Dumyat by the hill path

Dumyat is the rocky little cub of the Ochils, far lower than the main range but packed with character. It has a superb position on the fringe of the range overlooking Stirling and the Central Belt; the views are superb. A perfect first hillwalk on a fine day, this route avoids the very steep slopes on the southern flank of the hill.

Terrain

Hill path, some boggy sections

Public Transport

None to start of this route.

Users' reports

Read reports by: MusicalHiker climbeverymarilyn Johnny Corbett andrewdoggett EmmaTowle U059361 marc.duff@gmail.com U059361 smirnie71
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Start

Rough layby on the Sheriffmuir Road. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.25km/3.75 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 272m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NS813980

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Dumyat

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 366 - Stirling
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from one of several rough laybys beside the steep Sheriffmuir road; the most convenient being on the east side a short distance beyond the pylons where sheep pens are marked on the OS 1:25k map. Begin through the pedestrian gate above the road and follow the broad path across the open slopes. After passing through a rocky gap the path forks; either route can be taken, but the right hand option towards the woodland is best as it gives a chance to visit an old settlement. Follow the path which crosses a slight dip and then climbs up to the wall enclosing the woods.

Stage 2

The path soon veers left away from the woods once more and after a slight rise reaches the area of the old settlement. Extracting a living here must have been very hard and the sad remains of the houses are slowly becoming lost amidst the rank grasses. Continuing, there are good views towards the rocky upper parts of Dumyat ahead; the direct route avoiding the settlement soon rejoins from the left. Continue climbing gently towards Dumyat. The views to the right, over the Central Belt and River Forth to the distant Pentlands, is already superb, with the Wallace Monument very prominent in the foreground.

Stage 3

The path descends very slightly to cross a tiny burn before the ascent resumes. Soon a smaller path may be seen heading off to the right; this is a short but worthwhile detour which leads to the site of an ancient hillfort on a lower top of Dumyat. Follow the path; the stonework of the fort is very tumbledown but the summit is marked by a small cairn. The ground to the south falls away very steeply and this is perhaps the best viewpoint on the hill for the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. After enjoying the vista, return to the main path to continue the ascent.

Stage 4

As it approaches a fence it swings left to reach a stile. Cross this; the route from here follows the initially almost flat path to the right and not the steeper trods ahead, though after a short boggy stretch the main path begins to climb once more. Take time to enjoy the views looking back, with several Highland Bens on the horizon; from left to right they include Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi, Stuc a'Chroin, Ben Vorlich and distant Ben Lawers.

Stage 5

The summit is soon reached, marked by a prominent metal beacon, a large painted crest of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and the obligatory trig point. The views are, again, superb, with the hillfoot town of Alva prominent below the steep slopes and sweeping summits of the main Ochils range. There are various other, rougher routes to Dumyat, but if returning to the start point then it is best to retrace ones steps.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.