Gargunnock Hills

Range Of Mountains, Range Of Hills in Stirlingshire

Scotland

Gargunnock Hills

Head of the Earl's Burn A tough wet moorland, unless you come in on the power station road. I had waded through the moorland east of the reservoir. — Head of the Earl's Burn Credit: Richard Webb

Gargunnock Hills, located in Stirlingshire, Scotland, is a range of hills that forms part of the larger Southern Highlands region. Situated approximately 8 miles northwest of Stirling, these hills are characterized by their rolling landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich historical significance.

The Gargunnock Hills stretch across an area of about 20 square miles, encompassing several prominent peaks, including Earls Hill, Green Hill, and Gallow Hill. These hills vary in height, with Earls Hill being the highest point at around 300 meters above sea level. The terrain consists mainly of grassy slopes, heather moorland, and scattered woodlands, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The Gargunnock Hills are renowned for their natural beauty and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Hiking and walking trails are abundant, allowing visitors to explore the area's peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The hills are also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, buzzards, and numerous species of birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

In addition to their natural appeal, the Gargunnock Hills have a rich historical heritage. The nearby village of Gargunnock, with its quaint cottages and charming atmosphere, dates back to the 17th century. The hills themselves have been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient settlements and burial sites found in the area. This historical significance adds an extra layer of fascination to the Gargunnock Hills, making them an intriguing destination for those interested in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Overall, the Gargunnock Hills in Stirlingshire offer a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical allure, making them a must-visit for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat or an exploration of Scotland's rich natural and cultural heritage.

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Gargunnock Hills Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.089825/-4.121672 or Grid Reference NS6890. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Head of the Earl's Burn A tough wet moorland, unless you come in on the power station road. I had waded through the moorland east of the reservoir.

Head of the Earl's Burn

A tough wet moorland, unless you come in on the power station road. I had waded through the moorland east of the reservoir.

On the Gargunnock Hills Above the scarp with a tin of grouse grit in the foreground. The view is towards Carleatheran.

On the Gargunnock Hills

Above the scarp with a tin of grouse grit in the foreground. The view is towards Carleatheran.

On the Gargunnock Hills Rough moorland which is managed as a grouse moor even though the heather is outnumbered by the grass. The mapped track is an exaggeration - there is a strip of flattened grass from four wheel drive vehicles and some churned up bog, but nothing to suggest a proper two dashed line track.

On the Gargunnock Hills

Rough moorland which is managed as a grouse moor even though the heather is outnumbered by the grass. The mapped track is an exaggeration - there is a strip of flattened grass from four wheel drive vehicles and some churned up bog, but nothing to suggest a proper two dashed line track.

Bog, Carleatheran Peat bogs on the Gargunnock Hills plateau with the Earlsburn wind farm in the background.

Bog, Carleatheran

Peat bogs on the Gargunnock Hills plateau with the Earlsburn wind farm in the background.

On the Gargunnock Hills Grassy moorland on the plateau east of Carleatheran.

On the Gargunnock Hills

Grassy moorland on the plateau east of Carleatheran.

Moorland on the Gargunnock Hills On the edge of the steep scarp above Gargunnock.

Moorland on the Gargunnock Hills

On the edge of the steep scarp above Gargunnock.

Carleatheran Loch Now a bog.

Carleatheran Loch

Now a bog.

Trap landscape, Carleatheran The stepped landscape of successive lava flows on the Gargunnock Hills. Soon to the north the hill falls steeply towards the lowlands around the River Forth.

Trap landscape, Carleatheran

The stepped landscape of successive lava flows on the Gargunnock Hills. Soon to the north the hill falls steeply towards the lowlands around the River Forth.

Quadbike track on Carleatheran Grassy moorland at the top of the Gargunnock Hills scarp.

Quadbike track on Carleatheran

Grassy moorland at the top of the Gargunnock Hills scarp.

Carleatheran summit The cairn at the top of the Gargunnock Hills. It is uncertain if the grassy mound is a cairn as well. It appears to be made of boulders rather than another step of basalt.

Carleatheran summit

The cairn at the top of the Gargunnock Hills. It is uncertain if the grassy mound is a cairn as well. It appears to be made of boulders rather than another step of basalt.

Gargunnock Hills traps, Tulmore An expanse of flat terrain above the steep Gargunnock Hills scarp. The flatness is the top of a lava flow, now a resistant layer of basalt. The next flow can be seen as a step (hence the term trap) on the right. (We are told the term &quot;trap&quot; comes from Swedish, but it is of course an English word too.)

Gargunnock Hills traps, Tulmore

An expanse of flat terrain above the steep Gargunnock Hills scarp. The flatness is the top of a lava flow, now a resistant layer of basalt. The next flow can be seen as a step (hence the term trap) on the right. (We are told the term "trap" comes from Swedish, but it is of course an English word too.)

Above Black Craig Grassy moorland on the Gargunnock Hills with fine views of the Forth plain beneath the steep scarp. Quite a few Highland Perthshire hills are clearly visible from Ben Venue to Ben Vorlich.

Above Black Craig

Grassy moorland on the Gargunnock Hills with fine views of the Forth plain beneath the steep scarp. Quite a few Highland Perthshire hills are clearly visible from Ben Venue to Ben Vorlich.

Path above Standmilane Crags Exaggerated somewhat to road status by the Ordnance Survey, this is a quad bike track of flattened grass with some deep boggy bits which runs the length of the escarpment. The view is towards Stronend above Fintry. Progress off the path is liable to be slow and frustrating, this is rough country.

Path above Standmilane Crags

Exaggerated somewhat to road status by the Ordnance Survey, this is a quad bike track of flattened grass with some deep boggy bits which runs the length of the escarpment. The view is towards Stronend above Fintry. Progress off the path is liable to be slow and frustrating, this is rough country.

Bog pool, Lees Hill Peat deposits on the Gargunnock Hill plateau.

Bog pool, Lees Hill

Peat deposits on the Gargunnock Hill plateau.

Moorland, Lees Hill Grassy moorland looking over towards Earlsburn wind farm.

Moorland, Lees Hill

Grassy moorland looking over towards Earlsburn wind farm.

Head of the Earl's Burn Very boggy ground around Earlsburn No. 1 Reservoir.

Head of the Earl's Burn

Very boggy ground around Earlsburn No. 1 Reservoir.

Earlsburn Windfarm from the North Looking back to windfarm from the northernmost turbine.

Earlsburn Windfarm from the North

Looking back to windfarm from the northernmost turbine.

Moorland South of Carleatheran Looking across remote moorland to the windfarm from a line of grouse butts. The terrain north of here is tough going unless ATV or sheep tracks can be found.

Moorland South of Carleatheran

Looking across remote moorland to the windfarm from a line of grouse butts. The terrain north of here is tough going unless ATV or sheep tracks can be found.

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Gargunnock Hills is located at Grid Ref: NS6890 (Lat: 56.089825, Lng: -4.121672)

Unitary Authority: Stirling

Police Authority: Forth Valley

What 3 Words

///hardens.spouting.contrived. Near Kippen, Stirling

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