King's Seat Hill from Tillicoultry to Dollar

Summary

A great walk over one of the most visible Ochil peaks linking Tillicoultry to Dollar - return by bus or follow a 4.5 km section of the Devon Way.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Hill path, some indistinct and boggy sections.

Public Transport

Regular bus service from Stirling and St Andrews.

Start

Upper Mill St, Tillicoultry. Open in Google Maps.

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 Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 622m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS914974

Summits Climbed

Donald: King's Seat Hill

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (19)

Stage 1

The walk begins at the Mill Glen towards the top of Mill Street in Tillicoultry - there is limited parking here next to the burn before the road swings left to cross a bridge. If full, there is street parking on the way up. From the parking area head into the small park with the information board, bear right onto the track and then turn half left up steps (ignoring the sharper left turn). The steps lead up through the trees, soon passing a bench. At the top ofthe woods head through the metal gate and follow the path as it zig-zags uphill through gorse at first, passing another bench. There are good views across to the massive quarry opposite.

Stage 2

Eventually the main path bears left to curve around the steep side of the Glen. Look out for a branch path on the right up steeper, rockier ground - there is a metal bench visible a short distance up it. Go past the bench and follow the path steeply uphill. The clear path climbs steadily with good views of the ascent of Ben Cleuch ahead and into the Mill Glen.

Stage 3

Pass a huge boulder and continue until the path splits near an old gate and gateposts. Keep right here to follow an old line of fenceposts. The route continues up the broad and gentle slope, passing a cairn. The line of the path dips slightly but keeps well out of the deep glen on the right and then continues climbing. Bear right to reach an old gate in the fence and climb this to continue directly up the middle of the slope ahead.

Stage 4

The final climb to the summit of King's Seat is steady and is rewarded with a large summit cairn, shelter, and 360 degree views (the true summit is actually a few minutes walk northwest). Looking south east Loch Leven has East and West Lomond Hills as a backdrop, whilst looking north over the Ochils many mountains of the Highlands can be made out on a clear day. From here the descent is straightforward on easy, grassy ground with a couple of steep dips which can be boggy and a few short rises.

Stage 5

On the way down look out for the memorial for 3 Spitfires which crashed here in January 1943 - two pilots died but one survived and is also commemorated. When a fence comes into view head for the gate and climb this to continue along the main path straight along the broad ridge. When the path splits with one branch continuing ahead over the ridge, take the route to the left aiming towards some forestry in the distance. The path soon descends the side of the ridge with great views of Castle Campbell below.

Stage 6

Continue downhill bearing slightly left to aim for a gate leading to a grassy knoll. Go through the gate and past a viewpoint for the castle with a bench and descend to the wooden railings. Turn left here to follow a narrow path above the small gorge of the Burn of Sorrows. Soon the path splits, turn right to cross a bridge and follow the spectacular path above the Burn. After a gate the path descends to the road just below Castle Campbell. Here you can continue to Dollar on either side of the glen by taking either the path on the right or left side of the castle gate and follow the winding paths and bridges until they merge just before a small park next to the Dollar Burn. Continue down alongside the water to reach the road next to Dollar Museum, and keep straight ahead to meet the main road. A bus can be taken back to Tillicoultry or there is a pleasant and level 4.5 km walk along the old railway line which is reached by continuing down the Burn and crossing the pedestrian bridge on the right to follow a street which leads to the route.

Route Profile

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