Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen

The exploration of the gorges of the Dollar Glen have been popular since Victorian times. The walk crosses many bridges, passing viewpoints and the impressive Castle Campbell. It's a good walk to interest children although care should be taken in many places.

Terrain

Narrow path above steep gorge, railings in places, steps and steep sections.

Public Transport

Regular bus service from Stirling and St Andrews.

Start

Dollar town centre. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the centre of Dollar and take the path alongside the river next to Dollar Museum signed for Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell. This soon leads to a park with picnic benches and nice outlook over the rushing river to the golf course on the opposite side. Enter the woodland and keep left to cross a bridge. From here the path climbs steadily up a series of steps through the mixed wood which contains a large proportion of oak trees.

Stage 2

As the gradient eases, the path runs alongside the edge of the wood, with the golf course on the far side of the fence. Soon a viewpoint with a bench makes a detour on the right to view Castle Campbell. The castle dates from the early 15th century when it was known as Castle Glume although it later became a stronghold of the Earls of Argyll who changed the name to Castle Campbell. Now managed by Historic Scotland it is open all year.

Stage 3

Continue along the path, passing through a gate and descending. At the bottom it is worth going through the gate on the right to detour to Windyedge Viewpoint, where a box canyon cut deep in the rock at the confluence of streams can be seen. Return to the main path and continue upstream, crossing a bridge before climbing a slope. Part way up take the path on the left (to shortcut continue uphill to Castle Campbell where you can pick up the east glen path) which soon leads down to a bridge. Cross here and follow the path which then climbs steeply up zig zags.

Stage 4

At the top there is a good view of the Castle and railings to protect walkers from the steep cliff just beyond here. Follow the narrow path around to the left, rather than the wider path heading straight up the ridge. The path follows the gorge of the Burn of Sorrows and soon reaches a junction. Turn right here to cross the bridge at a double waterfall and follow the spectacular path on the far side. Take care with children near the steep drops. After a gate the path descends to the road just above Castle Campbell.

Stage 5

Take the path on the left just after the castle gate as you look towards the castle. This descends a series of concrete steps to the glen floor. Cross a bridge and follow the water downstream, littered with tree trunks and other natural debris. After a long flight of steps down and before more steps up, you can detour a short way ahead to the meeting of the two burns at a viewpoint. Keep right at any other junctions and soon John Knox's Pulpit is reached, a stone viewpoint jutting out over the water where he is said to have preached in the 16th century.

Stage 6

Keep following the clear path downhill, passing an old icehouse on the right and soon reaching the bridge crossed on the way up earlier. Stay on this side of the water to re-enter the park and return to the road at Dollar.

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