Dumglow, Cleish Hills

Dumglow is the highest of the Cleish Hills and the most popular of the minor ranges to the north of Dunfermline. The summit is the site of an ancient fort and is almost ringed by steep slopes, but forestry mars most of the approaches. This route also ascents Dummiefarline, the shapeliest of the range.

Terrain

Mostly clear paths, forest track on return.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Limited verge parking near bend on minor road around NT093969. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Summits Climbed

Mapping and GPS

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts from the minor road which climbs across the eastern end of the Cleish Hills. Although this is a popular walk, there is no dedicated parking; leave your car on the grassy verge without blocking any passing spaces. Our route starts from a pedestrian gate in the deer fence at NT093969. Head through the gate and follow the clear grassy path uphill through an area planted with native trees. There are good views looking back over Loch Leven and the Lomond Hills.

Stage 2

The path climbs to a shoulder just left of the tiny but shapely peak of Dummiefarline. The path forks here, and the summit of Dummiefarline is well worth a short detour to the right. It's an iron age fort, but this can only be well appreciated from the air. Return to the fork and this time take the other branch.

Stage 3

The path now climbs up towards the top corner of the forestry plantations, then heads round the north side of a steep grassy peak - one of the two Inneans. You can detour over the peak if you wish, or continue round it before bearing right to head to a forestry gate. Pass through this and then follow a path along the line of an old forest ride - though many of the trees have been felled. Half way up there's a junction with a track - the turning on the right, signed for Kirkhill Common - is used to vary the return walk. For now, continue ahead.

Stage 4

Some of the trees have fallen across the path but can be bypassed on the left. Emerging from the forest to the open hill above, there are views to Loch Glow off to the left. Continue on the now open grassy path to reach a stile over a fence.

Stage 5

Cross this and continue along the path until the trig point and cairn marking the summit of Dumglow are reached. This was the site of an ancient fort - several pieces of urns and a couple of swords have been found in the ditches. These days, however, most come here for the extensive views. It is possible to descend the very steep western side of the hill beside a fence, but the return through the forest from there is not recommended - the rides are very overgrown. Alternative a rough return is possible via Loch Glow. Our route, though, retraces steps back to the signposted path junction passed earlier in the forestry.

Stage 6

Once back at the junction, turn left (signed for Kirkhill Common). The track eventually reaches another at a t-junction- turn right here to return to the road, a short distance north from the start point. There are great views towards the Lomonds on the descent.

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