Todholes

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Ready to tackle Meikle Bin?

This small car park at the western end of Carron Valley reservoir is a favourite starting point for the hill track up to Meikle Bin. You can also join trails around the reservoir from here, leading to the waterside wildlife hide, or cross the road to wind through the woods to the site of John de Graham’s 13th century fort. Download our map of trails in the Carron Valley for more details.

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Life’s essentials

There are toilets in the main Carron Valley car park, including accessible facilities, which are open year-round. Find places to eat, drink and shop at the nearby towns of Fintry, Denny and Kilsyth.

Parking at the main car park

The main Carron Valley car park at the eastern end of the reservoir is open from 7.30am to 9.00pm in the summer and 7.30am to 6.00pm in the winter.

Walking trails

Meikle Bin Trail

Climb through the forest to the prominent summit of Meikle Bin, the finest vantage point in the Campsies. There are views across Scotland from coast to coast.

A prolonged climb with steep slopes for half a mile. Initially firm, uneven gravel surface, becoming rough and grassy on the open hillside. Includes one gate and some very muddy areas.

6 ¼ miles /
10.2 km
Allow
4 hours

More information...

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This trail is waymarked from the Todholes car park, but please note that once the trail leaves the forest for the open hill it’s no longer waymarked.

Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

History comes alive at Carron Valley

This landscape is rich in history. Not far from Todholes are the remains of the 13th century fort of John de Graham of Dundaff, who fought alongside William Wallace. The mound and deep ditch of the motte and bailey stronghold are in an atmospheric spot overlooking the river valley and reservoir. To reach it, turn right out of the Todholes car park and then take the first left onto a singletrack road. Follow this for about ¼ mile (400 metres) to reach a track on the right that leads to the fort.

Explore the forest on the opposite shore to find standing stones, old cattle drove roads and fisher paths. History is literally alive in the forest too – the Clanranald Trust is building a full-scale replica medieval village in the woods, called Duncarron. They often host costumed re-enactments and exciting living history events.

Contact: Scottish Lowlands Forest District

Address: Five Sisters House, Five Sisters Business Park, West Calder

Postcode: EH55 8PN

Telephone: 0300 067 6700

Email: scottishlowlands@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

Todholes is in Carron Valley Forest, which lies beside the B818 west of Denny in Stirlingshire.

Take the B818 west from Denny, signposted to Fintry. After about 6 miles (10km), you’ll pass the main Carron Valley car park on your left. Continue along the road for about another 3 miles (5 km), to reach the far end of the reservoir. You’ll see the small Todholes car park on your left, opposite the track to the wind farm, at grid reference NS 673 858.

Using SatNav?

G63 0XH is the nearest postcode.

Nearby places

Explore more of the Carron Valley forest while you’re here, for scenic lochside trails and exhilarating mountain biking.

Further afield, Larbert Woods is a peaceful green space and wildlife haven on an historic estate; ideal for an easy stroll any time of the year. Nethercroy has lovely wildflower meadows, open woodland and a Roman frontier above the Forth & Clyde Canal.