The Knock is the wooded hill that stands guard over the town of Crieff. The climb to the top is short but steep and reveals excellent and extensive views across Strath Earn; it is the prelude to this very pleasant waymarked circuit.
Straightforward paths and tracks throughout.
Crieff is served by both local and long-distance buses.
Knock middle car park, Crieff.
The walk begins from the Knock Car park high above Crieff. To reach it head up Ferntower road, following the road when it turns sharply to the left. Soon afterwards as the enormous Crieff Hydro hotel is approached, fork right to continue up the hill. There is parking on the right as the road curves round. The walk begins up a wide path heading off to the right just beyond the parking. It is signed for the Knock (this entire route is waymarked) and ascends steeply through the trees.
The path soon at an ornate viewpoint indicator with benches nearby. There are a couple of benches from which to enjoy the extensive views, particularly southwards across Strathearn to the Ochils and also looking west where the mountains of Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chròin can be seen rising above their foothills. Continue from the viewpoint, following the well constructed path leading along the spine of the hill. Ignore a path off left.
The path bears left when there's a fence across the ridge. Leave the main path here and head through a gate into the fenced area of young trees. The path is a little rougher here; eventually the fenced area is left behind and the path continues to the summit of the Knock - a superb viewpoint. Continue along the path, descending slightly.
Eventually it reaches a mountain bike trail - turn left here and follow it down to the main track. Turn right along this; there are good views towards the Ochils and Gleneagles. The track curves round to the right. Eventually a large mortared cairn is reached amongst the trees; it was built to commemorate the turn of the millenium.
Immediately afterwards turn left onto a track and then left again onto a footpath, almost doubling back to stay outside the golf course. The path soon gives views across the prestigous golf course before reaching a gate and a track beyond - part of a road built by General Wade. Go straight across this on a cart track which emerges on the A85. Cross this - taking care as the traffic can be very fast - and turn left along the pavement on the far side.
After a very short distance turn right onto a much quieter road, signed for Highlandman Loan - a reminder of the days when drovers from the Highlands would head down to Crieff for the massive livestock markets. Follow this road past Colony Farm and turn right onto a grassy track at the next junction - signed for 'Crieff via Calums Hill and the Spoke Road'. The lane crosses farmland before entering a lovely little woodland of beech, oak and birch. Beyond this the path emerges on a lane in a housing estate - continue ahead and bear right to reach the A85 once more.
Turn left briefly and then cross with care to head into the Crieff Golf Club entrance. Take the path that passes along the front of the clubhouse - which is on your left, with the course itself over to your right. When the path reaches a track, turn left to reach the end of Ferntower Road in Crieff. Turn right here and follow the tarmac road uphill towards Crieff Hydro. Before reaching the hotel, take the road on the right. A footpath on the right side avoids the tarmac and leads back to the car park.
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