free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Well whilst continuing on my mission to get back my hill fitness and lose some of the festive flair I decided that I would go walking again today. I had grand plans to tick off Crock, Creigh Hill and Mile Hill today.
... Yeah lets face it that was never going to happen!
I had done my research and looked at all the different ways up Crock, I decided that since the trees had now been felled and that someone had mentioned new ones were being planted that I had better do this hill ASAP before it got back to the drainage ditch territory.
So Crock was first. Parked the car at Freuchies and set off up the forestry track which was in very good condition, probably helped by the fact that it was frozen underfoot. The dog was super happy to be allowed to run free, he knew we were going to be going on an epic.
So I thought I would take the "direct" route up the side of the hill just past Tulloch I turned off the main forestry path to try and follow what I must have imagined was a "route" up the hill. Its funny how your mind plays tricks on you sometimes you know. At one point during my many stops I realised that I couldn't go back down it as it was too steep and gnarly for me not to risk breaking an ankle, after huffing and puffing my way up this hellish slope for what felt like forever I came across the track that was marked on the OS 1:25,000 scale map, buoyed on by this I just carried on straight up the hill.
- Thats a path right?
- About 1/3rd of the way up realising my mistake
- Whats taking you so long?!
The top was reached finally. It just never seemed to be getting any closer for a while there! Also I was cursing my decision to have put thermal long johns on this morning I was ROASTING. But yep got there only to find Brutus already standing on the small cairn looking proud of himself.
- The top at last
The views were extensive today, which was wonderful as it always always makes all the up hill worth it. It was a nice 5-10 mins spent hill spotting, cooling off, and catching my breath before the staunter down the hill via the tourist track. Why didn't I go up that way! WHY!
- Mayer and Driesh
- The Glenshee hills
So after taking in the views and hill spotting I made my way north along the ridge of the hill aiming for the track in the woods indicated on the 1:25,000 OS map. Thankfully it was there! It made it really easy on the way down. Although it was quite eerie walking in to the dark woodland where there was no sound apart from my own echo.
- Eerie
This track joins another over grown forestry track and that then joins the main one which takes you all the way back to the car.
Why I didn't go up this way I do not know. However if I had I wouldnt have had such a rewarding day I guess?
Anyway. I will have to make the trip back to the area to tick off the last of the angus hills, I don't think I will manage them in one day!
So multiple trips to this beautiful and quiet part of the country.
In conclusion..... Crock, could be easy but why do that when you can make it an ankle threatening lung busting ascent?
