Blackford to Tillicoultry

Today we are in the Ochil Hills in Perthshire between Perth and Stirling.

Walk Notes
Route 1 – Blackford to Tillicoultry
Our walk begins near Blackford on the A9 (NGR 896 086). Head southwards on the track up the Braes of Ogilvie, passing Kinpauch House and contouring the western shoulder of Kinpauch Hill, before dropping down into the Glen of Kinpauch. The track continues up the glen above the burn to reach a col at its head, which we cross southwards and descend into Glen Bee, to follow the burn down to the end of Upper Glen Devon Reservoir (NGR 902 049).
West route (right hand side going south): Cross the burn here and take a path on the right around the NW shore of the reservoir to cross the River Devon (NGR 897 044). Continue around the southern edge of the reservoir, then turn south to the remote house at Backhills (NGR 912 035).
East route (left hand side going south): Cross the burn here and take a path on the left around the NE shore of the reservoir, pass the east shore of the reservoir via the dam. Continue south to the remote house at Backhills (NGR 912 035).
The access road to the house crosses the Broich Burn here, but we leave it after the bridge and take a path S’wards up the glen on the hillside which skirts Skythorn Hill to reach a col between it and Andrew Gannel Hill (NGR 923 009). Our path crosses the col and skirts Maddy Moss in a SE direction, before descending to the headwaters of the Gannel Burn (NGR 927 003) and walk SW wards down the glen. Cross the western shoulder of Kirk Craigs and descend into Mill Glen, where the steep path follows the east slopes of the glen down into Tillycoultry, where our bus will be parked at a convenient spot around NGR 914 974.
Walking distance approx. 9.4 miles (15 km)
Ascent 1932 feet (590 metres)

Route 2 – Ben Cleuch circular
This walk is a steep but scenic walk up and back to Ben Cleuch, or back via Ben Ever.
From the bus in Tillicoultry NGR 914 974 ascend northwards past the former mill. Do not cross the bridge here but go straight ahead past the Mill Glen information board. Follow the path beside the burn into the wooded lower part of the glen. There are small waterfalls in the burn before the path crosses an old stone arched bridge and then climbs a first flight of steps on the far side up Mill Glen past the quarry on the left hand side to NGR 974 978. At a fork in the path take the left hand one and walk in a north westerly direction on the path via The Law (NGR 910 997) straight up to Ben Cleuch (NGR 903 005). From there follow the same route back to Tillicoultry. Alternatively, turn west towards Ben Ever via the col between the two hills. At Ben Ever (NGR 893 002) turn SEwards along the ridge, taking the left hand fork in the path (NGR 895 998) down a steep path to the left of Wood Hill. The descent now becomes a little steeper at times though the path clear; eventually it swings left down a grassy track to the left before slanting round the eastern slopes. When a very large cairn is reached leave the wide grassy track and take the path which continues diagonally down the slope. The path eventually reaches a fence marking the edge of the quarry above Tillicoultry. Turn left here to continue the descent path, taking care as the slopes are very steep. A clearer path is soon reached which runs across the slopes. Turn left along this, eventually descending in an obvious zig-zag to regain the Mill Glen path from earlier in the day. Follow this back down the steps and return to the start.
Walking distance approx. 6 miles (9 km)
Ascent 2400 feet (731 metres)

Route 3 – Tillicoultry to Alva return
This is a short low level walk from Tillicoultry following a woodland path along the foot of the Ochil Hills, then returning along the same path.
From the bus in Tillicoultry NGR 914 974 ascend northwards to a junction in the paths (NGR 912 974). Turn left at this point and follow the path through the woodland park past The Roundal (NGR 902 974). Cross the Silver Glen at NGR 892 977. Continue along the northern edge oif Alva until you reach the car park. There should be a picnic site here (NGR 884 975).
Walking distance approx. 8.6 miles (14 km)
Ascent 486 feet (150 metres)

Bus departs at 5.30 pm

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or a GPS device with OS maps.

In the event of an emergency arising, the person in charge of the outing should be contacted, if possible, before the police are contacted.

Relevant telephone number for Police Scotland is 0845 600 5700 or 999.

Committee member in charge is Alastair Condie 07733143042