Mill Glen, Tillicoultry

Summary

An exciting short walk exploring the dramatic Mill Glen, one of the gorges that scour the southern wall of the Ochils. There are many bridges and small waterfalls as well as the fabulous glen itself.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Clear and popular path; however there are many steps, it is rough in places especially where it has fallen into the river requiring a short rocky scramble requiring care and some agility - hence the route is given a grade of 2.

Getting there

Start

Upper Mill St, Tillicoultry.

Public Transport

Bus to Tillicoultry.

Start Grid Ref

NS914974

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2km / 1.25 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 152m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

The path up the glen is closed from the first bridge (Stage 2). The only access currently is as an out-and-back by the return route to the east side of the glen.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

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 walk begins from the top end of this street, near the large former mill building (now flats), but before it bends left to cross the burn; there is a small parking area on the right here. Do not cross the road bridge but head into the open green space with the information board which gives the details of this walk. Follow the path that runs beside the burn into the wooded lower part of the glen.

Stage 2

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. 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.

Stage 3

Continue by the tumbling burn with the use of several boardwalk sections. One part of the path has fallen away into the river, and passing this section requires a short rocky scramble, requiring care and agility. 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, now high above a flatter section of the ravine bed.

Stage 4

The path crosses one final bridge to the east bank. The popular hillwalkers' route to the summit of Ben Cleuch descends from here to cross the burn and can be seen climbing up the ridge of the Law. Our route though turns right on an obvious path which cuts back across the gorge slopes, still climbing slightly though you are now facing back down towards Tillicoultry.

Stage 5

Follow the path as it contours the steep slopes, taking care as the drop into the gorge is steep and unprotected. Keep on the main path as it eventually begins to zig-zag down back towards the start. Go through a metal gate and continue down a steep section, turning right after some steps to return to the car park.

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