Now I know why it is called Grey Hill

Byne Hill from the start

It was too much to hope for that I would get 3 walks in a week all in good weather. Out with the ARC group today, the original plan was a Culter Fell horseshoe but last night it was cancelled due to bad weather, take your pick: high winds, mist, fog and rain not worth the long drive. A local substitute walk was put in place down by Girvan, walking Grey hill and then followed by Byne hill. Grey hill is a small Marilyn/Sub 2000 category at only 297 metres.

Ailsa Craig from the start

I had suspected, but now know for sure, why this is called Grey hill. The forecast was windy with rain around 2pm. On the radio Calmac had already disrupted sailings. As we parked up the reality was that light rain had already started and the tops were already covered in mist. Good camera packed away in a dry bag so mobile snaps only, sorry for quality.
We left the car park and walked south alongside the road cutting behind the nursing home before crossing the busy road and starting the walk proper. 
I suspected that this walk could be a mud fest and I was proved very much right. It didn’t help that a herd of cows had churned up the already boggy ground it was ankle deep areas of sludge in places with little options, the joys.

Follow an obvious track that initially heads up the flank of Byne hill. We now find ourselves amongst a large herd of horses who thankfully did not seem too concerned by our presence and then reached the memorial monument. This old monument, apparently to a James Craufurd, looks out from the Byne Hill across water to Ailsa Craig.I was told that he was some local worthy who was involved and possibly died in some far flung war, apologies if incorrect.
After going through a metal gate there was fresh evidence that the coos were around. We had to leave the path as it was so churned up. 

Dreich hollow

So an extra small hill (I think Mains Hill) had to be climbed, up and over, follow the hoof marks before descending through even more churned areas, weave through sharp gorse needles to a hollow to start Grey hill proper. The wind was now gusting so hard a couple of our walkers were almost blown over on the small hill, bad omen for further up. Rainbows over Girvan.

With the wind and rain there is not a lot to say about Grey hill it was a trudge, mainly following the quad bike track, a walk to be endured rather than enjoyed. 

Track to Grey Hill

At the trig point there was a misty view of Knockdolian and out to sea its twin volcanic plug, Ailsa Craig. On a clear day the 360 degree views would make the muddy walk worthwhile but no sign of Ireland, Arran etc today.

Grey hill trig Knockdolian in distance

We descended by following sheep trails down the leeward side, more or less retracing our steps to get back to the bottom of Byne hill. The weather has not relented, it was not my favourite walking day but at least it was not cold.
A short clamber gets us towards the top and guess what we meet the coos. Quite a large herd, some with young calves so all be wary. A few of them decided to run for it but a couple held their ground and we had to pass very close. The rest of the herd stood firm and gave us a good stare.  

Byne Hill looking back to Grey Hill

We continued the short climb upwards to the summit where there is a direction indicator and good views down to Girvan and out to Ailsa Craig. It actually looked like the sun was shining on parts of the town.

The walk continued along the hilltop before making a steep descent down a wet and slippy grassy slope. Byne hill caravan park sits below along with a less attractive scrapyard.

The obvious descent from here is discouraged as the local farmer does not want walkers across his land, he can’t stop walkers but no need for aggro. So, we now headed west and cut back along the flank of Byne hill, following a very faint route through ferns before finding a half hidden style.

Clamber over this and then cut across a field to meet the track we started on. Right at the end there was a field of pretty sheep that I had not seen before, later identified as Balwen Welsh mountain sheep. 

Not a day for other wildlife.
It was a good few hours of exercise in good company but I can’t see me rushing back too quickly to this terrain, certainly it would need to be a day with visibility guaranteed to get the views.
Time: 4 hours 23m
Distance: 7.1 miles (11.43km)
Ascent: 1312 ft (400m)