Dumyat – A Morning on the Hill and Lunch at Blairmains

Dumyat is the craggy western end of the Ochils, the hill that rises behind the Wallace Monument as you look out from Stirling.

At 418 metres it's a small hill with a very big view: the monument, the town and its castle, and the Forth looping away down its valley towards Edinburgh. Afterwards, drive round to Blairmains, a family farm right below the hill's crags, for lunch in its Coffee Bothy.

Time

Two to two and a half hours: about 7 km, or four and a quarter miles, there and back from Pendreich, with about 290 m of climb.

The path

A hill path through birchwoods and over open hillside to a rocky top, muddy after rain and rocky in places. Boots.

Where to start

Forestry and Land Scotland's Pendreich car park, a mile up the steep, single-track Sheriffmuir Road from Bridge of Allan (nearest postcode FK9 4LS). Free during the day; no overnight parking except on Forestry and Land Scotland's motorhome scheme. It fills early on a fine weekend: there are more pull-ins further up the road; never the passing places.

Set off

By 10am for lunch at Blairmains; from November to February start up by noon.

When to go

All year in daylight, in clear weather.

Dogs

On a short lead or close at heel from April to July, when birds nest on the open hill, and near any farm animals (the Scottish Outdoor Access Code).

Children

A good first hill for children who can manage about 290 m of climb; the top is rocky and exposed.

Toilets

None at the car park; the nearest public toilets are in Bridge of Allan or Stirling.

Before you set out

In snow and ice the path needs winter gear.