The Knock of Crieff, Crieff

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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.

Terrain

Steep ascent to the Knock then straightforward paths and tracks.

Public Transport

Crieff is served by both local and long-distance buses.

Start

Knock middle car park, Crieff. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

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.

Stage 2

The path soon emerges at the ornate viewpoint indicator on the summit of the Knock. 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 - growing trees are now slightly obscuring the view but there is a better optional viewpoint in the next stage. Continue from the viewpoint, following the wide grassy track leading along the spine of the hill.

Stage 3

The track descends slightly to the left to join a track running around the Knock. Turn right onto this and follow the track; both sides of the track have recently been clear felled of forestry and there are excellent views to the left. Ignore mountain bike trails heading off either side. Further on a footpath heads on the right leads to the true highest point on the Knock and is worth the detour to reach a great viewpoint. Otherwise continue ahead on the track which curves round to the right and reveals good views towards the Ochils and Gleneagles.

Stage 4

Further on a large mortared cairn is reached; it was built to commemorate the turn of the millenium. Immediately afterwards turn left onto a track and left again onto a footpath, almost doubling back. The path runs alongside the prestigious 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.

Stage 5

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. Just beyond, the A85 is reached once more.

Stage 6

Head directly across and into Crieff Golf Club. The path is well marked and keeps to the left of the course, passing just to the right of the clubhouse. When it 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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