Dumyat is the fierce little cub of the Ochils, far lower than the main range but rocky 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.
Good hill path.
None to start.
Pendreich forestry car park.
The walk begins from Pendreich Forest car park, reached by heading up the Sherrifmuir road from Bridge of Allan. Begin on the signed footpath for Dumyat from the picnic benches, which runs parallel to the road through birchwoods. At a t-junction of paths turn right. Eventually the path emerges up the road; turn briefly left along it, and then head through the pedestrian gate on the right just beyond the informal parking. From here follow the broad hill path across the open slopes.
Continue climbing gently towards Dumyat. The views to the right, over the Central Belt and River Forth to the distant Pentlands, are already superb, with the Wallace Monument very prominent in the foreground.
The path descends very slightly to cross a dip before the ascent resumes. Soon a smaller path may be seen heading off to the right; this is a short but worthwhile detour (crossing a wire strand fence) 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.
The route now reaches a fence and passes through a gate. The main path begins to climb more steeply 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, Stùc a'Chròin, Ben Vorlich and distant Ben Lawers.
The summit is soon reached, marked by a prominent metal beacon, a monument to 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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