Norman's Law Summit

The last great summit of considerable height in the east of the beautiful Ochil Hills, Norman’s Law is a grand objective. It is little surprise that it was utilised as an Iron Age hillfort in Neolithic times as the summit drops away steeply, leading to wide-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

A commanding perch at the far eastern end of the Ochils range

There are a number of ways up onto Norman’s Law. A waymarked path leaves the pretty village of Luthie, or there’s a quicker ascent that begins to the west of Brunton village. You can find scattered accommodation nearby, usually holiday cottages that are wonderfully placed for rambles in the Ochils. Otherwise, the town of Cupar is a good bet, or failing that, Perth or Dundee.

Keep your eyes out for hovering kestrels and soaring buzzards as you ascend the grassy and, sometimes, eroded paths towards the summit. For a longer adventure, you have the option of heading for neighbouring Glenduckie Hill.

The views from the top of Norman’s Law are spellbinding. To the west, the Ochils roll away with the Lomond Hills prominent to the south, while to the north the Tay Estuary’s sparkling blue contrasts with the earthy hues of Fife’s pastures and woodland.

On a clear day, it’s possible to see some of Scotland’s most beloved mountains, such as Lochnagar in the Cairngorms National Park or Ben More above Crianlarich. The summit is adorned by a trig pillar, a substantial cairn and a view indicator, which helps you pick out distant landmarks with ease.