Walks, runs and cycling

runners

Running is popular in the Dunblane area from fun runs to marathons.

Running Events

Dunblane 12k road Race – end May www.entrycentral.com/dunblaneroadrace
It is run along a popular training route. www.plotaroute.com/route/798175

Stirling Cross Country championships – January

Stirling Marathon comes through Dunblane and half Marathon – April
www.thestirlingmarathon.co.uk

Stirling University 10k Run for Life - in May
raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event/university-of-stirling-10k-2019-05-12-0000

Dumyat Hill Race – University - in May www.stir.ac.uk/events/dumyat

Ochil Ultra hill race - from University to Perth, with relay option - September ochilultra.run website

Stirling 10k and 2k – September
www.centralathletics.co.uk/competition/stirling-10k/

Strathcarron 10k and family fun run - October

Junior Park Run,Kings Park Stirling, Sundays 9.30, 2k for over 4 year olds
www.parkrun.org.uk/stirling-juniors/

Park Run, Stirling University, Saturdays 9.30, 5k for adults
www.parkrun.org.uk/universityofstirling/ 

Running Groups

Dunblane runners
Run4it – Bridge of Allan shop
Ochil Runners
Central Athletic Club

laighills faery bridge

Dunblane offers lovely walks for everyone; around the historic town, along the river, through parks, out to Doune, up to Sheriffmuir, up Dumyat and over the Ochils. Some can be walked one way returning by train or bus. See below for 8 downloadable popular walks.

There are also local led walks from short health walks, bump and buggy walks, dementia friendly, 2 hour rambles and local walking clubs. More info below.

Local Maps

Our Dunblane Area Green Travel Maps indicate paths and steps in town, the main paths in the surrounding countryside to local attractions, and local services. They can be picked up at the local Library or museum, or can be downloaded from our Travel Maps page.

Dunblane Heritage Walk

Dunblane Heritage paths

A leaflet produced by Dunblane Local History Society is available from Dunblane Museum.  Also sometimes available, a one-hour guided tour through 2,000 years of history led by members of the Dunblane Civic and History Societies. Contact the Museum for details. A heritage trail is on Explore Stirling - Dunblane Heritage Trail.


Welcome to Dunblane Map

Welcome to Dunblane map

Welcome to Dunblane maps of the Town Centre attractions are situated at the Haining and Millrow carparks and can be viewed and downloaded here. We also have an informative guide here : In Dunblane and a map and local business guide here : Dunblane Map and Local Guide

Dunblane Community Paths

Dunblane paths

This leaflet details 6 popular walks from 3 – 7 miles; along the banks of the Allan Water north to Ashfield/Kinbuck, or south to Bridge of Allan (can return by train), out to Doune, and up to Sheriffmuir. It can be downloaded here and here.  Also see more downloadable walks below.

Leaflets are also available for walks in our neighbouring communities : Doune and Deanston and Bridge of Allan.







Holmehill Green Walks 

Holmehillwalksleaflet100

The Holmehill Community Buyout created a leaflet detailing some green walks in Central Dunblane.
Download here : Green Walks in Central Dunblane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strathallan Community Rail Partnership

Ashfiled map

A scenic and straightforward riverside walk linking Dunblane with the village of Ashfield - 4.5 miles. View Map

A leisurely walk alongside Dunblane golf course to Glen road and Darn road.Can be muddy and slippy - 4.3 miles. View Map 

Bridge of Allan and the Carse of Lecropt - 4 miles. View Map 

Bridge of Allan to Dumyat - 8.3 miles. View Map

 

 

 

Short Walks around Dunblane

Allan Water/Laighills Loop – 2 miles 
Walk by the riverside gardens, old mills, across Faery Bridge into Laighills Park, returning by the medieval cathedral, Victorian high St and old bridge – parts dating from 1409.

Holmehill and Ochlochy Park Loop – 1.8 miles
Cross the ancient bridge (1409) and along the river to the cathedral, through Holmehill - the Dun of Dunblane, used for waiting cattle at market, a private mansion, now a community park. Ochlochy Park hosts mallard, tufted duck, moorhen, swans and was previously a curling pond. Water from the Minnie Burn supplied town water and steam trains.

Longer Community Path Walks

Darn Walk/Glen Road through Kippenrait Glen – 7 miles (or 3 miles one way) 
Ancient Darn Road by the Allan Water, by RL Stevenson’s cave, returning by Glen Road in Kippenrait Glen. Option of returning by train or bus from Bridge of Allan. Read the Herald article

Dunblane to Ashfield – 5 miles
A lovely walk along the banks of Allan Water, through Laighhills Park to Ashfield - a planned mill village. Back through Ramoyle weaving cottages, past the medieval cathedral and Victorian High St shops.

Kippendavie Estate Walks – several different routes 
Recently upgraded paths network - well worth a visit.
Paths can take you to the gathering stone and the Clan Macrae monument to the Battle of Sherrifmuir.

Up to Sheriffmuir – 6.5 miles
Past the medieval Cathedral and market place, walk past the Hydro on the old road up to Sheriffmuir – scene of the Jacobite battle in 1715. Last stance for thousands of highland Cattle and sheep enroute to Falkirk Tryst. Also where the army practiced with the Atlantic Wall before Dunkirk.

Dunblane to Doune castle - 4 miles one way  
A lovely scenic walk to or from Doune castle - built by Duke of Albany, caretaker for James 1 whilst he was in prison in England. Murdoch was captured riding his horse to Dunblane, and beheaded at Stirling castle. Now better known for Monty Python and Outlander etc! An optional one-way walk using the bus 1, or 59 via Stirling.

Explore the Ochils

ochilsOur local hill Dumyat – a prominent top in the Ochils is an easy walk from Pendreich carpark but can also be walked from the University and is a pleasant one way walk to/from Dunblane. Other noteworthy walks are via Lossburn reservoir to Blairlogie, with refreshments at the Coffee Bothy, and Hillfoots bus back. Or via Jerah to Menstrie. Or over the tops of the Ochils to Dollar, and Bus back. Here are 2 options.

Dumyat – from University to Glen road, Dunblane – 10 miles
After climbing Dumyat for lovely views, the route back is easy mostly along empty hill roads. Start by getting a bus towards the University or in reverse.

Dunblane over the Ochils to Menstrie – 9 miles
Good tracks take you easily over the Ochils with lovely views. Catch buses back changing at Causewayhead or Stirling. Here is Tilhill's walks signboard and their map

 

 

 

 

Led Walks 

Weekly led walks are co-ordinated by Active Stirling with some starting from Dunblane;
Short health walks, Community Walks, Buggy and Bump, Dementia friendly, Nordic walks.

Dunblane Rambling Club have a programme of led walks every other Sunday sharing the cost of transport, and alternating with Stirling Hillwalking Club.

Two long distance wilderness walks passing through Dunblane

The ‘Stevenson Way’ is a wilderness walk from Mull to South Queensferry, which passes through Dunblane. It follows the route made by young David Balfour in ‘Kidnapped’, just 6 years after the final defeat and punishments of the Jacobites. Here are 2 easy walks which follow part of the route and go to local places that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson when he came on holiday. 
Dunblane Stevenson Walk 1
Dunblane Stevenson Walk 2

The Mary Queen of Scots Way - Arrochar to St Andrews 

Other useful information

Stirling University Campus and MacRobert Arts Centre
Stirling University's 300 acre campus situated at the foot of the Ochil hills has beautiful walks with views to the Wallace Monument and across the Forth Valley. A map is available showing paths and food outlets here.  

Neighbouring villages
Bridge of Allan Community Paths leaflet can be downloaded here.
Doune & Deanston Community Paths leaflet can be downloaded here. More local information from Kilmadock Information Centre, Doune 

OS Maps: Landranger 57 and Explorer 366

Harvey Maps, Main Street, Doune. Open weekdays. Useful walking map for Ochils, Rob Roy Trail, West Highland Way.

bike postbox

Dunblane provides excellent access to a great variety of cycling for everyone. You can cycle here, or book your bike on the train. Buses also take folding bikes.

Local Cycling Maps and National Cycle Routes

Our Dunblane Area Green Travel Maps show the best ways to get around Dunblane and the local area, to the major attractions avoiding busy roads. Free from library, museum and downloadable here.

Stirling and Forth Valley and Trossachs cycle map – buy from Stirling Active Travel HUB, or Harvey Maps, Doune, who also have Strathearn, East Perthshire and Highland Perthshire cycling maps.

National Route 765 is signposted through Dunblane between Stirling and Doune, towards NCN 7 Lochs and Glens, and links to Round the Forth NCN 76 and NCN 764 to Fife, or over the Forth to the Forth Clyde canal NCN 754 between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

E-bike rides in the Trossachs - leaflets available from local outlets or you can download here.

Aberfoyle Area off road/gravel routes - tear off map at Aberfoyle bike shop and local outlets. Can also be viewed here.

Visit Scotland/Sustrans long distance Cycle Routes and Day Rides. See details on their website here.

Lochs and Glens Way includes a Day Ride to Dunblane which can be downloaded here.

Cycle Loops you can download from ridewithgps - family pootles to wilder adventures!

• Local short loops (1 – 3)
• Dunblane to local heritage attractions (4,5)
• Dunblane in Ochils, and north to Perthshire and the Highlands (6 - 10)
• Dunblane west to the Trossachs and Loch Lomond (11 – 16)
• Dunblane east to Clackmannanshire and the Kelpies (17 - 19)
• MTB (20 – 23)

1. Dunblane to Doune castle - 10 miles
Scenic off road cycle paths and quiet roads.
Attractions: Andy Murray post box, Dunblane cathedral, Museum, Leighton library, Doune castle, Doune mx track, Murdochs ford.
Nearby: David Stirling monument, Argaty kites and Deanston distillery.
Refreshments: Dunblane, Doune, Deanston distillery
Deanston and Argaty Kites extensions

2. Dunblane to Kinbuck and Ashfield – 8 miles
Quiet roads by Allan Water.
Attractions: Ashfield victorian model village, Ramoyle old weaving cottages
Refreshments: Cromlix hotel, Dunblane

3. Dunblane to Doune via Bridge of Allan – 17 miles (or 13)
Scenic cycle paths and quiet roads
Attractions: Kippenrait Glen, Bridge of Allan, the Carse, Doune castle, Dunblane
Refreshments: Bridge of Allan, Doune, Dunblane
Shorter option: Reverse the route and get the train back from Bridge of Allan (13 miles)

4. Dunblane to Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument - 16 or 10 miles
A lovely cycle through woods, by fields and rivers and into old Stirling city via the university campus, and the spectacular Wallace monument. Option of return by train from Stirling - so just 10 miles.

5. Dunblane through our local Heritage – 27 miles
Enjoy the ride, and take your pick of local attractions enroute.
Attractions: Kippenrait Glen, Bridge of Allan Spa pump house, Stirling University, Wallace monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey, Harbour, Stirling Castle, Jail, Argylls Lodging, Church of the Holy Rude, Cemetery, Kings Knot/Back Walk, Smith Art Gallery, Stirling Old Bridge, Doune Castle, Murdochs Ford, Dunblane Cathedral, Museum, Leighton library, High St, Andy Murrays post box.

The Ochils and Perthshire

6. Dunblane to Drummond Castle Loop - 38 miles
A lovely figure of 8 ride through local hills and moors to a spectacular Scottish renaissance garden. Choose either a steep return across Sheriffmuir, or retrace back along Allan Water. Refreshments at Braco or Muthill.

7. Dunblane to Comrie and Crieff Loop – 45 miles
An extension to above route includes the attractive local towns and quirky Auchingarrich wildlife park and café.

8. Dunblane to old Grouse distillery and Innerpeffray – 42 miles
A rolling ride out to the oldest distillery in Scotland and back via the oldest library and charming chapel.
Refreshments: Braco, Crieff, Auchterarder

9. Dunblane to Perth Loop – 70 miles or 35 one way
2 lovely ways to get to Perth, and option to use the train one way.
Refreshments: Braco, Tibbermore, Dunning golf course, Auchterarder

10. Around the Ochils - 50 miles https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29531342
A popular ride on quiet roads showcasing the wild Ochils. Starting through Kippenrait Glen to Stirling University campus, along the Hillfoots villages to Dollar, up Glen Devon and over Sheriffmuir back to Dunblane.
Refreshments: Dollar, Dunning golf course or Auchterarder.

To the Trossachs and Loch Lomond

11. Dunblane - Comrie - Loch Earn - Callander Loop - 61miles
A lovely day ride or weekend mini-adventure along scenic lochs and glens, on cycle path NCN 7, and quiet roads. Many refreshment choices in attractive villages.
For those taking their time there are plenty of attractions enroute: Braco Roman camp, Comrie Earthquake house, Bliss Art trail, Rob Roys grave Balquidder nearby, Deanston distillery, Doune castle.
Balquidder extension 

12. Dunblane to Venacher Loop – 40 miles
A lovely ride into the Trossachs with Byre Inn, Venachar cafe as particularly attractive stops. Options to shorten at Callander (25 miles) or go on past Loch Ard to lovely Loch Katrine. Cycle paths with some gravel, and mainly quiet roads.
Refreshments: Deanston distillery, Brig of Turk Byre Inn, Venacher café, Callander, Doune

13. Dunblane to Loch Katrine Loop – 74 miles
Quiet rolling roads take you deep into the Trossachs for the classic Loch Katrine/Chon/Dukes Pass circuit. Attractive stops at Byre Inn, Stronachlachar, Wee Blether, Venachar cafe,

14. Dunblane to Loch Katrine/Loch Lomond Loop - 103 miles
A spectacular couple or more days grand tour through the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park, along and across the iconic lochs on quiet roads and cycle paths. Great refreshment stops enroute: Callander, Brig of Turk, Stronachlacher, Inversnaid, Luss, Killearn, Fintry, Kippen and more. Best to book accommodation.

15. Dunblane to Carron Valley Loop – 41 miles
A scenic ride of contrasts, across the Carse by Flanders Moss, and over the hills to Fintry and the Carron Valley. Refreshments at Courtyard farm café near Fintry. Returning via Stirling and attractive Cambuskenneth, University and Kippenrait Glen.
From the Carron Valley there are 2 lovely options south to reach the Forth/Clyde Canal NCN 754, down the Crow Road and Campsie Glen, or from Carron Bridge the Tak me Doon Road to Kilsyth.

16. Dunblane to Glen Lyon loop – electric climbs - 123 miles, 8000 ft
Enjoy a few days exploring some wilder climbs. Up the glens into the Trossachs, on NCN7 up Glen Ogle, down to Killin, over to Glen Lyon, from Kenmore up over to Glen Quaich, down Sma'Glen and pretty country to Auchterarder and last climb over Sheriffmuir.
A good tour for climbers and electric bikes on very quiet roads, short section of gravel.
Attractions: Falls of Leny, Glen Ogle viaduct, Falls of Dochart, Fortingall Yew and Arts and Craft village, Kenmore Crannog, Buchanty Spout, Fowlis Wester Pictish Cross, Macrae memorial.
Possible stopovers: Killin and Kenmore. Lunch in Strathyre, Bridge of Balgie, Fortingall, picnic, Auchterarder.

Clackmannanshire and Half Round the Forth

17. Dunblane to the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel - 46/28 miles
A lovely ride through Kippenrait Glen and Stirling uni campus to join Round the Forth cycle route 76 over Clackmannanshire bridge to the iconic Kelpies, along the canal to fascinating Falkirk Wheel, then back via Stirling. Option of returning by train from Larbert – 28 miles.
Refreshments: Blairlogie, Cambus, Kincardine, Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel, Torwood garden centre, Peak.

18. Dunblane to Culross and Dollar Loop – 48 miles
Exploring Clackmannanshire to the seashore and Royal Culross, and back via Dollar (Castle Campbell, Japanese Garden) and along the Ochil hills villages.
Refreshments: Coffee Bothy, Cambus, Culross, Forest Mill, Dollar, Tilly tearoom.

19. Dunblane to Birds - Cambus/Black Devon/Gartmorn – 32 miles
The wetlands around the Forth give opportunities to see birds and occasional seals.
Refreshments: Cambus, Gartmorn, Tilly Tearoom,The Forge, Coffee Bothy.
Argaty Kites from route 1.

Mountain biking and Gravel Riding


20. Local Loops - Stirling HUB website 

21. Dunblane over Ochils to Menstrie/Blairlogie – 19 miles
Two straightforward, yet remote feeling tracks, get you over the Ochils, and offer many local variations. The hidden Forge cafe, Menstrie or Coffee Bothy, Blairlogie are good stops.

22. Dunblane to Glen Artney/Callander Loop - 42 miles
A lovely remote feeling ride across the Highland/Lowland drove road linking Callander, from Bracklinn falls, with Comrie - you need an MTB for 6 miles, but the rest is quiet roads.
Refreshments: Braco, Auchingarrich/Comrie, Callander, Antique Centre, Doune

23. MTB trail areas
- Carron Valley - check tree felling notices
- Comrie Croft which also does bike hire.
- Aberfoyle gravel trails and Dukes Weekender event in September.  Bike hire from Aberfoyle bike shop.

Other routes and planning

24. More routes on Wikiloc – DunblaneCycle
- SSRG
- Ride with GPS
Other routes and planning - Mapmyride, Strava Heat Map, Cyclestreets 

25. Cycling Championships local legacy ride idea 26 miles – Wallace, Jacobites and SAS 

Cycle Hire

Limited locally:
- FEL HUB provide free loans of electric bikes (3 days to 3 months) and parent equipment library. Pre-booking essential, enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- E-bike library Recyke-a-bike 
- E-bike loan scheme for Dunblane residents

Cycle Hire in the Wider area

Aberfoyle Bike Hire  01877 382023 closed Tuesday.
Comrie Croft  01764 670140
Wheels near Callander  01877 331100 March – October.
Loch Katrine - Katrine wheelz  01877 376366 April – October 
Killin Outdoor Centre  April - October 01567 820652,
Gleneagles Hotel - hire road and MTB bikes for residents

Bike Shops and repairs

Stirling Cycles, Causewayhead  01786 451559 Sell and repair road, MTB, electric bikes
Recyke-a-bike in Causewayhead  01786 447559 Sell recycled bikes, repairs, e-bike library including parents equipment and e-cargo bikes
Velocity44, Stirling  01786 465292 Sell and service range and electric bikes.
Wheels near Callander  01877 331100 Sell, repair and hire range of cycles, electric and adapted bikes.
Comrie Croft  01764 670140 Sell, repair and hire bikes, café, events and accommodation
Synergy 171 Main St Auchterarder 01764 664251 Sell and repair road, and electric bikes.
Aberfoyle  01877 382023 Hire, repair, equipment
Roots Cycles, Doune  01786 842080 Repairs
The Bike Works repairs Stirling, 07480 667994

Cycle Training

Bikeability courses are available for older primary school pupils in some primary schools, usually in summer term – some in the playground, some on local roads. Usually require trained/supported volunteers/parents. Contact individual schools.

FEL Hub and Recyke-a-bike 01786 447559 can advise on any current courses, buddy rides and Dr Bike sessions.

Stirling Cycle Training offers private tuition and a range of courses for children, adults and drivers  07966 201519

Other resources

Stirling Active Travel HUB station – open Tuesday to Saturday 01786 474160
Provides Maps and route planning, electric bikes to try, maintenance sessions, and local led rides

Stirling City Walking and Cycling Map – available at Stirling Active Travel HUB and Recyke-a-bike

Stirling Bike Club aims to be inclusive and provides regular road rides, mtb rides, races/events and has a junior section.