Dun Law, Lousie Wood Law and a Bastle

Info board now you know

Another excellent walk in the Lowther Hills where the main targets were the Donald’s of Dun Law (677m) and Lousie Wood Law (618m). Some fabulous and interesting names of the hills on this circuit. In case of bad weather there are handy fences for guidance.

Bastle

Started at Glentochar where there is a decent parking area, initially followed the old markers for the Bastle ruins. There is an faint path to the ruins.
Until today I was not aware of the term ‘Bastle’ in Scotland, a fortified farmhouse based on the French ‘Bastille’.

Dun Law in middle

Continue heading to the distant fence below the flanks of Doddin (476m), although going up and over is easily added and would give more height to the trip.

Fence to Dun Law

Reach the fence line and follow this up the steep pull crossing Kneesend and continuing to Dun Law summit. This steep section lasts for almost 300 metres so Kneesend an appropriate name for a breather. Ground is boggy but improves at the higher stages. A few stones and an old walking pole mark the Donald top, is that all it deserves? My answer is no, good views back along the ridge to the Golf Ball.

Dun Law summit looking to Lousie Wood Law

The wind was ferocious and it was bitterly cold, we are in May, thankfully the wind would be at our back for the next section.

Looking back to Black Hill and Dun Law

From Dun Law again follow the fence via White Law with the option of the very steep descent down to Little Windgate Hass and the stiff climb back up to Black Law. The descent is almost 200 metres but we opted to take a slightly eastern and easier heather descent giving us an easier ascent of Black Law, must be an age thing. 

Lousie Wood Law trig

Once again follow the fence to the trig at Lousie Wood Law.  With the wind only spent a short time taking in the view.
We descended eastwards via the fence until Coupland Gair and then straight down cross country to rejoin the outward path at the bastle ruins.
The forecasted rain began as we arrived back at the car, good timing for once. Excellent views of the Lowthers, Leadhills and back to Durisdeer range. Spoiled by the vast number of turbines across the M74, just don’t look that way.
Wildlife: Lots of birds including: Curlew; Lapwing; Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit; Oystercatcher and Buzzard.

Time: 3.24hr
Distance: 10.1k
Ascent: 736m