Mount Blair & Duchray Hill

[Gordie12]

Having climbed Hill of Persie the day before, every time I took a photo Mount Blair seemed to be in it so it was easy to decide where I would head for next.

Forecast for the morning and early afternoon was good so I was up and ready to start at 8am. Chose not to park opposite the gate for the start of the track up Mount Blair as there were logging lorries on the road and there didn't look to be much spare space with them around so headed instead for the spaces closer to the Angus/Perthshire border by the trees and the start of the walk to Duchray Hill. There is some clearing of this wood going on as well so there isn't the usual amount of space to park up so I squeezed in close to the access gate for Duchray Hill.

A short walk along the road and I was on to the track heading straight uphill through the field.

The cows had got their position on the track early and they weren't giving it up so I worked my way round them rather than sticking to the track.

Looking back at the cows with Duchray Hill in the background

Looking over towards Glen Shee

More residents of the field

It's a fairly steep climb through the field and on to the open hillside but the gradient is consistent and height is gained quickly.

Track just after leaving the field

I was surprised when the mast came into view as I thought it would take a bit longer to get to the summit.

First sighting of the mast

At the top there was a cool breeze (no complaints after the heat of the previous weekend) so I only stayed on top for about 10 minutes.

Mount Blair mast

Duchray Hill

On the way down the cows still had possession of the track so another detour before walking back to the car and starting the walk to Duchray Hill.

Duchray Hill from the road

Duchray Hill is fairly straight forward and it's just a case of keeping close to the edge of the field keeping the trees to your left. The low part of the field is fairly damp and a little boggy even after the recent dry spell so in wet weather would probably be hard going. Once on the upslope the ground is much drier and the walking easier.

Following the tree line

Looking over to Mount Blair

Once past the trees there is a wall/fence to follow all the way to the summit.

First sighting of the summit cairn

Summit cairn

Duchray Hill summit cairn with Loch Beanie behind

Looking towards Glenshee

A glimpse of Dalnaglar Castle

On the way down I thought about heading over towards the tracks above Dalnaglar Castle but in the end just headed straight back down the hill retracing my steps to the car.

Having driven, cycled and walked past Mount Blair countless times, finally I've climbed it. Really enjoyed both of these hills.

[bar72]

did this last august, nice stroll for a sunday afternoon.

[Gordie12]

did this last august, nice stroll for a sunday afternoon.

Hi bar72

Yip, a good wander and great views up Glenshee. Didn't see a soul on either hill so not exactly crowded