Long Cairn & Louden Hill

Another cracking action packed day out with the good folks from KOIR. Officially Autumn ends this week but we have been in winter dress for a while now. Today was a crisp blue sky morning, few clouds, cold but just the ticket.
Starting in Darvel this was a circular walk to Long Cairn then across to Louden Hill and back via the old railway line to Darvel. For a sedate tranquil farming area this place is packed full of history, more of which later. Today it felt that there were more fences to clamber over than in all my walks combined this year, not quite but there were a few.
At the start it was much colder inland than at the coast with black ice the initial obstacle but no injuries.

Walkers go past Long Cairn behind photo flattens out the humps

A pleasant combination of river, woodland, moorland and farmland took us to the Long Cairn.
‘The Long Cairn, the longest in Scotland at 335 ft, with a history of some 5,000 years. This chambered cairn, although robbed and disturbed long ago, held the burial chambers for 5 long dead chieftains‘. 

Still cold here no sun yet

An opportune spot for a snack before crossing the wooden bridge at the ford over the Tulloch Burn and then continued along this road – part of which was the old Edinburgh Road – to link with Loudoun Hill.
A swift dash across the busy road and we walked up to Louden Hill. A frog was on the path, should you not be hibernating?

Louden Hill

The beautifully formed but compact volcanic plug of Loudoun Hill, 1054 ft above sea level, might be small in stature but on a day like today it did not disappoint. The small effort was rewarded with panoramic views back down the valley over Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, the Firth of Clyde and Arran. Cairns Table and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn clearly seen. Strathaven can be picked out. There is a plaque on the summit of Loudoun Hill to commemorate Wallace’s victory of 1297. You may also see, if you look hard, the ruins of two houses – aptly named “Nae Place” and “The Back of Beyond”! 

Up the slope

But before we got the views we had to get up there and we followed the path up the south face of Loudoun Hill, some mild scrambling, hand holds required, which provided us a challenge albeit not quite the rock climbers route.

Summit & trig

Then lunch at the top, soak it all in, just ignore the hundreds of wind turbines. If you want to see what Salmon’s legacy has done to us this view says it all.
The wind picked up, temperature dropped and now back down the other side, all the traps well hidden by the fallen leaves, a few slips, wet bums, but no damaged bodies only egos. 

Looking west down the valley

The remainder of the walk followed the old railway line and it was pretty much a bog fest and also many more fences to climb. The cattle had walked all of this so you can imagine the gloop at times. 
At Darvel one of the group tried to take us through some inhospitable habitat, one of the few that beat this group. A retreat was made down to the road.
Still a super day, fab weather, great humour as always, no pity taken on the fallers!! A visit to the Black Bull and home, a very satisfying day out. 


Distance: 8.91m (14.34km)
Ascent: 1057 ft (322m)
Time: 4.47

Three Lochs Way Helensburgh - Garelochhead

A change of plans gave me the opportunity to continue the Three Lochs Way sooner than expected. I knew that this section would be the most straightforward with more tarmac walking than I would like but the views actually more than made up for it. 

Car park start

I followed the route guide, albeit starting from the waterfront, which added .7 of a mile, following the rising gradient up Sinclair Street, reaching Helensburgh Upper Station, a quick left then right onto Upper Colquhoun Street straight uphill to the car park. Then go left onto a path signed for Rhu Marina and Glen Fruin.
A pleasant woodland walk crossing several bouncy railway sleeper footbridges, think some might need replacing soon.

1st Junction

After about 2/3rds of a mile a junction is reached, turn right onto a footpath signed for Garelochhead. The slightly muddy path continues uphill along the edge of the woods. 

Track to moor

At the top go through the gate and the track crosses moorland. Plenty of fresh cow pats and yes when I broached a top there they were just ahead. One by one their heads lifted to stare at me. No option, no going back, walk on through, make no eye contact, survived.
The views of the lower Luss hills are a treat to the eye, then a second gate is reached, the path goes over the Fruin Water to the minor road left through Glen Fruin.

Glen Fruin

This is now road and tarmac for most of the remaining walk, not so good for walking boots. You cannot get lost.
Today, the walk through the glen was an autumn feast of colour, tranquil for a while, just a few cyclists and one car. Then the guns were booming once again, reverberating around the hills and glen, pheasants turn be slaughtered this week. 

Glen Fruin 2

I am sure that is The Brack in the distance disappearing in a weather front, What, no rain today!! On with rain trousers just in time. As I walked on the light was constantly changing with the colours on The Strone light and dark. 

Strone House Peacocks

A loud calling beckoned and then Strone House along with its peacocks came before me. Warning signs ‘Army about‘.
The road climbs with super views around and back down the glen and a bit of history that I was unfamiliar with. A monument and seat on the right commemorate the Battle of Glen Fruin, where the MacGregors defeated the Colquhouns in 1603. 

Battle memorial

Reading the board and looking around the hills; The Strone; Chaorach & Tharsuinn, most in the sun brought it all to life.
Don’t take the MOD road beside the monument instead twist and turn uphill, the road soon levels out. 

Yankee Road

Now go right onto a tarred lane known as the Yankee Road ( American Rd on the signs, political correctness) - built by the American army in World War II. Immediately it forks; keep on the main tarred left branch, soon reaching the main A817 road. 
Good views northwards and now below to your left Faslane can be seen but no subs around.
I walked along the military road until the signpost for the route that takes me down to Garelochhead, this is on your left. 

There is a barbed wire fence here!!

Crossing the barbed wire fence was a bit of an effort. The wooded covered area swings alarmingly and not safe without someone to hold it, so I needed to use the wooden slat which was very slippy, fun!!.

Boggy track to Garelochead

Now this downhill section was without a doubt the muddiest, boggiest section of the walk, all the way down to the road. Just follow the gloopy path along the edge of the plantation, down a wall, avoiding your feet disappearing in the mud, through some woods then the road is reached. 
I crossed the road and followed the path into town and had only a 20 minute wait until a bus back to Helensburgh.
A good day. Mainly bright, blue skies, high wind chill and the odd shower. Hopefully complete the Way before the yearend.

Time: 3 hours 21m
Distance: 10.01mls (16.11km)
Ascent: 992ft (302m)

Three Lochs Way Balloch - Helensburgh

Formal sign for the way

A more sedate outing today with the good folks of KOIR, walking the first leg of the Three Lochs Way from Balloch to Helensburgh.
Parking at the car park opposite the railway station the first challenge for a few was to operate the automatic toilet at the tourist information. Sadly, not all successfully managed this so first stop in the woods!!
Such a mild day compared to yesterday's freezing wind but not the blue skies forecast.

Nice view to start the walk

On our way now pass the Lomond Shores shops, giving good views over the loch, and proper toilets for those in the know, woodlands saved.
A few twists and turns then over the footbridge and head up the steep road, watch out as quite a few cars on this stretch.

Watch out for cars

When the road ends the moor starts but just keep going following the clear track. When you reach the gate, on your right is the coffin stone, really just a big buried boulder but let your imagination go and think of the days past, manually carrying a coffin through this pass.

Ben Lomond

It is a good resting place as there are great views from here across the typical moorland terrain, of the loch, Ben Lomond, Conic hill and the Campsies.

Moor, Loch & Hills

A short but sharp climb through the trees brings you out at a small green water hole and continue on to the sign taking you up to a viewpoint. 

The only climb

Sadly rain showers diluted the views but some bedraggled fir trees with some Xmas decorations caused interest and speculation, is this the remains of last year or the start of this year? Feel free to post a reply if you know.

Xmas tree?

There is the option of taking in a sub 2000, Ben Bowie, looks a short but rough moorland ascent but not for us today.
Soon the track splits so take the left hand fork up to a gate which then gives a gentle descent towards Helensburgh. The views of the Firth of Clyde are excellent even on this grey day.

Firth of Clyde

Civilisation is soon reached, go past the school and then reach the main road. Go right and a lengthy road walk finally brings you to the railway station and the end of the section 1 walking. The most impressive building being this old school, I like the separate entrances for boys and girls.

Parish school

For us there is the excitement of two train rides (£1 with concession card, a bargain) to get us back to Balloch.
An enjoyable walk with plenty of laughs as always, very good company.

Time: 3hrs 50
Ascent: 1077ft (328m)
Distance: 8.27m (13.31km)

Wedder Law Durisdeer

Wedder Law Hill of the Lamb
Donald 672m
I was intending to go on a group walk today but I had a horrendous sleep, unusual for me, and got up feeling rather washed out. Rather than potentially hinder the group I decided on a solo trip to Durisdeer and go up the Donald, Wedder Hill.
I knew when I started that this was going to be hard going and it was, biorhythms or what but my body was not really up for this walk.

The Kirk is creepy enough

BUT, in saying that, I really enjoyed the trip, despite the sweat and aching calves.
I parked at the Kirk, walked back down the road until the last house then turned left and followed the track heading to Glenaggart until you cross a burn.

Scarred hillside

There is an obvious estate track scarring the hill which I doubt got local planning consent. However, I knew that I was following this all the way to Wedder hill so should not complain too much.
The track twists and winds its way upwards, constantly and unrelentingly climbing for just over an hour. I was feeling it and took frequent advantage of the views to give myself an excuse to take small breathers.

Zoomed Drumlanrig Castle

The skies were blue and the surrounding hills just majestic in this light. Down in the lowlands fog patches had not yet cleared, Drumlanrig castle can be seen partially hidden in the gloom.
To my left the top of Black Hill appears and further behind the Lowther hills with the radar ball standing out against a blue sky instead of last weeks grey.

Golf ball on Lowther Hill

Talking of last week I was surprised at how many partridges survived last weeks shoot, they were popping up everywhere today, particularly on the lower slopes. The scavengers were also flying; ravens, red kites & buzzards but not in the numbers of last week.

Straightforward track to follow

The track winds past some great named hills: Whiteside shoulder; Farthing Rig; Crookedside Hass; Blackgrain shoulder; Smuring hags; Brown Dodd, there must be great stories about these names. 
It has taken me just over the hour and I am flanking Scawd Law with the track to Wedder hill straight ahead.

Wedder Hill view before descent

 However the hard work is not over, there is a descent of around 300ft with a further 500ft of ascent to reach the fenceline on top of Wedder Hill. The top is on the left of the fence, just an open plateau, no cairn, a few iron posts, so 10 minutes tramping about through the moss covered all of these to ensure top covered.

Wind turbines en masse

 The huge wind farm down in Clydesdale is just another example of politicians destroying our landscape. Still, try your best to ignore it and take in the beautiful unspoilt areas.

Weather front coming my way

The weather had changed, now a bitter northerly wind, with winter wind fronts blowing through but luckily none descended on me.
Too cold to have lunch here so now a leisurely stroll back the same track taking in the views, map out to check future walks. Not one soul to talk to but I did think I spotted someone on top of Ballencleugh Law.

Patchwork grouse moor hills

Out of the wind I had my roll in a stunning spot looking up Glenaggart to the bothy at Kettleton Byre. Across the way the huge gully between Nether hill and Rottencraig head rather prominent along with the many partridge breeding pens and feeding areas, really tame birds bred for the slaughter.

Partridge feeding pods all around

A final stroll back down to the car where I was happy making solo trip that was just enough today. After changing I popped into the Kirk and visited the Queensberry marbles.

Queensberry Marbles

I wonder how many walkers have visited Durisdeer and never popped in, missing out big time. What a stunning place and what history the small area has.


Ascent: 2270ft (692m)
Time: 3.33
Distance: 7.27m (11.7km)

Scaw'd Law Durisdeer a beautiful Autumn walk

Durisdeer Kirk c1699

Today’s walk was with the folk from ARC with Scawd Law the objective, a Donald category at 663m This walk starts at picturesque Durisdeer village, via some very narrow single track roads, take care, some parking beside the beautiful church. The church is from 1699 and contains the original pews, need to look in next time if open. Its grandness is in tow with nearby Drumlanrig Castle. Like much of rural Scotland this area is steeped in history.

Opening track Turn & Well hills on left

We then followed the slowly ascending farm track through some beautiful rolling border hillsides There are great views of Black, Turn & Well hills on the left. This track runs slightly higher than the old Roman road to Clydesdale, which can be easily seen below, also passing the old fortlet, dated to the Flavian period from metals found, whose grassy mounds also stands out clearly, today protected by a herd of coos, signs warning of the bull.

Fortlet in the middle of snap

This area is a grouse moor and early on we sprung quite a few of them bursting out of the heather.
Above Well hill there were an unusually high number of birds circling including: ravens; red kites; buzzards, all scavengers, very odd but later we probably found out why.

Durisdeer hill

After a short refreshment break, we tackled the steep ascent onto Durisdeer Hill. We followed the fence for a while then opted to follow a quad bike trail up the slippery, muddy slopes, but I have had a lot worse terrain recently.
The weather was very good considering the forecast with excellent all round views.

Getting to top of Durisdeer

From there we follow the fence line across the open moorland ridge heading to Little Scaw’d Law and then Scaw’d Law itself, today’s highest point. You could take a more direct line across the moor but really unless you need to save time just follow the fence, particularly if the weather closes in. At the top no trig, nor cairn so GPS reference taken to confirm highest point.

Looking back to Well Hill

Again time taken to take in and appreciate the views. To the south the Solway & Criffel. To the west the Galloway ranges. Just to the north Sanquhar and eastwards the Moffat range, quite spectacular. 

Looking to Wedder Law

More red kites can be seen along with a few hares, coats already turning whiter.
Next we drop down to cross a track and make the short climb onto Glenleith Fell. 

Typical landscape, Well hill and the pass to Clydesdale

The moorland walking is awkward enough but the amount of old wire left behind by the fence builders, to trip you up is disgraceful, shoddy workmanship.
This is followed by a steep grassy descent to the shooter’s bothy near Blackhill Moss, where we had our lunch break. A scenic spot particularly in this weather, otherwise indoors.

Death valley

Just as we finished eating two land rovers drew up and out popped a gang of guys with flags, beaters for a shooting party. Despite us contacting the estate beforehand and being told no shooting today, there obviously was and they would not let us walk down the track until the shooting was over. We could have forced the issue but why take the aggro, we are here to enjoy ourselves. The weather had changed for a thankfully just a brief spell: very windy; very cold and some rain, not the time you wanted to be hanging about and I had forgot my gloves so cold hands.
We walked slowly behind some beaters, it turned out to be a partridge shoot. There were plenty of beaters and plenty of dead birds. Considering how low the birds fly the shooters can hardly miss them, firing a spreading buckshot into the sky. Slaughter not sport. The number of carrion birds were again evident looking for the missed carcasses. Would the many Labradors and spaniels criss crossing the ground leave them any? 

Autumn sun

I suspect that they had been shooting earlier nearer the beginning of our walk hence the large number of carrion eating birds spotted.
Slowly we descended the Glenaggart track (valley of death for the partridges) until the shoot was over and then back to Durisdeer. Blue skies once again. 

Durisdeer village

Looking at the graveyard some of these stones are ancient, circa the original construction? A few interesting stories on these stones, another reason to spend some time here.
Overall a really good walk in a beautiful part of the country and as always good company and chat to pass the time.

Time: 4hrs 25min
Distance: 7.68m (12.36km)
Ascent: 1788ft (545m)

Arran Coastal Way Brodick - Lamlash

I joined the KOIR for a walk on Arran covering part of the Arran Coastal Way from Brodick to Lamlash, this was a new stretch for me so despite the forecast I headed out.
The Calmac boat was rocking and rolling as we headed to Arran, was that roll and sausage a good idea, and the rain was lashing down when we disembarked. There is minimal cover on this walk so just had to accept it was going to be a wet one. Once again the good camera stayed at home so these snaps are phone only.

Full wet gear on for everyone

Turn left up the hill and take the first left towards Strathwhillan farm, following the way markers signs passing some nice houses then across a few very muddy fields, it was to get a lot worse. Then through some woods and onto a track beside the radar station before heading down to the shore at Corriegills point. Not just the sheep thought we were mad.

View from beach old fort on top of hill

The walk along the tight muddy and rocky track was one of extreme concentration. Although relatively flat the underfoot conditions were very tricky and there were quite a few slips and falls amongst the group but thankfully only injured pride and not bodies.

Driftwood seat

There is a seat made from driftwood situated at the rocks which could provide a nice resting point with a view, but not today. I am not sure how much weight it will take but well done anyway.

Narrow track

The sea is close on the left and hills on your right so you are hemmed in, the autumn colours of the bracken and yellow flowers on some broom bring colour to the day. However no time to enjoy the views as concentration means head down not up.

Should we be going up there?

As we moved round Claughlands point the Holy Isle comes into view but the muddy track gets even worse. The coos have trampled this area and recently going by the freshness of the cow pats. Don’t fall in this quagmire.
We are now on a farm track as we head towards Lamlash but the young coos are spotted, they number 20 plus and of course are standing at the gate blocking our path.

The coos

We have no option other than to try and scare them out of the way, one gets edgy as it thinks it is trapped, then the bellowing starts, interesting, tension rises but about half get over the fence safely and one braveheart chased the coos out of the way and the rest used the gate. Sadly we didn’t seem to adopt ‘ladies first’!!
Thankfully the rain has eased and after lunch we head back to Brodick overland, initially heading up past Claughlands farm then across green fields heading for a gate at 1 o clock. There are some route signs but not all are obvious so look carefully. The grass looked good for walking from a distance but oh no, this was another boggy mess, the coos had been in the past and left plenty of water traps from their hooves. After crossing a stile one of the group managed a full back slide in the mud, aahh.

The fields look ok but no.

Some of us make the short diversion to the trig point and site of an old fort where despite the weather there are good views which on a clear day would be superb, hence the reason for the fort.

View from old fort looking back along the coast where we had walked

After that simply follow the good track back to the main road, turn right and down the hill to the ferry. An interesting warning sign to watch out for a ‘deaf cat’ not seen one of them before.
As usual the banter and humour from the group made the day and I got another, albeit short section, of the Arran Coastal Way completed. The waterproofs did their job. Even time for a pint in the Douglas before the ferry.
Time: 4hr 04m
Distance: 7.38m (11.88km)
Ascent: 1554ft (474m)