Parked at the parking area South of Gladhouse Reservoir on the road to Moorfoot Farm, and walked along the road to the farm.
- The Moorfoot Farm road
Followed the start of the route mentioned here, heading towards the South Esk River valley on the farm track
- The South Esk valley
I strayed off the path to go up to see Hirendean Castle - I can see why the built the 14th century peel tower here as you get a great 3G signal there
- Hirendean Castle and Hill
The route described here suggests heading up Hirendean Hill - but I took one look at it and decided I didnt feel that energetic for a steep ascent, so I returned to the farm track that makes its way up through the South Esk valley
- The South Esk - just a stream here really
This is a lovely path - heads up the valley past sheepfolds
- Sheepfolds galore - well there are lots of sheep!
I then turned North East at NT 3000451206 and followed the track up Clinty Cleugh - its a good path half grass, half stone and makes for a gradual ascent at a steady degree up on to the ridge
- The path up Clinty Cleugh
After a few turns you get to the top at the bealach between The Kipps (542 mtrs) and Blackhope Scar. I headed over to the fence line that takes you up onto the latter, but after sinking knee deep in peat haggs on really boggy and tussocky ground after 1 kilometre or so I reached the "ah shite" point and decided it wasnt fun any more and had had enough. I retraced my steps to the tiny summit cairn of The Kipps and had my pork pies before returning down the way I came.
- Blackhope Scar from the Kipps - separated by some yeuchy ground!
Good views from The Kipps though - if it had been clearer would have been better as there was fog around on the Forth.
- Looking North from The Kipps - you can see the haar on the Forth
Really enjoyed the walk down as the sun had come out - so peaceful and quiet with just me and hundreds of sheep. Stopped to have a look at Gladhouse Reservoir at the end.
- Gladhouse Reservoir
I would recommend this walk - and the route I took makes for an easy way up onto the Moorfoots. I guess I could have come down over Hirendean Hill but did'nt fancy the steep descent either. I liked the look of Dundreich across the valley and I'll be back to do that hill too soon. the route I took would be fantastic in snow, and I guess a lot easier up on the tops.
- Dundreich
