Samson's Stone and Dunmore Fort circuit, Callander

Summary

Samson's Stone is a huge glacial erratic boulder, remarkably deposited on the summit of a grassy hill with superb views. It provides a fine objective for this varied and enjoyable circular walk from Callander.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Cycle path, well made paths, then steepy grassy path to Samson's Stone. Route to Dunmore Fort can be muddy. Return via minor road and woodland tracks.

Getting there

Start

Callander Meadows car park.

Public Transport

Buses to Callander.

Start Grid Ref

NN626079

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.9km / 5 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 250m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Start from The Meadows car park (charge) in Callander, set by the riverside; it is signed from the main street. From the car park begin by following the path along the riverside to the right; there are often people fishing or feeding the ducks. After a very short distance, as the river bends to the left, veer slightly right to follow the cycle path, signed for Strathyre, Falls of Leny and Ben Ledi.

Stage 2

Continue ahead on the cycle path, passing a metal hoop which is an old railway signal. At the corner of the park the path reaches a junction. Turn left to pass through an avenue of trees and then cross a bridge and continue along the cycle track across farmland. There are good views of Ben Ledi ahead and of the Crags above Callander. The route passes through the site of Bochastle Roman Fort, an important military base from the early 80s AD when the Romans were trying to subjugate the local Iron Age communities. Where the cycle track passes a farm road go straight ahead.

Stage 3

Eventually the path goes under a bridge and then crosses a minor road. On the far side turn left - signed for Bochastle and Samson's Stone - onto a path that runs parallel to the far side of the road at first before climbing up to the right. Part of the Great Trossachs Path, it soon emerges at the Bochastle car park; turn left here, heading down the track towards the road, but before reaching it turn right again onto a well-made path that leads through a pedestrian gate and continues thorugh the trees.

Stage 4

After around 200m turn right - signed for Samson's Stone - to head up steps. The path is now a little rougher, becoming grassy as it climbs steeply. As it gradually comes clear of the trees there are stunning views looking back over Callander. The path then swings left over the top of the hill.

Stage 5

Soon a huge glacial erratic boulder is reached. This is Samson's Putting Stone, and according to legend was thrown here from Ben Ledi by Samson, one of the Fingalian giants, as part of a competition. The path swings right from the stone, descending from the hill and eventually passing through a gate. The route later passes through a gap in an old stone wall, and later crosses a footbridge.

Stage 6

A path junction is reached. The waymarked path continues down towards the road, but our route turns right on an unmarked but clear grassy path. This section can be a little boggy in places; it climbs up to the right of the next small hill - Dunmore - and then ascends to the top. Dunmore was the site of an iron-age hill fort - the earth ramparts can still be seen; those manning it may have watched out over the Roman invaders in their fort below. From the top there are views over Loch Venachar. The path then descends once more, eventually meeting the Great Trossachs Path below the hill.

Stage 7

Turn left on this path (almost a track), and then right at the next junction - signed for Coilhallan Woods. Continue down to meet the road, and go straight across - taking the minor road opposite. After 300m this leads to a bridge over the river - cross this and then turn left at the t-junction on the far side.

Stage 8

Continue along the road ahead for a further 300m to reach the signed entrance to Coilhallan Wood on the right. Turn right here, forking right to avoid the car park and follow the track past a vehicle barrier. The route is signed for Ben Gullipen and Loch Rusky, and as part of the Rob Roy Way. The track climbs through the wood, larches mixed with some old and some dead Scots pines.

Stage 9

The track eventually begins to descend, with views of a windfarm ahead and down to Callander, before ending at some boulders. Take the footpath to the right here, soon leading to a signed junction. Turn left (SP Callander) and follow the path until it emerges on the A81 road. Here turn left and follow the road and pavement down into Callander. After crossing the bridge over the river, pass a cemetery (on your left) and then turn left onto a path that leads back to Callander Meadows car park.

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