a good hill path.
This dog friendly walk follows a wide path that makes easy going for dogs of most ages. The open hill is fenced and gated, so expect grazing stock and keep your dog on a lead beyond the gate unless you can see the slopes are clear, and in spring for ground-nesting birds. The south side of the hillfort top falls away very steeply, so keep dogs close there. There is no water on the hill and little shade once you leave the birchwood.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Historic
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No facilities at the car park; cafes, pubs and shops in Bridge of Allan.
- Parking
- Pendreich Forest car park on the Sheriffmuir road above Bridge of Allan, with informal roadside parking higher up.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Dumyat from Pendreich by the Hill Path, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in StirlingFrequently Asked Questions
Is Dumyat from Pendreich by the Hill Path dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The broad hill path is easy on paws, the climb is short and the views over Stirling are huge for the effort. The score reflects the grazing on the fenced open hill, which means a lead for much of the walk, the steep drop by the hillfort and the lack of water or shade above the birchwood.
Can dogs be off lead at Dumyat from Pendreich by the Hill Path?
Your dog can be off lead in the birchwood at the start if the path is quiet, but the open hill beyond the pedestrian gate is fenced grazing land, so keep your dog on a lead there unless you can see it is clear of stock, and throughout the spring nesting season. Keep dogs close on the lower top with the hillfort, which has a very steep drop.
What should I know before visiting Dumyat from Pendreich by the Hill Path with my dog?
There is no water on the hill, so carry some for your dog, and little shade once you leave the trees. The path is good but can be muddy after rain. The Pendreich car park fills on sunny weekends; there is informal parking higher up the Sheriffmuir road. The easiest way down is to retrace your steps rather than try the rougher routes off the summit.
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Pendreich Forest Car Park, Sheriffmuir Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4LS
56.1557, -3.9166
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