31 December 2018 and 1 January 2019

The New Year got off to a good start with a short day out on West Craigs via the drove road from the head of Glen Eagles. We exchanged a 'Happy New Year' with a couple coming up the road just as we took to the slopes.

It was a winter wind on top but no sign of snow on the Crieff hills.

We'd planned a short day out so returned the way we'd come and were treated to a wonderful sight when a hare shot out of the bracken, streaked  down the slope and across the burn. We expected it to stop at the wall by the drove road, well away from any perceived danger from us, but no, over it went and continued across the fields until some gorse bushes provided cover. If ever there was a superlative demonstration of how to cover hill country, this was it.

West Craigs -  and in more common January conditions below 

January 2018

A short, but satisfying start to 2019.


31 December

As an end-of -year walk we also followed the drove road all the way through the beautiful oaks and past West Mains Farm where we turned left across a field at a waymark pointing in the opposite direction. Why we'd never been tempted to go this way before I can't say.

West Mains Farm and Eastbow Hill 

Pink-footed geese and the ever-present Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin

We watched the geese for a while before they took to the air as one, and flew to the next field.

Crossing a railway bridge brought us to an old house and former smiddy, Muiralehouse House, (red arrow on map) and the offer of some fresh eggs for £1. All very trusting.

We didn't buy any though

 The mobile phone mast remained undecorated for Christmas.

I assume that at some point this will have to be fixed

Past Peterhead Farm we stopped at our usual spot among a small stand of Scots Pines for some tea and a view up Gleneagles - our route back.

A view to East Craigs near the top of Glen Eagles from the Scots Pines halt (earlier this year)