Sadly a walk through a windfarm to get to the summit

Hill: Steele’s Knowe
Category: Sub2K
Height: 485m
On the drive home I decided to pose the good lady a question. ‘How do you fancy breaking the journey and walking up a wind farm’? Surprisingly she accepted impressed when I told her there were likely to be good views, she would bag a Marilyn (she prefers that title to Sub2k’s) and the walk would be easy. Sold and not even a mention of cake.

Not the prettiest of starts

We parked right at the entrance to the wind farm, room for two cars without risking being smashed by big lorries.

Wide track

There is no more construction taking place so walkers are allowed road acess and this is mainly following the track to meet the first turbines. Spotted 3 roe deer on the moor so that pleased the good lady. 
The walk is probably one of the easiest you could undertake so long as you can push the legs forward up a gradient.
Just take care as maintenance work still going on, about half a dozen passes by a 4x4, probably the same one going up and down.

First turbines

The wind was more than a little fresh and rather strong so not a lot of lingering. The lowering grey clouds were slightly concerning, would she not get her views?
At the top of the hill follow the main track left along the ridge until you reach the last turbine. The trig point has already been spotted on the moor ahead.

What no hard track?

Now we are properly walking for all of 10 minutes across the shortish moor grass to reach the trig. The most easterly of the Ochil hills.

Looking towards Craig Rossie at Auchterarder

Low clouds are spoiling the long distance views but they are still good enough looking down on Gleneagles, Crieff in the distance and the surrounding countryside heading for Perth. I can easily imagine how far you could see on a clear air day, it would be plenty as this is a stand alone hill.

There are 19 turbines on this site

The wind has picked up along with rain trails plus it is getting too cold to hang about so we simply followed the same trail back. 

Tarmangie horseshoe

Luckily on the descent there are the excellent views across the Ochils to the Innerdownie/Tarmangie horseshoe to admire.
Also on the way down you could take in Ben Thrush which to me looks to have more claim to be a mini mountain that Steele’s Knowe but there you go. At times I am baffled why one is and a better one isn't. I have read up on it but when you are out there, well it can seem irrational.
Very similar walk to nearer home, Windy Standard. Still any excuse for a short walk, get the fresh air, keep the heart beating, we enjoyed it.

Wildlife: Roe Deer; Buzzard; Goldcrest; Blue Tit; Carrion Crow; Red Grouse; Great Tit.
Time: 2.08
Ascent: 940ft 
Distance: 5.35m