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