Black was spot on for Black Law.....Moffat hills Day 1

Hill: Black Law

Type: Donald

Height:  696m

Lockdown freedom was coming and I needed an away trip so I booked a couple of days in Moffat to hopefully finish the Donalds in this area.

As predicted the glorious lockdown weather changed immediately from dry blue skies to cold and rain. From the forecast I knew I was going to get wet today but this was worse, like a late autumn day going into winter, not a spring day thinking about summer ahead,

I missed Black law out on a previous round and at the time regretted it. But with hindsight it would have been a slog under those very wet underfoot conditions. It was a slog today even after all that dry weather.

Back to Meggat reservoir where my start followed my previous descent trail from Craigierig farm. 

This trail is also a footpath to the Manor valley. The rain had been heavy on my drive down, relented as I changed but as I entered the farm section it was heavier stuff, hood up on my 4 seasons Gore-Tex, yip it was that bad. Two days ago I was sunbathing on Loch Lomond hills!!

Dreich weather

Just a long wet up the estate track. 

A glimpse of Black law

At one point the clouds lifted to give me a view of Black Law but that did not last longer than a few seconds. Head down watching the huge numbers of meadow pipits, wheatears and skylarks constantly flying across the track.

Some weather relief and a proper look at the way ahead

The track descends to the fence line which I originally planned to follow but the clouds cleared briefly and I spotted an ATV track on this side which took a more direct route. Changed plan for about 20 seconds. The time taken for me to sink into deep peat and sphagnum bogs, help get me out.

Back to murky reality the fence to the top

Safely back on the track I returned to my original route and followed the fence. Not a lot to say about the ascent as the fence goes all the way to Black Law via Redsike Head. To my left there was the interestingly named 'Bitch Craig' but I was not going looking for it. Visibility remained low for most of the ascent with the rain coming and going. As usual the odd track was found which disappeared in to a hag or bog. Much fence hopping to get the better conditions. In times of real wet weather some of this could be dangerous.

The view back from the summit

Finally I get to the summit of Black Law. As per last week somewhat uninspiring as a junction of two fencepoles is it, nothing else. The map shows the Black Law summit at 696m, which is where I was standing, But in the gloom there was clearly a higher spot further on. Map showed point 698m and not named. For the sake of confirmation I walked to it, a waste of effort, further away than it looked and not named.

Atmospheric

Some nourishment and then the descent. As luck would have it conditions changed and it was an atmospheric descent. Instead of constant rain and cloud it became sunshine and showers. The colours in this light outstanding but much more reminiscent of Autumn. The impressive steep flanks of Dollar Law plunging into the Manor valley, glad I wasn't climbing those.

Estate track can be seen flanking the hill ahead

Back on the track my little ascent was about 70m where I was planning my food break at the top. As i turned and looked back the sky was absolutely black. A quick stuffing of the face just as the heavy rain arrived, the worst of the day. As i hurriedly packed my jelly baby bag burst at the bottom and out they fell. I don't know what was on that track but they were not wasted. 

But the gods looked after me, the rain went off just before I reached the car to get changed. And as I drove to Moffat it was a beautiful afternoon!! Then after an hour it was back to heavy showers and sun. 

A typical Scottish day and another Donald ticked off. Never a bad walk and there are some good memories. The downside of the rain is that under our freedom rules wee nippy only allows  alcohol served outside just now and that is not happening in this weather in Moffat. Off licence time, but I want a pint!!

Ascent: 549m

Distance: 12.5km

Time: 3.04

Wildlife: Pied Flycatcher; Pied Wagtail; Wheatear; Pheasant; Red Grouse; Buzzard; Raven; Meadow Pipit; Goldfinch; Skylark

Corbett double on a stunning day.....Meall an t-Seallaidh & Creag Mac Ranaich

 Hills: Meall an t-Seallaidh (Hill of the view) (852m) & Creag Mac Ranaich (Mac Ranaich's rock) (809m)

Type: Corbett x2

An early morning rise, no hardship on a morning like this with the prospect of two fine rugged hills to ascend. Fairly quiet roads so a stress free drive to the start at Lochearnhead. Despite all the mayhem around Loch Lomond area yesterday this was quite.

Old railway line

The circuit has a long walk in, starting by heading though the village then up a zig zag trail on a cycle path, then old railway line. It then reaches another old railway line before going along the old track and after ages finally getting on the hill track that we wanted.

Finally can see the Corbetts

Now we get to an open glen and get good views of both the Corbetts. Creag Mac Ranaich looks imposing with steep buttresses. But, still a long way to go up this climbing track. After crossing a burn the track steepens but also zig zags again, good chat helped the time go bye.

Looking up

Looking down

We decided to go for Ranaich first and after leaving the path it is a very steep ascent up the flanks, lots of holes, rocks, grass etc to catch you but getting my breathing was the priority. You can see from the snaps it was steep and we had to come back this way.

Easing off

Eventually it flattens out a little bit and I pass a descending youthful oriental girl with a bright green jacket and vivid yellow hair, even in my tired state not to be missed. She was disappointed to see us, she told me she was going to hills she thought were quiet. I replied that so were we, got a glare and down she scampered.

From here to the far top 1 metre, Ben Lawers range in the background

I have recently had a few false tops on walks but this was a case of two tops. The first summit cairn was reached at the 808m mark. But the eye could see, almost half a kilometre away, another small cairn, the true summit, all of 1m higher but of course it had to be bagged. Both have fabulous views on a day like this, glad the sun cream was on. 

Panorama

The main views are the full Lawers range plus all the Crianlarich hills this is spectacular.

Heading back Seallaidh from Ranaich

From this route we had to return all the way to the path before crossing over to the peat hags for the ascent of Seallaidh. We took a wider route than the suggested one which lengthened the ascent but reduced the gradient. Probably a wise choice. Views opening up.

Stob Binnein & Ben More appear

Before I started the walk I would have ranked myself as being walking fit but the upgrading of the hills and the terrain was taking its toll and the final ascent was slower going.

Pretty lochan

There is an option of a third hill but I bypassed it across some slightly boggy ground before turning and striking up to the trig of Meall an-t Seallaidh, 2^nd Corbett bagged.

Trig on Seallaidh looking north

More stunning views of Ben Volrich, Stuc a Chroin, Ben Ledi and turning around the still very snowy flanks of Stob Binnein and Ben More so impressive.

Ranaich from Seallaidh

Descent track winding its way towards the trees

The track looked a long way below and Lochearnhead a good deal further. But the initial descent was not too bad, rough as expected until the track reached above the zigzags.

After that was the long walk back to the cars in almost summer heat. For once the descent felt longer than the ascent but the scenery and chat helped it go by.

My biggest day out of the new walking season, both in time and ascent and it did not disappoint. A really enjoyable day with a good small group, its great to be back but can this weather last?

Ascent: 1003m

Distance: 22.6km

Time: 7.13

Wildlife: Raven; Meadow Pipit; Pheasant: Skylark; Orange Tip butterfly; 

Graham bagging in the rolling Border Hills

Hills: Capel Fell (Horse Hill?) (678m) & Croft Head ( Hill above croft) (637m)

Type: Both are a Graham & Donald

With the new found freedom allowed for small ad hoc groups a break out group from Ayr OIR headed to Moffat to visit the Ettrick Hills. Having a motorway drive almost felt like a new experience. These hills offer a mixture of ridges and valleys as well as a lot of forestry. They are also fairly isolated and we did not see another walker all day.

We started from the the traditional spot near the fish farm, a small parking area so be warned. Crossing the Moffat water we will be heading to the parallel Ettrick water which flows in the opposite direction, a watershed indeed. 

A dry Succoth burn

We opted to not follow the Succoth burn but to cross it and go up the flanks of Croft Head and head directly to the surface.

Deer fence 1

There was a good track lower down before we met the first deer fence. Thankfully decent gates were integrated into the fences so no climbing but still drew blood. The land has been recently planted with the small pine tree saplings poking out, but despite the forestry scars the going was good. It would have been an ideal pleasant grassy slopes in bygone days.

Finally get full view of Croft Head

A few hillocks giving false summits before the final opening with a good view of the steeper final assault on Croft Head. Excellent views into the deep Cleugh as well as the ravaged flanks of Capel Fell where landslips had caused major damage.

Looking over Broken Back, Sailfoot Law, at back Saddle Yoke ridge

A few huffs and puffs and stops for the views before we reached the summit, a merging of fences, not very inspiring voiced Gordon, agreement from the rest. But the views made up for any disappointment, superb rolling hills and all 5 Donalds of this route in sight.

Descending Cat Shoulder impressive Scar

Closer view

The Southern Upland Way makes a high level detour up here and we used it to descend to the original trail. 

Looking back from cairn to zig zag descent

A very steep but a well made zigzag path makes light work of the steep gradient. 

Craigmichen Scar ahead and behind the flank of Capel

Once down we took the easiest route following the SUW as it climbs and descends, a narrow track hemmed between the hills a delightful walk to reach the coll.

Well constructed bridge better than Shalloch version

Before making the final ascent of Capel it was time for a relaxing lunch enjoying the views to the 3 Donalds across the way particularly Wind Fell.. 

Some more huffing and puffing following the fence line (the boundary marker Selkirk-Dumfries) and an ATV track, then the second hill was bagged. 

View from Capel summit to Swatte Fell & Saddle Yoke

Again no cairn or trig just an eroded post to mark the summit but the plus factor was even better views. We are spoiled today. 

Looking over to our ascent of Croft from Capel

The ridges and hills of Ettrick are fully laid out. On a day like this wonderful viewing.

Final descent

A good descent and we reached the Sailfoot forest where deforestation was in full flow but thankfully no workings today. We decided to follow a swinging S shaped track before deciding to go in a straight line through the deforestation. 

Trouble ahead

Not a mistake but not straightforward either over the debris, hidden holes etc. A few sweary words muttered. Still, we all survived and the cars were just ahead, walk over.

A perfect day for walking but I underestimated the weather, no sun cream and a skelped face tonight. Hopefully the Herman Law ridge next.

Ascent: 820m

Distance: 11.1km

Time: 4.51

Wildlife: Hare; Jay; Meadow Pipit; Pheasant; Raven; Skylark; Buzzard; Peacock butterfly

Freedom at last.....Curlywee a fitting walk om a grand day

Hill: Curlywee (Hill of the Eagle)

Type: Donald

Height: 674m

Scotland's day of freedom when our second lockdown was eased to allow travel out with our local authority areas. An hours drive into the heart of Dumfries & Galloway seemed appropriate to bag a new Donald hill. An added bonus, Curlywee is rated as one of the finest hills in the Southern Uplands.

The Merrick start but we went right

A beautiful blue sky morning deserved an early start and apart from one idiot who decided to corner on my side of the road, I thought I was in serious trouble, the drive was a joy. 

Willow Warbler

Even better when I arrived at my parking area to see a red squirrel run across the road and up a tree, my first of the year so a good start, too quick to snap but this wee beauty was close by, my first willow warbler & chiffchaff of the year.

Loch Trool, we are heading for the lump in the middle

There are various ways to do this hill but I was not combining it with anything else. So a 90 minute trek along the hardpacked section of the Southern Upland Way took us to the White Laggan bothy. 

Sustrans sign at beautiful Loch Dee

Not all hardship as the views across Loch Doon are spectacular, it is a beautiful loch. I reminisced about a fishing trip. This loch is reputed to hold huge brown trout. We saw or touched nothing all day. When we were packing up the car we heard a loud splash. Looking back no fish but big ripples, a huge brownie giving us the finger lol.

White Laggan bothy ahead with Curlywee distinctive cone peaking top right

Like all mountain bothies these are currently closed as Covid idiots have trashed a few so everyone suffers. Not sure what these 3 wooden structures nearby represent, if anything.

My original plan was to walk from the bothy along a old marked trail contouring Curlywee until I was at a direct line between Bennan Hill and then taking me up to the Nick of Curlywee. But as we nourished, looked at the hill and examined the map, the direct attack up the slope beside the fissure looked a straightforward option, so plan changed.

Steep climb from the bothy

Now 150m of direct ascent took us to the ridge where the contours eased. In a few months this would be more difficult as all the dead fern foliage would have regenerated and hidden the many holes.

White Hill the point just behind

Once on the ridge we had a view of Curlywee's top and breath in, it does not look too far away. Another 200m of ascent but across a gentler gradient. 

The terrain of the middle section is truest D & G tussocks, really rough. Ankle breaker hidden holes as you dodge the tussocks.

The final section is much better, harder ground, shorter grass and with relief the top is reached. And the views do not disappoint. This is a wild and very rugged landscape with its features hidden among the parched camouflaged landscape. But blue water lochs break the parched brown land. 

Rugged terrain or what. Craiglee front, Craignaw right and Mullwharchar middle rear

Hills are evident as looking north the Merrick, Craignaw & Mullwharchar stand out. Corserine and Cairnsmore of Dee. Lamachan and Larg nearby. Along with views to the Solway and back to the parking area, not a bad spot at all to enjoy freedom.

The return was by the same route. The descent via White Hill was considered but it is much rougher terrain and steeper. Now we have freedom not the time for injuries.

Typical deforestation

Since I was last here to walk Craiglee there has been significant deforestation taking away from the feel of the place.

Still that's another Donald ticked and a fulfilling walk for our day of freedom.

Ascent: 921m

Distance: 17.9km

Time: 5.49

Wildlife: Red Squirrel (1st of year); Peregrine; Raven; Chaffinch; Chiffchaff ( 1st of the year); Meadow Pipit; Pied Wagtail; Chaffinch;

A new Craiglee route for me.....via Loch Bradan

Hill: Craiglee

Type: Sub2k

Height: 523m

Although I have been up Craiglee a few times in recent months this was a new route for me ascending from Loch Bradan. A Tuesday walk with the Ayr OIR and out with the 'fast' group.

Loch Bradan

Loch Bradan was very quiet, a few tents around but nobody fishing. We jammed the parking area so no doubt a few disappointed dog walkers shortly.

The initial stretch is on a good trail between Loch Bradan & Loch Finlas, particularly good today with all the dry weather.

Dry track in view

This is typical rugged Galloway moorland but no hardship just yet. Good chat helped the trek fly past.

Then it all changed when we took a shortcut from the track across the dreaded tussocks. Careful walking as I did not want a twisted ankle here.

Mullwharchar centre & Merrick to its right

Before long we met a fence with a vague path towards our reward, a snack at the bottom of Nick of the Loup. The views opened up particularly of the Awful Hand range with some recent snow clinging to the flanks.

Typical slabs

Refreshed we headed onto the ridge where walking was eased by the stony ground slabs, much quicker than the tussocks.

Craiglee ahead

AOIR on the ascent

A few ups and downs along with some boggy terrain but Craiglee was in sight and soon reached. Last time I was here it was in deep snow. As said in previous blogs the views are superb from up here. The three distinct mountain ranges all clearly in view, heading down to their junction around Glentrool. 

Taking in the summit view

The weather was far from the recent blue skies, quite grey with short term visibility still excellent but long distance a bit hazy. The grey sky plus was the warmer temperatures.

Group 2 centre left

We headed back down a similar route and met the 2nd group ascending. Ships in the night passing, a few comments, all observing social distancing, even in the great outdoors. 

When we had descended around the Nick the group split with some opting for a higher route but I have walked these hills enough recently so happy to descend back to the track and follow it back to the cars. On the descent we had it very warm, then light showers and then more heat. I think the weather is coming back to Scottish normality and grey will dominate the blue.

Looking over Bradan to the dam

Another good short walk in excellent company. Even better when we heard local restrictions lifted so more walks further afield sooner than expected.

Ascent: 594m

Distance: 14.2km

Time: 4.34

Wildlife: Pied Wagtail; Meadow Pipit: Buzzard: Raven