Carrot Hill (Dundee/Forfar area)

25 November 2018

 

Participants: Just me

Where: Carrot Hill, 259m/850', P52m, TuMP, OS 54, NO 459 402

 

I was on my way back from the Dundee Mountain Film Festival and had taken an extra day in the area hoping to climb a few hills. Unfortunately the weather was coming in from the east and it was rather wet to say the least. However, this morning promised a break after early rain and sure enough it was improving as I drove into the car park for Carrot Hill. There was even a touch of sunshine and although the hills above the Angus glens remained shrouded in cloud, elsewhere was clear. There is a good network of paths on this hill and after visiting the trig on Carrot Hill I continued the walk to its southern outlier, Dodd Hill.

 

This is clearly a popular walk for local folk and it was easy to see why. There was a fine view of Craigowl, the highest hill in the Sidlaws.....

 

 

and to the north another TuMP, Fotheringham Hill to the south of Forfar.....

 

 

I could see that there was a big cairn on Dodd Hill so, as it looked as though the rain would stay off for a bit, I set off for a look at it.....

 

 

And here it is, Craigowl now to the left of the picture.....

 

 

I really liked this hill and I will certainly be back in the area on a better day when I can explore further.

TuMPs Fire Hill and Bandrum Hill

13 November 2018

 

Participants: Just me

Where: Fire Hill, 202m/663', P 61m, TuMP, OS 58, NT 001 996 and Bandrum Hill, 225m/738', P 43, TuMP, NT 034 919

 

Early morning clag rolled away to leave a beautiful late autumn day. I took advantage by driving the shortish distance to the Saline area to climb these two TuMPs. A good decision. Fire Hill was approached from the road that passes Muckhart Golf Club and there is good parking at the start. I walked a little way up the track opposite, which is a public footpath to Dollar, and after going through a gate, headed uphill through some silver birches. The view back to Seamab Hill from the track.....

 

 

Then it was over a fence and up through sheep pasture to a small clump of trees which cover the highest area. The views were great; Fire Hill sits in front of the southern slopes of the Ochil Hills and provides a grandstand view of them. Looking to King's Seat Hill ......

 

And to Lendrick Hill.....

 

 

The Lomond Hills were clear to the east.....

 

 

A lovely wee TuMP!

 

I then drove south and parked in the car park at Steelend. Bandrum Hill summit is also the highest point of Bandrum golf course but I chose to leave the golfers in peace and instead approached it from the east. This involved a walk along a track, another public path, and then across a field. There is an old octagonal lookout tower on this side of the hill ("The Temple"); this is looking up the field towards the summit with the tower on the left.....

The summit itself might be this large stone or possibly a few yards further on......

Whatever, there was a good view north to Saline Hill, Saline Hill East Top, both still to do, and Knock Hill which I did a few weeks ago.....

I then had a look at the Tower. It was built in the 1840's by Archibald Hogg and comprised two rooms linked by a staircase, part of which is still visible. It doesn't appear to have any particular purpose apart from a lookout for the landowner.