Meikle Bin

Begin your walk up the distinctive peak of 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.

Walking trails

Walking

Meikle Bin Trail

A trail notice is in effect

Please note the parking area and forest road from the entrance will be closed from Monday 23 September until Friday 20 December 2024 to allow for forest operations. The closure can be seen on the map here. Meikle Bin can still be accessed from the main Carron Valley car park along the route shown on the map here. For your safety please follow all on site signage and diversions during these works.

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

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.

Facilities and access

Mountain access

Walking

Parking

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

Learn more about water safety around the reservoir

• Water Safety - Scottish Water
• Respect Our Reservoirs - Scottish Water
• Carron Valley Reservoir - Scottish Water

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

Meikle Bin 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 Meikle Bin car park on your left, opposite the track to the wind farm, at grid reference NS 673 858.

If visiting by car, please do not block neighbouring Todholes Farm and windfarm access on the northern side of the loch. 24 hour access is required by our neighbours and emergency services.

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Nearest postcode: G63 0XH 

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