Beecraigs and Cockleroy Hill

Crawford Macnab

22 June 2023

Despite a late call off from Jim a good team of 6 Marauders (Pamela S, Moira C, Marion, Sandra, Willie and myself) met at the visitors centre at Beecraigs country park.

The walk started by heading east past some fields with sheep and cattle down to the edge of Beecraigs Loch. The dam was then crossed bypassing a flock of geese enjoying the morning sunshine.

We continued round the loch with a spruce forest on our left that has an archery area, passing some swans at the waters edge.

The walk then headed south west through the forest eventually turning north reaching the nice Balvormie Meadow (fenced off in the Autumn to be grazed by Highland cattle). Though the tranquility was spoilt slightly by two lads practising their drone flying skills. Soon after the public barbecue area provided a convenient seat for a short break.

Suitably refreshed the walk continued west with a nice steady pull up to the top of Cockleroy Hill at 278m (912ft).

With the help of the hill indicator and extensive 360° views, Ben Ledi, munros Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chròin, the Ochils, and Berwick law were all visible. Though at 66 miles away and being a bit hazy we failed to see Goat Fell on Arran!

We dropped down alightly out of the breeze for a sheltered lunch spot looking down to Linlithgow Palace and the bridges.

After the lunch the walk headed east up a gentle rise back to the visitors centre where ice lollies, juice and cake were the order of the day!

Thanks,
Crawford.