Hill: Craigowl Hill & Auchterhouse Hill
Type: Sub2k
Height: 455m
Sadly the summer of
weather disappointment continued as I woke up to a grey drizzly
morning, low clouds and a cool breeze, even the birds couldn't be
bothered to sing. My original target included a beautiful walk in and
great views up top. No such views expected today so a change of plans
to a walk closer to the coast with a better forecast from 11am
onwards.I parked at the
large car park, clearly a spot for dog walkers as well as ramblers.
The notice board showed a large variety of walks but oddly did not
include my targets.
As it was a short
walk I decided to include its near neighbour Auchterhouse hill the
site of a hillfort. These two are part of the Sidlaw Hills which
geographically are an extension of the Ochils. I could see from here
the unsightly masts at the top of Craigowl but that was for later,
first Auchterhouse.
 |
| Should be going right and heading up! |
As it was a last
minute plan I had no route planned so my first challenge was to get
to the base of the hills through the myriad of trails that go through
the woods. Very pleasant it was, a few stop, think about it, turn
back and find another trail moments but eventually I came to a gate,
beyond which was a lot of dense overgrown gorse bushes and above it
masses of bracken. No obvious track, crumbs!
Through the gate a
very narrow track took me away from where I wanted to be, through
tightly packed scrub and nettles, wish I had worn long trousers. The
track was becoming overgrown when I spotted an extremely narrow gap
in the bushes, was this what I wanted? I squeezed through more
scratched legs but there was a narrow hidden path behind.
I followed this to
another gate at over head high bracked. A 3 way choice of routes. I
opted for the left one simply because the path through the bracken
looked wider. A short climb and whoopee out of the bracken onto
heather clad slopes but still climbing.
Reached yet another
crossroads, again I kept left sure that the right one would be my
route to Craigowl.
It was nice to reach
the open top with Auchterhouse ahead albeit partially hidden by some Larch trees, I
am sure the occupiers of the fort would have wanted a clearer view.Beyond the trees the
land does look like it could have been man made supporting the
hillfort. Views are good of the surrounding area but the Angus hills
are still in cloud. I spot a bird in the trees a crossbill (Scottish?), my 1st
this year I believe. |
| Craigowl Hill from Auchterhousew |
It was too cold to
hang about so backtracked to the cross junction watching a Kestrel
hover perfectly against the wind, another bird that has been few and
far for me this year.A short steep
descent followed by a longer steeper ascent took me to the viewpoint
on Balluderon Hill. Clear views over Dundee and Fife beyond just as a
fighter jet from Leuchars screamed overhead quickly disappearing into
the clouds.A high level heather
clad breezy walk, some descending and reascending took me to the
masts. A fence with two styles. I wondered if the trig point was on
the other side of the fenced of mast compound but the main track
looked more used so on I went. No hassle if I had to backtrack. The
compound was larger than I thought and as I walked by I noticed a
raised piece of ground with the trig hiding away. Thankfully there was a style so
no big fences to negotiate. |
| Even here grouse moors dominate |
The view NW was good
but the rest was compromised by the masts. Craigowl is the highest
point of the Sidlaws.
Returned back to a
signpost but rather than follow it back to the parking area I decided
to get more of a workout and reascend back to the viewpoint and also
back to the cross junction, a few extra metres of ascent onto the
ramble, walking level improved.
On the heather I saw
a stunning bee with a stunning deep orange tipped tail, so vibrant
but off it flew before I could snap it. At a shaded spot on the stony
path the sun was warm and a few Common Darters were taking advantage
of the warmth.
As I descended
through the bracken I noticed movement ahead and a buck roe deer
poked its head out, saw me and disappeared sharpish. It was a short
view but its facial colours and small antlers were stunning.
Finally back into
the woods and back to the car. The wooded section seemed much shorter
mainly because I was not going down the wrong tracks this time.
Overall not what I
expected but a pleasant enough ramble anyway. Now it was time to meet
my son at Tynecastle for a big European night, fingers crossed.
Ascent: 485m
Distance: 8.6km
Time: 233m
Wildlife: Kestrel;
Roe deer (buck); Orange Tip bee; Common Darter; Raven; Buzzard; Green
Veined butterfly; Meadow Pipit; Blue Tit.
