Dumyat Hill Walk updated in August 2020
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Dumyat Hill Walk
We have visited Dumyat many times over the years, our first visit with both of the children was back in May 2016. The children were aged 2 and 4 on their first ascent, with littlest being carried a lot of the way up the hill. Dumyat hill walk is a great one for younger kids as it really doesn’t take long to get to the top.
The Climb Up, Dumyat Hill Walk
Dumyat is a small hill in the Ochils, only 418m high, but it still has amazing views across Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire. It’s situated at the Western end of the Ochils and can be climbed from a small car parking area just over 150m high. This makes it an easier climb for little legs.
When littlest was 2 he decided he wanted to walk all the way himself, ‘my walk!’ may have been shouted a few times. He did manage a fair uphill section from the car, but he was rather slow. I knew if we walked too slowly his big brother might flag and say he was too tired to go on. So after the first half hour of walking uphill, we stopped for a snack and I put him on my back. Distracting him by showing him the dogs and bikes going past.
At 4 years old most children can make it up Dumyat themselves. Then at 6 years old they will probably be faster than their parents! Running ahead of them up the hill! On our original walks the path was very boggy in areas, but the path has been upgraded in recent years. It’s now a gravel path almost the whole way up. With just a few rocky sections nearer the top. A lot better for the environment, although not as exciting for my kids (they do love a squelchy bog!).
Views From The Top
At the top of Dumyat there is a trig point and metal beacon (erected for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977). There’s plenty of space to have a picnic at the top or shelter a little further down from the top out of the wind.
The views at the top are fantastic, you can see a long way on clear days. Take the time to spot local landmarks such as the river Forth, Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle.
The Way Back
The walk down is easier for little legs, our then 2 year old walked down most of the steeper part. However, you may find it easier to pop them on your back for a bit more speed down the hill. At 2 years old our littlest spent a lot of time ‘fixing’ the grass ‘train tracks’ by sprinkling more grass in the worn areas. So I put him back in the Tula carrier where he fell asleep!
Dumyat is a great hill to get younger children used to hill walking. It’s also a good walk for an early morning or late evening as it only takes around 45 minutes for older kids. It will probably take another half hour or so for little ones. The perfect way to tire them out before bed!
Pin Dumyat Hill Walk For Later
Emma says
Sounds like you had a fab day out for your husband’s birthday. Well worth the little climb for those views too. When we lived in Yorkshire we did a lot of hill climbs but now we live in Jersey it is a lot flatter! 🙂 #Whatevertheweather
Becky @lakessinglemum says
I spent part of my childhood in the Ochils! Great to get them waking
Keri says
I’m so jealous that you can actually get your tot to do the walking and scrambling on his own! Honestly anywhere I can’t get my lot to ride on a scooter suddenly becomes too hard, or their legs are tired! Spectacular views and very rewarding!
Sarah says
I saw all these lovely pictures on Instagram. What a beautiful place, Jenny I don’t know how you manage with back carriers, you must be so strong! I used to feel like I was wearing lead boots when I attempted to carry my kids in those. Sarah #WhateverTheWeather
Alice Project: Wanderlust says
What a stunning place for a family ramble!
Laura says
Oh wow what a fantastic outdoor adventure and walk that is family friendly even for small kids – love it! It’s going on my list of things to do if we are ever in that part of the world
Laura x
Rainbowsaretoobeautiful says
I loved some of the country around here. My mum is from Sauchie originally and I loved the drive back to my grandparents past the hills. #whatevertheweather
Training Mummy says
What wonderful views! There is nothing better than a walk with views. Love the Tula too! #whatevertheweather
Mum in Brum says
Looks like a fantastic day out for your hubby’s birthday! I’m loving getting out in the great outdoors now that the weather’s a little warmer and brighter. You’ve also got some brilliant pictures for the family photo album #whatevertheweather x
Elaine @ Entertaining Elliot says
What gorgeous boys you have! My son is 3 and really enjoys walking so we’ve been trying to get out and about it bit more, I think I’m going to invest in a pair of decent walking shoes for him as I worry his wellies don’t give him much support! Beautiful views on your walk 🙂 #whatevertheweather
Helena says
It’s lovely to hear from your family and see what you get up to. I’ve never tried a Tula but we’ve got a Manduca that I love but in my current condition am not wearing. #Whatevertheweather
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope) says
I miss hill hiking! We have one near here where we always go but we have been busy!
he weather and that place looks amazing!
#whatevertheweather
Renae Eddy says
What a fun experience!
Plutonium Sox says
Gorgeous photos. My girls will walk for miles too as long as they’re in the mood. What a lovely birthday day out, I hope he had a good birthday.
Nat.x
Erin @Nourishing My Scholar says
I love hiking up hills and mountains. It’s harder for me and for the little ones but so long as hubby is with us, it’s doable. Gorgeous pictures by the way. A very idealistic view!
Hannah G, The 'Ordinary' Mum says
What a wonderful place for a walk, I am very impressed with your two boys!! And also you for carrying Mr A up a lot of it!! The views from the top look stunning, what a beautiful area to live in. Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather x
emilyandindiana says
Wow well done boys, very impressive! I bet it was such a lovely family activity; one you can do for years to come and watch your boys climbing ability grow! xx
Chloe says
Happy Birthday to your partner!! What a great way to spend the day! Well done to the boys for making it to the top. In a years time they’ll be climbing mountains for sure! I’m so impressed with how far they go every time. It looks so beautiful from the top! x
Laura @Dancing dandelions says
What stunning views! I NEED to visit Scotland soon!
We are lucky enough to live near the peak district though and the kids love walking <3 #Whatevertheweather