Been there, Dunning that: Witches and views make Glendevon round a must-do

Growing up in Clackmannanshire, I was lucky enough to have many excellent roads and trails to cycle along on my doorstep.

One I return to time and again is a 31-mile loop of the marvellous Dunning Glen.

I hop on my bike in the town of Dollar. Above me, through the trees of the verdant Dollar Glen, Castle Campbell overlooks the town. Used by Clan Campbell as a lowland fortress, it was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots.

The climb steepens as I follow the back road to Muckhart. Despite being one of the shortest hills in the ride, this one always bites the hardest! It narrows into a winding farm lane and back to the main A-road into Muckhart, passing the tranquil Japanese Garden.

Muckhart is a town of three names – the Pool, the Yetts and the Lee of Muckhart, all with their own history.

At a fork known as the “funny junction” for its multiple connections, I turn right to a leafy lane that opens into a glen. It’s a long climb but one of my favourites.

Beyond the steep start, I gradually head higher and higher, passing some elegant houses and woods where I spot a jay flitting under the canopy. The summit is more than 990ft and I soon have a panoramic view down into Strathearn. I keep my eyes on the tight bends, though – it’s easy to overcook it! I often pass through Dunning too quickly, but today I take time to explore it, particularly St Serf’s Church and its 12th Century tower.

I head west out of the village on a country road that bobs its way between fertile fields, and spot a crooked and imposing cross, with “Maggie Wall burnt here 1657 as a witch” crudely painted on it.

It is an odd monument, slightly incongruous and propped up by metal staples. The internet tells me Maggie has become something of an urban myth but, like the Tomb Of The Unknown Warrior, the monument has become symbolic for thousands executed as witches.

It is one of few memorials raised in memory of an alleged witch in Scotland but who raised it? Who maintains it? Whoever it is, they’re not telling, so the mystery lives on.

I press on, resisting the urge to stop in Auchterarder for coffee and cake – though there are many options should you need a pit stop – and come to the long climb up Glen Eagles. Contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with eagles – Gleann na h-Eaglais derives from “ecclesia”, meaning “church”.

I catch my breath at the top and munch a snack as I enjoy the marvellous view of Strathearn to the hills above Crieff and Comrie.

I zoom gently down through Glendevon and enjoy an easy pedal back to Dollar, relishing the history of this one loop of my local area.