Gargunnock Hills

Gargunnock Hills is a chain of hills in Stirling with steep slopes on the north side and its highest point at Carleatheran. The range features several water courses including Earlsburn Reservoir, Mary Glyn's Burn, and the notable Downie's Loup waterfall that flow through the terrain.

The hills formed from volcanic rocks of the Carboniferous period with resistant basaltic formations that have shaped the landscape through natural erosion over time. These geological structures create a natural boundary in the region and continue to influence how water and weather pattern the terrain.

The villages of Gargunnock and Kippen below the hills remain working agricultural communities where farming shapes daily life and the land itself. You can see pastures and fields that form the base of village life, with local gathering places in the village centers.

Several walking paths cross the hills and connect different areas, allowing visitors to explore the waterfalls and water features throughout the terrain. Most trails are accessible but require sturdy footwear, and wet conditions can make sections slippery and challenging to navigate.

The northern face forms a natural escarpment rising roughly 300 meters above the River Forth glen, creating a striking geographical boundary in the landscape. This cliff formed over millions of years through erosion and offers visitors a dramatic view down toward the lowlands below.