Thursday 22 February 2018

Bainloch Hill been there, done it

After Criffel my afternoon walk was to be a nice easy saunter, indeed.
I drove past the barn to get to other option but up ahead the narrow road was blocked with farm stuff. I chatted to the farmers son then farmer himself neither of whom knew of the un-mapped track. Where I thought it was they said led to their silage tank and not allowed. They were friendly enough and talked me through the forest route and let me park at the barn.

Start here
The big coos were patrolling this area but although giving me the eye they let me through without incident, a few gates quickly climbed over just in case.
Boring forest road
Boring walk up the forest road until I reached a firebreak beside an old dyke wall.
1st firebreak
I followed this in for a while, underfoot ok, but seemed no sign of an opening, it started to descend so I went back.
Further up road another firebreak which seemed to close in quickly so pass again.
Follow that light
Just before the turning area I looked through the trees and could see light at the top. GPS indicated almost in line with top. The trees are planted nice and straight so a much easier walk up through pine needles to the light than fire break stuff.
Cairn ahead
A steep heather bracken plod for 5 minutes and I could see the cairn. This area looks like cleg heaven later in the year. On top but where are the other 2 cairns?
View from cairn
A walk around the top taking in the beautiful Solway views. Sadly light not good enough for decent snaps.
Solway
Looking down from the far side a stone dyke was below maybe the same one I followed. Cold and cloudy so then back down the reverse route.
A quick walk and another sub completed but cannot see me rushing back for a second go.


Time: 1.21hr
Ascent: 762ft (232m)
Distance: 2.64m (4.25km)





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