Bishop Hill (2.5 miles)
Bishop Hill sits within the boundaries of Kinross-shire while the neighbouring peaks of East and West Lomond are in Fife. This straightforward ascent is described from the village of Kinnesswood on the A911 but the climb is a steep one. A more forgiving route can be taken from the stairs opposite Portmoak Parish Church, a mile along the road towards Scotlandwell. If you're up for a thigh-burning challenge, park next to Portmoak Primary School in Kinnesswood and head up Bruce Road. Take a right through a metal gate and use the stony track to dog-leg around a pumping station before climbing a flight of wooden steps to Esme's Gate. You are now standing on the Michael Bruce Way, a circular trail that skirts the southern flank of the Bishop. Instead, we push straight up the grassy path which has convenient footholds. If it looks too much, turn right along the Michael Bruce path for approximately one mile then double back on the signed path for the Bishop.
On the steep route, a junction is met at a patch of whin bushes and the direct path continues upwards towards the rocky outcrop pictured above. This is tough going and it may be better to opt for the track to the right which passes a small boulder after 20 yards. The gradient is less severe this way and you can cut back towards the crags after a while. Bishop Hill has a surprisingly large plateau on top and there are several humps with commanding views south over Loch Leven and north towards the Lomond peaks. You can't miss the weather station which looks like a giant golf ball. Descend carefully by the reverse route or walk in the Scotlandwell direction and use the Michael Bruce Way to bring you back to Kinnesswood.
