A fine ridge walk to complete my Moffat Donalds.....Herman Law, Bell Craig, Andrewhinney Hill, Bodesbeck Law

Hills: Herman Law (614m), Bell Craig (623m), Andrewhinney Hill (677m), Bodesbeck Law (665m)

Type: Graham/Donalds

The weather was crisp with threatening clouds, probably going to be similar to yesterday with a real mix of weather including hail again. But at least our route has the wind at our backs all the way.

The plan was to do the full ridge, having a car at each end, rather that backtracking the 4 and a half mile ridge, which a few of the reports did.

I had checked out access with the owner at Birkhill yesterday as the sign mentioned ion other reports has gone. To start we go between the cottages. The barking dogs were friendly but certainly alert the occupants.

The start from the cottages

I had read about the daunting ascent to Herman Law but the reality was that it was a lot easier than expected. Maybe having had a few days up and down these hills was building in hill fitness, certainly the legs felt better than yesterday.

Looks steeper looking down to Birkhill

A diagonal across to the left hand fence and follow it all the way to the summit. The gradient does ease and a basic track followed. Yesterday, the cottage owner told me his neighbour had put a Scottish flag up here, if so it has gone, stolen or blown away?

Good views all round and particularly of the route ahead. In reality there seems very little height loss between here and Bell Craig to justify the different hills getting Donald status but obviously Percy thought different. A few large well constructed cairns but not on the summits of the named hills, an odd one.

The more impressive cairns not on the summits

Still not complaining about the flatter terrain and with us making decent speed 3 of the four were quickly ticked off. 

Andrewhinney cairn looking over to White Coomb circuit

The continuous spectacular views across the Moffat Dale to the magnificent landscape around the White Coomb hills and the jagged ridge of Saddle Yoke are really spectacular and worth the effort.

Hart Fell horseshoe

The longest single stretch by far was from Bell Craig to Bodesbeck Law. It actually looks quite far away. It does have a few decent descents and reascent so this does justify its status. Again a fence to follow if required.

Looking back another snow flurry coming

Thankfully the weather was better than expected. The winds lighter and also at our backs to help push us along the ridge. 

Light snow on the final approach to Bodesbeck

There were a few flurries of hail and sleet but they did not last long. The terrain was excellent although this is after the prolonged dry spell. There are a few peat hag/bog sections that could be a lot different when wet but should be easily avoided. 

Gordon & Liz 

A short uphill grassy slog before crossing a fence where with a small pointed rocky top was Bodesbeck Summit. Stand and take in the views. Yesterday's Ettrick Pen not too far away, as the crow flies! The Hart Fell ridge really standing out.

Bodesbeck farm below, Swatte Fell prominent

A steep drop down over rough grassy slopes soon brought us to the right of way track marked on the OS map. This takes you down to Bodesbeck farm where a group of calves were hanging about the gate. They spotted us and went on the run but thankfully away from us, they certainly moved at some speed.

Bodesbeck Law from the finish

After that a short stroll back to the car.

An excellent walk in good company, a nice day out but glad we avoided that walk back along the ridge.

Ascent: 635m

Distance: 12.61km

Time: 5.23

Wildlife: Wheatear; Meadow Pipit; Raven; Pied Wagtail; House Martin.