Scottish

Towns

The Knock

Length: 3 miles Height climbed: 650ft./200m Grade: B Parking: Crieff and The Knock Toilet facilities: Crieff (James Square) Crieff, like all the towns which lie along the Highland Line, held an uneasy position as a meeting place of the Gaelic and Lowland cultures. The town was also the seat of justice for the region, with many Highland cattle-thieves ending their days on the "Kind Gallows" of Crieff. The town is quieter these days, lying back against a large mound of tree-covered old red sandstone, known as the "Knock of Crieff". From James Square in the centre of Crieff walk up Hill Street for about a third of a mile. Turn left up Knock Road - signposted "To The Knock" - and follow this road until it passes through a gate and becomes a wide track. To the right is Crieff Hydro - an imposing and elegant Victorian hotel established in 1868 as a spa and health resort. Continue along this path for a short distance then turn right, taking one of the small paths leading up the hill through the open woodland. The summit is within half a mile and the reward is a marvellous panoramic view, south across Strathearn and north-west into the Grampian mountains. The view-indicator helps to identify the various peaks that can be seen. The return can be by the same route or down the north side of the hill and on to a wider forestry track. Once on the track, turn right and follow it round the base of the "upper Knock" - the slightly higher hill to the east which is easily climbed for further excellent views - through coniferous forest, returning above Crieff Golf Course towards the Hydro where you will emerge near the hotel stables. From here it is an easy walk down Ferntower Road and Hill Street to the town centre. This detour round the upper Knock will add an extra 1.5 miles to the walk. Last updated November 1999