The 6 Most Amazing Peaks around Dunning

The Dunning area, nestled in the Ochil Hills, offers several notable peaks. Among the most popular are Seamab Hill, which rises to 439m at the entrance to Glen Devon, and Innerdownie Summit, a viewpoint at 611m known for its inclusion in loop walks from Glen Devon. Another favorite is Tarmangie Hill, reaching 645m with expansive views from its small cairn.

Yes, several routes allow you to experience multiple peaks. For instance, the Glen Sherup, Tarmangie & Innerdownie loop from Glen Devon is a popular moderate hike covering approximately 13.8 km, often including both Tarmangie Hill and Innerdownie Summit. You can find more details on this and other hiking options on the Hiking around Dunning guide.

For those seeking a more gentle ascent, Ben Shee offers a fairly gentle climb, apart from the final few hundred meters to the top. A popular route is the Ben Shee loop from Pool of Muckhart, a 9.0 km trail through open moorland that takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, providing fine scenery suitable for most abilities.

Yes, for a more strenuous experience, consider the circular walk from Dunning to Sims Hill via Corb Glen. This route covers 10.5 km with an ascent of 396.2 m (1300 ft), utilizing farm tracks and moorland trails, offering a good challenge and rewarding views.

The area is rich in history. Moredun Top Hillfort is a significant historical site featuring two ancient hillforts, including one called Moredun or Carnac at the very summit. These hillforts, built approximately 1,500 to 2,700 years ago, were strategically located for defensive purposes and may have held special significance as a Pictish royal center.

The peaks around Dunning offer diverse and expansive views. From Tarmangie Hill, you can expect broad vistas across the Ochils plateau. Innerdownie Summit provides views of the surrounding glens and hills, while Ben Shee offers outstanding views of the Ochil Hills and beyond, including Glensherup reservoir. Craig Rossie is also highly regarded by locals for its panoramic views.

Beyond hiking, the Dunning area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous road cycling routes, ranging from easy to difficult, such as the Kirkstyle Inn loop from Dunning. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the Devon Way – Muckhart Mill loop. For more options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Dunning and Gravel biking around Dunning guides.

Yes, the area around Dunning offers diverse terrain, including gentle paths suitable for families. While some peaks involve more challenging climbs, there are options like the initial ascent to Ben Shee which is fairly gentle, making it accessible for most abilities. The Dunning Glen also offers serene walks with views of the Perthshire countryside.

The Dunning area is beautiful year-round, but the changing colors of the woodlands in autumn make it particularly picturesque for walking and hiking. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring. Winter walks, such as on Tarmangie Hill, can also be rewarding for those prepared for colder conditions.

The landscape around Dunning is characterized by a transition from the Strathearn river valley to the rolling Ochil Hills. You'll find a mix of gentle riverside paths, forest tracks, and more demanding hill climbs. Features include woodlands, open moorland, glens like Glen Sherup and Glen Devon, and the Dunning Burn with its small pools and cascades.

When visiting Moredun Top Hillfort, note that a white waymarked trail from the north car park leads to both hillforts and past interesting sculptures. There are information boards on-site, and extensive online resources are available about the archaeological digs conducted there in recent years.