Kerloch with Kids and an adder on the track

[WalkingWithKids]

Hill no. 120 - Sub2000 no. 72

Kerloch near Banchory from the north with Kids (9, 12 yo.)

Stats:
Total distance - 10.5 km
Total time - 5h12m
Walking time - 2h57m
Altitude gain - 414 m
Terrain:
10.0 km - good track
0.5 km - fine path

Kerloch was the first hill on this day (Cairn-mon-earn was the second). We followed the WH walk.

20220617-Kerloch-near-Banchory-from-the-north-Track.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

There is a small car park at the start of the track opposite West Knockhill near Banchory:

The sign at the start of the track:

We followed an excellent track almost to the top. Gate in front of the plantation:

Looking back:

At this place we branched right. From this point, the track became rough but still easily walkable:

The last approximately 200 m is on a fine path:

The summit of Kerloch - cairn and trig pillar:

Wind-shelter on the summit. Corbett Mount Battock in the back, in the middle:

Conni on the top. Looking west - Corbetts:
1 - Mount Battock
2 - Morven

Conni on the top. Looking north, towards Banchory:
1 - Sub2000 Bennachie (Oxen Craig)
2 - Mither Tap

Looking SE:

After a lunch break in the wind-shelter, we returned the same way.

Heading down:

There was a wealth of wildlife all the way along the track. Selection of some:

Common Spotted-orchid:

Many of these moths - Red-necked Footman:

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary:

Stonechat:

Curlew:

On the track between the plantation and the car park, I noticed a strange stick. As I got closer I found out it was an adder! More precisely - a beautiful young adder, about 40 cm long :

[Katrina89]

Good report I am hoping to do this soon! Were there any cows on or around the path?

[WalkingWithKids]

Good report I am hoping to do this soon! Were there any cows on or around the path?

Don't worry. The cows were behind the barbed wire fence (just on the way back) and looked very friendly