Showing posts with label Innerdouny Hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Innerdouny Hill. Show all posts

Monday, 27 January 2020

Innerdouny Hill the highest Sub in the Ochils

Hill: Innerdouny Hill
Category: Sub2K
Height: 497m

After Lendrick Hill I headed along the B934  to find my start for this hill. I had read that it was important to start from the correct parking area, the 2nd one, but I suppose that is determined by which way you are coming.
The correct parking area
I came across a Littlerigg car park sign, slowed and went past but instinct kicked in. I knew all the signs would look the same but this just seemed right. Dogs going mental in the cottage but thankfully there was a fence separating us. I think if I stayed this remote I would have loud dogs too.
Parked up, checked map and yes I think I go up this forest track.
to start my walk up Innerdouny Hill
This is just a long walk up a forest road with either deforested stuff or recently planted stuff around you. There was a full wood in the distance and that was my objective.
Junction
Straightforward until you reach a V junction. There was a post with a yellow direction arrow that indicated to go straight. Didn’t seem right, map out and decided to go right, correct decision.
Then I soon reached a clearing on the right where I could see a fire break. The map confirmed this could be used as a short cut but I was in no hurry so continued with the forest track.
Lovely countryside & Crieff hills behind
A bit of a trudge but looking at Perthshire & Angus the sun was shining, it is beautiful countryside. Sadly I was still in the cold grey stuff, never mind, no problem, enjoy the moment.
At least it changed into some grass which meant less painful walking.
A few people clearly walked this route 
This track climbed gradually until I exited the trees and after the clearing an obvious path went right alongside the trees. A pair of Jays flew over my head into the trees calling loud and angry as always.
Gap in wall on track
A slight uphill walk until a broken stone dyke is reached. The only boggy section. Looking at the map the firebreak would have brought you to this point, time saving 15-20 minutes I guess but very rough underfoot.
Almost there
Suddenly the summit is reached with trig point I spotted earlier from Lendrick Hill. I think the views were better from Lendrick even though this is the highest Sub2k in the Ochil Hills.
Looking at Lendrick Hill
I could have used the firebreak but being on my own with a couple of walking days ahead I did not want a sprained ankle or worse.
Just as well I didn’t detour as a bird appeared on top of a pine calling away. Binos out and you know what another Crossbill. Haven’t seen one for yonks and two in a day on different hills. Clearly the hills are only a few miles apart so likely a breeding colony around here.
Sun shining over Perthshire & Angus
On the descent I spotted movement above the deforested area, a Kestrel, another first for the year, magic.
So two good unplanned walks until last night. An enjoyable day.
When checking my lists I noted that there are only three hills beginning with an ‘I’ in the categorized lists. The only one I have left is the easy one, The In Pin, might be a while before I get around to that one, need to learn to abseil first!!


Wildlife: Crossbill; Kestrel; Jay (pair); Carrion Crow (pair); Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Blue Tit
Time: 2.23
Ascent: 775ft 
Distance: 7.51m