Craig Rossie, near Auchterarder

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One of the more northerly of the Ochils, Craig Rossie presents a bold profile and challenge to travellers along the nearby A9. The ascent is steep and sustained but grassy, and makes for an enjoyable circular walk with extensive views. The route is not marked and paths are faint at times.

Terrain

Mostly faint grassy hill paths; track on return. There is one patch of bog to cross.

Public Transport

None to start; bus to Auchterarder 3.5km from start along minor roads.

Start

Very limited parking east of Pairney Farm. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Currently 3.00/58

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Description

Stage 1

Parking responsibly is very difficult for this walk; there is space for a maximum of two cars to park very carefully at the start of the track which leaves the B8062 200m to the east of Pairney Farm. Park tight on the right side of the track, taking care not to block the gate into the field on the right. Begin the walk by heading along the track to the farm, then turning left onto a faint path heading directly uphill opposite the buildings.

Stage 2

The path climbs steeply initially, then along a grassy ridge; when it meets a fence follow this to the right until a gate. There are superb views back over the farm, and over Auchterarder towards Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin on a good day.

Stage 3

Go through the gate and then continue directly up the slope - there is a fairly clear path which heads straight up. Eventually a tiny cairn is reached atop the western summit; from here continue east across a shallow depression to reach the eastern summit, which is marked by a trig point.

Stage 4

The quickest return would be to retrace your steps, but to continue the circular walk follow the path that runs parallel to the fence southwards. It soon descends steeply to reach a very boggy depression; cross this and continue following the faint path up the slope beyond. Note the earthworks of an iron age hill fort on Ben Effrey off route downhill to the west - these could be included by a detour if you wish. Eventually the path curves southwest to head towards Beld Hill and becomes very indistinct. Make a descending curve round the eastern slopes of Beld Hill until the path joins a much clearer track by a gate. Turn right down this track.

Stage 5

The now clear track curves northwards to head back, descending across the western side of Ben Effrey. The track eventually passes through some old quarries before leading back to Pairney Farm and the start.

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Craig Rossie, near Auchterarder

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Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

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