Ben's Buck, Cleuch, Andrew Gannal, King's Seat Hill Circular

[colingray8]

The car was reading an air temperature of +1 and the snow was falling lightly when I parked at the golf course in Tillicoultry. Met up with a friend and he explained his planned route for today. I've not much experience in the Ochil Hills so today he would be leading.

Set off along the top of the golf course towards Alva and into the woods on the lower reaches of Wood Hill. Continued along through Wood Hill and took the Silver Glen path veering off uphill to the right. This brings you to a old rusted gate just at the old Silver mine. Through the gate and on to the open hill to meet a farm track zig zagging it's way up the hill at "The Gowls" on the lower flanks of The Nebit. Followed this track all the way up passing to the left of The Nebit and on to the end of the track at approx 550m. By now we were well in the clouds, the snow was a lot heavier and the wind had picked up a bit. A quick stop to put on hats and gloves, take a bearing and ascend the south west slope, heading for the summit of Ben Buck. As we approached the summit we could see the fence appearing out the gloom. A good navigational aid in crap viz! Again a quick stop to replace fluids and I put on my waterproof trousers as I was feeling the cold on my legs. Turned right at the fence and followed it heading south east then east to the summit of Ben Cleuch. By now the wind was blowing hard, the snow was horizontal into our faces and we could feel the wind chill so we decided to have a quick bit of lunch in the leeward side of the summit shelter.

Ben Cleuch summit 13/01/2013

Derek on Ben Cleuch 13/01/2013

After 15 minutes it was onwards. Continuing to follow the fence eastwards as it descends and then starts the climb up the west flank to the summit of Andrew Gannel Hill. A quick look at the summit and onwards down the east side following the fence as it bends round to head south. Taking the higher path on the left, this eventually brings you to a gate and style (SP?). Crossed the fence and started the last ascent of the day up the west slope of King's Seat Hill. Again, quite windy, snowy and nothing to see! Sometimes, why do we bother??

Summit of King's Seat Hill 13/01/2013

Me on King's Seat Hill 13/01/2013

From here it was back the way we had came down to the gate. Over the fence and headed south west downhill parallel with the Gannel burn into Mill Glen. This is where we came out the clouds for the first time in about four hours, the wind had dropped and the snow and lessened. This was the most awkward part of the walk! Slipping and sliding on the snow and underlying mud. This eventually brought us down the side of Tillicoultry quarry (not very pretty! ) and back into Tillicoultry. From here it was a 5 minute walk back to the cars.

A good walk in full on winter conditions and it was absolutely fantastic! Loved every minute of it!!!

Thanks Derek for an excellent walk!!

/Colin.

[Johnny Corbett]

Aye, the Ochils certainly looked a bit wild yesterday.

[stuart mclovin]

love this walk, i usually ascend up the Law to get onto Ben Cleuch rather than the Wood Hilll route though.

[colingray8]

love this walk, i usually ascend up the Law to get onto Ben Cleuch rather than the Wood Hilll route though.

If we were going just for Ben Cleuch then the Law would be the preferred route as well, but we were looking for a circular route rather than a there and back and this suited the bill very well. I'll need to try it in the summer when there is hopefully a better chance of seeing something.

Thanks Stuart!

[alfie]

another guid circular i like is startin from upper mill street in tilly,from there to kingseat onto andrew gannel onto ben cleuch then down the law back to the car!another is starting at tormaukin hotel onto innerdownie onto whitewisp onto tarmangie then back to hotel via innerdownie!the ochils are an absolute treasure!

[jaybee]

We were also up in the Ochils yesterday but only as far as the summit of Ben Ever. The complete whiteout and windchill persuaded us to turn it round. Really enjoyed the short outing though.
I have never yet known the weather on the summit of Ben Cleuch to be less than a full on breeze although we have enjoyed some wonderful views towards the higher hills to the north and west.
Totally agree with alfie, the Ochils are special.
Love them.

[colingray8]

another guid circular i like is startin from upper mill street in tilly,from there to kingseat onto andrew gannel onto ben cleuch then down the law back to the car!another is starting at tormaukin hotel onto innerdownie onto whitewisp onto tarmangie then back to hotel via innerdownie!the ochils are an absolute treasure!

Some inspiration for another day! Thanks Alfie!

We were also up in the Ochils yesterday but only as far as the summit of Ben Ever. The complete whiteout and windchill persuaded us to turn it round. Really enjoyed the short outing though.
I have never yet known the weather on the summit of Ben Cleuch to be less than a full on breeze although we have enjoyed some wonderful views towards the higher hills to the north and west.
Totally agree with alfie, the Ochils are special.
Love them.

With the amount of hills and all the paths connecting them there are lots of routes to choose from. And all on then doorstep (well nearly). Yes! A good place for a days walk if we don't want to travel too far. Just need to get a bit more experience in them.

Thanks Jaybee!

[Sarah86]

Great photos of my local hills and it sounds like you had a great day out but I must admit I am a fair weather walker