A lovely spring day on Cleuch & Ever

Hill: Ben Cleuch (stony mountain) & Ben Ever
Category: Graham
Height: 721m
On my way back from Pitlochry I opted to break the trip and meet up with some others to cover these hills, the highest point in the Ochil range of hills. As you drive along to Tillicoultry these hills dwarf over you, very impressive looking indeed. They look steep!!

Mill start

The forecast was for a dry beginning to the day but rain due at 3pm, lets see.
Started at the traditional spot in Upper Mill Street, plenty of walkers getting ready, going to be a busy hill. 
The initial stages are interesting. A good path runs through the woods following the fast running burn, there are a few bridges to cross and height is gained quickly.

Typical waterfall

There are numerous waterfalls of various sizes to keep the snappers happy, the water is flowing fast but I'm sure these can be even more impressive.

Quarry

The only blot on today's landscape is this quarry, it is a huge grim area thankfully now defunct.

A bridge across the gorge

The gorge hemming you in gives a different feel to the start of this hill walk. The dampness from the spray has made the rocks slippy so care required.
The ascent on the far side is rocky so the short scramble is also slippy but easy if care taken.

Looking back from the flanks of The Law to the gorge

What follows is now a good grassy track heading up to The Law. After Thursday’s labours this is a breeze today, blame the bio-rhythm’s. Good views of the surrounding hills and walkers can be seen heading in all directions. As said earlier not a place for solitude today. Also looking back excellent views of the meandering Forth and environs.

Ben Cleugh ahead

The wind is now fierce and cold so extra layering for the walk along the ridge to our target which can be seen.
A fence runs along the top of The Law, handy if weather poor.
Some walkers are coming across from the east having been on Andrew Gannel Hill. 

Trig with its stone surround

The views were excellent showing the full Ochils in all its grandeur. The wind shelter surrounding the trig was welcome to hide from it for a bit and have lunch.

View marker Ever ridge on right

We followed the Walkhighlands route to Ben Ever. We tracked the fence line until it met another fence, but there is a good path, then descended more steeply towards the col which separates Ben Cleuch from Ben Ever. The wind had died, it was warm so a delayering stop.

Fence or track to Ever

Crossed the stile over a fence which lies across the way and continued down the good grassy path up to the cairns on the summit of Ben Ever. 
On a day like today this is a very good viewing position in its own right. Compared to recent walks the ground is really good going, dry with only the occasional peat hag.

Optional ridge descent ahead

For the descent we followed the right hand route descending eventually to Silver Glen where we following the path through the Woodland Park Wood. This would be nicer when the trees were in bloom but still a pleasant stroll back to the start.
Time for a beer in the nearby Woolpack and just as we drove away the heavens opened, good timing for once.
An excellent walk in good company, glad I decided to break the journey home.


Wildlife: Buzzard, Treecreeper, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Blue Tit,
Time: 4.23
Ascent: 856m
Distance: 11.5k

A popular Bishop

On my way up to Perthshire to have another cast or two for spring salmon I took the opportunity to tick off another sub 2k.

The forecast was for low cloud all day but as I approached Scotlandwell the light was bright to the south but the Bishop hill in cloud, which would win?

As per intentions I followed the WH circular route from Scotlandwell.

Portmaoak kirk

Only a couple of cars in the church car park so no funerals today or a small turnout for the deceased 

Crossed the road and followed the footpath sign  for Kinnesswood and Bishop hill. A pleasant wooded area the normal Spring birds singing away, robin, thrush, blackbird etc.

Another one of those days for some reason breathing a bit laboured, legs feeling tired, no drink for ages what is happening to my body, old age I presume.

Low flying

As I exited the woods a noise made me look up as a glider soared above, a buzzard in between us. The airfield can now be seen below. I would have thought the cloud to low but there you go.

Just before I reached the open moorland I met two different people descending, tried to look non sweaty and failed. The lady said it was clearing up top, didn't look it from here. It was a stiff wee pull up.

Open moor Bishop Hill in cloud

On the open moorland plenty of fresh cowpats, as it turned out I followed their pats and churned ground all the way round but never saw them. What I did see was my first skylarks of the year rising out of the gloom in pairs singing away.

Well into cloud now so just following the coo trail and the odd glance at gps to small cairn of Bishop hill. 

Spot the top before the cloud covers it again

A few hill runners around, not fit enough for that and also a few other walkers, surprised I thought I would have this to myself today but no, a popular Bishop indeed.

No hanging about here

No point in lingering at the summit, nae views, so just followed the gps round and started the resent. Came across a flock of sheep but still nae coos.

For 30 seconds a view of Loch Leven

From the odd gap in the clouds the potential of the views can be glimpsed. Sadly it disappeared just as quickly.

This cut off was easy to miss

There are a few cut offs, presumably down steep crags, so glad I had the gps working as I followed the correct route by turning right down right angled path, easy to miss in the clouds, which descended grassy ground in a slight dip to reach the top of some crags.

Steep and slippy

 Turned left here until the path led down a steep gully between the rocks. I descended with care but paused a few times as the views were opening up. Good track but eroded, muddy and slippy, continued down the the grassy path until some utilities building are reached just above the village with a way marker post to guide you. The sound of the kids playing footie in the school below sounds much closer.

Looking back to descent

Turned left onto a path with a fence on your right. This path undulated across the hillside. Ignore a gate on the right to golf course, looks like an up and down golf course a bit tight as well, the coo pats still led the way. Continued along path until it enters Kilmagad Wood via another gate. The path now continues through the woodland until it meets the outward route.
A short walk and glad I stretched the legs.

Needless to say that when I was back on the motorway to Perth, as I passed Bishop Hill the trig was in clear sight, Sod's law.

Robin, black ie, thrush, blue tit, carrion crow, woodpecker, skylark, buzzard

Arran Coastal Way Whiting Bay - Lamlash

Walk: Whiting Bay - Lamlash Arran Coastal Way….then to Brodick
Category: Long Distance trail
Stage 1
Recovering from some surgery I was not allowed to do anything strenuous but being driven house crazy I risked a trip to Arran for this short walk.
Like many sections of this islands coastal walk it involved a mixture of terrains. The odd sandy beach sections, some very rough beach/boulder walking as well as the expected road sections.

The start of the walk Whiting Bay

When I got off the bus at the southern end of Whiting Bay it was a crisp blue sky morning but the wind had a cold bite to it, zip up,
Still, the views were already stunning as I perused the way forward, the curving beach, Holy Isle peaking out behind.
Thankfully the tide was out so it was straight onto the rocky beach to the other end of Whiting Bay.

Cool bus stop

Just before I turned down the minor road to the church I spotted this cracking bus shelter, more like this please.

Easy to miss the cut in marker

Past the houses onto the stone beach for a very short section before cutting onto a parallel path (easy to miss the signpost), horses in one of the fields but they were uninterested in me.

Holy Isle

At this grassy area it was a superb viewpoint across the water to Holy Isle and turning also a good view along to Lamlash. There is a view marker for those unfamiliar with the area. This stretch must be a good spot for otters but not seen today.

Lamlash ahead

Now comes the boring bit as the track heads inland, followed by some road walking before heading back down to the coast.

Start of boardwalk

This is the start of the on off boardwalk section. The well built section had to be stepped carefully as the boards were very slippy at times and I was concerned about my wound, do not fall!!
The boards only last for a short while before a steep and very muddy track down to the shore.
Now the real test for this leg, a really awkward walking section. Thankfully the tide was out, if not this would very testing for some walkers. There is no route through the trees so it would be tide top hugging time.

Glad tide is out

This is a mixture of waters edge walking comprising very slippery rocks and boulders, piled up seaweed, the odd sandstone sections and on off boardwalks. A section to remain focused if injury to be avoided.

Low water easy walking

Finally I get to walk on a beach section with Lamlash not far ahead of me. When I reached the houses I thought I could continue on the beach but not so due to two burns. I negotiated the first one but the second was too deep and wide so backtracked to the houses and a path to Lamlash.
This section was a sad reminder of life and death. My operation could have been a life or death scenario but ended up not being and I enjoyed today because I could.

Holly

There was this bush adorned with woollen Pom Poms. Intrigued I read it was a memorial to a young local girl, Holly, who had taken her life. A sign asked people to take some and give them to young people with a reminder about mental health guidance. I did just that to mine with a hug to the girls.

Brodick new track

My walk finished the trail leg in Lamlash but I had enough time before the ferry so I walked the new path, which follows the main road, back to Brodick.
I had completed the Brodick - Lamlash coastal section last year so now only the Lagg - Whiting Bay section via the headlands to complete the Way. Need to check the tide tables for that one.
A good walk, more taxing than I should have done, poignant with Holly so a day to remember.

Wildlife: Red Breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Mallard, Redshank, Mute Swan, Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull,

Time: 4.04
Ascent: 1952ft 
Distance: 10.43m 

Moncrieffe Hill a woodland walk through Pictish history

Hill: Moncrieffe Hill
Category: Sub2k
Height: 223m

On my way north I decided to break the trip and ascend Moncrieffe Hill which is just outside of Perth. Although it is a small sub 2k it was the history of the hill that fascinated me, more of that later.
Rain was forecast from early afternoon but as I passed Cumbernauld it was the thick fog that concerned me. A hill with no view, hopefully not. It was not until I passed Gleneagles did the fog lift and break with no little relief from me.
The coordinates did a good job until I was on the last minor road, alarm bells I passed a sign for the hills car park. Trust instincts, ignore sat nav and turn, a good choice.
This is the Earn parking area as per the Walkhighlands route.
It is a woodlands trust site so there is a good information board and a leaflet holder, actually with leaflets inside, so a quick read before the walk. 

Barren broadleaf trees

There are plenty of routes to mix up your walk, many unofficial tracks also divert from the coloured routes. I followed the red route and walked almost two miles back in the direction I had just come but this time it was woodland not main road. In sections the broadleaf trees are barren, it will be a totally different walking experience in a few months. Some monster Douglas Firs, give me a sore neck looking up to their canopy.
Totally tranquil walking, no people, just the sound of woodland birds some singing and others raucous, trying to attract mates and chase off rivals. None more raucous than the Jays, what a noise.
I expected snow or mud but neither, a hard packed and at times icy trail but good for walking.
All types of woodland birds  including a pair of bullfinch, haven't seen these for ages. A woodpecker drills into a tree, heard but not seen. Apparently there are green woodpeckers here, but they are not the drillers. A gentle coughing up the hill, no voices heard so unlikely to be people, deer I suspect. 

Snowdrops brighten the terrain

Snowdrops carpet and brighten up the walk, many small patches, spring is coming.

Bench overlooking Perth

Finally the trail turns and climbs and I start pecking a bit, views of Perth appear but it is not a day for sitting on a bench unless you have brought something warm to drink and I haven't.

Finally after some twists and turns, more views and I end up at the high point, the hilltop fort of Moredun. I had read a little before the trip but I had not fully realised the extent of the Pictish forts and battles around here. 

Top with a higher view of Perth

Warlords Angus and Alpin battled away at this sight with their body painted warriors it would have been noisy and bloody. Ashamed of my lack of knowledge of our history. The hill top defenders definitely had the advantage.

A grand view to Fife and Bishop Hill

On a better day the views would be outstanding but today in the misty landscape still good enough. An excellent 360 degree viewpoint indeed. This is the high point but a short walk away is Moncrieffe Hill itself.
On the descent I spook a pair of roe deer who are obviously used to people. The only moved a short distance, stood and stared, but as soon as they heard the noise of the camera opening they disappeared.
""A nice little leg stretcher before the main event, salmon salmo, a silver bar of springer salmon, maybe, but that's for tomorrow.

Wildlife: Coal Tit, Great Tit, Bullfinch, Jay, Crow, Buzzard, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Roe Deer.
Time: 1.55
Ascent: 1081ft
Distance: 5.37m

Arran Coastal Way Blackwaterfoot - Lagg

Walk: Blackwaterfoot - Lagg Arran Coastal Way
Category: Long Distance trail
A beautiful crisp blue skied winters day was the forecast to continue my ramble around Arran. This short walk even allowed me the luxury of the later ferry and of course a black pudding & fried egg Calmac special for nutrition. Don’t worry healthy fruit for the rest of the trip.
However as the ferry approached Arran the vista was grey skies and low clouds, what’s going on?
Got the bus across The String road where the gloom worsened but yippee blue skies as we descended into Blackwaterfoot. 
This was to be one of the very frustrating Arran Coastal Path sections. Initially fun and challenging before becoming a road walk, albeit a scenic one. The real frustration was constantly looking down towards the coast wondering why am I not walking down there. I presume there are landowner access problems but despite being quite and scenic, road walking is not a Coastal Path. More on this later.

Start of walk at Blackwaterfoot

The coastal section is rough and ready walking. The sand is mainly very soft so deep imprints left behind. 

Typical rough walking

Early on the rocks were lethal with an invisible film of ice creating issues on any angled surfaces. At times there is a faint track to follow but a lot of the beach walk is as per the above snap.
Having to concentrate looking down at all times is annoying as the views across the water are superb. Also plenty of birds around so best stopping to have a look.

One of the Preachers Caves

The sun is low and bright and directly ahead so most snaps are looking back.
I pass the Preaching caves no doubt an extremely remote place back then for the worshippers.

There is the odd waymark signpost

The next section meanders through and over boulders. Once again great care required as I found out when I slipped and my hand landed on a bramble branch lying on another rock. The pop as I pulled it out was loud, my shout was louder as the pain kicked in and the blood spouted.
Three black throated divers on the water console me.

Rock trail

Some stones/rocks have been laid to aid walking as the ground beside them is a bogfest, ankle deep as I found out when slipping yet again.

The climb to the road

Soon the grassy area is reached and sadly this is the end of the rough walking. Except the cows have clearly been here recently and the ground is soft underfoot so more mud steps. Up the steps to the road.

Looking back to the grassy section

I followed the route as per Walkhighlands but later looking at the Arran Coastal Way website it hints at a ‘red route’ along the shorefront avoiding a section of the road. No details given so presumably just make your way along!!

Ancient cairn and the coast is far away!!

The road was a pleasant enough walk, there was very little traffic and there were plenty of views of the coastline that I would rather have been walking. Enjoy the views until Lagg is reached. 

This is 2019?

A new Arran distillery is under construction. Arran malt must be selling well as the Lochranza set up is a large and popular tourist destination. It looks to me a long way from being finished, definitely not 2018 then!!

Lagg hotel & cycling cafe

The hotel and café is closed so no refreshments just a cold snowy wait until the bus arrives.

Wildlife: Raven, Hooded Crow, Jackdaw, Buzzard, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush, Mallard, Black Throated Divers, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Grey Heron, Redshank, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Feral pigeon, 

Time: 2.51hr
Ascent: 742ft 
Distance: 6.89m