Bishop Hill circular from Holl Reservoir

Bishop Hill is the more neglected of the main summits of the Lomond Hills, a wedge of moorland presenting a steep flank to its western side above Loch Leven. This route from the east uses tracks and a hill-path to make a circuit.

Terrain

Tracks and hill-paths; some sections can be very boggy.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking area by Holl Reservoir. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 273m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO224035

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Bishop Hill

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking area at the Holl Reservoir, where there is an information board and map. To reach it turn north off the A911 just west of Leslie - the minor road is unsigned but there is a Scottish Water sign here. From the car park take the track at the end of the parking area, soon reaching a green metal gate. Where the track bends right continue ahead through a gate on another track. At the next junction continue ahead over a bridge and through a gate, and still keep straight on when a track branches off right.

Stage 2

There are views across the moorland to both West Lomond ahead and East Lomond, seen beyond the Ballo Reservoir. The track passes through another gate to enter a plantation, emerging at the Harperleas Reservoir. Ignore a signed path heading off to the left and keep on the main track. Continue beside a drainage channel, and when a T-junction is reached near a wall corner turn left, soon crossing a bridge and then heading through a pedestrian gate.

Stage 3

The walk now is following an improved hill-path, boggy in parts, aiming for Glen Vale, the bealach between West Lomond and Bishop Hill. Continue through another small gate and across heather moorland. The path switches to the left side of the glen; do not continue down Glen Vale but instead go through a farm gate and follow the often wet path uphill.

Stage 4

It continues beside a wall for a little over half a kilometre, until the second of two walls branches off to the right, with a gate just beyond. Turn right here on the nearside of the wall, passing through a gap. The path climbs through a shallow valley up onto the crest of Bishop Hill. Loch Leven is now revealed ahead, together with the Ochils and distant Highlands. Follow the path as it turns left along the grassy high ground of Bishop Hill, following an old turf dyke. Cross a stile over a fence across the route and continue on the path, climbing up onto towards the domed summit of the hill; there are stunning views looking back towards West Lomond.

Stage 5

The summit is marked by a fine stone cairn, and is a wonderful viewpoint. Continue by heading southwest, back to the top of the steep slopes on the Loch Leven side, and heading through a gate.

Stage 6

A track comes up from the right and joins the route at a marker post. Continue ahead on the grassy track; it eventually swings left and heads through a gate into the Munduff Hill plantation. Emerge from the trees, dog-legging briefly right and then reaching the farm at West Feal. From here the track improves; ignore a signed turning to the left and eventually pass some barns. The track then emerges at a crossroads with the minor road at West Balgothie. Turn left here to return to the Holl Reservoir parking area.

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