The Knock is the wooded hill that stands guard over the town of Crieff. This circular route begins by climbing to the top for excellent and extensive views on the boundary of the Highlands and Lowlands; it is the just the first part of this very pleasant circular route.
Straightforward paths and tracks throughout.
Crieff is served by both local and long-distance buses.
The Knock 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 the wide path with the large 'The Knock' information board heading off to the right just beyond the parking. It is signed for the Knock and ascends steeply through the trees. Ignore the paths off on either side; the purple path heading direct for the Knock summit is the one you are looking for.
The path soon emerges from the trees at an ornate viewpoint indicator with benches nearby. The views from here are very extensive, looking south over Strathearn to the Ochils, or west 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. Keep ahead at a cross-paths (where the red markers again cross this route).
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 true summit of the Knock - a superb viewpoint. Continue along the path, descending slightly.
Ignore the mountain bike trail off right, instead turning left here to follow the path 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. After 700m there's a large mortared cairn on the left; 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 left of the golf course. The path soon gives views across this 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 - briefly muddy - 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 Callum's 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, bearing right to reach the A85 once more.
Turn left briefly and then cross with care to head into the Crieff Golf Club entrance opposite. Take the path that passes along the right side of the clubhouse, keeping 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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