12k Run Tillicoultry: Scenic Peaks of Ben Ever and Cleuch

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tackle the rugged heart of the Ochil Hills with this demanding 12.2km circuit that packs a punch with over 700m of ascent. Starting from Tillicoultry, this Category SL (Short Local) hill run transitions quickly from the village streets into steep, grassy climbs and technical ridges. You’ll conquer the summits of Ben Ever, Ben Cleuch—the highest point in the Ochils—and Andrew Gannel Hill. The terrain is entirely off-road, offering a mix of well-trodden trails and open hillside that requires keen navigation, especially when the mist rolls in over the 500m peaks. Runners are rewarded with expansive views across the Forth Valley to the Pentlands and northward toward the Southern Highlands.

Tillicoultry, or 'Tilly' to the locals, sits at the base of the Hillfoots and has a rich industrial heritage tied to the clear waters of the burns running off these very peaks. Historically a hub for textile milling, the town served as a gateway for shepherds and traders crossing the Ochils into Perthshire. Running this route today feels like a journey through time, passing ancient geological formations and the remnants of the area’s wool-producing past. The Ochils are known for their steep southerly faces and deep glens, offering some of the best fell running terrain in central Scotland without the long drive to the Highlands.