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The forecast was not good for Sunday in east or west so I couldn't be bothered with a long drive for nae views so opted for something lower and closer to home. I'd had an expedition to the Ochills last year (for similar reasons
) and was keen to explore them more.
It was a nice easy drive to Dollar and I managed to make my way up amazingly steep narrow streets to the car park at Dollar Glen. It was definitely a day for waterproof socks, especially as my boots were already fairly damp from the day before
I headed down the steep path into Dollar Glen and made my way along. Although there was no snow, some of the wooden bridge structures were pretty icy and I had to be careful not to end on my backside before leaving the bottom
But it was very pretty and I was glad to be out. If wasn't even raining!!
Some pretty intense wooden structures!
Climbing out the top of the Glen I arrived at Castle Campbell, a historic Scotland and National Trust property. I was annoyed at leaving my membership card in the car as it'd be nice to have a look....but I didn't really fancy going back...
another time...
After the steep climb out of the Glen it was easier walking for a bit as I made it out onto the hill. The route to King's Seat Hill, my only planned target, was simple.
Looking back to Dollar
Ahead to King’s Seat Hill
Bridges and things puffing out smoke
I went over rather than round Bank Hill (because it was there
) before sloshing my way through bog. There were several other people out - a couple had coats on their dogs
is this normal?!
The watchers on the wall…
It was very warm (for January) so I was gutted when it started raining and I had to add yet more layers
just before the steep climb to the summit. There was enough snow here to make it exciting, although there was practically nothing anywhere else. Reaching the top I was greeted with views of Ben Cleuch and the Ochill massif, as well as my potential next target and in the other direction Fife's many iconic bridges.
Summit!
A very poor photo of the Ochill Massif
My plan so far had been to wing it....which is what I did. Studying the map it looked like I could get to Tarmangie Hill easily enough and follow the ridge down and back to Dollar. Weather was nice (the rain had lasted all of five minutes ) and my knee felt good. If was time for a bigger test
Ahead to Tarmangie Hill and Whitewisp Hill
Following my bearing from the summit I picked up a path which took me all the way down to a bealach (the top of Glen of Sorrow
something I should know?!) where I met some people who seemed to be doing my route in reverse. Relieved that it was a thing, I continued up the shoulder of Tarmangie Hill (much less steep than the descent!!) and was soon on the ridge, following wall and fenceposts to the summit.
It was quite windy…
Potential next target; Innerdownie
Looking back to King’s Seat Hill and smoking chimneys in the background
Ahh that’s better – windfarms!!
From here I could follow the ridge to Whitewisp Hill and down. But according to the map I could also go out to Innerdownie and descend to the reservoir... deciding to walk to Whitewisp and decide, off I went. I bumped into a guy out running here, trying to get fit. If he was running around the Ochills he'd already managed that
we parted ways and it was a quick march to Whitewisp Hill. From here Innerdownie looked a fair distance but not a difficult walk....why not?!
Back to Tarmangie from Whitewisp
Off I went, sloshing through more bog and over a giant stile. The path was obvious alongside the wall and the views were great, although I could see clag topping the higher hills in the distance. If seemed I had made a good choice today!
Go home Christmas trees, you’re drunk
Ochills and beautiful, planet-cleansing windfarms
Finally reaching Innerdownie it was sandwich time. A quick lunch stop as it was pretty windy!
Glenquey Reservoir, my next target
The route down was simple, I followed a path which branched off from the outward route and led downwards to the reservoir. After a wee bit of off-roading to cut off a corner I reached the track.
From here it was just a long walk back to Dollar. Although as it had turned into a beautiful day this was no chore.
What would have been my route down
I arrived back into civilisation near the castle - lots of people
a bit of a shock after meeting so few since Kings Seat
Castle Campbell
An easy stroll back down the road to the car and a relatively short and easy drive home. Knee felt good, I felt good. Donalds are great
