free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
It was a family outing today so was joined by Cameron (my usual walking partner and devourer of fruit and nut), Gemma (not a natural walker but we are persevering) and Mrs D. The Bishop Hill circular looked perfect as it didn't have too much climbing but was long enough to keep us out for a few hours.
We left Dunfermline at around 11 and stopped at Halbeath to get a packed lunch (we were too lazy to be prepare one) and then we were on the way to Holl Reservoir. On the way Mrs D did notice the odd spot of precipitation on the windscreen but to her credit the walk was never put into any doubt and we carried on in understanding silence.
The car park was fairly busy but there were still a few places available so we parked up, changed into the walking boots, had a quick scan of the map at the exit to the carpark and we were on our way. A fairly gentle stroll heading NW over some unremarkable moorland with both West and East Lomond dominating the local skyline. However it does eventually open up and you can get a good view over Ballo Reservoir towards East Lomond.
Car Park Sign
Back to Holl Reservoir
Ballo Reservoir with East Lomond
You eventually get to Harperleas Woodland which is a nice change of scenery and you amble through to Harperleas Reservoir and West Lomond pops into view.
Its then a pleasant walk along the side of the reservoir and towards Glen Vale heading between West Lomond and Bishop Hill. The path eventually points up the hill and you are finally on the walk up to Bishop Hill. Its not a hard hill walk but the push up to the top was certainly the hardest part of the day. The wind got up and the path wound its way through small gaps as we steadily climbed. We just managed to pop our head over the top of the ridge to get our first view of Loch Leven when we were passed by a Landrover (so much for experiencing the wilds)!
At this point Gemma needed quite a bit of convincing to get to the top. Encouraging. pleading, reasoning, nagging, bribery - we used all the usual parental ploys to finally get her to the top. Its when you get the broad smiling faces and an infectious sense of achievement that lets you know it was all worth while and appreciated.
Okay, perhaps not.
Loch Leven to Benarty Hill
Loch Leven to the Ochills (it didn't look so nice over there)
From here we just followed the path back to the car. Gemma made sure that she wasn't going to be last for the whole walk.
The walk is a bit bland on the way back. Long straight farm roads that would normally have little interest. At this time of year there are literally thousands of lambs in the fields, on the roads and generally everywhere so not so bad. In the main there was a lot of this.
Overall it was not a bad walk. A lot more character on the way up than on the way back.
