Another Borders raid with a quick in and out to Dumfries & Galloway

Hill: Erie Hill (690m); Garelet Dod (698m); Cape Law (722m)

Type: Donald x 3

The forecast was looking good so rucksack packed and off to increase my Gameshope Donald total. Ominously as we neared Abington services the blue skies had gone and the clouds practically touched the road but it was atmospheric! Hope as well as moisture was in the air as we passed Broughton and headed south once again. Hope paid off and the cloud had lifted but it was still a tad grey up there.

I had planned this a few weeks ago with the intention of going up the brutally steep slopes from Talla reservoir as per the SMC guide. But getting on I really did not fancy this much effort at the start of the walk (SMC describes it as brutally satisfying, make of that what you will). Thus I took a relook at the map and noted that there was a parallel reservoir called Fruid. The gradient from there was a lot less effort so happy to go to the easy way. I was also able to plot a route that also made it more circular than the original linear.

The fenceline to Erie Hill with Garelet Dod on the right

It is clear the road to Fruid farm is used significantly less than the Talla road going by the amount of grass growing in the passing areas. Parked up near the farm and eyed the two reservoir fishing boats, I suspect the trout in here don't see artificial flies too often.

Walked back along the road a bit, through a gate and followed a rough ATV track up to the moor then rough grass to the trees, height gained quickly but a lot easier than the Talla side would have been.

Trees reached and the first of today's Donalds, Erie Hill, is in view along with the rough ATV track which goes all the way to the top. 

From Erie looking back to Garelet Hill. Talla Cleugh Head and Broad Law behind

A small cairn marks the top with the aerial mast on top of Broad Law poking up across the way. Spot a couple of figures at the far end who must have climbed from Talla.

Now it is a straight forward high level plateau walk across these rolling hills. Don't mistake straight forward for flat as there were a lot of ups and downs. There is a very large deer fence for a section but this soon ends. If the weather is not good this walk follows a fence and dyke so navigation should be comfortable. 

Ellers Cleugh Rig

It was actually quite cold now but still dry so on we go, down, then up the other side and follow the fence round to the right until you reach the flat point. You have to walk over the barren grassy slope using the GPS to decide that you have actually reached the top of Garelet Dod as there is nothing otherwise to identify it. At least the top of Cape Law can be seen.

There were constant skeins of geese flying overhead from the north, a sure sign we are in Autumn. They were making plenty of noise but cannot recognise them from their calls alone.

Headed back to the fence and followed it once again down and up to the top of Din Law. It is only when we have passed the outcrop of Ellers Cleugh Rig I looked back and noticed there is a cairn about half way along. Not a ridge people would normally walk. How and why, answers please.

Cape Law

Another descent to the peat hags then the final climb to the highest point of the day, Cape Law. From back at Din Law it looked straight forward but there are a few false summits and it it felt steeper than it should have. However ,we soon reach the point where the fence turns left and just like Garelet the official top is not marked and somewhere on the sheep grazed small flat area is the top. For the purists once again GPS confirms point 709m, the top.

Saddle Yoke on left and Black Craig crags on right

The views are arguably the best of the day as we can see the massive crags of Black Craig as well as the peaked top of Saddle Yoke. The flat tops of the Corbetts of Hart Fell and White Coombe on either flank. The first two tops are technically Border Hills but Cape Law is Dumfries and Galloway so we have crossed the boundary line. The south end of this plateau was originally named Three Lairds Cairn, indicating a junction point.

From Din Law looking back to Garelet which we will contour on the descent

Back to Din Law for a lunch break taking in the views over Fruid reservoir. Longer views bring in Broughton hills and Coulter Fell. Sadly there is a massive wind turbine farm which cannot be ignored and a blot on the landscape. Beyond them the golf ball on Lowther Hill and well in the distance the Pentlands. Not a bad lunch spot. Good views over to the Devils Beeftub.

We meet up with the two walkers mentioned earlier and they confirmed that the ascent from Tulla was an extreme start to a walk.

Descending to Strawberry Hill and Fruid reservoir behind

On our descent we contoured the flanks of Garelet following animal tracks before finding a more distinct single track. I always find contouring hard work, awkward walking and this was no exception so I was glad to spot some ATV tracks heading to our objective, Strawberry Hill. From here the red grass does give it a reddish colour and in better light would be stunning.

As we descended over Strawberry the farm below was in full operation with sheep business, hundreds of the rounded up.

After more than a few gates trying not to let the sheep out we walked through the farm back to the car. The sheepdogs in the kennels heard us and went berserk, happy that they were locked away.

From the car Fruid farm with Strawberry Hill behind

A very enjoyable walk, weather not as good as hoped but at least the clouds never lowered themselves to our level so views were consistently good. Still got a few more in this area so will be back soon.

Wildlife: Snipe, Buzzard, Raven, Wheatear, Meadow pipit.

Ascent: 887m

Distance: 13km

Time:  4.57