Sheriffmuir Road towards Menstrie, The Ochil Hills, Stirling

Tommy and the wife with Menstrie and the Forth Valley stretching off into the background (click / tap to enlarge)

Back into the Ochils at the end of last month for a walk along the 4x4 track from Sheriffmuir Road towards Menstrie. This whole area is currently being planted with 350,000 trees and whilst there wasn't any work going on when we visited, traffic and disruption along the route is set to continue through April. The work is being undertaken by The Future Forest Company and you can find out more information on their website here. Also be alert for the occasional farm vehicles accessing the track from the Menstrie side.

The route is approximately 2.4 miles each way and is fairly easy with some moderate uphill sections. You'll find a route map along with parking details at the end of the article. Parking is on verge and is limited to a few vehicles only. Do be aware that at busy times you may not be able to find a space. All images can be clicked / tapped to enlarge. Information current as of our last visit in March 2023.

It was a cloudy day when we visited and so the photos are not the best but here are the highlights:

Tommy and Jasper lead the way as Dumyat looms up ahead (click / tap to enlarge)

Time for a chase!

The track passes by Lossburn Reservoir

The tree planting work soon becomes evident on both sides of the track. Tommy's having a fab time...

...as is Jasper, having found his very own little jacuzzi again!

Looking back down from the hillside just off the track

Jasper waiting for the rest of the group to catch up as Menstrie comes in to view with Tullibody, Alloa and the River Forth in the distance

Tommy surveys the scene!

Tommy takes the opportunity to strike a pose with Dumyat in the background

Jasper has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the watering holes of the Ochils!

Tommy waits impatiently on the return route, while we seize another photo opp!

Here are a few bonus photos taken from the hillside across to below Castle Law. The gang headed back up to one of Jasper's watering holes for a rest and I had a wander along the hillside up past the water works, to grab a few more photos. It's a very narrow path which ultimately peters out and you won't find it on a map either. It's not somewhere I'd necessarily recommend unless you're the sure-footed, adventurous type. That said, there aren't any nasty drops, it's just a rough hillside route.

View over Menstrie

Looking back over Menstrie and Alva. You can also see the other main 4x4 track going down to Menstrie over on the other side of the glen.

View towards the Wallace Monument with Stirling Castle in the distance beyond

View to Stirling and beyond with the Wallace Monument on the right

Menstrie and the warehouses of Diageo ahead on the left

Route map (click / tap to enlarge)

Link to parking at start location on Google Maps

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