Donald · Central Belt
Ben Cleuch
Ben Cleuch is the highest of the Ochils — Scotland's great volcanic wall between the Forth and Strathallan. A circular windshelter wraps the trig pillar, and on a fair day the view stretches from the Pentlands across the Forth to the Trossachs and the southern edge of the Highlands.
Quick facts
- Height
- 721m/ 2365ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 591 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN902006
- Parking
- NN917089
- Nearest city
- Stirling
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
grass slopes 60% · heather moorland 30% · rocky outcrops 10%
The classic ascent from Tillicoultry climbs the famous Daiglen and Ben Cleuch tourist path past the Mill Glen, then crosses the heather of the Law before the final pull. Many parties extend it over Andrew Gannel Hill to make a half-day round.
Terrain
Tillicoultry path is well-maintained pitched stone all the way to the Law. Above that, springy turf and short heath cover steep slopes. The escarpment edges are abrupt — keep children well clear of the lip.
In winter
Pitched stone steps glaze with verglas after a freeze-thaw cycle and have caused many ankle injuries over the years. The summit funnels easterly winds savagely; the windshelter is no joke and gets full use in February.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 7m
- Edinburgh1h 3m
OS maps: OS Landranger 58
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Clear views across central Scotland.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 21:48
- Civil dawn
- 03:39
- Civil dusk
- 22:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Ben Cleuch.
Around Ben Cleuch on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Dunblane station
Stirling-area; Sheriffmuir; gateway north
12km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Callander
Trossachs gateway — Ben Ledi, Stuc a Chroin, Rob Roy Way
28km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Tullibardine
Blackford — central Highland distillery on the A9 between Stirling and Perth
7km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Ben Cleuch — common questions
- How hard is Ben Cleuch?
- Ben Cleuch is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 591m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Tillicoultry path is well-maintained pitched stone all the way to the Law.
- Where do I park for Ben Cleuch?
- Standard parking is at NN917089 near Stirling. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Ben Cleuch?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben Cleuch are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Ben Cleuch?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Ben Cleuch?
- Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Clear views across central Scotland.
- Is Ben Cleuch safe in winter?
- Pitched stone steps glaze with verglas after a freeze-thaw cycle and have caused many ankle injuries over the years. The summit funnels easterly winds savagely; the windshelter is no joke and gets full use in February.