Beinn Dubh, Trossachs.

Beinn Dubh

Beinn Dubh, Trossachs. Section 1C.
Height – 511 metres. Map – OS Landranger 56.
Climbed - 18 September 2011. Time taken – 5 hours.
Distance – 14 kilometres. Ascent – 740 metres.
Trip Report Details:

I had considered combining this Sub 2000 Marilyn with an ascent of Beinn Uamha but when I climbed the latter hill back in the summer I found the underfoot conditions difficult so decided on separate excursions.

The single track B829 road north of Aberfoyle was followed until I came to the private road leading to Loch Dhu House and Comer. Just beyond this junction I managed to get my car onto the grass verge at the edge of a passing place. It was a lovely sunny, although chilly, morning as I left the car, returned to the private road, and followed it passed Loch Dhu to the house and cottage of the same name. Here I took the left fork then soon afterwards a right fork, both signposted Comer.  The track climbed through the forest and over the col between Mulan an t-Sagairt and Tom Dubh nan Caorach. Areas of the woodland had been cut down which allowed for some views, including the pylons running through Gleann Dubh.

On reaching the Gleann Dubh forest track there was another sign for Comer, which was at the head of the glen still around four kilometres away. I wasn’t going that far as after walking up the glen for around a kilometre and a half the track passed below the pylons. I read on the Scottish Hills forum that there was a track here which headed part way through the forest towards Beinn Dubh.

The track was easily spotted and rose steeply through an area where the trees had been removed but with lots of debris left lying around. In fact higher up some of the debris had been used to reinforce the track which later levelled out with several gaps for water channels. I headed up a narrower debris covered track which became quite difficult to walk on so I left it and headed directly uphill. Despite the area being cleared of trees and lots of dead branches covering the ground this part of the ascent wasn’t as bad as expected.

I eventually reached and crossed a fence at the point where a small area of the forest remained intact, as it was above the fence line. Around a hundred metres or so beyond, the gradient eased and I then crossed some wet and tussocky ground to reach an old deer fence, which in sections had collapsed. Thereafter an easy ascent took me to the cairn marking the summit of Beinn Dubh.

The views were worthwhile, including Ben Lomond, the Arrochar Alps and Ben Venue. After a coffee break I returned by the ascent route.

Photos taken on walk.

The Lomond Hills.

East Lomond

East Lomond, West Lomond and Bishop Hill. Section 26.
Height – 448metres: 522 metres: 461 metres:
Map – OS Landranger 58 and 59.
Climbed - 17 September 2011. Time taken – 5.5 hours.
Distance – 17.5 kilometres. Ascent – 710 metres.
Trip Report Details:

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.

Photos taken on walk.

Normans Law, Fife.

Norman's Law

Norman’s Law, Fife. Section 26.
Height – 285 metres. Map – OS Landranger 59.
Climbed - 10 September 2011. Time taken – 2 hours.
Distance – 6.5 kilometres. Ascent – 320 metres.
Trip Report Details:

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.

Photos taken on walk.

Mount Hill, Fife.

Mount Hill

Mount Hill, Fife. Section 26.
Height – 221 metres. Map – OS Landranger 59.
Climbed - 10 August 2011. Time taken – 1 hour.
Distance – 3.5 kilometres. Ascent – 140 metres.
Trip Report Details:

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.

Photos taken on walk.

Cairnie Hill, Fife.

Cairnie Hill

Cairnie Hill, Lindores, Fife. Section 26.
Height – 228 metres. Map – OS Landranger 59.
Climbed - 10 September 2011. Time taken – 1.5 hours.
Distance – 4 kilometres. Ascent – 175 metres.
Trip Report Details:

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.

Photos taken on walk.

Craigowl Hill, Angus.

Craigowl Hill

Craigowl Hill, Angus. Section 26.
Height 455 metres. Map – OS Landranger 54.
Climbed - 9 September 2011. Time taken – 2 hours.
Distance – 4 kilometres. Ascent – 215 metres.
Trip Report Details:

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.

Photos taken on walk.

Meikle Balloch Hill, Keith.

Meikle Balloch Hill

Meikle Balloch Hill, Keith. Section 21A.
Height – 366 metres. Map – OS Landranger 29.
Climbed - 4 September 2011. Time taken – 1.25 hours.
Height climbed – 3.5 kilometres. Ascent – 165 metres.
Trip Report Details:

My final Sub 2000 Marilyn on Sunday 4 September 2011 was Meikle Balloch Hill, which was accessed from Keith town centre along a minor road to just beyond the Water Works near Wester Herricks. Here there was a small car parking area with a map showing routes around Balloch Wood.

I followed the blue route, a new path which climbed through the woods, crossed a forest track, and continued uphill. It deteriorated as it passed through an area of felled timber, but improved again when I re-entered the mature forest. The path steepened considerably, but the hard work constructing the path had in places been undone as some of the edges had been washed away and formed a deep ditch.

The gradient eased and I cleared the forest where the improvement to the path ended. It was then a wet and boggy stroll to Meikle Balloch Hill’s summit cairn which was a metre higher than the nearby trig point. I had a late lunch beside the trig point, with views of the hills I had climbed earlier that day, before returning to the car park by the ascent route.  The end of a fairly successful day in the North-East, with four Sub 2000 Marilyns climbed.

Photos taken on walk.

Bin of Cullen, Banffshire.

Bin of Cullen

Bin of Cullen, Banffshire. Section 21A.
Height – 320 metres. Map – OS Landranger 29.
Climbed - 4 September 2011. Time taken – 1.25 hours.
Distance – 5 kilometres. Ascent – 215 metres.
Trip Report Details:

The third Sub 2000 Marilyn on my wee tour around the North-East of Scotland was the Bin of Cullen, located to the south-west of the Moray Firth coastal village of Cullen. To access the starting point at the south end of Shirralds Wood, I drove to Deskford, then Braidbog Farm, where the single track public road entered the woods. There was limited parking at the start of the forest track so I found some verge parking further east.

I walked back to the start of the forest track and followed it as it descended to and crossed the Glen Burn. Immediately thereafter I took a left fork and this track wound its way through the woodland towards the col between Little Bin and Bin of Cullen. The hill was obviously a popular walk for family groups and dog walkers, as I passed several.

Higher up the trees thinned and I was able to get some views of the surrounding countryside. There was a rather rocky looking shortcut heading towards the summit but I opted to remain on the track which eventually cleared the forest before it reached the summit viewpoint and trig point.

I was fortunate to have the summit area to myself as there were quite a few folks ascending and descending the track. I had good views of the Morayshire and Banffshire coasts and across the Moray Firth to Ben Wyvis and the Sutherland and Caithness coastlines. After a few minutes at the summit I returned by the ascent route.

Photos taken on walk.

Knock Hill, Banffshire.

Knock Hill

Knock Hill, Glen Barry, Banffshire. Section 21A.

Height – 430 metres. Map – OS Landranger 29.

Climbed - 4 September 2011. Time taken – 1.25 hours.

Distance – 2.5 kilometres. Ascent – 235 metres.

Trip Report Details:

The second Sub 2000 Marilyn on my wee tour of the North-East of Scotland was Knock Hill, located to the west of the A95 Keith to Banff road at Glenbarry. A narrow single track road led passed the house at Swilebog where there was parking for two or three cars.

On approaching the parking spot I could see the route up the heather clad hillside of Knock Hill. Firstly I had to negotiate the woodland below so I walked north for a few metres before locating a track through the forest and along the edge of a small field, where the grass had recently been cut. A path then led to a gate with the open hillside beyond.

The path through the heather was quite badly eroded and was like a small trench in sections. It was a tougher ascent than I expected so I was happy when I reached the top gate. Beyond was the summit cairn and trig point. On exploring the area there was a memorial cairn to Martin, apparently the founder of the stone race, and a stone circle created by runners bringing stones to the summit.

I had been in two minds whether to take my rucksack, containing my flask, with me on this short ascent but was pleased I had as I sat at the summit in the sun drinking coffee and taking in the views of the surrounding countryside.

The return was by the ascent route.

Photos taken on walk.

Fourman Hill, Banffshire.

Fourman Hill

Fourman Hill, Banffshire. Section 21A.

Height – 344 metres. Map – OS Landranger 29.

Climbed - 4 September 2011. Time taken – 1 hour.

Distance – 3.5 kilometres. Ascent – 165 metres.

Trip Report Details:

The forecast was good so I planned a tour round the Huntly, Cullen and Keith areas of the North-East of Scotland to allow me to climb a few of the Sub 2000 Marilyns. The first hill on my list was Fourman Hill, which appeared easier to ascend from the east. However a westerly approach meant a shorter drive to my next hill.

I drove from Huntly to the village of Milltown and onto the public road that ended at Redhill Farm. There were no parking facilities here but I spotted and spoke to the farmer, in fact we chatted for well over twenty minutes, before with his permission I parked at the side of an outbuilding.

Once booted up I set off for the track that ran below the north side of Fourman Hill. I soon crossed a gate, but what was shown on the map as a track was more like a path with over grown bushes at the side. The path was also used by cattle, as an extension to their field on the north side, and was muddy and churned up in sections.

A second gate was reached with a sign indicating the route to the summit. I opted to pass through the gate before heading uphill following the fence line to avoid grazing sheep. I was pleased to note that I had selected the correct side of the fence as higher up there were lots of cows and calves on the other side.

I reached a boundary stone and fence junction where there was a hole in the fence. I crawled through this gap and made the short climb to the summit trig point and cairn, which were surrounded by gorse bushes. It was still a lovely sunny morning so I had good views across the Banffshire countryside towards the Moray Firth and my target hills. After taking a few photographs I returned by my ascent route.

Photos taken on walk.

Creag Dhubh, Affric.

Creag Dhubh

Creag Dhubh, Affric, Inverness-shire. Section 11B.

Height – 539 metres. Map – OS Landranger 25.

Climbed - 27 August 2011. Time taken – 1.75 hours.

Distance – 3.5 kilometres. Ascent – 225 metres.

Trip Report Details:

Earlier in the day I climbed the Sub 2000 Marilyn, Carn nam Bad, near Cannich, so it wasn’t far to drive to the start for the ascent of Creag Dhubh. However I wasn’t exactly sure where my starting point was going to be as it depended on vehicular access.

I drove through the hamlet of Tomich and beyond reached a vehicle track with several water filled pot holes. I knew public access was permitted as far as the Plodda Falls, where there was a small car park, and from previous visits usually as far as the riding centre at Cougie.  However on reaching Cougie there were still no signs or gates so I continued to drive along the track on the north side of the Feith na Leitreach until the track split and deteriorated (NH227210). I parked up on a large area of levelled ground.

Trees to the south of the track had been cleared but direct access to Creag Dhubh to the north wasn’t possible due to mature fir trees so I walked west to the end of the woodland. Here the track rose slightly so I continued for a few more metres before leaving it and heading towards Creag Dhubh’s west ridge. Initially the ascent was through bracken but then it was over some very rough ground including a few old cut or fallen trees, old drainage channels, old vehicle tracks and holes containing water, all concealed by long vegetation.

Underfoot conditions improved as I waded though the lanky heather to reach the west ridge which was followed over a couple of knolls before a slightly rocky ascent led to the summit cairn of Creag Dhubh. Lunch was had at the summit with views of the Glen Affric mountains.

On my return I took a more direct route to the edge of the tress but it wasn’t any easier with some steeper sections to descend. The track was then followed back to my car. I never met anyone from Cougie or from the estate so I cannot say if driving to the starting point would be tolerated.

Photos taken on walk.

Carn nam Bad, Cannich.

Carn nam Bad

Carn nam Bad, Cannich. Section 12B.

Height – 457 metres. Map – OS Landranger 26.

Climbed - 27 August 2011. Time taken – 2.5 hours.

Distance – 8.5 kilometres. Ascent – 345 metres.

Trip Report Details:

Staying in Inverness it was only a short drive to just north of Millness, on the A831 Drumnadrochit to Cannich Road. Numerous barriers prevented me parking at the start of the forest track but I found a small tarred area slightly further north on the opposite side of the road.

I walked back to the start of the track and read notices on the double gates referring to the Beauly to Denny power line upgrade. At that time I thought the signage was directed at vehicle access as there was nothing pinned to the nearby stile, which I crossed to access the track. I also wasn’t aware that the Beauly to Denny transmission line upgrade included the Cannich to Beauly section.  

As I walked along the forest track, passed a house concealed within the forest, I noted that forest operations had taken place as areas of tress had been cleared and piles of timber were stored nearby. The track soon became wider with a new hard core base which was quite rough to walk on. This led to an open gate with a Health and Safety sign and no entry signs for pedestrians.

I decided to investigate further and soon came to a storage area where huge diggers were parked up. With no human activity around I continued on my approach to Carn nam Bad with a plan to reassess the situation if I came across any work in progress. The widened track was followed through a new deer gate and on-towards Loch Carn nam Badan. I have to admit that I wasn’t enjoying the walk due the track upgrade and the state of the adjoining vegetation which had been churned up or drained leaving an unsightly mess. I was also thinking that if this was the beginning of the upgrade a lot of the Scottish countryside between Beauly and Denny was going to be left in a similar state.

On approaching Loch Carn nam Bad I observed two diggers on the track ahead. Fortunately they were parked up but a short section of the old vehicle track was rather muddy. Before reaching the loch I left the track and commenced the ascent of Carn nam Bad through deep heather with some boggy sections lower down. Areas of the hillside were roped off which made me rather inquisitive but I couldn’t figure out why as there were no pylons in this area. I reached a deer fence and followed it towards the summit cairn which was slightly off the fence line. At the cairn I took a break with views of the mountains between Affric and Strathconon.

 The return was by the ascent route and again there was no human activity. I later learned that a new power line was being constructed over Carn nam Bad rather than upgrading those that already exist in nearby Strathglass. Well at least I saw and visited Carn nam Bad before the area was ruined forever.

Photos taken on walk.

Earl's Seat, Campsie Fells.

Earl's Seat

Earl’s Seat, Campsie Fells. Section 26.

Height - 578  metres. Map – OS Landranger 57.

Climbed - 21 August 2011. 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.

Photos taken on walk.

Innerdouny Hill, Kinross.

Innerdouny Hill

Innerdouny Hill, Kinross. Section 26.

Height - 497 metres. Map – OS Landranger 58.

Climbed - 20 August 2011. Time taken – 2.5 hours.

Distance – 8.5 kilometres. Ascent – 275 metres.

Trip Report Details:

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.

Photos taken on walk.

Lendrick Hill, Clackmannanshire.

Lendrick Hill

Lendrick Hill, Clackmannanshire. Region 26.
Height – 456 metres. Map – OS Landranger 58.
Climbed - 20 August 2011. Time taken – 1.25 hours.
Distance – 4.5 kilometres. Ascent – 235 metres.
Trip Report Details:

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.

Photos taken on walk.