Ben Cleuch circular

Ben Cleuch is the highest of the Ochils and one of the most popular hillwalks in Central Scotland. There are many possible routes of ascent; the circuit described ascends via the popular path up The Law before descending over Ben Ever and then steeply back down into the dramatic Mill Glen.

Terrain

Hill path throughout. The upper slopes are grassy but parts of the descent and the Mill Glen sections have steep slopes. Slight scramble out of the Mill Glen.

Public Transport

Bus to Tillicoultry.

Start

Upper Mill St, Tillicoultry. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4.5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 731m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS914974

Summits Climbed

Graham / Donald: Ben Cleuch

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is on street parking along Upper Mill Street which branches north from the main road towards the west end of Tillicoultry. The ascent starts from the top end of the street, near the large former mill building (now flats). Do not cross the bridge but go straight ahead past the Mill Glen information board. Follow the path beside the burn into the wooded lower part of the glen. There are small waterfalls in the burn before the path crosses an old stone arched bridge and then climbs a first flight of steps on the far side. Through the trees on the right are glimpses of a bigger waterfall, whilst a quarry on the left has eaten a large chunk out of the front of the Ochils.

Stage 2

The path now continues across the rocky side of the gorge, with a handrail on the right. Go through a gate and soon the path switches sides once more via a second bridge. Continue by the tumbling burn and cross it twice more in quick succession. There are further small waterfalls in the ravine which sees little sun due to the steep rocky sides. Ascend another flight of steps above a larger cascade and continue to reach another bridge, this time dramatically spanning the gorge high above the burn. Go up the short flight of steps to the left but then turn sharp right to stay on the main path (the fainter path to the left is used on the descent).

Stage 3

The path crosses one final bridge to the east bank. The Mill Glen walk turns sharp right here but for Ben Cleuch carefully descend the very steep and rough path down to the burn and cross the small wooden footbridge. The ascent on the far side is rocky and requires a slight scramble at first but soon becomes grassy underfoot. It is a fairly steep and long pull up the ridge to The Law. The recompense is in the views, with King's Seat over to the east though Ben Cleuch stays out of sight until the Law is reached; most eyes will be gazing out across the plains of the Forth.

Stage 4

A post-and-wire fence runs along the top of The Law, and the grassy path on towards Ben Cleuch stays close to it at first before cutting the corner to meet another fence which runs along the main ridge line of the Ochils, coming in from Andrew Gannel Hill. The final plod up to the summit of Ben Cleuch is a gradual one, and the highest point in the Ochils is marked by a trig point in a stone windshelter. The views, as might be expected, are excellent, giving a good impression of the whole Ochils range as well as, on a clear day, a grand prospect towards the Southern Highlands. Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi and Stuc a'Chroin and Ben Vorlich are especially prominent.

Stage 5

Many walkers retrace their steps from here, but there are plenty of other options. Our route heads west along the ridge at first, diverging from a fenceline. It meets another fence heads SW and follows this, descending more steeply towards the col which separates Ben Cleuch from Ben Ever. Cross a stile over a fence which lies across the way and continue down the good grassy path up to the cairns on the summit of Ben Ever. Though lower than Ben Cleuch, Ben Ever benefits by being close to the southern end of the Ochils for the views over towards the Forth, with Grangemouth Refinery prominent. Continuing along the ridge an obvious fork is reached. The right hand route descends eventually to Silver Glen from where the start can be regained by following a path through the Woodland Park. If you don't mind steep ground, though, it is worth following the route described here by continuing ahead towards the final summit on the ridge.

Stage 6

Cross a stile beside a gate and follow the path ahead over the top above Wood Hill. The descent now becomes a little steeper at times though the path is fairly clear; eventually it swings left down a grassy track to the left before slanting round the eastern slopes. When a very large cairn is reached leave the wide grassy track and take the path which continues diagonally down the slope.

Stage 7

The path eventually reaches a fence marking the edge of the quarry above Tillicoultry. Turn left here to continue the descent path, taking care as the slopes are very steep. A clearer path is soon reached which runs across the slopes. Turn left along this, eventually descending in an obvious zig-zag to regain the Mill Glen path from earlier in the day. Follow this back down the steps and return to the start.

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