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.
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| 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 |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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