An injury tester.....Burgiehill

Hill: Burgiehill

Type: Sub2k

Height: 254m

I was still recovering from my leg injury but I was fed up with my lack of activity so headed north primarily to do some biking. Thankfully my long term injury had not stopped me cycling which kept me sane to a certain degree. Despite that, within the area I was visiting, there were a number of Sub2k’s with short walks and minimal ascent, so ideal to test out my recovery. Weather forecast was mixed but I was needy.

It was not nice enough to motivate me to cycle today so Burgiehill was to be the first of the tests.

I parked at a T junction tucked in on a small patch of soggy grassy ground, the cars 4x4 capabilities might be tested later.

The road sign beside my parking area was a classic relic from the past. Modern road signs don’t have that level of distance detail, timeless quality.

No navigation required I just followed the winding back road up the hill, no hardship as it was early morning peacefulness accompanied the birds singing, I think they think it is spring. Beautiful autumn colours, end of season fading but still grand.

I reached my turning off point, left the road and headed into the woods. tramping a track which would take me all the way to the top, ideal and so far no leg pain.

The trees hemmed me in which made it even darker but also brought the birds closer. A good moving flock of Coal Tits accompanied by my favourite Long Tailed Tits.

Sadly this section of track was obviously regularly used by a dog walker who did not clean up, not really used to that these days.

Puffball mushroom. I read that these can explode with an unthinkable trillion seeds dispersing and that only one might survive, here it is!!

I heard a loud noise and thought a small waterfall was nearby. But the reality was that it was a heavy shower pounding down on to the trees only 10 yards away. It was so amazing as I was dry and the rain was so heavy, so close. I don’t think I have ever been so close to the edge of a shower, brought a smile to my face.

A couple of minutes later more smile time. I spotted movement at the side of the track and for a few minutes observed a shrew, taking its time foraging for whatever. I got a good video of it on the phone but sadly I cannot get video clips to transfer to this blog.

The blade was operational and rotating but one blade caught.

Further on I was aware of a noise breaking the sounds of the birds. Of course the noise is sadly now identifiable as I hear it all too often. The low but loud tone of a wind turbine turning. I could not see it and then I could. Well at least I spotted the turning blades through the trees.

Ben Rinnes in the distance

Not long after I passed after the wind turbine the better views became more regular through gaps in the lower trees.

Lights came on a I approached no doubt on I am CCTV

I spotted the tops of the radio masts above the trees so even though I seemed to be walking away from them I knew my finish was close. A 90 degree turn took me back to the mast compound. From my research I knew that the trig was close by but exactly where?

Peering into the trees on either side of the approach before passing the compound where I noticed a track heading into the trees at the rear. I followed it and soon spotted the trig on my right.

The hidden trig, no triangulation with this one

At the summit of Burgiehill, instead of a view for your efforts, you are rewarded with a trig point hidden in the trees. At some point this would have been clear of trees and no doubt enjoyed good views over the landscape of Moray, but no more.

As I made my way back I stopped at a clearing and was saddened by how many wind turbines could be seen. No area of Scotland’s beautiful landscape has been spared and from a recent planning map that I saw many, many more are to come. And no benefit to Scotland. Sky high electricity prices and all the profits going away from these shores, thanks a bunch SNP you have presided over this mess.

Loads of fallen trees in the forest but none blocking the path

Then my final spoiler of the ramble. I heard a noise and looked round to see a solid Rottweiler was running at me with its its owner chasing it, shouting to me it was friendly. At least it stopped and to be fair it did not jump on me but the growling coming from it did not seem overly friendly, nor did its reaction when its owner tried to put a lead on it. At least its attention was on him until he secured it. No harm done but it spoiled my ramble especially as every time I looked back they were not that far behind me so I walked a bit faster.

Artistic shot of the day. I hadn't realised the rain was on the lens

I was happy to safely reach the car. I was aware of my injury but for the most part it had been good so another smile. A short ramble but objective achieved. Time to test it on another wee hill.

NB: The area is home to the derelict Burgie Castle, a 16th-century tower house. The castle was built by the Dunbar family. Burgie is a French surname so presumably the area is named after someone with French connections prior to the Dunbars with the hill being named after them.

Ascent: 142m

Distance: 6.9km

Time: 1.33

Wildlife: Jay; Coal Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Chaffinch; Shrew (Water I think); Buzzard;