free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Fortunately the long settled spell of mid-October weather held on just long enough for our day off on Tuesday. For some reason a long hill walk never appeared on the cards, and instead we headed to Crieff for a walk up The Knock and a trip to Glenturret Distillery. After an unplanned driving tour of Crieff Hydro's car parks we found the correct road to the start of the walk, at the base of The Knock.
A wide path led directly up to the viewpoint at the top (although this isn't the true summit) - only 80 metres ascent, and all very straightforward. The colours were beautiful at this time of year.
A viewpoint indicator er... indicates the views from the hilltop - most beautiful northwest towards higher hills. Ben Chonzie was also in view - a long time since we climbed that one!
Most of the ascent done for now, but only about 10% of the total distance walked, the path continues around the northern side of The Knock. This is deep in forestry on OS maps, but lots of the trees have been felled, leaving wide open views north.
A bit further on, the main track cuts across to the south side of the Knock, but we stayed on the north side by following a decent, new-looking path (not on the walkhighlands route) - probably better for views this way, and it eventually curls round back to the track. Nearly stepped on this tiny frog:
Back on the track, we started to descent towards Ferntower, a cottage almost completely hidden by trees. On the way down we had two unexpected encounters in close succession. First a red squirrel sitting happily on a stump right on the edge of the track, which we only saw when we were almost on top of it. Just as we scrabbled for the camera, a loud group of people on Segways zoomed past from behind, scaring it away!
More tracks lead through pretty countryside to the A85 - one short boggy / puddly section on this stretch, which had to be bypassed by crawling under a few tree branches as we didn't have proper boots on.
Across the busy road and onto Highlandman Loan, a minor road flanked by ripe elderberry bushes and fields full of horses. None of this walk is dramatic, but the views are constantly excellent, in a sort of low-key way.
Curious caterpillar (safely) crossing the road:
Soon a right turn led onto the track / path back to Crieff. Elderberry bushes were replaced by the odd ripe wild raspberry (although slightly late in the season for most of these), and the trees on Callum's Hill, blackberries. Feast over, we regained the A85 on the edge of Crieff, crossed it and followed the side of the golf course back towards the start. The ascent to reach the car park again is probably worse than the initial climb to the top of the hill!
A very pretty walk - lots of interesting-looking corners around here on the map, so might not be long until we're back again.