Category:
Donald x 2
Height:
n/a
Today
was the first outing of the year with the AOIR. Due to the COVID
restrictions we had 4 different small groups out at different places,
social distancing of course.
 |
| The start a tranquil country scene |
My
group were out covering some of the Rhinns of Kells which included
two Donald category hills. Although I have been tramping the hills
recently and have reasonable hill fitness this was the first big one
for the others.
 |
| Carsphairn Lane (burn) |
We
started off from the Green well parking area and noted how high the
Carsphairn Lane was running, maybe overflow from Loch Doon? We
followed the Garryhorn farm track up to the abandoned lead mining
community at Woodhead. All that is left are some ruins and a chimney
stack. Hard to imagine that a community of around 300 people lived
here including a church, school and library.
 |
| Mine ruins and our ridge behind |
There
are good views of the hills but the forecast is for poorer weather
lunchtime onwards.
There
is a reasonable ATV track to follow climbing up to the tops but some
of it is pretty muddy. Two frogs spotted in quick succession, one
small and brown, the other much larger yellow and black. Luckily I
spotted them before squishing them.
 |
| ATV track |
The
first high point was Coran of Portmark a Donald category. Good views
of the track ahead but today's summit, Meaul, is in the cloud.
 |
| Looking down on Loch Doon |
The
Rhinns are by and large good high level walking and we soon reach the
cairn at Bow which provide us with excellent views over Loch Doon and
countryside.
 |
| Ridge to Meaul |
The
weather deteriorated and once again we could not find the Covenanters
stone where one was shot and killed, third time unlucky, one day I
will see it. Garryhorn farm was used as a base to hunt down
Covenanters in the hills. The dragoons leader, Grierson of Lag, was
believed to be in league with the devil and a black corbie (raven,
crow or rook) sat on his hearse until it reached his grave.
We
headed on to Meaul for lunch, sheltered beside some rocks as the rain
got heavier, soggy sandwiches and a shorter than planned lunch break,
nae views anyway.
 |
| Before the rain |
The
decision was to return by the same route as we were not convinced
that the Garryhorn burn would be safe to cross, bearing in mind how
high the Lane was running.
 |
| Featureless moor |
Once
the clouds lifted there were excellent views of the rugged landscape
and a reminder of how long a walk in it is. Opposite Cairnsmore of
Carsphairn never lost its cloud covering.
An
excellent higher level walk, apart from my Achilles which was
throbbing, not good news, need icing and Ibuprofen before the
weekend.
Overall
nice to get some chat with friends not seen for a while, a good day
out.
Wildlife:
Pied Wagtail; Meadow Pipit; Ringlet butterfly: Frogs (Common).
Distance:
18.4km
Ascent:
787m
Time:
5.34
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