History of the Back Walk

Built between 1724 and 1791, the Back Walk was designed to follow Stirling’s ancient defensive walls. It was funded by William Edmonstone of Cambuswallace to create a scenic route for both locals and visitors. When Stirling Castle served as a military barracks, trees along the walk were kept short for security reasons. After the army left in the 1960s, the path became the wooded, peaceful trail it is today.

The route and what to see

The walk starts across from Stirling’s Central Library, marked by a carved timber wolf—a nod to local legends. As you follow the winding path, you’ll pass:

• Gowan Hill & The Beheading Stone – A short detour leads to this historic execution site, with views over the River Forth.
• Stirling Castle – One of Scotland’s most important historic sites, offering incredible viewpoints along the walk.
• Old Town Jail – A well-preserved Victorian-era prison with guided tours.
• The Views – Overlooking the Wallace Monument, the River Forth, and the rolling Ochil Hills, the Back Walk is one of the best places to take in Stirling’s landscape.

The trail loops around Stirling’s Old Town, providing a mix of woodland, city walls, and open vantage points.

Start your walk from Castle Walk Bed & Breakfast

Located at the entrance to the Back Walk, Castle Walk Bed & Breakfast is the only guest house built into Stirling’s historic city walls. Staying here means waking up to views of Georgian villas and the Ochil Hills, stepping outside onto the Back Walk, and reaching Stirling Castle in minutes. The B&B blends historic character with modern comfort, offering exclusive breakfast deals at a local café across the road, though chef-cooked breakfasts are also available on request at weekends and you can also order breakfast in a bag in advance.

Plan your visit

The Back Walk is free, open year-round, and offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and city views. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, it’s an essential part of any Stirling trip.

📍 Book direct at Castle Walk Bed & Breakfast for the best rates and discounts on longer stays.

Walking the walk of the old Scots warriors

One of the key attractions of Dumyat Hill is its accessibility. Several routes lead to the summit, with the most popular starting at the Pendreich Forest car park, which can be reached via Sheriffmuir Road from Bridge of Allan. This well-trodden path gently winds its way up the hill, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced hikers. The total round-trip distance is about 7 kilometers (4.25 miles), taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to complete (Walkhighlands).

For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, an alternative ascent begins at Blairlogie, offering a steeper incline with equally stunning rewards at the top. Regardless of the chosen route, reaching the summit is an experience well worth the effort.

Spectacular views across the heart of Scotland await

Once at the top, visitors are treated to expansive vistas stretching across Stirling and beyond. To the south, the River Forth winds its way through the landscape, while the towering Wallace Monument stands proudly in the distance. On a clear day, views extend as far as the Pentland Hills, providing a truly magnificent backdrop (see Walkhighlands).

Adding to its unique character, the summit is marked by a metal beacon and a memorial dedicated to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a poignant tribute to Scotland’s military history. These landmarks, along with the breathtaking scenery, make Dumyat a prime spot for photography and reflection.

A connection to Scotland’s past

Dumyat isn’t just a scenic hill—it’s steeped in history. The name is thought to originate from the Maeatae, an ancient Pictish tribe that once inhabited the area. Near the summit, traces of an old hill fort can still be seen, offering insight into Scotland’s early defensive structures (Wikipedia). This historical significance adds an extra layer of intrigue to any visit.

Planning your walking tour: How to get to Dumyat (pronounced Doe-my-at)

• Starting Point: Pendreich Forest car park (accessible via Sheriffmuir Road) or Blairlogie.
• Distance: Roughly 7 km (4.25 miles) round trip.
• Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Terrain: Well-defined trails with moderate inclines; suitable for most hikers.
• Best Time to Visit: Dumyat can be climbed year-round, but clear days offer the best visibility.

As with any hike in Scotland, it’s important to check the weather forecast and wear appropriate footwear, as trails can become slippery after rain.

Why Dumyat should be on your list

Dumyat Hill is more than just a hiking destination—it’s a place where nature, history, and adventure converge. Whether you’re a casual walker, an avid trekker, or someone looking to soak in spectacular views, Dumyat promises an unforgettable experience. If you’re visiting Stirling, make sure to add this hidden gem to your itinerary!

For more details, including maps and user reviews, visit Walkhighlands or Love from Scotland.

Jackie enjoys a walk on Dumyat after a hearty breakfast at Castle Walk Bed and Breakfast, Stirling

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Curling is a sport that caters for players at all levels and physical abilities. If you’re not flexible or fit enough to lunge on the ice to deliver your stone towards a target, you can use a delivery stick. This makes it possible to participate even if you’ve got arthritic knees or can’t get out of a wheelchair, though the athletes among us can be competitive too.

Curling is a lot like bowling on ice, only the ball is a stone that needs to glide across the ice to a target after it is set off on its path by one team member – and the others get to work sweeping brooms in front to keep the stone on track.

The team that gets a stone closest to the bulls-eye or has more stones in the zone – called the “house” – wins.

The ice isn’t particularly slippery. Its texture makes it possible to walk – and run! – on it in trainers. Special grips are available as are footpads to help you push off faster if you so desire.

Curling is Scottish speciality, though it’s also played elsewhere. It’s a great night out for a family or group of friends, though book in advance to secure a sheet for a game or a lesson.

And a place where you can have a wander, around a 15th century castle hidden in a forest and protected by steep gorges, with your dog and your human companion to refresh your soul. Welcome to the lowland fortress of the Campbell clan, which is tucked behind the hills of Dollar village in Stirling’s nearby Hillfoots.

You can pay the entry fee to get beyond the castle gate to explore what life might have been like for the wealthy Campbells. Or, you can enjoy its surrounds for free – as the locals do, with many a happy mutt bounding around in the lush grass. There are footpaths around the castle that take you to the top of the hills and beyond, including through farmland.

This is a perfect stroll to walk off your hearty Scottish breakfast, cooked to order at Castle Walk Bed and Breakfast, Stirling. Castle Campbell is a great spot for anyone looking to experience a side of Scotland that most tourists don’t know about or have the time to see. 

Tip: 20-minute drive from Stirling, with a regular bus service from Stirling through the Hillfoots villages, which include Dollar. Follow the signs to Castle Campbell.

The Stirling library, next to Castle Walk Bed & Breakfast, holds important documents that help individuals trace the journeys of their forbears on ships that set sail from Scotland to Canada, Australia and elsewhere. Many individuals like to explore links to clans who originated in the nearby Highlands and enjoy Highland Games and visit clan seats of power. 

Some of our guests have been fortunate enough to trace their families back to Scottish heroes, like Robert the Bruce. This was the case for Gale Brown, aged 94, who is arguably the closest you can get to Scottish royalty in the 21st century. Brown, from the USA, visited the Battle of Bannockburn site, Stirling, and partial burial ground of Robert the Bruce, at nearby Dunfermline Abbey, while he was staying in Scotland.

Robert the Bruce’s grandson, 19 generations down, stayed at Castle Walk Bed & Breakfast, a guest house built into Stirling’s medieval city walls during Mary Queen of Scots’ rein, on his heritage tour of Scotland where he shared his family history with delighted locals.

See the picture of him taking a rest at the B&B in Stirling. We can see the likeness between our lovely American guest and a recreation by history and archeology experts of Robert the Bruce – Can you?