As promised a swift return to Craiglee and it didn't disappoint.

Hill: Craiglee (The Grey Crag)

Type: Sub2k

Height: 523m

The forecast was excellent for my swift return to Craiglee. This small hill can be climbed from Loch Finlas or by my choice, from Loch Doon starting at the castle, with it's historical connections to Robert the Bruce. 

View from the start

Once again an icy road driving in but the pink hue on the hills from the morning sun was breathtaking, well worth an early start. Plus met the gritter who was able to go more off road than me so a comfort knowing the road had been gritted.

Two overnight campervans already in the parking area but plenty of parking for us. The parking area was decidedly more slippery than midweek (-6deg from car) and I even considered my mini spikes but too much effort as I assumed they would be quickly off again.

Evident track lower down

About 50m up the track it was still icy but we were utilising the soft snow at the verges. Noticeable that there had been a significant snow melt since midweek. Indeed the track up to the Wee Hill was at times more ice than snow. The descent could be interesting if we returned that way!

Craiglea

It really was a beautiful winters day and now getting views of Craiglee off to our left. It didn't take too long to get the cairn on Wee Hill and take in the superb views. The SMC guide says it is one of the finest viewpoints in Southern Scotland and I would not argue.

From the top we headed NE and I don't think anyone had tramped in my footsteps since midweek so it was an obvious choice to follow them and save energy for the deeper stuff soon to be encountered. 

Deep snow to break a track

The snow levels up here were still the same, no real thaw at this height, some deep stuff to wade through and break a trail but it felt good to be out on a snowy hill on a day like this. Perfect silence which you don't experience too often. Plus feeling fine fitness wise, I reckon I had something just not right over the last month that had me breathing harder on my walks.

As we climbed we ploughed through the drifts. There were quite a few hare tracks but none spotted.

Trig in sight someone's descent track

When we crested the top the trig was in sight but this also brought about a significant temperature change. We clearly had been on the leeward on the ascent. Hat and gloves back on. Still time taken to enjoy the magnificent views. Seen it all before and it never disappoints but on a winters day like this it is extra special.

Winter wonderland

We headed back off the top to find some shelter for lunch and enjoy the vista in comfort.

Loch Doon

A surprisingly swift snowy descent only one really deep snow mishap where we went deep. From here I didn't fancy my original route contouring the hill so chose to go back up the Wee Hill. No hardship as it is a short walk and good to get more effort in the bank.

Looking back to Carsphairn

From the top we took a leisurely descent enjoying the views of the big southern hills. Great care was taken and surprisingly the spikes were not required. We only met one other couple on the hill but the carpark was rammed full, I thought Ayr OIR had changed there day, where were all these people?

A stunning short day out particularly as I love these winter snow conditions. The views were magnificent, fitness was good, bring the rest on.

Ascent: 457m

Distance: 5.7k

Time: 3.44

Wildlife: Red Grouse; Robin; Rook; Wren; Hare & deer tracks.

New Year Ramble Irvine bay & Shewalton Woods

It was once again a cracking morning. After yesterday's grey dreich gloomy day optimism once more as blue skies dominate bringing a welcome brightness. 

Just beautiful

The local view across to the snow capped hills of Arran, quite magnificent. So disappointed that I cannot get across to walk them but hopefully sooner rather than later.

Frozen course

A local walk today, completed many times but still enjoyable. I took a circular route walking over Western Gailes golf course before joining the coastal path route behind the dunes. The course was frozen and not unsurprisingly no golfers around, maybe later in the day.

Definitely don't hit your ball in there, that's a gonner

Too many tourist walkers on the beach itself so happy to ramble along behind the scenes. A short hike up to the dragon then over to Irvine Harbour.

Irvine harbour and the Big Idea building in front of Arran

There is still talk of regeneration and reopening the bridge to the Big Idea building. Been a lot of talk over the years but little action, time will tell.

MV Garnock

It is difficult to conceive that on days way back this was the 3rd most important harbour in Scotland. The harbour tug MV Garnock has still not been moved out of the water. I believe there is a funding drive to get the cash to repair it.

Do you know what they all mean?

Into Irvine itself, always stop and smile at the Scots patter under the railway bridge. Surprised to find M&S was open, so bought some fruit to keep me going on my walk as well as my dinner tonight, no slaving over a hot stove.

Finally over the bypass to circle Shewalton pit before walking through Shewalton woods and home.

Iced Shewalton pit

The pit was iced over for about 2/3rds of its area. There was a single swan which looked stuck but probably wasn't. There was another pair trying to break the ice to get to the individual. It was bloody hard work. They could only break about a metre or so each time before resting. A long day(s) ahead!

One of the Shires

My route took me past the Shire horses and I was glad to see they were back to three. One had been ill earlier in the year and not been around so glad to see it has recovered.

Not quite the line to nowhere but it is a dead end

The local woodyard operations were shut down today so no trains on the track.

A fine walk in no hurry with plenty to admire.

Bigger stuff tomorrow.

Distance: 15.4km

Time: 3.45

Wildlife: Wren; Robin; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Flock thrush; Jackdaw; Mute Swan; Eider; Goldeneye; most gulls.