The Pineapple and Dunmore Estate, near Airth

The Pineapple is perhaps Britain's most surprising building - a unique folly built by the Earl of Dunmore in 1761. As well as the Pineapple, this walk continues through the Dunmore Estate, visiting a ruined tower, the estate village, and the banks of the River Forth.

Terrain

Mostly waymarked farm tracks; some muddy sections.

Public Transport

There is a bus stop on the main road by Dunmore, passed on the walk (buses from Stirling and Grangemouth).

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Start

Car park at the Pineapple. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.75km/2.75 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 18m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NS890884

Maps / GPS

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Buy Explorer 366 - Stirling
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

If arriving by car, park at the small car park near the Pineapple, signed from the A905 and accessed via a turning onto the B9124 and then following a rutted track to reach it. Begin the walk by heading through the wrought iron gates into the large grassed walled garden in front of the Pineapple, and head across for a closer look at this amazing structure. The huge fruit is constructed from stonework and fragments of paint found during its restoration suggest that it may once have been painted to appear even more fruit-like. Originally there were heated glasshouses along each side of the Pineapple where the fruits - a great luxury - were grown. Visit the portico of the building for more information about it before turning right and heading back across the garden to leave it at a higher gateway.

Stage 2

Through the gateway turn left and continue up a path, soon heading through another gateway in another high wall. Turn right and follow an earth track slightly downhill, soon forking left between two sections of wooden fence and following a path down to an old track; turn left again here. The track now leads through farmland and is lined by an avenue of Giant Redwoods. Continue straight on when another track joins from the left - the walk can be muddy here. The crumbling ruins of Elphinstone Tower can be seen amongst the trees on the left. It was built in 1510 and was the family home of the Elphinstones until they sold the estate to the Murrays of Dunmore in 1754; the Murrays used the building as a mausoleum. At a signed junction, keep straight ahead (the return route comes back to this point via the track on the right).

Stage 3

The route is now lined by an avenue of fine deciduous trees and soon reaches a t-junction with a farm track. Turn right along this and follow it to the A905. Carefully cross the busy road and continue down another farm track on the far side to reach Dunmore Home Farm. Turn right to pass the farmhouse and continue down to a path junction alongside the banks of the wide River Forth. Across the water (and for much of the walk) there are good views to the Ochils, with Dumyat to the left and the high but rounded Ben Cleuch in their centre. The Wallace Monument is also in view slightly further left, whilst the prominent hilltop building across the Forth is the Clackmannan Tower. Turn right and follow track near the river.

Stage 4

Soon the lane bends right to reach the picturesque estate village of Dunmore, centred on a bowling green and ornate fountain. Follow the road that leads inland out of the village to return to the A905; the bus stop is just to the left here. To return to the start, cross the road once more and follow the track opposite. This rejoins the outward route near to Elphinstone Tower; turn left along the muddy track and retrace your steps back to the start.

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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.