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| Great views over the Forth Valley from the Hillfoot Hill (click / tap to enlarge) |
Here's a walk in the Ochil Hills that is usually nice and quiet. It takes us around a mostly circular route of Hillfoot Hill, above the pretty village of Dollar, in the wee county of Clackmannanshire. Most walkers tend to head up Dollar Glen and up past the dramatic Castle Campbell, leaving this route relatively unknown and mainly walked by a small number of locals. The route climbs steadily and the views over the Forth Valley are spectacular.
The route can be a bit muddy along the initial section after it leaves the road but it's a good quality track after that. Occasionally there are periods when forestry work is undertaken on the hill, so do be aware of signs, diversions and path closures. We generally avoid the route altogether when there is work going on there. Also keep an eye out for the occasional mountain bikers along the route as there are mountain bike trails that cross the main path in a couple of places.
Route maps, link to car park on Google Maps and GPX navigation file can be found at the end of the article. Information current as of our last visit in August 2022. Photos taken at various times between 2020 and 2022. All images can be clicked / tapped to enlarge them.
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| Our walk starts at the Lawhill Community Woodland car park on the Upper Hillfoot Road above Dollar (click / tap to enlarge) |
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| Exit the car park and turn right up Upper Hillfoot Road. The road is marked as cycle and pedestrian friendly but do watch out for cars nonetheless. |
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| After approximately 100 metres, turn left up the driveway between the five bar gates |
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| At the fork, keep right and go through the side gate on to the forestry track |
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| Once past the gate, the dogs can usually get off the lead and Jasper in particular is in his element! At the top of the first uphill section stick to the main path as it curves right and continues to climb. |
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| As usual Jasper is blazing a trail! |
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| The impressive views over the Forth Valley soon become apparent on the right, as we ascend the ridge |
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| At the fork with the bench on the right, take the left fork and prepare for yet more ascent! |
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| At the end of the section another bench is reached with a view over the Ochils. Stick to the main path as it bends to the right here. |
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| A look back down towards the Forth and Tommy is still full of beans! |
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| As the uphill portion of the route finally plateaus, we get a view out towards Glenquey Reservoir |
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| More great views as we begin our descent. On the right hand side, weather permitting, you'll see the Queensferry Crossing and on the left, Loch Leven. Stick to the main path as it bends around to the right and follow it straight back down to re-join the route back to the car park. |
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| A photo from a day with less favourable weather conditions! Jasper's wondering where all the scenery has gone! |
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| Route overview and surrounding area (click / tap to enlarge) |
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