Glensherup, near Auchterarder
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 3 kms | 00:30 (hrs:mins) | 0 metres | Landranger 58: Perth & Alloa or Explorer 66: Stirling & Ochil Hills West |
Description
Albert Einstein is known to have walked in these hills! Today visitors can draw inspiration from a new car park and picnic area at Wester Glensherup which makes an ideal start point for numerous grades of walks (not waymarked). Begin on the rough track which leads uphill to the Glensherup Reservoir.
From the dam wall a forest route leads to the flanks of Tarmangie Hill and then onto the open grassy spine of the Ochils. From here walkers can enjoy a high level traverse across the main tops taking in Ben Cleuch, the highest point in the range (721 metres). A gentler circular option leads down past the Glendevon Reservoirs and back to the car park via Ben Shee.
The Woodland Trust owns over 1000 hectares of land in Glensherup and neighbouring Glen Quey and has plans to change the area from a grassy hill, grazed by sheep, to a mosaic of habitats and an area where, in time, a variety of flora and fauna species will thrive. The vegetation and ecology at the two sites will change due to reduced grazing, leading to a more heather dominated ground cover with an increase in the variety of plants and animals. It is likely that locally uncommon species such as the pearl bordered fritillary butterfly, black grouse, spotted flycatcher, song thrush, redstart, woodwarbler and pied flycatcher will benefit from the creation of new woodland. The hill tops will remain unplanted providing suitable habitat for species of the open hill at the same time as allowing hill-walkers to continue to appreciate the distant views.
Additional Info
'Walks South Perthshire', a pocket walking guide by Hallewell Publications, describes routes in this area in more detail. Available from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre.
Free Big Tree Country Guide also available from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre. Packed with information on walking, cycling and wildlife watching at over 65 woodland and countryside sites, this is the ideal companion to help you explore Perthshire's great outdoors. See also www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk
