Walking & Hiking

Ever wanted to get out into the Ochil Hills you can see from the windows in the Century Bar? Then leave the beers till later, pull on some walking shoes, and let’s go! This route can be made short or long, depending on how adventurous (and fit) you’re feeling. Follow the main track through the conifers of the Glen Sherup Forest before emerging onto a grassy path which leads all the way to the summit of a Donald, Innerdownie Hill (611m). The ascent might leave you a bit out of puff, but the stunning views across Perthshire at the top make it worthwhile. Either toast your achievement with a flask of warm slow gin before heading back the way you came if you only want a brisk two-hour country hike, or soldier on across the beautiful rugged landscape of two more Donalds, Whitewisp Hill (643m) and Tarmangie Hill (645m) for a ten-mile challenge, if you want to make a full day of it! 

5. Ben Ledi, Callander *

Set in the beautiful Trossachs National Park, locals have been climbing this mighty mountain for centuries. The summit, which looms high over the bustling wee town of Callander, is believed to have been the site of Pagan and Wiccan rituals in ancient times, while Victorian poet, Sir Walter Scott, popularised the mountain’s appeal in his narrative poem, ‘The Lady of the Lake’. Since then, hillwalkers have been trekking to the top of this mountain in their droves and, when you see the breath-taking views from the top, it’s not surprising! Though it falls just short of being classified a Munro – at 879m it’s known as a ‘Corbett’ – this 4 – 6 hour walk is still a steep challenge demanding a good level of fitness. 

6. Ben Vorlich, Lochearnhead *

The best place to begin this mountain’s challenging 985m ascent is by a path that starts at Ardvorlich on the southern shore of Loch Earn. A fantastic introduction to Scotland’s higher Munros, Ben Vorlich can be easily tackled in 5 – 6 hours and a well-trodden stony path and fairly gradual ascent for most of the route makes it relatively safe and easy for experienced hillwalkers. Nearer the top, the incline gets steeper as the path stretches up the rocky Sgiath nam Tarmachan ridge, or ‘wings of the ptarmigan’. Once you’ve reached the summit, treat yourself to a delicious Gleneagles picnic while soaking up some of the most spectacular views in the region – across the Nevis range, which is often capped with snow till early summer, and the navy blue hues of the loch below.  Head back the way you came or, if you’re in the mood for extra adventure, across the Bealach an Dubh Chorein which links Ben Vorlich to its neighbouring Munro, Stuc a’Chroin (975 m). Pack several layers; even on a hot summer’s day, it’s always cold and windy at the top!