Three tops to get one tick.....Tarfessock South Top

Hill: Tarfessock South Top (via Shalloch on Minnoch & Tarfessock)

Type: Donald Top

Height: 610m

The Ayr OiR were out out today for a short up and down of the Corbett Shalloch on Minnoch. This is a straightforward walk but with good weather conditions I decided to join them but go a bit further and knock off the Donald Top of Tarfessock South. My planning for my summer walks had me doing this from the Kirriereoch parking area but although this was a longer walk it was too good to miss to do it today plus I would have company for part of it.

As we geared up at the Stinchar Falls parking area it was great to hear a Cuckoo full on calling. I have had two brief encounters with the bird this year but this was the first full calling experience, sadly still to see one.

Ten of us set off up the usual route to Shalloch, extremely boggy, accompanied by the singing Skylarks and Meadow Pipits, presumably mocking us as well as attracting a mate.

Final ascent to Shalloch summit

The way forward

Plucked male Wheatear

My partners coming up Tarfessock

At the cairn at the top of Shalloch five of the group decided to descend and four sad soles came with me to Tarfessock. A rough pathless descent of about 100m followed by an ascent of circa 50m found us at the top of Tarfessock. A cooler stronger breeze got up but still good viewing over this very rough and rugged landscape.

Spot the south top summit?

The crags mark the spot

Rough ground

Now for the return, Tarfessock first then Shalloch behind it

A brief lunch stop for me, longer for the others, before I went solo to Tarfessock top. Now it was unknown territory and a new section of the Awful Hand for me. From up top I could see the objective but I was surprised by how awkward the descent was. Rough ground, craggy tops to be rounded before reaching a boggy section. A trail of sorts and I was at the small cairn, better than many full Donalds I might add.

I had completed a flat walk of 15 miles yesterday so my legs were a tad weary. As such the albeit short re-ascents of Tarfessock and Shalloch were more intimidating than they should have been.

The shortest, but steepest section back up to Tarfessock was the worst, no path, tussocky ground, rounding crags, aching muscles but then I was there.

4 climbing the slopes of Shalloch

Looking ahead I could see my four companions were about two thirds of the way up Shalloch. I wish I was with them but would I catch up with them?

Clouds about to come down to my level

On the way up Shalloch I kind of lost the track and ended up just hiking straight up the straightforward but steep slopes until I reached the plateau and spotted the cairn further away than I expected but at least the terrain was flat and good going.

Now homeward bound but the descent was much more awkward than the ascent. Maybe because the ascent is slower and you are picking the route more carefully. On the descent I was rocking and rolling all over the place no consistent footing. I seemed to be plunging into boggy patch after boggy patch, it was horrible and very tiring.

At least the cuckoo was still calling, obviously no females around or not interested. At the small waterfalls a red squirrel crossed towards the trees, it was moving slowly. Delighted at my first sighting of the year but I suspect all was not well with it.

A good ramble in fine company, a new hill bagged, what's not to like.

Ascent: 845m

Distance: 17.01

Time: 5.22

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Wheatear; Cuckoo (heard); Willow Warbler (heard); Red Squirrel (1^st of the year)

Another return to Shalloch on Minnoch

Hill: Shalloch on Minnoch (Middle Heel)

Type: Corbett

Height: 775m

Ascent: 561m

Another repeat hill before getting free to explore wider Scotland. Previous blogs on here so minimum words just some snaps.

It was a nice surprise to see a newly constructed bridge over the burn. it is wedged into an steep angled rock so easier today to cross as normal but useful for higher water conditions.

It is always wet and boggy at the start

It takes two!

There were numerous 'rana temporia ' around today, Impressed with my Latin? Nope didn't think so Common Frog to us. Particularly near the small lochan at the start of the final climb to Shalloch. Multiple colourings had to take great care not to stand on them. 

The top in view still some small snow patches

The clouds were coming and going but lifted for the trig view.

View East

South ridge Lake District far away but in view

Still a small but lengthy cornice at the top of the Maidens Bed. Looked pretty but quite unstable with the melting weather so no walking on it.

Descent with frog lochan

Distance: 12.7km

Time: 4.22

Wildlife: Common Frog; Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Raven

Must be in the top 10 list of the wettest Corbetts.....Shalloch on Minnoch

Hill: Shalloch on Minnoch (Middle Heel)

Type: Corbett

Height: 775m

This was meant to be the best hillwalking day of the week, clear blue skies and the crispness of an early winters day. It certainly was cold during the night and the car needed defrosting time.  Soon after leaving the house I could see I could see the ridge in the distance and the summits were cloud free, yipee.

For once a short drive but even in that time the clouds had descended so what would I get at the top?

According to the SMC book, Shalloch is 'middle heel'. Not sure what this refers to, I get the heel bit as it is at the end of the ridge but middle? However this is a great but gentle hill set in the barren landscape that you either love or hate, the former for me. It would be a short walk so I extended it by parking at the Stinchar are, no other cars! The downside is that the extra walk is on tarmac to get to the normal starting place but no hardship.

The falls are a favourite spot to start a walk

Once off the tarmac I entered a wet, wet world. The weather has been extremely damp to put it mildly. Even so the normally damp and boggy sections had transformed itself into one deep footstep into mud, bog and the deep water holding sphagnum bog patches. Wow what a start and whats the chances of dry feet today.

Shalloch is a teasing hill. You cannot see the summit top from the start but the hill is a series of gentle ascents, each one kidding you on that you are are near the top. Well today you could not see any top in the clouds so no teasing just a gentle walk. Well not so gentle. Not hard on the feet but sinking in every step was good training for the soon to be snow walking, not so heavy breathing time pleased with that.

Off the tarmac and the boggy walk into the clouds

I was reflecting previous visits and particularly the last time I was here which was probably just before wee nippy locked us up for the first time. There has always been a path of sorts but it was now a wide 4 or five abreast. Clearly a lot of folk have been up here this year.

Cloudy ahead but excellent view looking east

The wet section lasts for almost half the ascent before with relief more normal walking terrain. I wish i could say the same for the weather but although not a pea souper the clouds were hanging about so forward distance was minimal. However looking left there was the odd glimpse of the world I wanted to see.

Something suddenly appeared sparkling in the distance, it was a brief glimpse of the sun breaking through the clouds and shining down on the wee lochan. Not far to go now but I could still only see about half way up the final ascent.

Knockdolian peaking up

This is normally straight up through the stones but they were very slippery so I followed the grassy flanks SW to creep round to the hill. Wow, finally the cloud lifted and I got atmospheric views over to Knockdolian and its twin volcanic plug of Ailsa Craig.

As I summit clouds still holding along 'the hand'.

Final section and the clouds are still hanging about the tops to the south. Finally I stumble across the trig. Looking north and west the views are great including Ailsa.

Trig with marker cairn in the distance

To the south I could see across the flat walk to where the crags are, this was to be my lunch spot so over I went. Glad I did as the views were excellent. 

By the time I got there cloud almost gone the Awful hand shows itself

The ridge was still holding fragments of cloud. You can opt for a long but good ridge walk over Tarfessock, Kirrereoch and even the Merrick but certainly not for me today. Brilliantly named as the Range of the Awful Hand.

Lochs Riecawr & Macaterick. Bothy (white) just at edge of trees on the right 

I was more than content stuffing my face and looking down over the rugged terrain including Loch Macaterick and another winter target Mulwharcher. 

Hoodens Hill and Mulwharchar

The white painted Tunskeen bothy stands out isolated in this shades of brown landscape. Sad but true story. Last year walkers were refused entry to the bothy by a group of 'revellars'. They were forced to continue their journey but the weather conditions were so bad they ended up having to be rescued by the emergency services. The scum inside the bothy were sadly never charged.  

Re the scenery as said earlier, your choice, but it is rugged beauty and a fantastic landscape and what a spot for lunch.

On descent clouds coming and going

Time to head back and as I left the top the clouds were moving in from the west once more. Both plugs had disappeared already. I had a possible option in my mind to descend via Cornish Hill but from previous experience I know it can be brutal terrain so left for another day.

When I reached the wet underfoot (halfway down) a drizzle came on, nothing heavy but just to let me know the weather does its own thing around here not the weather forecasts computer modelling.

Still back at the car I was in good spirits. Damp in one foot and damp in outer clothing but far better than a day spent indoors and a day closer to ending this Covid madness. A good walk not spoilt.

Wildlife: Buzzard; Curlew 12+; Red Grouse

Ascent: 555m

Distance: 12.5km

Time: 3.37

Cornish Hill via Shalloch on Minnoch

Hill: Shalloch on Minnoch and Cornish Hill
Category: Corbett
Height: 775m
It is the month of May and were we in shorts and sun cream on our walk today? Not exactly. The winter outdoor gear is still in use, heavy merino base layer, lined trousers and waterproofs. What did the weather give us? Well how about rain; sleet; freezing cloud; glimpses of fantastic views and heat back down below, yes the month of May in Scotland.

When I arrived at the Stinchar car park I was surprised to see cars and walkers milling about. Not my group yet surely? No, it was the OIR from Ayr out doing the same walk. A brief chat with some familiar faces before they raced off, obviously wanted to be first up the hill.

Special Stinchar burn

I love the location outside the car park where the Stinchar burn flows gently today some small water falls adding to the effect. It is a special place.

Bleak start to the moor

Cloud hanging over the objective, pretty cool, as we made the usual boggy start before following the faint track uphill. I say start, it stayed pretty wet and boggy for a long way. 

Clouds lift to show us Shalloch on Minnoch on the left

Shalloch is a straight forward Corbett, the walk already starts from circa 300m. This is the most westerly Corbett and Donald in the Southern Uplands and forms the northernmost fingers of the Awful Hand ridge.

We could see the Ayr group ahead on the final slopes of Caerloch Dhu as we started our ascent.

Cloudy Shalloch from Caerloch Dhu

The final 140m from Caerloch Dhu always seems a slog. Near the top the sleet battered in as we made our way around the contours to reach the trig in low cloud. No sign of Ayr they must have headed to Tarfessock.

Shalloch Trig

We wandered over to the higher point before heading back down by the same route to get out of the cloud for lunch. 

Freezing cloud ends lunch

It did clear and we got some views but not for long as freezing cloud enveloped us and yes it was freezing, lunch over.

Moorland crossing to Cornish Hill

From here we took the moorland route to Cornish hill. A crossing over typical moorland terrain, tussocks and holes aplenty to catch the unwary. A crossing only enjoyed by masochists, glad to reach the track.

Cornish Loch

Now on Cornish Hill there are worthwhile views looking down over Cornish loch, another favourite view, no brownies rising today. Cornish Hill is a nice gentle circuit in its own right from the car park.

Finally we followed the tourist track back to the car park, only spoilt by the deforestation en route. 

Looking back to Shalloch

Time to reflect and look back at Shalloch and that moor. It looks a lot further away than the reality.

Stinchar bridge

The delightful Stinchar bridge marks the finish for us. There is a good walk down to the Falls proper.

A short but good walk but come on surely shorts weather soon!!

Wildlife: Meadow pipit.
Time: 4.10
Ascent: 588m
Distance: 13.2k

A true Galloway reminder on Shalloch and Tarfessock

Hill: Shalloch on Minnoch, Tarfessock, 
Category: Corbett/Donald
My granny used to say ‘that’s a long way for a shortcut’ and that’s how I felt about today. It was a bit of fun, it was cold and windy, and a find your way home element to finish with a river crossing.

Bells memorial

The proposed three tops route looked like too long a time challenge so I was glad at the start to hear it was not going to include Kirriereoch. Not only because I had 20k and almost 1000m in my legs from yesterday but also it was a grey day with low cloud. And this was not a traditional route from the start.
We were 30 minutes late in starting as one of the group had not arrived but we could wait no longer so off into the grey day we ventured. Phone signal very poor around here. More of the missing person later.

Ruins

Starting from Bells memorial we followed the track from Laglanny and then the burn to the ruins before entering the start of Galloway’s legendary underfoot carpet of wet bog and tussocks, the joys!!

One fire break that did exist

We clambered through a fire break before following the Shalloch Burn to the edge of the forest, with the crags of Rig of the Shalloch on our left. Found a deer track to follow which eased it a bit. I was cursing as I realised my brand new beanie had fallen from my pocket, a gift, not pleased.

Plenty of follow that burn today

At the end of the trees then straight up to point 659 before heading to the Corbett of Shalloch on Minnoch. We were well and truly in the low cloud and the easterly wind was a lot colder than yesterday’s tops.
Suddenly out of the gloom, heading our way, appeared a figure, it was our missing walker. After missing the start point she opted to do a quick up and down of Shalloch from a different location. Quite a chance encounter.
Lunch at Shalloch’s cairn then across the rugged ridge via the Nick of Carclach to the Donald of Tarfessock.

Tarfessock

From here we headed down in the direction of the cars. Great to get out of the clag and start to get some views. Even better to be sheltered from the wind, it was feeling warm.

Spawn

Lots of small pools laden with frogspawn but no frogs spotted today.
Looking south a group could be seen making the descent from Kirriereoch, so not the only people up here today.

Kirriereoch

At the top of our descent ridge we looked over the ground we had to cover. Hearts sank a bit as we could see that the forestry operations had altered the landscape considerably. Indeed the fire breaks we planned to use as per OS maps no longer existed. The GPS mapped route was no good either. The cars looked a long way away. Needless to say the group were not all in agreement re the best way forward, fun times!
We headed to a new forest track and a short walk up it confirmed the fire breaks were no longer there. 
We decided to skirt the edge of the new plantation hoping to find a break in these dense plantations but nope. 

Crossing the Water of Minnoch

Finally we hit a marked track on the map which we could see started taking us away but no choice other than to follow it to it’s end then head for the Water of Minnoch and walk it back up. Thank god for deer tracks which again eased the walking. Of course we were on the wrong side of the Water but by this time it was a case of, I want home, so wading through, wet feet or not.

Of course the clouds are lifting

Finally a walk up the outward track back to the cars where of course we looked to the hills blue skies and clear tops, the joys of hill walking.
A far longer than planned walk but a good example of how the forestry operations can make a big dent in your plans.

Wildlife: Buzzard, Curlew, Raven, Skylark,
Time: 6.37
Ascent: 827m
Distance: 19.6km