NN9000 : Ben Cleuch trig point S1605

Ben Cleuch

721m Elevation
595m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN9000 : Ben Cleuch trig point S1605

Chris Wimbush Photo source

Explore routes near Ben Cleuch

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km Hard

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The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark

10.5 km ~6h Hard

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Beinn Ime from Succoth

15.1 km ~7h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ben Cleuch via The Law from Tillicoultry

This is the most popular and direct route to Ben Cleuch, starting from the town of Tillicoultry. The route ascends through the Mill Glen, a steep and scenic gorge, before reaching The Law, a prominent ridge. From there, you follow the path along the ridgeline to the summit of Ben Cleuch, offering expansive views of the Ochils and beyond.

8 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Ben Cleuch Circular via Ben Ever from Alva

This circular route begins in Alva and climbs steadily through woodland paths before reaching open hillside. The path ascends Ben Ever first, offering great views of the Forth Valley, before continuing along the ridge to the summit of Ben Cleuch. The descent loops back to Alva, making it a rewarding circular hike.

10.5 km ~4 hours Moderate

Ben Cleuch via Wood Hill and The Law from Tillicoultry

A slightly longer variation of the classic Tillicoultry route, this path ascends via Wood Hill first, providing a quieter and less direct route to The Law. From there, the ridgeline is followed to Ben Cleuch. The descent follows the standard Mill Glen path back to Tillicoultry.

9 km ~4 hours Moderate

Ben Cleuch and King's Seat Circular from Dollar

This longer circular route begins in Dollar and ascends King's Seat Hill first, providing a fantastic viewpoint. From there, the ridge is followed to Ben Cleuch. The descent takes you back through the quiet glens and woods around Dollar, making for a varied and scenic day out.

12 km ~5.5 hours Hard

Ben Cleuch via Silver Glen from Alva

This quieter route starts in Alva and winds its way through the Silver Glen, a peaceful valley rich in mining history. The ascent is gradual but steady, reaching the summit of Ben Cleuch from the north. The descent follows the same path back, making it an out-and-back route.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm Donald Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

721m

2,365 ft

Prominence

595m

Coordinates

56.1857, -3.7695

NN902006

OS Map

58

Explorer: 366E

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a large trig point, which provides an excellent photo opportunity (and a nice place to rest if you need a breather!).

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy patches particularly after rainfall.

Ben Cleuch is primarily composed of volcanic rock, formed from ancient lava flows. This rugged geology offers fascinating insights into the volcanic activity that shaped the region millions of years ago.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ochil Hills, as well as the stunning Forth Valley stretching out to the south.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cleuch' is derived from the Scots Gaelic word 'cluiche', meaning 'glen' or 'narrow valley'.

Historical Significance

Ben Cleuch holds a significant place in local folklore and history. It has been a landmark for centuries, guiding both locals and visitors alike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking near the starting points in Dollar and Menstrie, though spaces can fill up on sunny weekends.

Public Transport

Regular buses run from Stirling to Menstrie and Dollar, making access via public transport relatively straightforward.

Nearby Facilities

In Dollar, you'll find cafes, shops, and public toilets. It's a great place to fuel up before your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for loose rocks on the ascent. The terrain can become slippery, especially after rain, so a sturdy pair of hiking boots is advised.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Cleuch?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben Cleuch through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben Cleuch?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben Cleuch search or of course create your own walk for Ben Cleuch

Can I organise a walk to Ben Cleuch?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ben Cleuch.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben Cleuch?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ben Cleuch here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NN902006

View on OpenStreetMap

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