Larg Hill a wet and woddy obstacle course

Hill: Larg Hill
Category: Donald
Height: 676m
The year is definitely moving towards its conclusion. It was still darkness when the first alarm, wrist watch on vibration, woke me but no problem straight out of bed. Looking forward to a new hill with new walkers, happy times. Plus remembered to switch off the other one or the good lady would not be happy.
We started from the signed bird watching/nature trail into Cree Woods, a Jay flew into the trees, a good start.

Surprised to see smoke coming out of a cottage in the middle of nowhere on a narrow muddy boggy track. A brief chat with the man renovating it before heading onwards into the woods.

Looks grassy but very muddy hills ahead

Out of the woods onto an open area, that means deforested landscape and followed a track until we reached a dead end.

Track ends abruptly

We had hoped for a firebreak, must have missed it, but nope into the darkness. Actually it was multi shades of green, grass, moss you name it even green trees. 

Climbing time

Fallen trees to negotiate but all part of the fun. The root areas were deep gloop holes so going around not an option.

Finally out of the plantation and we were now on the slopes of Black Gairy Hill and it was taps off, really warm, but that was soon to change. 

Punch Well Brae and Larg Hill, cloud descending

The grassy tussocky moor terrain up to Punch Well Brae and then just keep walking upwards until you reach the junction of two stone walls. The main stone dyke could be used if weather poor.

The clouds had descended, cold and drizzly, taps back on.

Larg hill cairn

 We were slightly too far but could see a cairn which of course as we approached we could see another bigger one in the gloom, this was the summit of Larg Hill.

We intended to return via Craignaw but dropped too low and were too lazy to go back up it.

We went into the plantation just here the Hags await

We could see a fire break and a dyke which surely would take us back to the outbound track, a BIG mistake. It did but not the way we would have liked.

Typical dyke abandoned and going nowhere

There are huge amounts of stone wall dykes around, clearly in the past the land owners had plenty of cash to spare and men to do the building.

The odd area good walking but short sections few and far between

Our descent route took us through a forest area called the Hags of Borgan. The name doesn’t sound complimentary and of course it wasn’t. There is no doubt that this was the longest, wettest, muddiest bogfest I have walked through. You just had to laugh and lots of black humour. The moss was just a cover hiding a mud filled wet hole up to the calves at least. And the smell it released, wow.

We followed the burn most of the way

It was with some relief when we finally reached the track but we still had another hours walking to get back to the cars. It felt a long way.

Overall it was still a good day out, met some lovely people and bagged a new hill, success.
Now for that cold beer, this one has been earned.


Wildlife: Raven; Snipe; Buzzard; Jay; Red deer
Time: 5.57
Ascent: 713m
Distance: 20.2km

Rambling around Glen Afton hills

Hill: Blackcraig 700m, Blacklorg 681m..non categorised Cannock Hill & Craigbraneoch.
Category: Graham/Donald
Height: n/a

Another super day out and excellent walk today with the Ayr OIR. Wow these guys and gals go at a good rate and it made for a proper walking day.
We tramped one of the normal Glen Afton routes which I have covered before. 
Taking a clockwise direction we ascended the highest hill of the day, Blackcraig first, summit in the clouds and cold was this a bad omen?
We then descended following the fence into the wet bog land before ascending Blacklorg and the clouds lifted. A solitary walker coming the opposite way but not close enough to talk to, his solitude broken by this bunch of old codgers. 
We followed the dyke and the normal route across to Cannock Hill and then onto our fourth hill, Craigbraneoch. From here there was a new variation for me, a descent off the steep grassy eastern flanks heading to the farm. A good descent but great care required as many hidden holes to catch the unwary.
Overall a really good day out, weather played its part and the walking speed was fast enough but still allowed good chat and crack as we progressed.

Craigbraneoch

Long view descent of Craigbraneoch

Descent zoomed

Glen Afton

Looking back to Cannock Hill and Afton reservoir

Trust this bridge or not?

Initial ascent heading to Quintin Knowe

Start

Wildlife: Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit; Golden Plover.
Time: 4.44
Ascent: 731m
Distance: 12.7km

Hill: Wedder Law and Gana Hill
Category: Graham/Donald
Height:
Today’s outing was leading a walk for Kilmarnock Ramblers over some Southern Lowther hills. We bagged two categorised hills, Wedder Law and Gana Hill.
I have reported on this route before so just a brief review and some nice snaps.
The walk started from Durisdeer village where we headed up an estate track with an initial 300m steep ascent to Black Shoulder (468m), certainly got the breathing going, before descending (the sting in the tail) and re-ascending via the same track to Wedder Law (672m).
We then descended about 150m before crossing rough moorland and then followed the fence to Gana Hill (688m). It was a strong cold wind but the views were tremendous.
From the Solway across the the Lake District. Criffel; Cairnsmore of Fleet & Carsphairn; The Merrick; Arran through the gap and the Wanlockhead Lowthers just super.
The colours of the local hills just reminders of the beautiful country we live in.
Next we followed another estate track over to Garroch Fell (606m) the biggest cairn of the day.
Visibility was good so now the hardest part of the day for some. We descended contouring at times across the steep stony and heather flanks of Garroch Fell to join up with the estate track to take us back to the start. Saved us a mile or so of estate track.
An excellent walk, great views and good company.

Wildlife: Raven; Red Kite; Buzzard; Meadow Pipit; Red Grouse; Red legged Partridge.
Time: 5.47
Ascent: 893m
Distance: 16.4km

Dumglow

Hill: Dumglow
Category: Sub2k
Height: 379m

A short drive from Benarty Hill and although weather not brilliant, rain threatening clouds, I decided to start the walk anyway.
As this was a last minute change of plan I had not prepared a route. However, I had studied online, one persons walk this morning and had the map ingrained in the old memory banks. My only concern was the route going through a very marshy section of reeds and with all this rain it was going to be very wet. Some mentioned almost impassable at times.

My starting point

The walk report had mentioned parking at a lay by with the signpost to Dumglow. That’s what I did and started walking up the track. This was clearly a forestry road and one report said it was a short walk to the Loch an Glow, less than a mile it said.

Apparently a lookout point for the big fort

I came across a family with dogs who said the path was a dead end at one point but they had not gone further. No problem, route etched in mind and navigation should be straightforward, terrain excepting.

Not my water where is that loch?

I reached a junction yellow marker sign, good but I was now well over a mile into the walk and still no sign of the water!! Deforestation all around I should see the stuff.

I continued until this temporary forestry track became a dead end but there was also a signpost. The loch ¾ of a mile away in one direction but Dumglow just half a mile through the woods. The loch is a well known fishing water and no way the anglers were walking 3/4 of a mile from here with all their gear. I was certain that I had not missed any turn offs then the grey matter kicked in there must be another lay by further on from where I parked!

Muddy track walk on the green left and ankle deep

Undeterred I followed the way to Dumglow and entered the woods, a bit more awkward as it was a very boggy area but the odd footprint in the mud suggested I was not the first person up here recently.

Head through here

I then came to a full on wood tunnel, a flicker of light at the end. Well I was here now so on I went, glad the good lady had passed.
Out onto the open moor and I could see said loch down to my left and in front of me a grassy path continuing up hill. 

Looking back from style the fishing water

I followed this, over a fence and up a small grassy hump and there it was, the trig not too far away. A short saunter and the top of Dumglow was reached, another hill fort.

The Ochils from the trig

Obviously another excellent viewing spot The Ochil hills not in cloud today. Back towards Loch Leven the hills also cloud free, I got lucky with the weather.

That's a big new house

There looked like a very large new build being constructed down below, nice one.
Back through the woods and a goshawk glides near the tops before right angling into the trees, an impressive fast turn and the birds have stopped singing!
So, it turned out that my route was the shortest and easiest walking route to get here after all. Maybe not the most scenic but a lucky break avoiding the loch side pathless trek. At the parking area a new plantation and a large flock of tiny Goldcrests moving through, lovely birds, a good ending to the walk.

Wildlife: Goshawk; Goldcrest; Buzzard; Jay; Wood Pigeon; Meadow Pipit; 
Time: 1.21
Ascent: 576ft 
Distance: 3.51m 

Benarty Hill

Hill: Benarty Hill
Category: Sub2k
Height: 356m
What a difference a day makes, after yesterdays perfect viewing conditions I woke up to a misty damp morning. I was originally planning a moorland hike but opted to head across to Fife and do at least one of the easy lower Sub2k‘s I had been keeping for the good lady.

Good network of paths

By the time I reached the start there was blue sky above but still low cloud looking back to the Pentland Hills. There seems to be a good network of walks around here. Possibly to do with the economic deprivation of the ex mining area trying to get people active.

Good steps go up a fair way

I started by heading up the wooden steps heading into the trees. By golly this was steep going but the birds were singing as if it was spring so just keep going. 
At the point where this path meets the one from Ballingry there are good views back to Loch Ore. There seems to be a lot of cars parked maybe it is an outdoor centre?
Turn left here and follow the path still in the trees but deforestation can be spotted ahead.

On track now out on the moor

There is now a main forestry path and numerous others zig zagging through the ruins, I just kept following the widest one. That was until I suspected this was going the wrong way. I had glimpsed a fence gate higher up in dead tree land so I backtracked and yes this was the one, very easy to miss.

Squashed round stone

A good path again to reach the big round stone and the trig point can be seen in the distance. It was warm and I was perspiring.

Trig looking to Bishop Hill

 The path winds it's way across the moor and goes right to the trig but go further, over the fence and stand at the edge. The views are absolutely cracking as you stand and look down on the wide expanse of Loch Leven and the surrounding flat lands farmed by the RSPB at Vane farm. Looks great from here but not good memories of fishing there. 

Scotlandwell and Bishop Hill

Behind Loch Leven lies the village of Scotlandwell and Bishop Hill which I was up earlier this year. 

Glider getting towed up

A glider is being pulled up and a huge flock of greylag geese fly over, easily a couple of hundred. The circle the loch for ages before swooping down to rest and feed.

Loch Leven

It is not a hardship to stand here and soak it in. The only downside was over to the West the other hill I was considering is still in cloud.
Across the way the landscape is clearly not natural and is the terrain of an Iron age fort. Probably better seen from above, reminder check Google Earth.
On my way down a kestrel hovers. Not sure if I have just been lucky or are they getting numbers back but I have seen a good few across Scotland over the last few months, long may it continue.
Finally all over, a grand wee walk with once again beautiful views for minimal effort. I will head over to Dumglow and see what it is like.

Wildlife: Tits-blue, coal & great; Kestrel; Carrion crow; Jackdaw flock (over 50); Greylag geese.

Time: 1.16
Ascent: 644ft 
Distance: 2.29m 

Cairnpapple Hill & The Knock

Hill: Cairnpapple & The Knock West Lothian
Category: Sub2k
Height: 312m
Cairnpapple has to be the shortest and easiest Sub2k on record from this direction. 

Viewfinder on The Knock

I had diverted from my journey to take in the views from The Knock which I had been told were stunning and indeed the were. A short hop and a skip from the parking and I was at the direction viewfinder on The Knock. On this magnificent blue sky Autumn day the views were as extensive as could be, fabulous.

Pentland Hills behind The Knock

To the east Pentland Hills range was absolutely clear. Further south Berwick Law’s pointed top standing in isolation against the flat countryside. The Forth bridges glistening in the sun and the Fife hills looking great. Only the Ochil’s tops were in cloud, glad I wasn’t there. The viewfinder has an impressive number of direction points and it is new enough that you can actually read them.

The modern Stanes circle from Knock

Tups have invaded the stone circle

Looking down to the farm below the modern standing stones circle can be clearly seen. Another visitor asked me how old they were as they looked so impressive? I didn’t have the heart to tell him the farmer had erected them, 50 Stanes, for his sons 50th birthday, maybe one day they will be ancient but not this day.

Cairnpapple trig can be seen on horizon

I was going to drive a couple of miles to the start of Cairnpapple. But as I stood up here I could see a trig across the way. Looked at my OS maps on the phone, yip that was the top of Cairnpapple. The track from the normal beginning has a history of cattle issues but from here I could only see sheep at this end. Decision made, lazy sod, a short trek from here and another one bagged.

Forth Bridges

Grassy fields crossed are surprisingly dry, farm tracks to follow to the trig and that was it.

Arthur's Seat in distance, Edinburgh's mountain

Again stunning views for minimal effort.
Time for that coffee and cake, at least this mornings run means I have earned it.

Wildlife: Skylark, Rooks
Time: .46min
Ascent: 116ft 
Distance: .93m 

A wild day on An Stuc

Hill: An Stuc (The Peak)
Category: Munro
Height: 1118m

What a difference a day makes, yesterday was positively balmy on the river, plenty of midgies and of course no fish. Today the forecast was for heavy rain up top, which we encountered, but the main issue was the unexpected gale force winds, more of that later.
I had already intended to do this 3 Munro circuit as a solo outing but noticed one of the groups was also doing it so decided to go with them for the company, a mistake.
We were already late in starting as a pair who had confirmed they were coming did not show up and did not bother to tell anyone, needless hanging about.

Nice and calm at the start once off the road

We started from the Ben Lawers hotel, £5 quid parking charge but there are few other options, before walking the main road to the antler carving shop where the walk starts proper.
Head up the track to the farmyard then follow the track through the trees.
This was a muddy track which was a sign of things to come.

Out on the moor Sron Mhor ahead

Before long the trees are behind and the vista opens up. It became apparent one of our party was struggling so we changed plans from the normal anti clockwise route. The advantage of the clockwise route is that the ascent is long but very gradual taking you up to 700 metres to Lochan an Cat. 

We crossed burn but normal route is up Sron Mhor behind

We followed the Lawers burn initially on the north side until we reached the crossing where the footbridge should have been, nope gone. The rocks were very slippy but we got across without mishap. This would certainly be more interesting at a higher water level.

Path follows the burn

Well, now on the other side there is still a faint path but most of it is sphagnum moss, peat bogs and all sorts of traps to get you wet and cursing. 

One of the Hydro dams dotted about

Interesting the old hydro works dotted about, presumably replace by the main dam.

Lochan nan Cat almost into the clouds

Finally the Lochan is reached but progress has been slower than expected. This would be a beautiful spot in good weather with the slopes of the high mountains surrounding you. Today we are almost in the cloud level so no sightings of the tops.

Our ascent up the right side of the burn

We decided to take the direct route up the side of the burn to get to the Bealach Dubh. There is a narrow path on the right side of the burn  which is really just a steep section of eroded mud steps, hand holds on the grass a must and great care needed to not slip. This is not a spot to rush. We commented that we would not want to descend this not knowing we would be doing just that shortly.
Fully into the clouds and the temperature had dropped significantly but worse was the winds which increased from nothing to almost gale fore gusts within 100 metres of ascent. Even with my weight I was struggling to not get blown over. The wind was catching the rucksack and trying to turn me, not comfortable.
The elements were now too much for the slower person who was also feeling ill. She agreed to shelter with a companion whilst we bagged An Stuc. This Munro is the runt in this group but also the most exciting with dramatic slopes particularly on the other side heading to the next Munro. It was only confirmed a Munro back in 1997.
The rain was stinging our faces as we struggled up the track to the summit. This was the most extreme conditions that I have been in this year. 
At the summit we had a choice to split up or all go back and descend. It was frustrating as Munro number two, Meall Garbh, was so close but the descent off An Stuc was potentially dangerous particularly in this weather. We had completed over half of the distance but the head had to rule the heart and safety had to take priority.
So back down the hill, collected the other two and staggered to the very steep muddy descent. Our struggler found this very difficult with a few slides that almost took out her helpers.
Finally down at the Lochan, all safe, the world was calm again, no wind at all, not even a breeze, unbelievable. The storm was fully raging but contained within the clouds.

Follow the burn back

No wind but the predicted rain arrived to accompany us on the long trek back, light at first but persistent then chucking it down.
Some walkers were spotted on the top of Sron Mhor descending, I reckon they were ones I spoke to in the car park and had turned back opting out of An Stuc.
A disappointing outcome for the day but that is the Scottish weather for you. In that storm you certainly knew the feeling of living rather than existing. A day where the better judgement is to survive and get the other two another day. 
Next time a clear weather good viewing day for sure!!

Wildlife: Raven
Time: 6.18
Ascent: 3281ft 
Distance: 18.2km