Blackford to Tillicoultry in the Ochil Hills

A 9-mile hike in the Ochil Hills from Blackford to Tillicoultry, via Upper Glendevon Reservoir.

From Blackford we cross over the busy A9 road and follow the Glen of Kinpauch then Glen Bee to the reservoir. Approaching the reservoir it's a narrow little-used path at times covered in ferns, and the way ahead is not always easy.

At the reservoir we talk about reaching ten thousand subscribers and give ourselves a pat on the back while moaning about Bayne's pies topped with mashed potatoes and beans.

From close to Backhills Farm we then head deeper into the Ochils, hiking ever uphill above the Broich Burn, between Maddy Moss and Andrew Gannel Hill. There, we discover some strange blobs of slime or jelly. What is it? Has it fallen from the sky? Is outer space involved? So many questions, and very few answers.

With King's Seat Hill on our left and views down towards the flat carse around the River Forth, we continue high above the Gannel Burn between The Law and Elistoun Hill, and drop down a very steep path into Tillicoultry.

A very challenging walk where the way ahead was not always obvious.