Tranquil Little Glenshee

Hill: Creag Na Criche
Category:  Sub2k/Marilyn
Height: 456m
A pleasant short walk in a beautiful tranquil glen.
On my way to Pitlochry I wanted a quick short hill to break the trip. I have driven past this area so often that it was time to explore a little.
Cutting off before Perth and a 10 mile meandering drive through lovely countryside before taking the 3 mile single track into Little Glenshee.

The start

Three other cars in the small parking area but saw no one on the hill so know not where they went. There might be more parking across the ford if this area is full.
Along through the tight fern passageway after crossing the footbridge and over the first large style, the small hill directly in front of you. 

Style 1 and the hill ahead

The shortest route is simply following the deer fence but I took the tourist route following the estate track until I reached the 2nd large stile.

Style 2 another large one

Thankfully no shooting today so the hill was open to walkers. There are plenty of gun butts around so no doubt it has its moments. Not a sound except the wind and the low calls of the grouse hidden in the heather.
Again follow the estate track, grassy now, it meanders around the back of the hill. 

Estate track winds around the hill

Follow it until you see a faint but obvious track cutting through the heather. It dies out but the top is close by, 40 minutes.

No track but cairn in sight

A small cairn marks the spot. The views are excellent particularly over the Perthshire countryside, Perth itself and the Lomond hills looking very close. The car park is visible from here, nobody has stolen my car.

Looking north

The wind is buffeting and there are rain clouds passing nearby but I was lucky and stayed dry. 
I enjoyed the views, the large wind farm excepted and then took a leisurely stroll back the same route enjoying the sound of silence.
A nice little leg stretcher, tomorrows 4 Munros will be a different experience all together.

Wildlife: Red Grouse, Pheasant, Blue tits.
Time: 1.23
Ascent: 739ft 
Distance: 3.36m