Hill:
Mochrum Fell
Category:
Sub2k
Height:
317m
Wow,
I certainly drove some extremely narrow roads once again, these ones
might even take the biscuit. Beautifully old fashioned constantly
twisting, minimal views ahead and hemmed in by the flora and fauna,
times gone by. Praying not to meet a timber lorry coming down but at
least I knew Covid had curtailed their operations so that would not
happen but a big farm machine, strong possibility.
Well
my fears were not matched to reality on the inward trip but not so on
the outward, another story.
As
I was getting my gear on a buzzard flew low overhead a fat vole/mouse
in its talons.
 |
| Red Legged Partridge & chicks |
Then
just ahead I spotted a red legged partridge, quite common around here
but it was making an odd pecking motion. Then, to my delight, it was
herding 4 chicks into the undergrowth. Just as well the buzzard had
already caught breakfast.
 |
| Deceptively pleasant walk in |
A
short walk brings you to a track crossroads where evidence of the
forestry work meant a scramble across dead wood.
 |
| Crossroads, straight ahead |
I
was following a GPS track someone had used from 3 years back. A
mistake and definitely not helpful as the forestry work and natural
growth has changed the terrain big style since then. A few butterflies flying in the heat so spent some time snapping away.
 |
| Big sigh head up here |
Following
the track I had to cut in somewhere so opted for a direct line to the
summit. This was on par with with Fell of Fleet, another D&G
classic.
Total
concentration required as the ferns and nettles were already waist
high. The deforested debris with the concealed holes ready to trap
you. Throw in new plantation and you get the picture. At least I got
some new butterflies for the year. Would have got more but was not
chasing them across this terrain to try and get a photo.
 |
| Meadow Brown |
As
I climbed the heat rose and the sweat was pouring off. Interested the flies arrived
and out came the insect repellent, Incognito. It didn't stop them
buzzing around but they were not landing, job done.
 |
| This barrier was sending a message |
Cleared
this rubbish to reach the tree line which simply became a case of
finding a gap going through it, finding another etc very slow going.
Finally
broke out to find the trig not far away, no photo as the memory card
was full!! Decent views over to the Solway and looking down, in
particular how much tree planting has gone on around here. The flies
are now buzzing aplenty and very annoying so not hanging about.
 |
| Looking back from barrier Cairnsmore of Fleet on horizon |
From up here with
the benefit of height and hindsight I found a fire break to descend,
still awkward but far better going.
 |
| Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
Then
headed back via the track to the car. At a small deforested clearing
a few cracking fritillaries were flying about and it turned out to be quite
a rare one so that made my trip worthwhile. Thankfully I had snapped it on my way up.
Short
but not so sweet. Another one with the box ticked but not a chance I
will be back. At least I got some new butterflies and the chicks.
Wildlife:
Buzzard; Vole/mouse; Red Legged Partridge; Meadow Pipits; Crossbill;
Meadow Brown; Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary.
Time:
1.21
Ascent:
391m
Distance:
4.1k
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