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Meikle Bin

Where we are

Latest forest information

  • Please be aware that the car park and forest road will be closed from 29 April until 1 August 2024 for forest operations to take place safely. Area of closure shown on attached map. During this time please follow any on site safety signage. 
  • Parking in front of the barriers or restricting access to the forest and adjacent properties is prohibited.
  • Todholes/Carron Valley is a working forest and vehicle access is required 24 hours a day. We kindly ask that you show consideration and note that we will be ticketing in this area.

About

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

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.

Strenuous trail grade icon
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

Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Mountain access
Mountain access

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

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.

Using SatNav?

Nearest postcode: G63 0XH 

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Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 1)
More contact information

Nearby forests

A picnic table overlooking a loch

A landscape rich in wildlife and history

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Toilets
Toilets
Mountain biking
Mountain biking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Meikle Bin': 2.19 miles
A green munro with a pine woodland

Stroll beside a woodland burn or head into the hills

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Mountain access
Mountain access
Distance from 'Meikle Bin': 4.64 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Quiet forest with grand views of the Forth Valley and Stirling Castle

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Distance from 'Meikle Bin': 5.69 miles