Ben Cleuch & King's Seat Hill

[inca]

Attendees: Me, Big Dog, Small Dog

Tillicoultry – Mill Glen – The Law – Ben Cleuch – Andrew Gannel Hill – King’s Seat Hill – Elistoun Hill - Tillicoultry

Unremarkable walk which should have included Blairdenon Hill too. Intended to bear NE from Mill Glen and start with King's Seat and then bear west over Ben Cleuch to Blairdenon. This would inevitably mean some duplication with a trudge back from Blairdenon to Ben Cleuch and then a descent via The Law. As it was, I missed the right hand turn in Mill Glen and went straight on to The Law. Doh. Was half-way up before I realised my mistake. Suppose must have been in a bit distracted. By then, it seemed sensible to carry on and think of other options later.

Cloud and drizzle gave way to sun at the top of Ben Cleuch, which is topped by a trig point and viewing dial. Decent views all round. One other gentleman at summit and a young couple descending as we arrived. Considered alternatives to walk for 10 mins - starting with the middle of the 3 Donalds would now mean duplication to and from both Blairdenon and King's Seat. Decided to just do King's Seat and save Blairdenon for another day. Pleasant stroll over Andrew Gannel and up sharply to King's Seat with its double cairn and the true summit further NW. Nice chat with a hill runner on top and then headed west down the ridge line and over Elistoun Hill to Mill Glen. A decent grassy path for much of the way, bordered by waist high ferns and the occasional foxglove. Back to the car in a respectable 4 hours.