The Knock Of Crieff

Overview

The town of Crieff sits on a tree-covered hill, known as the 'Knock of Crieff' (911ft/278km).

Knock, the old Scots word for a hillock, derived from the Gaelic 'cnoc' which means hill. The lower slopes are cloaked with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous woodland, through which run numerous paths ideal for walking. In wonderful contrast, the top of the hill is open and heathery and and a view indicator explains the vista in every direction...the rich farmland of Strathearn to the south and east, wilder country stretching away to the west. The Knock is a good place for woodland birds; in summer listen for the high-pitched sweet melody of the willow warbler.

A well known local tale tells the story of Kate McNieven who suffered a cruel end in an attempt to prove whether she was a witch. Reputedly, she was rolled off a crag in a barrel lined with spikes. To this day, the crag, situated on the Knock of Crieff, bears her name. (NB Kate McNieven's Crag is not accessible for walkers)

The Knock Walk is part of the Crieff Waymarked Walks network. Excellent leaflet available from Crieff Tourist Information Centre.