Scaling the Hills, Lifting the Spirits

Yesterday morning, Ewan, Aaron, Derek, Noah, and Joseph headed out early for another Get On Yer Hike adventure — this time climbing Innerdownie Hill in the Ochil Hills and exploring the quiet beauty of Glen Sherup Reservoir.

An Early Start at Glen Sherup

We left the Glen Sherup car park at 7 a.m., boots laced, flasks full, and breath hanging in the cool autumn air. The first stretch winds gently through tall pine forest — quiet except for birdsong and the crunch of gravel underfoot. Just as we emerged from the treeline, the sun broke over the hills, casting a soft orange glow across the the glen below. It was one of those moments that makes the early start worth it — peaceful, still, and absolutely stunning.

The Climb to Innerdownie

The route climbs steadily through forestry tracks and open moorland, following the ridge that leads to Innerdownie’s 611m summit. It’s one of the lower “Donalds” — Scottish hills over 2,000 ft — but it doesn’t feel small when you’re up there. As we gained height, the views opened wide to Loch Leven, Ben Cleuch, and the Perthshire countryside, the morning mist still clinging to the lower slopes.

A Pause at the Top

At the summit, we found the familiar cairn, a chilly gust of wind to welcome us, and that unbeatable feeling of accomplishment. We soaked in the 360° views as the sun climbed higher, lighting up the Ochils in gold and green.

Exploring Glen Sherup Reservoir

On the way back, we looped round the Glen Sherup Reservoir — a peaceful sheet of water surrounded by forest and upland heather. Built in the early 1900s, it still supplies water to parts of Fife. The Woodland Trust manages much of the surrounding forest, creating a haven for wildlife — red squirrels, buzzards, and roe deer among them.

The Weather and the Mood

It was one of those perfect Scottish mornings — crisp, cool air, a light breeze, and bursts of sunlight through drifting cloud. The recent rain had left the paths damp and the boots muddy, but it only added to the fun. The laughter, conversation, and quiet moments made the whole day feel like a reset button for both body and mind.

A Recipe for Health

Days like this are why Get On Yer Hike exists. It’s not just about the walking — it’s about the whole package:

• Exercise to strengthen the body.

• Nature to clear the mind.

• Connection through shared conversation, prayer and challenge.

• Laughter to lift the spirit.

• Purpose that comes from getting up early and doing something good for yourself — and with others.

  
  

By the time we reached the car park again, the sun was high, spirits were higher, and the sense of achievement and camaraderie was unmistakable. Muddy boots, tired legs, and full hearts — that’s what it’s all about.

Here’s to the next one.Get On Yer Hike.