Hill:
Comb Head/Cold Moss
Type:
New Donald
Height:
622m
Another
cracking winters day to take advantage of before next weeks predicted
mayhem. Last minute decision so decided that Wanlockhead was worth a
visit, been a long time.
When
I looked at my list of missing New Donalds/Tops there was this hill
called Comb Head which I had never even heard of. As it turned out it
is linked to Lowther Hill which I had been up a few times but not to
my knowledge crossing over the other side to Comb Head. Traditionally
it would have been up the ridge to Green Lowther.
A
beautiful crisp morning with more blue sky than cloud. Wanlockhead
village was as dead as it normally is, who lives here?
The
route is straightforward as it follows the Southern Upland Way for
the full ramble. The only issue was that I had to trek up to Lowther
HillI first. I have to confess that I had forgotten how steep and
continuous that slog is. There was even solid patches of snow to
negotiate.
I
spotted some people ahead and made the mistake of trying to catch
them rather than going at my own pace. Catch them I did but when they
stopped to chat I could hardly get the words out for sucking in
breath. They must have thought what a numpty. Probably right. Still
pushing the fitness was my positive.
Reached
the big golf ball in the murk but it quickly cleared.
So
onto the new section for me, Climbed over a fence to find there was a
gate further on.
I
could see the objective. Good views but the valley down below was
still covered in cloud. The only negative after huffing and puffing
my way up Lowther was that I was descending about 120m. Of course it
was going to be climbed later.
The
SUW does not get much usage here but although on the slightly boggy
side the track was faint but clear. There were a few deep last minute
spotted holes at the side of the track, could be interesting with a
full coating of snow.
Now
back up the way with a low sun keeping my head down, There are plenty
of marker poles but in this sun very difficult to spot. Still
plodding along I reached the first top but beware this is Cold Moss
not Comb Head which is further along with a short drop and reascent.
It is an interesting optical illusion as both of these tops look
higher than the other from each top but Comb Head is the top with
nothing to mark it when I arrived. Good views over to Durisdeer
hills, wind turbines in other directions.
A
cold wind had risen so backtracked just as a female Hen Harrier
glided low over the heather. I used to see these regularly at
Wanlockhead but it has been a few years since so happy with that. A
Red Grouse broke cover but the raptor did not follow it.
Huffed
and puffed my way back up to Lowther and had my food stop in the SUW
bothy/shelter nearby. Welcome relief from the biting wind.
Back
the same way looking at the village and surrounding hills. Cloud was
building but no issues. As I entered the village a lone dog was
barking. No people. Not even another dog to egg on the other one.
Cafe
closed for the season so no warm drink. Overall a satisfying short
winter walk.
Ascent:
656m
Distance:
11.1km
Time:
3.15
Wildlife:
Raven; Hen Harrier; Red Grouse
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