A return to the hill of gates.....Beneraird

Hill: Beneraird

Type: Sub2k

Height: 439m

A bright Sunday morning and an outing with Ayr & District to Beneraird. I have been up this small hill once before bur started from Ballantrae so interesting to see this route. Plus the descent includes a new hill so worth a leg stretcher.

No hardship this morning taking the coastal drive with the beautiful Ayrshire coast shoreline the main view.

Nice to see a few old friends that due to Covid I have seen for quite some time.

The ramble from Ballantrae involved quite a few gates en route but this trumped it by some way. Non stop opening and closing these bulky things. 

Lovely country track

The initial stage passing an electricity power station on one side and a deforested area on the other flank not the nicest but that soon changed to a farm track. More pleasant and lots of sheep but thankfully most were a distance from us so no disturbance.

After a short pleasant stroll, albeit in light snow for a spell, we reached the junction of my previous route.

The group get a lecture from Sheila on hut circles

We took some time to look at the area of ground where three hut circles are marked on the OS map. 

Old tyres good for something

I don't think that the mound of old tyres were their remains but there were three identifiable raised mounds that matched the OS locations. 

Hut circle ground with mounds 2 & 3 just ahead

No doubt some aerial x ray photography would show them up in detail but using your imagination the mounds cold be the locations of three separate Crannog style structures.

Beneraird trig ahead

Onwards up the straightforward track until Beneraird is reached. 

Look one direction and snow showers dominate

Fabulous views albeit the Awful Hand seemed to be on a constant winter weather front, lots of white stuff for anyone walking these today.

Look the other way & blue skies

However we had superb views over Arran with the Paps of Jura a stand out from this angle. Ailsa Craig and the Mull of Kintyre behind. Even Ireland's coastline is clear today, the clear winter air letting us see as far as our eyes and the horizon allows.

Ruined vehicle still here, Smyreton ahead

The windchill was too cold for a lunch break here so a stroll back down the track to find some shelter before we headed for Smyreton Hill.

Wall is the windbreak for lunch

This section was pathless over typical moorland terrain. Not overly challenging as the ground is so dry. The biggest hazard barbed wire fencing, more blood drawn. These do not agree with me.

Last moor crossing

Still enjoyable views as we headed for the mast at Auchencrosh Hill. Following faint paths, most likely animal tracks but when found they helped the walking.

Finally the maintenance track back to the main road and a short walk back to the cars. Fresh coo pats but never spotted the beasties themselves.

A short but enjoyable day, dry and a sun/weather skelped face, glad I put on some sun lotion. Plenty of chat with old and new. Almost seems normal! Only disappointment minimal wildlife but that's group walking for you. I had hoped for an early cuckoo but not to be, hopefully soon.

Ascent: 523m

Distance: 14.5km

Time: 4.24

Wildlife: Raven; Skylark; Meadow Pipit