Dumyat is a spectacular little hill that punches above its weight when it comes to the drama of the views from its steep summit, and despite the mist enveloped landscape below, it was possible to glimpse the Forth Bridges in the distance and the outline of the Pentland Hills beyond.

I had set out earlier that morning with friend Dave Taylor from the small carpark at Blairlogie, taking the trail heading the left from the gate, which gently rose through lovely mixed woodland.

There were some magnificent ash trees here, some of which had sadly perished from ash dieback disease. Their demise, however, will support new life in the form of invertebrates within the decaying wood, as well as fungi.

The ascent was surprisingly easy, soon leaving the woodland and rising through a shallow gully towards the ridge near the top.

Close to the summit of Dumyat lies Castle Law, a subsidiary top, which was once the site of a fort occupied by the Maeatae, a prominent Pictish tribe. Indeed, the name Dumyat derives from dun (or fort).

The Maeatae were certainly known to the Romans, whose empire at that time extended beyond Stirling.

Xiphilinus, writing in AD 208 about the campaigns of Septimus, noted: “The Maeatae dwell close to the wall which divides the country into two parts and the Caledonians next to them. Each of the two inhabit rugged hills with swamps between”.

The name ‘Picts’ possibly originates as a Roman racial slur for those people living to the north of Hadrian’s Wall, but despite this animosity, it is likely that the Maeatae traded with the Romans and there was a form of uneasy but mutually beneficial peace.

The fort at Castle Law underwent several constructions phases from 1 BC to 1 AD, including heavy stone ramparts and additional defences on the outer rim. The east side of the fort is protected by steep crags and the main weight of the defences are concentrated on the west.

When viewing Dumyat and Castle Law from the low ground below, one can imagine that the fort must have had a real dominating presence over central Scotland, being visible for many miles around. It would have been a formidable sight, and one to strike fear and foreboding for incomers.

It also had immense strategic importance, overlooking the lowest major crossing point of the River Forth at Stirling, which was to manifest itself in Scottish history in the following centuries, especially at the iconic battles of Stirling Bridge and Sherrifmuir.

There was a good selection of wildlife to be seen during our walk, including several ravens and a hovering kestrel, while near the top of Dumyat clusters of English stonecrop were still in flower. On our descent into Menstrie Glen, a scarlet waxcap toadstool glowed like a burning ember.

It had been a great morning’s walk, enveloping the senses with both history and wonderful nature, and underlining how fortunate we are to have the Ochils on our doorstep here in the Wee County.