Lindsay Boyd&#39;s Trip Reports

Dumglow

15 October 2011

Map – OS Landranger 58.

Time taken – 2 hours.

Distance – 7.5 kilometres

Ascent – 175 metres.

Earlier in the day I climbed the Sub 2000 Marilyn, Benarty Hill from near Ballingry, in Fife. My next hill was Dumglow, a few miles to the west, and just north of the county boundary between Fife and Kinross-shire. Again I had decided on a northerly approach but at my planned starting point the area was awash with mud due to ongoing building work. There was also a large crane working in the area.

I therefore drove round to the east side of the hill where I discovered there wasn’t a parking space left at the vehicle track leading to Loch Glow. However I managed to park on the verge at a passing place further north before walking back to the track. I then followed it through the trees and descended to Loch Glow where there were a few folks fishing.

A path, which was wet and muddy in places, was followed round the north side of the loch to the end of the forest where a less distinct path, or animal track, ran along the west edge of the forest towards Black Loch. On approaching this loch the ground was marshy but once through this area it was a steep climb, following a fence, to a small knoll. An easy walk then led to the summit trig point and cairn where I had hazy views of Loch Leven and the Firth of Forth. There were limited views to the west as the forecasted rain was approaching.

After some lunch, sheltering from the wind, I returned towards the forest where I had observed a more obvious path. This led to a narrow firebreak, not initially obvious. I entered the forest and followed this firebreak, which was wet and boggy in sections, east. Nearly a kilometre later I emerged from the trees, just west of the 336 metre knoll, descended to the east side of Loch Glow and followed the forest track back to the start.

Dumglow

first ascent

379 metres

Benarty Hill

15 October 2011

Map – OS Landranger 58.

Time taken – 1.25 hours.

Distance – 3.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 185 metres.

The plan was to check out a northerly approach to this hill but ongoing excavation work on the south side of the B9097 put paid to that idea. I therefore drove round to the unclassified single track road to the west of the village of Ballingry, but here the limited number of parking spaces were already occupied. With difficulty I managed to locate a bit of verge parking, although I wasn’t particular happy with the position.

I walked back to the start and noticed signs stating that the path was closed. However a number of runners were doing hill reps up the steps and as it was a Saturday I presumed work was on hold for the weekend.

The stepped path zigzagged uphill and the reason for the closure was obvious as some of the steps were being replaced and a new top surface laid. Fortunately, as I predicted, the workmen had the day off. Higher up the path joined a forestry vehicle track which I followed to its end. This was replaced by another path, or two, which wound its way through Benarty Wood to the open hillside.

A peaty path through heather led to the large boulder marking the top of the knoll, Seamark. Here there were views back to Loch Ore, Firth of Forth and in the distance, Edinburgh. It was then an easy stroll to the trig point which marked the summit of Benarty Hill. To the north I could see the Lomond Hills, which I had climbed the previous month, and Loch Leven.

I took a short coffee break in a hollow sheltering from the strong wind before returning by the ascent route.

Benarty Hill

first ascent

356 metres

East Lomond, West Lomond and Bishop Hill

17 September 2011

Map –OS Landranger 58 & 59

Time taken – 5.5 hours.

Distance – 17.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 710 metres.

Falkland in Fife was my destination as it would give me access to the hill road which crosses between East and West Lomond. I don’t recall being in Falkland before but a few years ago I sent a letter to a resident of the village and didn’t receive a reply for several weeks as it went via the Falkland Islands.

From the village I drove to the large car park at Craigmead, where several vehicles were parked. I decided to tackle East Lomond first as the summit of West Lomond was in cloud. I crossed the road and followed the path which initially rose steadily, but soon levelled out and was quite wet in sections as it ran between fields of sheep. I was passed by mountain bikers and hill runners.

Beyond a gate the ground was marshy before it steepened considerably. The path was rather slippery caused by earlier rain and I reached the viewpoint at the same time as the hill runners who had approached from a different direction. They were planning on returning to West Lomond as they had another hour to run. I visited the viewpoint and the summit, which was five metres south of the viewpoint, then took a break sheltering from the wind with views of the villages of Falkland and Auchtermuchty. After my coffee I returned to the car park by the upward route and despite West Lomond being clear of cloud I encountered a short rain shower.

I left the car park by the rear exit which led to an easy angled grassy track before it joined a hardcore surface. Further west the track became rather muddy but I left it and climbed steeply to the summit of West Lomond, marked by a trig point and cairn. The cloud base was now a lot higher and I had views across the Fife and Kinross-shire countryside.

My plan was to return to the car park and drive round to Scotlandwell or Easter Balgedie and climb Bishop Hill. However on the ascent of West Lomond I thought I might as well include it in this walk so I headed south following some trails but once across a fence they seemed to disappear. The going was quite rough and around Glen Vale wet and marshy. I crossed a path, passed through a gate, and followed a wet muddy vehicle track, still heading in a southerly direction.

This led to an opening in the dyke and a track going west which I used but it began to turn away from my destination so I left it and headed directly towards Bishop Hill. Initially this involved some grassy undulations before a fence was reached and crossed. Beyond the ground was wet, boggy and churned up by cattle but eventually I made the final ascent to the summit cairn of Bishop Hill.

Here I found some shelter from the wind for a late lunch but was wary that at any moment the cattle I had spotted near the summit would head my way. Fortunately they didn’t. After lunch I crossed a nearby stone dyke and fence then followed a vehicle track east but it soon disappeared and I encountered more marshy ground. At a junction of fences I headed north and picked up the route I used earlier on my ascent of Bishop Hill and followed it back to Glen Vale.

The decision I now had to make was how to return to the car park. I decided, rather than going over the shoulder of West Lomond, to follow the path east along Glen Vale to Harperleas Reservoir. The path was used by mountain bikers and was muddy in places. At the Reservoir the path went round the south side of the water and thereafter, according to my map, headed off in a south-easterly direction. I therefore continued along the north edge of the Reservoir but the going was very difficult through rushes and round fallen timber. I had to get away from the water’s edge so headed north-west across fields before continuing east to the track beside the ruin above the Reservoir dam. Here I observed the route through the forest also crossed the dam and came out near the ruin, which would have been a lot easier.

It was here that I read the sign about livestock which stated “don’t stare at bulls, they don’t like it and might become aggressive”. Although it may be true it’s the first time I’ve heard that and I thought it rather funny.

I followed the track east where according to another sign thousands of trees had been planted. The track passed above Little Ballo Farm before joining the public road and a short walk to the car park.

East Lomond	first ascent	448 metres
West Lomond	first ascent	522 metres
Bishop Hill	first ascent	461 metres

Norman’s Law

10 September 2011

Map – OS Landranger 59.

Time taken – 2 hours.

Distance – 6.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 320 metres.

My third Sub 2000 Marilyn, before heading home, was Norman’s Law. There appeared to be several approach routes but I decided to start from near the village of Luthrie as it was close to the A92, the road north. However on entering Luthrie a sign indicated there was no suitable parking beyond Lower Luthrie Farm, so I left my car in the village near the school.

I could hear the constant bellowing of cattle and on passing the farm I saw some agitated cows in an adjoining field and their calves in a nearby steading, obviously being weaned. I continued along the farm road to a crossroads junction and took a right turn as indicated by a sign. This route took me below Emily Hill and onto Carphin Farm, which appeared vacant. Here another sign directed me through a gate and along another vehicle track.

A junction of tracks was soon reached but without any signage I opted to take the left fork and crossed a tied down gate. I followed a muddy track to the col below Black Craig where I got my first view of Norman’s Law. There were various paths, some were animal trails, heading towards this hill and I opted for one that led to a forested area, not knowing that further north there was a gap and path through the trees. I crossed a fence, worked my way through the trees, and crossed a second fence before dropping from a stone dyke onto a vehicle track.

I followed this track north and spotted the route I should have used to avoid the trees. The vehicle track headed into a field but I followed a path that climbed steadily beside its fence then to the summit viewpoint, trig point and large cairn. Highland Cattle were feeding nearby. I took a break here with views of the hills I had climbed earlier that day, the River Tay, its bridges and Dundee.

The descent was by the south ridge to the gap in the trees that I had missed earlier. This took me to the col beside Black Craig and I followed the ascent route back to the village of Luthrie.

Norman's Law

first ascent

285 metres

Mount Hill

10 September 2011

Map – OS Landranger 59.

Time taken – 1 hour.

Distance – 3.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 140 metres.

The start of this walk was the unclassified road to the east of Mount Hill, accessed from the A913 Newburgh to Cupar Road. Parking was at a premium here but I managed to get my vehicle onto the verge. A ‘Right of Way’ sign indicated the route to the hill, which initially ran between two fields before heading along the top of the westerly field, passing through a couple of gates en-route.

There were several signs, I counted at least five, but with the summit topped by a large monument the direction of travel was obvious. The route followed the edge of the forest with game birds in the adjoining field. It then entered the woodland and the track ran below the east side of the monument before swinging round to the north. I left the track here and followed a path through long, wet grass to the Hopetoun Monument, which marks the summit. There was also a trig point a few metres to the south but it was lower.

The trees obstructed any decent views so after a few minutes at the top I commenced the descent following the upward route, encountering a light shower as I headed for my car.

A Google search revealed that the Hopetoun Monument was a single giant Roman Doric column, with internal stair and balcony above, erected in 1826, by the inhabitants of Fife in memory of John 4th, Earl of Hopetoun. Pity the door was locked as at least there would have been views from the balcony.

Mount Hill

first ascent

221 metres

Cairnie Hill

10 September 2011

Map – OS Landranger 59.

Time taken – 1.5 hours.

Distance – 4 kilometres.

Ascent – 175 metres.

The earlier rain had ceased as I drove along the B937 on the east side of Lindores Loch where a couple of fishermen were setting up their rods beside a small pier. The width of verge parking here was restricted due to a chain link fence but several vehicles could be left there. A couple of the swans frequenting the loch were having a go at each other.

I walked back along the road for several metres before crossing it and heading up a vehicle track keeping to the right at a junction as the other track led to a nearby house. I passed a few game bird enclosures as the track ran below the north side of Cairnie Hill before swinging round to its east side on a gradual gradient. At the point where the track descended slightly I passed through an open gate and climbed steadily across a field.

This route led to the crossing of two barbed wire fences and into some long vegetation where vehicle wheels had flattened the grass which made progress a little easier. Near the highest point I crossed an old fence and walked the short distance to a large beech tree and rock which was the actual summit. I found a Geocache box concealed at the foot of the tree where I sat and had my lunch.

The descent was to the west but initially through some gorse bushes before another track was reached and followed. Unfortunately it led to a game bird enclosure so I had to retrace my steps for a few metres, before working my way between a line of trees and over another barbed wire fence. I then crossed a field to a grassy walkway that led to the track near the cottage not far from the start.

Cairnie Hill

first ascent

228 metres

Craigowl Hill

9 September 2011

Map – OS Landranger 54.

Time taken – 2 hours.

Distance – 4 kilometres.

Ascent – 215 metres.

I reached the start of this Sub 2000 Marilyn by leaving the A90, north of Dundee, passing through the village of Tealing, and driving to the road end at Hillside of Prieston. I parked my vehicle here as the road was wide enough without obstructing the nearby private roads.

My map showed a path heading north and I planned to use it rather than the vehicle track which was the direct route to Craigowl Hill. I stuck to this plan as there were lots of cows and calves surrounding the direct route, which was actually a tarred road.

The earlier rain had ceased as I crossed a cattle grid and walked round the east side of the derelict buildings expecting to find the path. However there was no trace of its existence, just wet and muddy ground churned up by cattle. There were also a few cows in the area so I headed towards the stock fence to try and locate the path, as well as having an escape route if required.

As I walked parallel to the fence I could see evidence of old tracks so I continued heading north until I came to a junction of fences. Here there were marks in the vegetation, on the south side of the fence heading towards Prieston Hill, so I followed this fence until there was a slight dip. I crossed the fence and followed a third fence as it descended to the road leading to Craigowl Hill.

I continued to avoid the road and climbed steeply towards the masts on Craigowl Hill which occasionally appeared out of the low cloud. There were more cattle in this area but they were far enough away not to cause a problem. I headed to and then walked below the perimeter fence of one the communication towers before crossing a rusty fence and walking the short distance to the summit trig point.

There were a few breaks in the cloud but insufficient to allow me a 360 degree view, so I returned to the tarred road and followed it back to the start. This did entail a few minor diversions to avoid cattle feeding close to the road.

Craigowl Hill

first ascent

455 metres

Earl’s Seat

21 August 2011

Map – OS Landranger 57.

Time taken – 3.75 hours.

Distance – 11 kilometres.

Ascent – 760 metres.

The Sub 2000 Marilyn, Earl’s Seat, in the Campsie Fells, didn’t appear to be an easy hill to access, despite being close to the Glasgow conurbation. On studying the map I decided to approach it from the A81, the Glasgow to Aberfoyle road, and take in the wee steep sided hill, Dumgoyne.

I enquired about parking at the Glengoyne Distillery but was politely told that they were expecting lots of visitors and it was suggested that I park on the verge, opposite the lay-by which was closed for repair. Apparently it is common practice for walkers to park on the verge as the access road to the hill is private. However with traffic busy on the A81 getting on and off the verge required some care.

Once parked up I set off up the private road, passed a few houses, to Blairgar, where the track passed along the front of this house and to a field where the gate was open. I followed the walker’s path across the field to a double stile and the crossing of a small stream. Beyond was a steep climb of the west face of Dumgoyne where higher up the path was quite eroded. The summit, marked by a large stone, was reached, where a young couple were taking in the views but they had no plan to continue to Earl’s Seat.

The descent of the east face of Dumgoyne was equally steep with a few rocky sections to traverse. The path joined a vehicle track as it made its way through the Canny Tops to the summit cairn of Garloch Hill. Here I had views of Killearn and in the distance, Loch Lomond.

Earl’s Seat was still some way off. I followed the undulating ridge to Bell Cairn before crossing a fence, and a short stretch of marshy ground, to reach another knoll. Eventually the path swung round to the south where again there was some marshy ground to cross. Then it was an easy climb onto Earl’s Seat. Well it would have been but firstly a fence had to be crossed to reach the summit trig point which was separated from the summit cairn by a second stock fence.

After lunch, sheltering behind the cairn from the wind, I returned by the approach route to the col between Garloch Hill and Dumgoyne then followed a path round its north and west side. This led to the route used earlier in the day which I followed back to the A81.

Earl's Seat

first ascent

578 metres

Innerdouny Hill

20 August 2011

Map – OS Landranger 58.

Time taken – 2.5 hours.

Distance – 8.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 275 metres.

Earlier in the day I climbed Lendrick Hill so it was only a short drive north on the B934 to the starting point for Innerdouny Hill. Again there was no suitable parking at the side of the road but the entrance to the forest track, immediately north of the house at Littlerig, was wide enough to take several cars without obstructing the gate.

There were various notices regarding forest operations but none restricting access, although one sign indicated that this may occur on occasions. I headed up the forest track where there were piles of cut tress awaiting removal. A car was parked beside this timber and I could hear the noise of a chainsaw nearby. Vast areas of the forest had been cut down leaving a fairly unsightly mess but at least it allowed me to see the route ahead. The summit of Innerdouny Hill was just visible above the remaining tree tops, although my map showed the top to be covered in trees.

I kept to the right at a couple of track junctions and higher up entered an area of uncut mature trees. On a couple of occasions I was tempted to leave the track and use what appeared to be narrow firebreaks to access the summit area, especially when the track made a slight descent. However I persevered with the track as it took me round to the east side of the hill where I came to an old fence and a rather wide firebreak.

The fence was followed towards the summit over some rough ground and trails through the vegetation, possibly animal marks. I passed an old stone dyke before reaching the summit trig point and with improving weather conditions had views of the Lomonds, Ochils and the Forth Valley.

After lunch, sheltering from the wind behind the trig point, I walked back to the stone dyke and decided to follow it. Initially there was little difference in the terrain but when the dyke ended I entered a firebreak where the underfoot conditions were pretty awful, wet and marshy with a few fallen trees. It was too late but I should have returned by the ascent route. Eventually I reached the vehicle track and followed it back to the start. A couple of runners and their border collies, who were headed uphill, were the only folks I met.

Innerdouny Hill

first ascent

497 metres

Lendrick Hill

20 August 2011

Map – OS Landranger 58.

Time taken – 1.25 hours.

Distance – 4.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 235 metres.

My plan was to climb Lendrick Hill from the B934 north of the Yetts o’Muckart but I was undecided whether to make a direct ascent of its west ridge or use the forest track slightly further north. On the drive along the B934 the vegetation on the west ridge didn’t look inviting as it appeared very rough and wild so I opted for the route through the forest.

There wasn’t any parking in the vicinity of the track so I left my car in the bell mouth, without obstructing the entrance, and headed off through the forest. The walking was easy as the track wound its way uphill and I had ever improving views of the Ochils. I didn’t have a plan to access the hill but was pleasantly surprised to find a fire break heading in the correct direction. I then noticed a small cairn at the edge of the track and guessed this was one of the standard routes onto Lendrick Hill.

It was a steady climb through the fire break where the ground was wet and in places very slippery. The top end of the fire break took me clear of the forest and to a stock fence, which I crossed. A worn mark in the grass led to the summit cairn which was three metres higher than the nearby trig point.

There were views, not very clear due to the cloudy conditions, of East and West Lomond, Loch Leven and from the trig point the Forth Valley. I found some shelter from the wind for a cup of coffee before returning by the ascent route. Near the end, a mountain biker past me heading uphill.

Lendrick Hill

first ascent

456 metres.

Meikle Bin

9 April 2011

Map – OS Landranger 57.

Time taken – 2.5 hours.

Distance – 10 kilometres

Ascent – 420 metres.

I was looking for a short walk as later that day the plan was to spend the night under the stars in the Southern Highlands. This Sub 2000 Marilyn appeared to fit my criteria.

I arrived at the car park on the B818 Fintry to Denny Road opposite Todholes Farm to find several vehicles already parked there. It wasn’t something I expected as on most Sub 2000 hills I never meet or see anyone.

Once geared up I set off south along the vehicle track which took me to the west end of the Carron Water Reservoir. The track then headed through the forest before returning towards the reservoir and continuing to the bridge over the River Carron. Here I met the first group of walkers.

Beyond the river I came to a ‘T’ junction and followed the right track which took me away from the reservoir and I gradually gained some height. A staggered crossroads junction was next. It was cairned so I took the second right and commenced a steeper but easy climb through the forest. Here I passed more walkers and a couple who were on their descent.

I was on the lookout for a grassy firebreak and came to a muddy path, obviously mistakenly used by walkers, which quickly came to an end amongst the trees. I returned to the track and a short distance south found the firebreak. A muddy path led through the trees and the ground became rather wet and boggy as it emerged onto the open hillside. Here I passed another couple.

It was a steady climb up the grassy north-west ridge which led to Meikle Bin’s summit trig point. Some of the earlier low cloud had lifted from the north although the views were hazy. Unfortunately there were no distant views to the south.

After a cup of coffee I returned by the ascent route with a slight diversion at the summit to look at the remains of a crashed aircraft.

Meikle Bin

first ascent

570 metres

Carleatheran

3 April 2011

Map – OS Landranger 57.

Time taken – 3 hours.

Distance – 8.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 470 metres.

The Sub 2000 Marilyn, Carleatheran, is part of the Gargunnock Hills, so for this ascent I parked in the village of Gargunnock, just south of the A811 Stirling to Drymen Road. Thereafter I walked to the east end of the village and followed a tarred road south to a gate, the first of several. Beyond this gate I passed a house with two male and several female peacocks wandering through the garden.

After passing through a further two gates I came to a water treatment works and beyond that a short area of forest. At the south edge of this forest and a fourth gate (if I have counted correctly) a ‘T’ junction was reached where I took a right turn. This led to the crossing of a burn below a small waterfall.

Beyond the burn I headed uphill following marker posts which led through a gap in a stone dyke and some gorse bushes. The path appeared to continue west but I left it to visit the waterfall, Downie’s Leap. Here a St Andrew’s cross flag had been tied to a nearby tree.

I took a couple of photographs then walked along the north side of a barbed wire fence until I saw a break in the crags. The fence was awkward to cross not just because of the barbed wire but the wooden fence posts weren’t very stable. Once over this fence and through a gap in an old stone dyke, I followed animal tracks as I worked my way through these crags.

I now had views north across the Carse of Stirling to Callander and east to the Wallace Monument. More animal tracks were followed over some wet ground until I reached a fence which led south to a gate. However vehicles had made the area around the gate a quagmire so I crossed the fence instead. Once clear of the bog an All Terrain Vehicle track, occasionally wet and boggy, was followed to the summit cairn and trig point of Carleatheran. As well as the views mentioned above I could see Stronend, which I climbed earlier in the year, and Earlsburn Reservoirs with its nearby wind turbines.

Once I had a coffee break I returned roughly by the same route. The occasional showers became more frequent some of hail.

Carleatheran

first ascent

Height 485 metres

Turin Hill

27 March 2011

Map – OS Landranger – 54.

Time taken – 1 hour.

Distance – 4 kilometres.

Ascent – 105 metres.

I took a slight diversion on my return home from climbing the Sub 2000 Marilyns, Crock and Meall Mor to enable me to pop up Turin Hill. Instead of returning north on the A90 I drove through Forfar and took the B9134 towards Brechin before turning into the access road for Fordmouth Farm. The only parking I could find, on what appeared to be a public road, was on the verge.

I set off south along a track passed the farm and the property at Back of Turin Hill. After passing through a couple of gates I entered a field of cattle. As well as the usual barbed wire fences there were electric fences, some with twin wires and others set back making any crossing difficult.

A gate at the top of the field led to the west side of the March Wood, which also had an electric fence surrounding it. At the top end of this strip of tress I crossed a couple of gates and made my final ascent of Turin Hill. There was lots of evidence on the ground that cattle frequent this area.

I crossed a stone dyke via a wooden stile to reach the summit cairn where I had views of Forfar, Rescobie Loch and the Angus Hills. I re-crossed the dyke by another stile and visited the trig point before returning by the ascent route. I did consider a more direct descent but a barbed wire topped fence with electric wires on either side changed my mind.

Turin Hill

first ascent

Ascent 252 metres.

Stronend

30 January 2011

Map – OS Landranger 57.

Time taken – 2.75 hours.

Distance – 9.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 490 metres.

With a poor forecast for later in the day I decided to climb this Sub 2000 Scottish Marilyn. My map indicated a track part of the way up the west side of Stronend and beyond that some broken contours between the cliffs.

I parked in the village of Fintry, crossed the bridge over the Endrick Water, and walked along the icy tarred private road to Culcreuch Castle Hotel. On reaching the Hotel I followed the signposted vehicle track to the farm. There was no movement here other than a few dogs in their kennels. At the rear of the property I located the track that would give me access to the hill.

Beyond the farm I came across an open gate with a polite sign requesting no dogs due to grazing cattle and sheep. Not a problem for me as I was on my own. The track zig zagged uphill until it came to second gate which this time was closed. At the side was a stile constructed from a ladder.

The track now levelled out but as I considered leaving it I came across another track, not shown on my map, that headed uphill and led to a third gate, again with a stile. The field beyond had loads of sheep and I followed various paths, some probably animal trails, as I aimed for a fourth gate I had observed at the top of the field.

This gate required clambering over as there was no stile. The ground here had a light covering of snow and became quite steep but there were paths to follow which took me onto the summit plateau without any difficulty. It was now cold and windy so I put on my down jacket before following the path, for over a kilometre, to the large summit cairn and trig point.

I was still below the cloud base but the views weren’t good although I could make out the Lake of Menteith and to the east some wind turbines. After a coffee break in the shelter of the cairn I returned to the village of Fintry by the upward route.

Stronend

first ascent

511 metres

King’s Seat,

24 May 2010.

Map – OS Landranger 53.

Time taken – 2.25 hours.

Distance – 6.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 380 metres.

I was en-route home and decided to climb the Sub 2000 Marilyn, King’s Seat, located to the north of the A90 Perth to Dundee Road.

At Inchture I left the A90 and drove along the B953 through Abernyte towards Balbeggie. This road runs along the south side of King’s Seat but I didn’t observe any suitable parking area so I continued round to Collace where a path led to Dunsinane Hill. I managed to get my vehicle off the road here without obstructing the two farm gates but it may be easier to park in Collace and walk the short distance back to the start.

I passed through a wicket gate after reading about the history of Dunsinane Hill. There was a note asking walkers to take an alternative route during lambing but fortunately the period had just expired. It was a steady climb along the edge of the field and onto the heathery hillside and the top of Dunsinane Hill. A steep descent and then climb took me to the summit of Black Hill with views along the River Tay to Dundee and Perth.

The next section of the route was following animal tracks to the col with King’s Seat. Here there was a pond with shooting butts nearby. I thought that they were probably for ducks rather than grouse as they were so close to the water’s edge. It was then a steady climb onto the summit of King’s Seat marked by a cairn and a trig point which was painted white.

I took a break here before returning to the pond and working my way round the north side of Black Hill occasionally following animal and vehicle tracks. Prior to rejoining the path to Dunsinane Hill it started to rain and was wet on the descent back to my car.

King's Seat

first ascent

377 metres.

Moncreiff Hill

21 May 2010

Map – OS Landranger 58.

Time taken – 1.25 hours.

Distance – 4.5 kilometres.

Ascent – 180 metres.

I was heading south so this short hike fitted into my plans. I drove out of the City of Perth on the A912 and took the road signposted to Rhynd. At Tarsappie I looked for a suitable parking area but found none so returned to the houses to the west of West Tarsappie where the street was wide enough to permit parking.

It was fairly warm and sunny when I set off along the Rynd road and beyond Tarsappie Cottages I walked up the vehicle track to Upper Tarsappie where there was a dead cow, probably awaiting uplifting by the knackers yard. I went through a wicket gate and along the edge of a field where some of the cattle were interested in my presence, but stayed far enough away.

At the top end of the field I passed through another wicket gate and entered the forest where there was an information board. The walk through the forest was warm and humid and I ignored the first vehicle track to my left, the surface of which was been upgraded. At the junction with a second track I followed it as it wound its way towards Moredun Top, the summit of Moncreiff Hill. The final climb was a steep grassy bank to a large cairn.

I sat at the top for a while enjoying the refreshing breeze looking down on the motorway heading for Edinburgh and the village of Bridge of Earn.

The return involved a slight detour as I had seen a new path on my ascent and a sign advising visitors that the Woodland Trust, who owned the forest, had acquired some ground to the north for a new car park, so access will be easier from the Perth side of the hill.

I descended by this new path but unfortunately it wasn’t complete and I had to clamper over some barbed wire fencing, east of Tarsappie Cottage, and walk back along the road to my car.

Moncrieff Hill

first ascent

223 metres.

Steele’s Knowe

28 March 2010

Map - OS Landranger 58.

Time taken - 2 hours.

Distance - 7 kilometres

Ascent - 280 metres

I decided to climb this Ochil, Sub 2000 foot, Scottish Marilyn from the north, accessing the hill from Glen Coull. This glen was reached along a single track road from the village of Auchterarder. On driving along this road the damage caused by the recent snowfalls was evident with lots of branches snapped off from the trees. The public road ended at Coulshill Farm where parking was at a premium.

Once I found a suitable place to leave my car, I headed south-east along a track on the south-west side of the Coul Burn, a Right of Way to Glen Devon. On reaching Hodyclach Burn the route followed its east bank, southwards, gradually climbing the grassy hillside where sheep were grazing. Higher up the path wasn’t as obvious and in poor conditions might be difficult to follow. The col between Green Law and the 474 Knoll was reached where there was a gate in the fence. However I had decided to leave the Right of Way at this point and follow the wall to the knoll. An All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) track running alongside the wall made for an easy ascent.

There was a wind turbine close to the knoll but this wasn’t a surprise as I had viewed a map on-line showing this wind farm and I had seen several of the turbines during my ascent. The rest of the turbines were visible as they stretched towards the summit of Steele’s Knowe, although, despite the strong wind, some weren’t working. Away from these ugly grey monsters I had a view south to the River Forth and across Glen Devon to Innerdownie, a New Donald, I had climbed earlier in the year.

The ATV track now headed west along the side of a fence so I followed it rather than the wide track linking the wind turbines. However at the col, south-east of Steele’s Knowe, I crossed the fence and followed the turbine track to a ‘T’ junction where to my surprise I found a notice that CCTV surveillance was in operation. Well I don’t mind them in town centres but near the summit of a hill was a bit over the top. It must be the first time I have been recorded climbing a hill. From the track I headed to a large mast before a faint path led to Steele’s Knowe’s trig point. Here there were views down to Auchterarder and across to the Perthshire Hills.

Despite the strong cold wind there was enough shelter behind the trig point for a snack and cup of coffee. Afterwards I made a direct descent towards Coulshill Farm, initially on another ATV track, then over grass with some reeds and wet ground, which I tried to avoid. Lower down there were a couple of fences to clamber over before reaching the public road beside the farm.

Steelle's Knowe

first ascent

485 metres