The Craig's Trail, North Third (near Stirling)
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 5 kms | 01:30 (hrs:mins) | 120 metres | Explorer 366 - Stirling and Ochil Hills West |
Description
Start at a track opposite the entrance to Wester Craigend. Take a narrow path steeply uphill through young birch trees. After about 300m the angle relents and at this point you might just be able to make out the remains of an Iron Age dun, or small fort, on a little knoll at the edge of the cliff. This part is not suitable for timid walkers, small children or vertigo sufferers!
Continuing along the top of Sauchie Craigs, the route winds it way through spruce, birch and beech trees, always staying close to the cliff edge. The views from here are lovely, with the wooded valley of the Bannock Burn beneath your feet and the Perthshire mountains dominating the distant skyline.
After a mile or so the path crosses a forestry track. Carry on for another mile until you start to swing left above Windy Yet. This looks like a small glen from above, but is actually a col linking Sauchieburn and North Third. It is aptly named, being a natural wind funnel for the prevailing southwesterlies.
Once down in Windy Yet look up to your left. The point where the cliffs end on the skyline marks the site of an Iron Age fort (see the Lewis Hill walk). A steep path leads up to the fort, if you are feeling energetic, otherwise continue to the reservoir (beware of fishermen casting their lines)and back along paths and forestry tracks to the start.
Access Info
Limited parking is available at the north end of Middlethird Wood where there is a ford over the Bannock Burn.
Additional Info
This walk appears in the Community Paths North Third Walks Leaflet. To obtain a copy, contact the Stirling Council's Countryside Service on 01786 442971.
