Our next outing is on Sunday, 8th November 2026.
Our walks this week are both within the Dollar area of the Ochil hills.
Comfort Stop: Asda Alloa
Social Stop: Alloa
Booking on is by email or text to Ronnie Taylor at 07773028647 and ronnietaylor1956@icloud.com or via
“walk book on”
The Club Walk: Castlehill reservoir to Dollar
Dist: 8.1 miles Asc: 793 ft Desc: 1333 ft Grade C+
Leader: Jim Duggan
Jim describes the walk as follows.
The walk starts at the car park next to Castle Hill Reservoir. After crossing the road the path begins to climb before dog legging back on itself and heading south. There a few tarmac sections of path or minor road, but in the main the path is compacted dirt, with some aggregate in places. On either side of the path there is tufted grass, and large section of the walk will be single file. Gaiters are advised and, if wet, poles will also be helpful.
The early and mid-stages of the walk will be in woodland, with the sections at Muckhart and on the approach to Dollar being more open with some crossing of an open hillside. The general trend is downhill from the reservoir to Dollar, with the longest climb being at the start of the walk. However, there is a reasonable amount of “up and downing” which leads to some 700 feet of ascent over the walk but should not present any difficulty if taken steadily. If the weather is clear some good views are to be had, but even in the rain the scenery is enchanting. We shall pass the Kirk at Pool of Muckhart with its beautiful, enclosed grounds and cemetery, and the path is dotted with seats at viewing spots where we can enjoy the view. We will come into Dollar via the Main Street and meet the Bus at the Health Centre / School. Please note suggested very small amendment at end of route on attached map.
Extended Walk: Pool of Muckhart to Dollar
Dist: 8.37 miles Asc: 1590 ft Desc: 1953 ft Walk Time: 5 hr 03 min Grade B
Leader: Mitch Kerr
Mitch describes the walk as follows.
Our extended walk starts in the village of Pool of Muckhart, walking around the side of the local church and into a nature walk area. We pick up a yellow waymarked path to quickly climb uphill through woodland to the cairned summit of Seamab Hill. The climb is steep but the reward of a fine panorama awaits.
Leaving Seamab we follow a good grassy track west to Commonedge Hill. There is only modest additional ascent on this section. From here we take up a wide road track into woodland. We have the option to take a somewhat boggy track through a firebreak to cross Auchlinsky Hill. If ground conditions are poor there is a viable alternative continuing on the road track. At this point we are in Geordie’s Wood. It was named after a local sheep farmer who previously owned the ground. We descend into Glen Quey, reaching a minor road where we follow a grass track to reach the edge of Glenquey Reservoir. We will lunch in this area.
Our route now follows a fine grass track above the reservoir and south through the lovely, quiet glen.
We will eventually re-join civilisation on the track which descends to Castle Campbell aka Castle Gloom. The name was possibly derived from the gaelic glom meaning a “chasm” and referring to the narrow gorges to either side of the site. The castle was built in around 1430 and was acquired by Colin Campbell 1st Earl of Argyll in about 1460. It remained the lowland family seat until the 1660s.
From the castle we will descend through the beautiful Dollar Glen. A number of viewpoints offer a perspective on the gorge and the burn which flows through it. CARE IS REQUIRED on this section as some of the stone steps and wooden platforms were on the recce slippy with wet leaves. At the foot of the glen a short section of minor road walking will take us to the coach.
Walking poles and gaiters strongly recommended.
Please remember to come prepared for all types of weather and with adequate food and water. Gaiters and poles may be useful.
Our coach leaves the John Wright’s Sports Centre car park at 8:30am sharp and returns around 7:00pm.
The cost of the outing is £20 for members & £22 for visitors and can be paid by bank transfer to Duncanrig Rambling Club once your place is confirmed or by cash on the coach, with the correct amount being appreciated. Members are encouraged to book on by Wednesday midnight. However, late bookings are most welcome. Places will be confirmed for visitors from Thursday morning.