This short and straightforward hill walk gives rewards out of all proportion to the effort involved, with stunning views over Loch Leven and beyond.
Good forest and moorland paths.
None to start; the walk can be reached by following off-road paths from Ballingry (2km), or along the Sleeping Giant path from Loch Ore Meadows Country Park.
Start of forest path at NT159969, west of Ballingry.
Start from NT159969 on the minor road along the south side of the hill, where a flight of steps ascending into the trees - part of the Sleeping Giant trail. There is limited parking for a couple of cars here and some more nearby. Begin by heading up the steps into the forest.
After the steep initial climb the path reaches a forest track at a bench with good views back over Loch Ore. The Sleeping Giant route turns right here and is used on the descent; to continue the ascent, turn left.
Soon the track becomes a path. Stay on the main path - ignoring branches to the right - until the main path eventually curves right. Further up the path bends back left and leaves the trees behind, climbing over heather moorland.
The path reaches the top of a mound topped with a stone - but this isn't the summit. Continue along it to reach the trig point which marks the highest point of Benarty Hill.
The best view point is a short distance beyond overlooking the wide expanse of Loch Leven, with Bishop Hill to the east.
To vary the return, turn right along the path with the drystone wall on your left. It descends very gently, with great views all the way. Eventually the path reaches a pedestrian gate by some old Scots Pines. Pass through this, then ascend very slightly. Keep left at a path junction, now heading downhill.
Eventually a much larger path is met at a junction by a gate - turn right through the gate. The path now joins a forestry track, with great views ahead towards Loch Ore. You are now back on the Sleeping Giants Trail. Ignore a track off right after 1km, instead continuing ahead. Eventually the outward route is rejoined at the junction near the start - turn left here to follow the trail back down to the road.
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