How hard is Uamh Bheag?

Uamh Bheag is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 545m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Wind farm hardcore tracks dominate the lower approach.

Where do I park for Uamh Bheag?

Standard parking is at NN660137 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 Uamh Bheag?

The standard good-weather months for Uamh Bheag are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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 Uamh Bheag?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Uamh Bheag?

Uamh Bheag is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 545m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Wind farm hardcore tracks dominate the lower approach.

Where do I park for Uamh Bheag?

Standard parking is at NN660137 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 Uamh Bheag?

The standard good-weather months for Uamh Bheag are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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 Uamh Bheag?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Gordon Brown / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Central Belt

Uamh Bheag

Uamh Bheag — 'the little cave' — is the high point of the Braes of Doune above Callander, a sprawling moorland top on the southern edge of the Trossachs. The summit lies near a junction of cairn and fence in the middle of a vast peat-hag plateau studded with wind turbines.

Gaelic: “small” · Pronunciation: uamh vek

Quick facts

Height: 665.8m/ 2184ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 545 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NN691118
Parking: NN660137
Nearest city: Stirling
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather and bracken 55% · grass slopes 30% · rocky summit 15%

13km · 545m ascent · 3.5 hrs

From the Braes of Doune wind farm access road, follow the turbine track to the south-eastern ridge then drop and re-climb the watershed for the cairn. Around 12km return with 450m of climb.

Terrain

Wind farm hardcore tracks dominate the lower approach. Above the wind farm, the ground turns into tussock and saturated peat hags.

In winter

Wet snow on peat creates very awkward travel. The wind farm tracks usually remain passable but the open hags between them fill with knee-deep slush in a thaw.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow1h 8m
Edinburgh2h 37m

Parking: NN660137

OS maps: OS Landranger 57

Mobile signal: Moderate. EE intermittent on summit; better on south-facing aspects toward Callander.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 08mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:38
Sunset: 21:50
Civil dawn: 03:40
Civil dusk: 22:48

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Uamh Bheag on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Dunblane station

Stirling-area; Sheriffmuir; gateway north

14km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Callander

Trossachs gateway — Ben Ledi, Stuc a Chroin, Rob Roy Way

7km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Deanston

Doune — converted cotton mill; floral, honeyed Perthshire distillery

12km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Uamh Bheag — common questions

How hard is Uamh Bheag?: Uamh Bheag is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 545m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Wind farm hardcore tracks dominate the lower approach.
Where do I park for Uamh Bheag?: Standard parking is at NN660137 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 Uamh Bheag?: The standard good-weather months for Uamh Bheag are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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 Uamh Bheag?: 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 Uamh Bheag?: Moderate. EE intermittent on summit; better on south-facing aspects toward Callander.
Is Uamh Bheag safe in winter?: Wet snow on peat creates very awkward travel. The wind farm tracks usually remain passable but the open hags between them fill with knee-deep slush in a thaw.