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Home> Walks> Scotland> Stirling> Up the Doon Hill

Up the Doon Hill

Recommended by
Our view
"A circular walk in the footsteps of Robert Kirk, the minister who believed in fairies"
Walk directions

From the west end of the car park exit onto Manse Road and turn left. Immediately cross a narrow bridge over the River Forth and continue along the road to the cemetery. Enter the cemetery through a pair of ornate metal gates and cross to the remains of the church.

Walk from the door to the rear of the church and look for a carving with what looks like a dagger crossed with a hook. This marks the burial place of the Revd Robert Kirk, one of Kirkton’s ministers. Return from here to the main gate leave the churchyard and turn left to continue along Manse Road.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Roads, forest roads and well-surfaced footpaths
  Landscape  - Pastures, hills and woods
  Dog friendliness  - Suitable for dogs
  Parking  - Car park in Aberfoyle next to tourist office
  Toilets en route  - Beside tourist office next to car park
Walks in Stirling Dog-friendly walks in Stirling Family friendly walks in Stirling
About the walk
By modern standards the Reverend Robert Kirk would be regarded as absolutely barking mad but in the 17th century a belief in fairies was not considered strange, even when held by the local minister. It was  Kirk’s daily practice to walk to the top of Doon Hill, known locally as the fairy knoll and,...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
. .
Explore Stirling
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Hotel
Thackray House
★★★★
awardawardaward
"Former shooting lodge with a rich history and elegant décor...."
  • Family rooms: 4
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Guest Accommodation
The Abbotsford
★★★★
awardawardaward
"A beautiful building offering exceptional comfort and great cuisine...."
Hotel
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
★★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Beautifully located hotel with fine dining and top leisure facilities...."
  • Family rooms: 9
  • WiFi available
  • Lift available
Nearby places to stay
Thackray House
Built in the 17th century and originally used as a shooting lodge, this charming country house has a rich history, and has recently moved into new ownership. 20 acres of gardens and gro...
★★★★    Rating
The Abbotsford
The Abbotsford is close to the main high street of Callander and had a lovely garden. It is a small boutique property that offers high standards of accommodation and service. The bar of...
★★★★    Rating
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Experience the allure of Cameron House, a resort nestled on the serene shores of Loch Lomond, set amidst 400 acres of picturesque grounds. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the S...
★★★★★    Rating
Cromlix
Owned by Kim and Andy Murray (the tennis star, who was born in nearby Dunblane), this stunning hotel has been appointed to a luxurious standard. The expansive grounds are secluded and i...
★★★★★    Rating
Glen Dochart Holiday Park
A small site located on the A85 some eight miles from Killin, with boating and fishing available on Loch Tay, and stunning views over the surrounded hills from tiered pitches. It is als...
★★★★    Rating
Victoria Square
Victoria Square is located in the conservation area of Kings Park just minutes from Stirling town centre and in the shadow of Stirling castle. This period property have lovingly retaine...
★★★★★    Rating
The Stirling Highland Hotel
Enjoying a location close to the castle and historic town, the Stirling Highland Hotel was previously a school. Public rooms have been converted from the original classrooms and retain ...
★★★★    Rating
The Meadowpark
The Meadowpark is located on the edge on the Bridge of Allan within easy walking distance to the Wallace Monument and close to Stirling University. Stirling Castle can be seen from a nu...
★★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
LOMA by Graeme Cheevers
   AA Rosette Award
The Glasshouse
   AA Rosette Award
Elements
   AA Rosette Award
Lochview Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
LOMA by Graeme Cheevers
   AA Rosette Award
The Glasshouse
   AA Rosette Award
Elements
   AA Rosette Award
Lochview Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Seasons View
   AA Rosette Award
The Prancing Stag
   AA Rosette Award
The Restaurant, One Devonshire Gardens
   AA Rosette Award
Cail Bruich
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
2hrs 30min
Dog-friendly Family-friendly
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Moderate


Distance:
2 miles (3.2kms)

Ascent:
220ft (67m)

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Eat or drink nearby  
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Up the Doon Hill

Recommended by
Our view
"A circular walk in the footsteps of Robert Kirk, the minister who believed in fairies"
Walk details
2hrs 30min
Dog friendly Family friendly
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Moderate
Distance:
2 miles (3.2kms)
Ascent:
220ft (67m)
Walk directions

From the west end of the car park exit onto Manse Road and turn left. Immediately cross a narrow bridge over the River Forth and continue along the road to the cemetery. Enter the cemetery through a pair of ornate metal gates and cross to the remains of the church.
1 of 6

Walk from the door to the rear of the church and look for a carving with what looks like a dagger crossed with a hook. This marks the burial place of the Revd Robert Kirk, one of Kirkton’s ministers. Return from here to the main gate leave the churchyard and turn left to continue along Manse Road.
2 of 6

Go past some houses and pick up signs pointing to Fairy Hill. Continue along a forest road and don’t be surprised to meet teams of huskies pulling sledges. There’s a sign explaining that this is a Husky Training Route.
3 of 6

Near the top of the hill look for a sign pointing left to the Doon Hill Fairy Trail and Circular Walk. Follow the minister's footsteps by turning left onto a well-surfaced gravel footpath. Follow this uphill through the trees and up several sets of steps to eventually reach the tree-covered summit.
4 of 6

Walk around the top of the hill and look at the pieces of coloured cloth, scarves, hats and other objects attached to the branches of the trees. These are offerings to the fairies from visitors. Some have messages attached, mostly asking the fairies to use their magic powers to help make various wishes come true.
5 of 6

Return to the summit and take path opposite to the one you came up on. This is marked by a green waymarker. As you leave, look back at the most prominent tree, for that’s the one in which the Revd Kirk is allegedly incarcerated. Follow the path downhill, turn right onto a track marked by a green waymarker then turn right onto the forest road and head back to the start of the walk.
6 of 6
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Roads, forest roads and well-surfaced footpaths
  Landscape - Pastures, hills and woods
  Dog friendliness - Suitable for dogs
  Parking - Car park in Aberfoyle next to tourist office
  Toilets en route - Beside tourist office next to car park
Walks in Stirling Dog-friendly walks in Stirling Family friendly walks in Stirling
About the walk
By modern standards the Reverend Robert Kirk would be regarded as absolutely barking mad but in the 17th century a belief in fairies was not considered strange, even when held by the local minister. It was  Kirk’s daily practice to walk to the top of Doon Hill, known locally as the fairy knoll and,...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Stirling
. .
Explore Stirling

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Hotel
Thackray House
★★★★
awardawardaward
"Former shooting lodge with a rich history and elegant décor...."
  • Family rooms: 4
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Guest Accommodation
The Abbotsford
★★★★
awardawardaward
"A beautiful building offering exceptional comfort and great cuisine...."
Hotel
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
★★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Beautifully located hotel with fine dining and top leisure facilities...."
  • Family rooms: 9
  • WiFi available
  • Lift available
Nearby places to stay
Thackray House
Built in the 17th century and originally used as a shooting lodge, this charming country house has a rich history, and has recently moved into new ownership. 20 acres of gardens and gro...
★★★★    Rating
The Abbotsford
The Abbotsford is close to the main high street of Callander and had a lovely garden. It is a small boutique property that offers high standards of accommodation and service. The bar of...
★★★★    Rating
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Experience the allure of Cameron House, a resort nestled on the serene shores of Loch Lomond, set amidst 400 acres of picturesque grounds. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the S...
★★★★★    Rating
Cromlix
Owned by Kim and Andy Murray (the tennis star, who was born in nearby Dunblane), this stunning hotel has been appointed to a luxurious standard. The expansive grounds are secluded and i...
★★★★★    Rating
Glen Dochart Holiday Park
A small site located on the A85 some eight miles from Killin, with boating and fishing available on Loch Tay, and stunning views over the surrounded hills from tiered pitches. It is als...
★★★★    Rating
Victoria Square
Victoria Square is located in the conservation area of Kings Park just minutes from Stirling town centre and in the shadow of Stirling castle. This period property have lovingly retaine...
★★★★★    Rating
The Stirling Highland Hotel
Enjoying a location close to the castle and historic town, the Stirling Highland Hotel was previously a school. Public rooms have been converted from the original classrooms and retain ...
★★★★    Rating
The Meadowpark
The Meadowpark is located on the edge on the Bridge of Allan within easy walking distance to the Wallace Monument and close to Stirling University. Stirling Castle can be seen from a nu...
★★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
LOMA by Graeme Cheevers
   AA Rosette Award
The Glasshouse
   AA Rosette Award
Elements
   AA Rosette Award
Lochview Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
LOMA by Graeme Cheevers
   AA Rosette Award
The Glasshouse
   AA Rosette Award
Elements
   AA Rosette Award
Lochview Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Seasons View
   AA Rosette Award
The Prancing Stag
   AA Rosette Award
The Restaurant, One Devonshire Gardens
   AA Rosette Award
Cail Bruich
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby