A proper ramble to Benbrack

Hill: Benbrack
Category: Other walk
Height: 581m
Today was a bit different from the normal group walk in that we had the company of Ben Dolphin, President of the Ramblers organisation in Scotland. A really nice guy who added value to the outing and hopefully we returned that with our feedback and company. 

Ben & Jeanette

On Thursday I had climbed one of the other Striding Arches at Colt Hill and here I was completing another within a few days. Like Colt Hill I had a previous failed attempt at this hill so second time lucky. The previous outing was another group walk, this time with the Ayr & District group. Heavy snowfall was our downfall that day significantly slowing progress, turning us back before Benbrack.
Today was a totally different experience, you could not have picked a better day to walk in November. Although the temperature dropped to  minus 2 on the drive down there was a crisp but not cold feeling at the start.

The start onto the moor

Our route to Benbrack followed the Southern Upland Way but for these hardy long distance walkers their day is a lot longer than ours. Our interim bit is part of the longest section of the SUW which goes from St Johns Town of Dalry to Sanquar, a long haul at 41.5km.
Still our walk starts at the old byre and goes past the working farm. There are signs warning of dogs, working collies I presumed, but on the way back I saw the owner walking a beast of a Rottweiller type dog, huge and one to stay clear of. Probably a gentle giant but not for me to find out.
No navigation required as we followed a clear path, muddy and boggy at times. 

Plenty of SUW markers around

Keep looking up and see the yellow topped SUW marker posts for reassurance and head for them.
Up and down grassy trails we wander. Criss cross some of the estate and forestry roads  but basically keep on a straight course.

Manquhill Hill

Finally from Manquhill Hill the Arch on Benbrack could be seen in the distance, looked a lot further away than the reality.

Benbrack ahead

The views were stunning Moorbrock, Carsphairn, Blacklorg and lots of others seen from non traditional perspectives. Can’t describe this properly, it was what getting outdoors is all about without slogging up huge Munros etc.

Moorbrock & Carsphairn Hills

Now we had only one hill left, a steep ascent but a gentle walking gradient and in these warm November conditions gear was being shed as we climbed. The expected humour didn’t disappoint.

Messy top from this approach

Then the Arch was reached and we had views of the other two on Colt and Bail hills. 
Again super long distance views the radar golf ball on top of the Lowthers shimmering in the light. Even brighter was the very white snow covered top of White Coomb, I will be doing that soon, on my winter list. Looking south the low pressure had created grey clouds and limited visibility but looking north the high pressure blue sky, a cracker. We were right in the middle.

Arty shot!! Colt Hill arch in distance

We followed the same route back as there were forestry diversions around and better on the feet to tramp soft muddy paths than hard stone packed forest roads.
A top day out in excellent company but particular mention to our walk leader today, Jeanette. An excellent job in preparation, what home baking. Cannot lose her the bright colour scheme outstanding. As a person true to herself, and with the pressure of Ben Dolphins presence, well done to her, I enjoyed this one.

Wildlife: Buzzard; Crow; meadow Pipit; Blue Tit.
Time: 5.22
Ascent: 1616ft (596m)
Distance: 9.11m (14.7km)