Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Friday 26 February 2016

Monday 22 February 2016 Benarty Hill 356m - Marilyn NT153979

It's only eleven miles away in the Kingdom of Fife overlooking Loch Leven, but our boots had never trod its summit.  It was time to cross the border and put that right.


Only one car was present in the small car parking area on the south side of the hill but unlike when Gayle and Mick were here it was not covered in litter.  A pleasant climb through woods, where much storm damage was evident, brought us to more open ground and views of the snow-capped Ochils.


 Shortly after, open heather-clad moorland gave a lovely wander to the summit (not this bump).


The views were extensive in all directions with the Bass Rock and North Berwick Law visible to the south while eastwards lay another Marilyn, Largo Law, climbed some years ago. Below lay Loch Leven with its islands; on one is Loch Leven Castle, which held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner in 1567.

Loch Leven and Bishop Hill

A brief stop and then onwards to the western end of the hill to find the fort.


A view back with small dolerite cliffs visible. Routes up to E4 I think

I've never heard anyone speak ill of this little hill and I'm not surprised. It's delight all the way.


It all felt very spring-like with warm sunshine and bird song but subsequent days on higher hills reminded us that winter is still with us.