Samson’s Stone and Dunmore Fort Circuit

This 4.9-mile (7.9-km) loop starts at Callander Meadows and links Samson’s Stone and Dunmore Fort before returning through Coilhallan Wood. Expect about 250 m of ascent and allow 2½ hours for the full circuit; this is the Meadows loop, not the shorter outing from Bochastle Car Park. The reward is two contrasting hilltop stops—a huge glacial boulder and an Iron Age fort—along with views over Callander and Loch Venachar.

From the riverside path, join the cycle path toward Strathyre and cross farmland, passing the site of Bochastle Roman Fort. After a minor-road crossing, follow the signed path by the car park and through trees. Take the steps to the right, then climb steep, rough grass; views back over Callander open as you leave the trees. Samson’s Stone sits on the hilltop, a boulder carried here by glacial ice. Local legend says the giant Samson threw it from Ben Ledi. For a photo, frame the boulder against Loch Venachar and the hills beyond.

Descend past a gate and an old wall, cross a small footbridge, then turn right onto a clear but unmarked grassy path to Dunmore. This link can be boggy. A short climb brings you to the hillfort’s earthen ramparts and views across Loch Venachar; the ground at the fort is rough, with steep drops at the edge. From below the hill, join the Great Trossachs Path toward Coilhallan Wood. The return follows minor roads, then woodland tracks among larches and old Scots pines. The path climbs and dips before dropping toward Callander, where a short road and pavement section leads back to the river and Meadows.

Callander Meadows car park is beside the river and signed from Main Street; parking is charged. Buses serve Callander. Dogs can accompany walkers under Scotland’s access rules when kept under proper control. Expect cycle path, tracks, steps, steep grass, uneven ground, a potentially boggy section and short road crossings. Dunmore’s steep, rough summit approach makes this a poor fit if you need a smooth, level route. The separate Bochastle Car Park outing is shorter, but it does not follow this full Callander loop.