Doune Braes - Kilmadock Circular
Date: 27 September 2025
Leader: Jack
Grade: C
Number on walk: 19
Length 12.7km. Ascent 130m.
Hills climbed: None.
Click here for GPX track of the walk
After climbing out of Doune we walked along part of the Speed Hillclimb Course at Doune which fortunately wasn’t in use at the time!
The Speed Hillclimb Course at Doune was built in 1967/1968 and is of 1350metres in length. It was resurfaced in January 1992, a new paddock established in 2000 and a paddock ring road installed in 2002.
After walking through pastoral countryside and a wooded lane we arrived at Old Kilmadock church and graveyard
The church was originally part of a monastic site dating back to at least the 9th century. It fell into ruin by 1744, and its stones were repurposed to build a new church in Doune in 1746. Today, only fragments remain. The churchyard contains burial enclosures and monuments from the 17th century onward, including graves of notable families such as the Doigs and Stewarts. It's considered one of the most historically significant kirkyards in the region.
We posed for our traditional group photograph outside the kirk walls
Afternoon tea was taken in the kirk grounds or on the banks of the River Teith
The view looking towards Callander from our afternoon tea stop
The view looking towards Doune from our afternoon tea stop
Our final point of interest was Doune Castle
Doune Castle was built in the 13th century, rebuilt in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, and remained largely unchanged. It became a royal hunting lodge and later belonged to the Earls of Moray. The castle saw action during the Jacobite risings, fell into ruin by 1800, and is now preserved by Historic Environment Scotland.