A more straightforward than expected ramble.....Blackwood Hill

Hill: Blackwood Hill (Anton Fell)

Type: Sub2k

Height: 447m

My second hill of the day only 10 minutes drive from Larriston.

View of Blackwood Hill from my descent from Larriston

The route I had chosen was based on a Walkhighlands route but that was 6 years old. Looking at the hillside from my descent from Larriston I could see that it had been deforested and my planned route would no longer be valid. However, I could see a possible track through the deforested section but whether it would be any good time would tell when I got nearer. If not Plan B was to do it tomorrow from the other side but I would have to investigate where to start from.

So sticking to Plan A I arrived on a minor single track road at a gated forestry entrance. I had read that this gate was never locked and you could drive up to the old railway line where there was a parking space at the side of the track. The gate was open, my legs were tired so I took the chance and drove up and the parking area was there.

After the Baltic winds up on Garriston it was back to warmth at ground level. Nevertheless the rucksack had been topped up with warmer gear just in case but it was only a short ramble so toughen up I told myself.

1st glimpse of the ridge

Another hard packed track along the old railway line towards Riccarton Junction. There are old trains and stuff at the junction. There were roads around here even before the train the railway was the thing. Indeed if you were using solely to go church on Sundays there was no charge.

A longer zig zag than I had anticipated before I was at the start of that trail I had seen from a distance.

Cross Country time

From below it seemed worth a risk of a broken ankle etc but I was still unsure if it would go all the way. But I was here so decided to go for it.

It was not a track as such but a small divide between the newly planted area and the deforested section. A lot of wooden debris scattered about, tried my best to avoid standing on larger wooden pieces in case they were rotted and broke with my weight.

Legs were feeling a bit heavy but I made good progress and the upper fence line was soon reached.

The high point is where the moor turns into the trees

All that was left was a short high level track along the ridge to the original tree plantation where the summit sits hidden further along amidst the trees.

I was walking alongside a newly built fence topped with barbed wire, hoping I would not need to climb it.

View to Greatmoor Hill from the summit

The short section to the top was fine apart from one section where the trees met the fence. I was worried about tearing my jacket but I squeezed past to find the small cairn marking the summit, at least there was one.

On the descent

Back the boring construction track

There was an alternative option to descend beside the treeline but I just returned the same way. Not quite as cold as this morning but not the high temperatures forecast either.

Ascent: 261m

Distance: 5.9km

Time: 1.38

Wildlife: Raven; Buzzard; Blackbird; Robin; Coal Tit: Chaffinch; Meadow Pipit

Easy, easy ,easy. Rough, rough, rough.....Larriston Fell

Hill: Larriston Fell

Type: Sub2k

Height: 514m

A short but beautiful early morning drive through lovely Border countryside took me to the start of my ramble.

Lots of signs to put you off at the start

As I booted up under the trees the sound of the birds spring calling was amazing. I switched on the bird app and in the 5 minutes it took me to gear up it recognised 8 species, I wont say how many I got!

Reached the farm and got my 1st sighting of the mast

This is definitely a walk of two halves. The first section is a long straightforward walk up a hard packed surface up to a communications mast.

The forecast had been for the warmest day of the year and I had geared up for this, lightly.

The long track heading away from the mast

The lower section would have been more of a trudge but I had my binos and the bird app so was stopping regularly to listen and spot. Really enjoyable.

Mast back in sight again

But as I got higher the wind was rising along with the temperatures dropping by the time I reached the mast it was wild. Back to winter without the snow.

The other half of the walk was across rough moorland. I had read reports but had not fully appreciated just how bad the going was going to be. About a kilometre to the top nae problem I thought, think again old man.

Slight track found beside the mast

Soon becomes this stuff

A track starts on the left side of the mast but quickly disappeared as I headed towards a wall in the distance. I have walked many a poor terrain but the section between the mast and the top was easily up there with the worst ever. Closely packed tussocks, heather, boggy sections. All expected but not the depth I was plunging into with each step. At times I felt I was walking in deep snow with huge lifting steps.

Reached the dyke with a barbed wire fence behind but at least it was low one and my wee legs got over it without ripping my trousers.

Big cairn on left which I thought was the high point. Actual high point cairn on the right

I could see the pair of cairns on the ridge ahead, I thought that the worst was over but if anything this next section was the poorest walking of the ramble.

View from big cairn over to Blackwood Hill

The smaller cairn is clearly higher from this viewpoint

Half way across I stumbled on a foot wide track which gleefully I followed for a while before deciding it was not going where I wanted. So roughed it across to the larger cairn which from afar looked the highest point. This measured 512m but the smaller one looked higher from this perspective. 

View from summit back to mast 

With a sigh onwards I went and indeed it was slightly higher, measuring on both watch & Garmin GPS at 514m. There is another top with a trig marked on the map at 512m but from here it was definitely lower. As trigs are not always the high point I was not inclined to bash more crap terrain. The views were good but not great thanks to the hazy conditions. However one view across to England takes in part of the massive Kielder Forest with I presume Kielder Water glistening in the distance.

I was starting to get cold so I made my way back to the mast. Finding and losing narrow tracks all the time I was glad to get to it.

After the mast the track might be boring but better than that stuff

Zoomed in to Blackwood Hill

Then a straightforward ramble back down the track listening to the birdies and looking across to my next objective Blackwood Hill. From here, seeing the deforestation meant my original planning was out the window.

That's for an hours time as i slowed down and just enjoyed the lower level warmth for a little while.

Straightforward but still a wee toughie that deserves its Sub2k tick.

Ascent: 468m

Distance: 11.2km

Time: 2.46

Wildlife: Raven; Buzzard; Blackbird; Robin; Dunnock; Coal Tit; Blue Tit; Redwing; Chaffinch; Nuthatch; Pied Wagtail; Green Woodpecker; Grey Wagtail; Goldfinch; Wren; Goldcrest; Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Stonechat; Pheasant;

Pity I didn't know about the easy way beforehand.....Calkin Rig

Hill: Calkin Rig

Type: Sub2k

Height: 451m

The weather forecast was not great for higher hills with more freezing winds and snow showers so Plan B. An interesting drive took me via Eskdalemuir and then alongside the lovely River Esk to my start for Calkin rig. An isolated and remote landscape, I think I only met 2 cars in about half an hour.

As I geared up it was warmer than I expected, blue sections of sky and minimal wind. The area looked a little sorry for itself, ruined shed etc.

As I walked up the farm track I was aware that some reports had mentioned encountering cattle but thankfully no sign of them today.

The birds were singing away, sure sign that in their brains anyway Spring is on its way. Indeed as I wandered up the very pleasant farm landscape I was already overheating, top layer off and mid layer unzipped, what was that forecast.

I reached the ruined cottage at Calkin totally alone apart from sheep, pheasants and partridges, clearly a shooting estate.

There are ancient settlements either side of the track and some of the mounds still obvious.

The track forks and meanders around the flanks of Shaw Hill. Suddenly the tree plantation appears which is where I left the track and followed the fence all the way up until the join with another fence. 

Sadly not many views without wind turbines these days

This section is trackless through the tussocks. At least the ground base was hard and the tussocks still dormant at this time of the year so the walking was awkward but not too bad. It was also steep and seemed to go on for ages.

About ¾ of the way up I spotted a quad bike trail on my left, flattened grass right to the top.

The high point is in that gap somewhere

The actual summit is through a gap in the trees but once over the fence these tussocks were the real deal, horrible walking. Thank god it was only a short section.

Looking back from the two posts which mark the summit

The views up were minimal going up but on the descent the Borders countryside was seen in all its beauty. But further away the Moffat hills were covered in cloud so right decision made.

The warm conditions were no more and very quickly, up here, the easterly wind had finally arrived, very cold, everything back on again.

ATV track can just be seen

I followed the quad bike trail wondering how far it would go? The reality was all the way back to the track, only 10 metres or so from where I went up the tussocks. 

This was way up to the ATV track that I did not know about

It made the descent a breeze and a would have been a much easier ascent if I had known about it.

A rapid return the same way. I had planned to explore the largest Iron Age settlement at the base of Shaw Hill but on the descent I received a panicked call from the good lady. Her GPS was taking her somewhere she didn't want to go. However, seconds into the call the signal disappeared not to return until I was in the car and on the road back. Thankfully all turned out fine. 

All in all it might have been Plan B and a shorter walk but I enjoyed it.

Ascent: 366m

Distance: 8.7km

Time: 1.45

Wildlife: Buzzard; Red Kite; Kestrel; Pheasant; Red Legged Partridge; Raven; Blue Tit; Coal Tit; Great Tit; Chaffinch;

A cold day to visit a Borders moorland.....Roan Fell

Hill: Roan Fell

Type: Sub2k

Height: 568m

As I was in the area anyway this was an opportunity taken rather than a planned outing.

I had read about it a few months ago and remembered that it was a straightforward walk, ideal for these mixed conditions. I had time on my side but as it was a last minute drive by I had not read up on the route, leaving that until the starting point. Well you probably guessed but this is a very remote area so there was no phone coverage to check Walkhighlands reports. I recalled that it had a good track all the way and didn't involve cross country bashing so fine to go for it.

As I drove the minor twisting road, hoping not to meet anything coming my way, I had a sense of deja vu. But it was not until I checked the map once I had a signal that the start of the Donald of Cauldcleugh Head was just around here. I later read my blog but other than that sense of familiarity it was odd. I could well remember the circular walk but not the parking area.

Still hopefully today would be another successful walk. I parked up at what I was sure was the starting point. Got out the car and the wind that was blowing down the valley was Baltic cold. Looking around the nearby tops getting white shrouds, did I really want to do this? No turning back. Geared up and quickly walked up the track towards the farm. 

As I approached the dogs were barking madly so I knew from previous reports I was on track. It squeezes narrowly past going very close to the kennels for these hound dogs.

Despite the cold wind it was a lovely start walking beside a tumbling burn, gradually getting hemmed in by hills on either side. Three water crossings in quick session, none problematic although boots were fully in on two of them.

I spotted some red deer hinds, half a dozen of them in an enclosure so presumably farmed stock.

The track can be seen rising on the left

The track could now be seen heading up and around the flanks of Ewe Hill so I knew my lungs were going to be tested.

The track was initially stony but soon changed to a good walking grassy track. The gradient eased off and it was a pleasant walk despite the cold winds. Looking upwards I could see where the track was going to take a winding right turn.

The wind was definitely chilling as I spotted a cairn at Haregrain Rig. Much as I hoped this was the summit I knew it was not the case. Nevertheless, it was an excellent viewpoint, looking back down the upward path and over the Border Hills between Langholm & Hawick, Cauldcleugh Head the one with with the most snow cover.

Is that it, nope!

I was now into on-off  light snow showers and the track had a light snow covering which was icy but no need to put the spikes on. Soon I spotted a gate which I hoped was the top but nope this was the summit of Hartsgarth Fell.

Getting closer

Now in sight

From here, looking across the barren peat hagged moor I could see the cairn of Roan Fell roughly about 10 minutes walk away.

Amongst the hags were hidden grouse butts, no doubt the reason this track was in place, for the shooters not walkers.

A short fence crossing to the cairn. Even in this light there were good views, atmospheric but good enough.

Another hail shower battered me so time to get going and find a sheltered spot to eat my Scotch egg. Soft food only as a broken tooth which could not be seen for another 3 days and that is as a private patient, unreal.

I returned the same way taking in the views, trying to work out the other hills I have still to do nearby.

Despite the cold weather I enjoyed this short ramble. I was well clad so the weather was bearable and definitely better than being stuck indoors.

Ascent: 417m

Distance: 10.2km

Time: 2.36

Wildlife: Buzzard; Raven; Meadow Pipit; Red Deer

A beautiful Spring day.....Greatmoor Hill

Hill: Greatmoor Hill

Type: Sub2k

Height: 599m

A stunning spring day saw me set out for another short Sub2k Border ramble.

I parked about 200 yards away from the farm entrance as I thought it was just too narrow if a tractor came rumbling down.

The birds were raucous as Spring partnerships were now being exploited. Great to hear.

Wandered up to the pylon and had a chat with the workies before going through the trees for a short distance.

Out of the trees and I get my 1st view of Greatmoor Hill

Scenic shot of the farm and lambing fields

Out of the trees and Greatmoor Hill is straight ahead. Lovely sight.

The track goes onto the working farm at Sundhome. Picturesque location with a green enclosed meadow full of sheep ready to lamb. Hopefully I would by pass them.

At the farm there a flock of hens were all penned up, just as well as I will explain later.

I crossed the wooden bridge and followed an Atv track up to a high point. I initially had planned to go cross country over the tussocky landscape. But as I looked at the summit area there appeared to be an Atv track. So I gambled and kept on this. It turned away from my destination but my faith was rewarded as it turned back and headed towards Greatmoor. Certainly squelchy and boggy in places but in my view preferable to the tussocks.

Follow the track to the top

A stunning blue sky March day, my jacket was already off. The silence was golden, just me and the Skylarks, it felt really good.

I spotted some birds wandering around the track ahead of me, around 20 of them, turned out to be Golden Plovers probably getting ready to head off back to Scandinavia or wherever.

I could see a thin pole on the summit which I assumed was the top but the atv track headed to the left so for an easy life I just followed it.

Cairn marking who knows what

On the slopes I looked over to some boulder scree where a huge cairn had been built, not quite the top. I wondered why?

In the blue skies I was surprised by the amount of aircraft flying over in both directions, clearly a busy transit point.

I was well up the hill  before I left the track and took to the grassy slopes to head to the top. A pair of ravens flew off the top to investigate me. One was making a strange throat clucking noise, probably mimicking my own death rattle. On the top I was going to head back to that thin pole but ahead of me was a huge cairn which was far to obvious to ignore so off I went. Indeed the large boulder cairn surrounded the trig. Summit reached.

Beautifully structured cairn with the Eildons behind

Funny how this has fallen apart but the other two cairns are intact

There was also a huge cairn on the other side of the fence descending off the North side, very weird.

Blackwood Hill foreground. Mast on Larriston Fell just visible, right of centre, on far ridge

The views were excellent in all directions. I spent time taking it in and identifying some recent conquests and some still to do.

I decided to head over to what I thought was the thin pole. It was an upside down one stuck in some boulders, another weird sight.

The lonesome pine

Enjoyed the slow wander down with the sole pine tree a good marker if required.

When I neared the farm the farmer was at the sheep pen and spotting me he waved. As I waved back I spotted a fox low in the grass heading towards his farm. A long time since I saw a fox on the hills. A brief glimpse but it looked like it was limping.

Lower down I engaged in a shouting chat with the farmer. I told him about the fox for which he thanked me and said he had seen it in his shed a few days ago and he thought it was injured, reinforcing my view. He said he would get someone out to shoot it!!

They had spotted Mr Fox

At the farm all the hens were caged in 2 and 3’s but they were all looking at the slope where I had last seen the fox, they had also seen or sensed it and were on high alert. What will be will be.

Overall a short but very enjoyable ramble on a beautiful spring day, what a joy to be able to enjoy it.

PS: Having a pint that evening a local asked what hill I had been up then told me the story of how he built the fence up to the summit, a small world.

Ascent: 434m

Distance: 8.8km

Time: 2.46

Wildlife: Chaffinch; Wren; Buzzard; Fox; Skylark; Pheasant; Meadow Pipit; Stonechat; Golden Plover; Raven; Jay; Golden Eagle?