Hill: Grey Hill circuit

Type: Sub2k

It was my first outing for quite some time with the Ayr OIR. Different being used to a group walking environment albeit split into two teams to spread us out. Still it was enjoyable to reconnect with a lot of old walking buddies.

I was initially in two minds as this is not my favourite circuit, in part very muddy, but I was hoping the prolonged dry spell prior to the weekends deluge might have dried it out. 

As we headed out of Girvan Ailsa Craig was covered in a bonnet of cloud, a lovely start.

Thankfully there was a stile nearby

We walked up a farm track only to find it was the wrong one so back to the road and up the correct one. The farmer clearly did not want people around!

This magnificent tup was looking lonely separated from his girls, never mind he will be back in action soon. 

Butterbur

Interesting flora and fauna opening up. This butterbur alongside the stream will fully open up with a brush like head, a member of the daisy family. This is our only native Butterbur and only seen in the lowlands plus Western Isles and Orkney.

We were avoiding fields with livestock, just as well, the Belted Galloways were frisky running right to the wire fence as soon as they spotted us. I remember livestock issues from my last venture here but that was horses maybe later.

Byne Hill

We contoured Byne Hill before doing a sharp climb up the several false tops to the trig, that got the lungs going.

Grey Hill

We took a drop from the top line and flanked below Cairn Hill before having a moorland tramp heading for Grey Hill. Then we spotted group 2 coming up the slopes, their track route had allowed them faster walking. Not wanting to meet we sprinted across the tussocks to meet the outliers before heading up the ridge to Grey Hill, beat them, just!

Looking back to Byne Hill, our descent route

We were heading for Pinbain Hill, a first for most of us but now so did group 2 avoiding Grey Hill.

We had to follow them but thankfully they pulled off and we marched past waving and commenting to each other. That was their final top but on we went a meander up and down small rolling tops and barbed wire fences. Plenty of them today.

Small cairn on Pinbain Hill

When we reached Pinbain we had good views down to Lendalfoot and across to Ailsa Craig from its small stone cairn.

Lunch stop please

Wind blowing more than a breeze so back we went to find a sheltered spot for lunch. The sun was out, the sky and the sea were blue and it was just us, a fine lunch break.

Back at Grey Hill, Pinbain middle right

Back up the steep moor slopes to Grey Hill and then a skyline route back over Fell Hill, through the gloopy stuff with the horses staying away to the side.

Monument and Ailsa Craig

Avoiding Byne Hill we went back down the monument track, more horses and bigger but no issues.

Mum's not bothered as the foal runs round her

At the bottom we were mesmerised by the youngest donkey I have seen running round the field bucking its hind legs, the joys of freedom, you got to smile at that.

A great end to a good day out and walking fitness being built up for the big months ahead when real freedom arrives. And great banter with the group.

Ascent: 702m

Distance: 16.1km

Time: 5.04

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit: Skylark; Carrion Crow; Chaffinch: Pied Wagtail; Gannet: Snipe.