Myreton Hill Explained

Myreton Hill
Elevation M:388.1[1]
Prominence M:54
Location:Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Range:Ochil Hills
Grid Ref Uk:NS858981
Map:Scotland
Topo:OS Landranger 57

Myreton Hill is a peak near the village of Menstrie in the Ochil Hills of Scotland.[1]

Location

The hill is located immediately to the north-east of the village of Menstrie in the Ochil Hills, in Clackmannanshire[2] in the Central Lowlands of Scotland. It is northwest of Alloa and northeast of Stirling.[1]

Topography and walking routes

The hill is an outlier in the southern part of the Ochil Hills. The Menstrie Burn runs in a deep valley, the Menstrie Glen, north to south along its western face, joined by the First Incha Burn from two branches on its northern slopes,[2] while the Balquharn Burn runs north-south on its eastern slopes.[3] At 387 or 388.1 metres, the hill is the 9013th highest point in the British Isles.[4] Myreton Hill is not quite as high as its neighbour Dumyat, from which it is separated by the deep Menstrie Glen, but Dumyat is a more popular walking destination.[5]

There is road access to the base of the hill, and bus service to Menstrie from Alloa and Stirling.[2]

The track up the scarp face of Myreton Hill leads to some calcite workings. It was used by a farmer, the owner of the Jerah holding, to access his sheep, and its also forms the beginning of a walking route to deeper parts of the Ochil Hills.[6]

There are remains of a dun, a possible Iron Age fortification, on the slopes of the hill.[7] Part of the hill is also within a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.[7]

Other activities

Myreton Hill is useful to and popular with the paragliding community, as it is easily ascended to a suitable point while carrying equipment.[2] Dozens of paragliding enthusiasts have used this place for their hobby.[6]

Commercial forestry

A forestry company, UPM Tilhill, published plans to plant commercial woodland in the Ochil Hills above Menstrie, on behalf of the farmer owner, including on the eastern and northern flanks of Menstrie Glen. The plan includes an area, on Myreton Hill, of broadleaf woodland and would affect recreational use and customary access routes. UPM made alterations to accommodate some concerns[6] and their plans were approved by the Scottish Forestry Commission in October 2014.[8]

56.1618°N -3.8404°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Myreton Hill, Clackmanannshire . Ordnance Survey (UK) - Get Outside . Ordnance Survey (HMG) . 29 March 2020.
  2. Web site: Hardy . Richard . Myreton Hill: an Ochils Taster . Viewranger.com . WalkingWorld.com . 29 March 2020 . Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, ... following the course of Menstrie Burn in its deep gorge. From the summit there are great views over the Southern Ochils ....
  3. Web site: Ordnance Survey maps - centred on Myreton Hill . Ordnance Survey (UK) . Ordnance Survey (HMG) . 29 March 2020.
  4. Web site: Myreton Hill . MountainGuide.co.uk . 29 March 2020.
  5. Book: Baker . Patrick . Walking in the Ochils, Campsie Fells and Lomond Hills: 33 Walks in Scotland . 2 March 2012 . Cicerone Press . 38.
  6. Web site: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Meeting . Menstrie Community Council . 29 March 2020 . 16 January 2013.
  7. Book: Gallacher. Environmental Statement - Proposal for mixed woodland, Jerah Farm . October 2013.
  8. Web site: EIA Projects - Jerah . Scottish Forestry . 29 March 2020.