Not so royal views from Queensberry Hill

Hill/Walk: Queensberry
Category: Graham/Donald
Height: 697m
A cracking hill for a short winters day walk with friends, to rid the body of its Xmas lethargy by way of too much food and drink. The early adventure was getting here as the sat nav took us over a minor mega pot filled track, 5mph maximum, boy glad to get off that.

Start

We parked up at Mitchellslacks, a very nice sheep hill farm. Crossed the bridge passing alongside the right of the farm, dogs going nuts but thankfully they were shut in. Chickens running everywhere but no signs for fresh eggs!!
Headed across the field full of sheep with plenty of amorous rams to keep all happy.

Looking down on the twisted bridge

We opted for the left track taking us alongside the Capel burn. The landscape across the burn looks odd, artificial, we wondered if some of it was old mine bings? When we reached the twisted bridge there was now no track on this side so rather than heading up the gully we went up the grassy slopes to meet the higher path at The Law.

Cut off just ahead

The predicted fog was not present and we had good views up the glen to Earncraig Hill but the top was moving in and out of cloud.
Cant go wrong as we followed the track up the glen until just before the two ruined properties.
For some reason, probably chatting too much we did go wrong, we had walked past the ATV track and just started clambering up the hill in the direction of Queensberry.

Typical moorland

The going was typical tussocky moorland but going was fine. However from this approach it was the hill of false tops. There was always a hump just ahead which we hoped would give us a better view but nope, all that was ahead was another hump and so on.

A bit bleak but keep going

With about 100 metres to go we were in the clouds so our limited visibility gave us false hope but no just another hump. Finally for about 10 seconds the clouds cleared, we could see the false cairn, then closed in again and onwards we went.

Big summit cairn comes into view

When we reached the false cairn at the plateau top a faint track leads on for about 5 minutes then the very big cairn appeared out of the gloom. 2 hours to the top.

A view of sorts but not for long

Sadly minimal views except of some wind turbines nearby so opted to descend for lunch. As there were no views we decided to just return same route.

Looking up the glen from the descent

This time we found the ATV track which took us all the way back to the lower track. But not before enjoying lunch in spring like temperatures taking in the view of the meandering silver Capel burn, just perfect.
A return trek via the higher track back to the car.
An amazing day for this time of year, so mild. Enough views to keep us happy and work off some of the excess of the last few days. Disappointing next to no wildlife to be seen.

Wildlife: Raven
Time: 3.49
Ascent:  545m
Distance: 10.7km

Auchnafree Hill silences the doubts

Hill: Auchnafree Hill
Category: Corbett
Height: 789m
When the alarm went off at 7am it was evident that the rain was thumping down outside and I had my first will I - wont I moment. This was not last night's forecast Half an hour later over my cup of tea rain still tossing it down the second doubt set in as it is a lengthy drive. Checked Met Office a mix, showers, dry, some snow!! Sod it I am up and rucksack packed so go for it.
The weather improved on the journey even fog/mist over the Central Lowlands at Crieff. Parked at Loch Turret dam, no other cars, another doubt have I the right day? Yip others soon arrived.

Start of walk at the dam

Glen Turret dam has been in the waterworks system since the 1860s although it has been refurbished in that period.
We went up the track on our right that runs along the eastern side of the reservoir. 

Choinneachain Hill with low cloud

Hills bright with colour but higher tops in cloud. A good path with some easy water crossings taking in the magnificent views of a hemmed in loch landscape.

Good track Ben Chonzie hidden ahead on left

The track crosses several small burns flowing down the hillside. Looking up it looked like a peregrine coming off the rocks and circling upwards.

Looking back along Loch Turret from right turn

There is an obvious right turn which starts your height gain, get puffing now. A good opportunity to look back and take it all in.

Good height gained now

At another junction you can see the descent route ahead turning to our right. But for now go left for a bit and head uphill to begin crossing the open moor. On your left passing some grouse butts, to take you to the large cairn which soon appears on the horizon.

Cairn ahead across the moor

The true summit is a bit further on, Walkhighlands mentiona a cairn. At the obvious high point a cairn has been dismantled, further on a small pile of rocks?

Ben Chonzie still not showing

We covered all bases so job done. After all the earlier doubts the odd shower but no significant rain. Although clouds have never revealed Ben Chonzie we have surprisingly good views all around.
Too cold and windy for lunch here so we head back down to the junction for a break. Then we then follow the estate track for Choinneachain Hill, as WH describes it is indeed an undulating, winding course around Ton Eich before climbing up to Choinneachain Hill. 

Small snow patches on the estate track

The track has many small snow patches but no walking issues.There is a cracking view over Loch Turret where the Allt nan Columan is running fast.

Allt nan Columan

We now reach the large cairn near the track and spot another one no that far away, what is going on here? Very good views eastwards up here of the Central Lowlands, Perth seen clearly as can the Lomonds beyond.

Looking across to Carn Chois

Heading back we mistakenly did not follow the WH described descent but went a bit further along the path from the cairn before descending. Wow, back in the Galloway hills. Steep heather slopes with lots of hidden trap holes. A descent to concentrate on that’s for sure, almost missed the roe deer running below us.

Last view of Loch Turret from the descent

The cars were now in sight but it was not over. The roots of the burned heather were lethal but eventually back on the track for the short walk back to the car.
Despite my doubts an excellent day was had.

Wildlife: Roe Deer, Buzzard, Peregrine,
Time: 4.48
Ascent: 684m
Distance: 15.2k

A cracking day on Cairnkinna

Hill: Cairnkinna 
Category: Sub2k-Marilyn
Height: 554m
A good hill for my winter collection although the conditions are still more autumn than winter so far. However the biting wind later was no autumn breeze. A typical day for this time of year. When the sun shone the grassland was an amazing burnt colour and when it went behind the clouds lots of grey. 
It is a contrived drive to get here through a twisting myriad of one track routes. I am told Joanna Lumley has a property around here but no sign of her today.

The start via the path through the field

We almost drove past the starting point but edged in and parked beside the entrance. I followed the route as per ‘25 Walks Dumfries & Galloway HMSO’.

Woodend cottage ahead

A short but steep walk through the woods then out into open land and we soon reached Woodend cottage. The book describes it as abandoned but it has clearly been worked on, maybe a shooting bothy now? Also a sign on gate ‘private’.
We went up the side of the stone wall and climbed at the junction, this is a climb for the agile but from here we could not see a gate. Looking back down there is one but set within the cottage grounds.

Point 488 on the left cairn in middle of ridge

We then just picked a spot and headed Woodend Hill to point 359 before then heading in the direction of the top at point 488. There are some ATV tracks and a fence if weather is poor but really just pick your line. The going underfoot spongy but not too boggy. 
The huge cairn of Cairnkinna can be seen on your right along the ridge. Indeed the cairn is so big you can identify the hill by it from far and wide.

Rolling isolated scenic hills

There are lovely views ahead and on your left of rolling hills and countryside rarely tramped or seen.

Frozen trough

As you can see from the water trough which is solid ice it is very cold up on the ridge.
Turn right and go up the saddle of the hillside heading for the cairn you saw earlier although it is out of sight at this moment.

Huge cairn for a sub 2k

The wind is blowing strongly and now it is side on rather than behind, the wind-chill must be bringing it into minus temperatures so were glad to get some shelter from the wind beside the huge cairn.
Red kites gliding in the sky seem unbothered by this wind as they search for food.
Glorious views of the Lowthers and Durisdeer hills on this beautiful day.

Tree plantation and Scaur valley

A short food stop and more layers donned and off we headed, initially following the fence before angling down the steep grassy slopes to a gate. The tree plantation the guide. Better if you can stay high but that wind was just too cold. The winter sun was low and on a better light day the views down the Scaur water valley would be more picturesque.
We walked behind the trees to their far end before heading back to Woodend cottage. A huge tup has a good look at us but runs away, not a day to fight. 

Looking back from trees

This is the wettest ground of the walk, zig zagging required to keep feet dry. Another good option would be to stay high over Merkland Hill and drop down to the cottage from there.
Back at the car to find another one is parked beside us. Looking up I spot a couple of figures on the ridge heading for point 488, I presume that is them.
An excellent short winters walk on a beautiful day, even if biting cold up top. The stunning views of undisturbed and relatively uncovered landscape does Scotland’s landscape proud.
A great place Joanna if you still come here.

Wildlife: Chaffinch, Red Kite, Jay, Pheasant,
Time: 2.31
Ascent: 469m
Distance: 7.3km

Cnoc Coinnich from Lochgoilhead

Hill: Cnoc Coinnich (Mossy knoll) 
Category: Corbett
Height:761m
This weekends outing was to climb the newest ranked Corbett, Cnoc Coinnich and coming back to Lochgoilhead via The Steeple. Before being reassessed it was previously the highest ranking Graham category. Interestingly at the same reassessment Beinn Talaidh on Mull, the same height (761.70, making it 299 mm below Corbett height), was demoted from a Corbett to a Graham, there you go.

Beautiful winter morning at Lochgoilhead car park

The walk started from the car park at Lochgoilhead, kids were already out on the water learning canoeing skills, an excellent flat calm day for them but cold.
Cross to the forestry track and go through the gate to meet the track through the forest before making a steady ascent. We could see another set of kids abseiling a crag up towards The Steeple. But we were heading away from them although we did meet them on the descent.
When you reach a bridge just keep following the track winding its way through the trees.

Follow the white poles of the Cowal Way

Before long this is a very boggy stretch and the line of white posts stretches upwards until the tree line is reached. This gets the heart beat up and the lungs blowing. 

The Brack

You are following the Cowal Way which splits Coinnich from The Brack.
Once you reach the tree line the Corbett of Beinn Bheula and the collection of Grahams are now prominent behind you.

Our route was the grassy slope to the right of the crag

When you break the treeline keep following the white posts up the grassy slope until you decide to break off and make a direct and somewhat steep approach to the summit. We headed for the crag above.

Clouds covering the summit

After a beautiful start the wind had picked up, clouds moved in and it was pretty cold. A brief stop for all to add layers.

The clouds broke to give this spectacular silhouette

We got to the summit, surprisingly small cairn and hid around the other side for a brief lunch. 

Small cairn

We hung around for a bit with the clouds dispersing briefly to tantalise us with the views and I got lucky on the way down with this one.

The Steeple in the centre of pic

We were now on a pathless and very rugged terrain as we headed for The Steeple. In these conditions care was required as there were big steep grassy slopes which were very slippery. 

Looking back descent route summit still in cloud

This was a long trudge of a descent, the terrain very much like my homeland Galloway hills. Constantly rolling footing was giving me some ankle pain!!
The walk did give us great views to its neighbouring Corbett’s of Ben Donich & The Brack. 

The Brack and conical peak of Ben Lomond in distance

Further beyond another famous Corbett, the iconic Cobbler as well as the other Arrochar Alps. Ben Lomond showing us a proper conical mountain shape from this angle

Lochgoilhead from Steeple path

From The Steeple we followed the obvious but wet and boggy trail past the kids abseiling back to the car park. We passed very close to the cattle but they were not the slightest bit interested in us.
An excellent walk in good company, what’s not too like?

Wildlife: Raven, Golden Eagle, Highland Coos.
Time: 4.25
Ascent: 893m
Distance: 11.3k

Clyde Walkway An awful lot of bridges to Cambuslang

Walk: Clyde Walkway…..Glasgow - Cambuslang
Category: Long Distance Walk 
Height: n/a
I was looking for a low level walk to complete over the next month or so and preferably using public transport. After some research the Clyde Walkway was perfect.
Train to Glasgow and bus to the Transport Museum to start the walk. A grey drizzly day but the forecast was to improve.

Colourful steam engine

Lots of activity outside here today and queues to get inside, good news for the museum.
But no queues for me, I am walking and I soon reach the science centre building with two famous Clydeside boats docked up, impressive modern and the past. 

Old and new

Sadly they all have their problems. The iconic still cruising paddle steamer the Waverley in front and the Queen Mary, behind, is being restored. The science tower has had problems with its rotating structure since inception.
Runners and cyclists love this area, plenty out today.

Imposing crane

A walk alongside the slow moving brown coloured River Clyde and another Glasgow landmark is reached, the Finnieston crane. My wife was once meant to zip wire from this across the river for charity, it was cancelled don’t think she was sad!! 

Under the bridges as well

Its bridges all the way on this walk mostly beside but some under and over. As I neared the end of this stage I reckoned there must have been about 20 bridges in the 9 miles.

Clutha Bar

Before reaching Glasgow Green you pass the Clutha Bar where tragically the police helicopter crashed onto the roof 5 years ago with many fatalities.
Across the water there is a lifeboat stance but with the number of small craft I wonder if this is a museum?

Winter Gardens

Into the park and I detour to the People's Palace /Winter Gardens for a bacon roll. Toilets located here and it is free entry so well worth a stop. 
It was weird when I restarted the walk as literally every person I saw for the next 5 minutes was looking at their phone and I mean everyone. I had to ask and apparently it was a community health group playing a mobile search game, at least it gets people out and active. 
Next up is the rowing club but no canoeists out today. 

Follow the wall

The next mile or so is more grubby and industrial, graffiti sprayed walls and the number of people around is almost zero.
In the distance the red ironwork of the next bridge adds a bit of colour to the grey day

Red brig

New housing appears on my left, this was part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games village and then sold to locals at realistic prices and is impressive. But again there is no one around, it is a Saturday. Do people not own and walk dogs here?
There is a loud splash in the river behind me, I looked back and circles spreading on the water, could it have been a salmon moving upriver?
Parkhead looms up on the left, no doubt the area would be a lot busier if Celtic were playing.

Where is everybody?

If anything it goes even quieter through the wooded section, you would not want to meet some local worthies here if you are alone, like me. ‘Fancy a swim, pal, the river looks inviting‘.
Highlight of the day was a grey wagtail posing close by and then a Sparrowhawk almost colliding with me as it tried to flush its lunch going through the trees at full speed.
Before long the outskirts of Cambuslang is reached, the walk is over and the train station close by.
Not the most scenic or exciting walk but interesting nevertheless. At least you always have the River Clyde and its wildlife for company. Plenty of people through the city section and a distinct lack of in the last third.

Wildlife: Grey Squirrel; Grey Wagtail; Sparrowhawk; Goosander; Cormorant and a full red breasted Xmas robin.
Time: 3.01
Ascent: 329ft
Distance: 9.91m

A ramble up Meikle Bin

Hill/Walk: Meikle Bin
Category: Sub2k
Height: 570m
Another short winter walk with Kilmarnock Ramblers to get to the top of Meikle Bin, the Kilsyth Hills highest hill.
We started from Todholes Farm under grey skies. I had forgot my waterproof jacket so fingers crossed for no rain. 
The walk is firstly on good forestry track hemmed in by the pines. Not a lot to see just the conversation to entertain us.

Reservoir burn

There are occasional views of Carron Valley reservoir through the trees but better views when we gain height. This burn will be a perfect trout spawning area further up in the shallows. I have fished this water and from the boat watched walkers summit Meikle Bin, today it was to be my turn.
The valley was dammed in the 1930s to create this very large reservoir which is around 4 miles long and three-quarters of a mile wide at its widest point and it feels every bit of it out on the water with the waves slapping the boat. The reservoir is linked to the River Carron and provides water for the Falkirk area. There are dams at both ends which the trout like to gather at.

1st view

When we cleared the trees the top was shrouded in cloud which came and went but never fully cleared. Lots of locals out walking the hill today.

The cloud lifts briefly so the trig in sight

A short steady walk up the grassy slopes, wet, slippery but straightforward and before long we arrive at the trig.

Trig

The cloud occasionally clears to let us see the waters of the reservoir below but just as quickly hides them again.

Clouds coming and going

Too cold for us to hang about for lunch up here so we descend to look at the plane wreckage.

Wing section

‘A Royal Navy two-seater Fairey Firefly crashed near the summit in January 1950. The bodies of the two occupants were found nearby. Just west of the trig point can be found part of the wing section‘ which we had a look at.

Local hills

It is said that there are superb long distance views which to the west includes the tops of Arran and to the east the Bass rock but not for us today. We had to settle for local stuff including Earls Seat.
Back down the same route. A good short winters walk up a nice hill in excellent company and no rain.

Wildlife: nil
Time: 3.53
Ascent: 1329ft
Distance: 6.47m