The Scrape

Hill: The Scrape

Type: New Donald

Height: 719m

The forecast suggested a mostly dry day, blue skies but strong and cold northerly winds. Well I can get layered for the cold so a dry day was to good to miss.

I decided to pick off another New Donald and my nearest one left was The Scrape. I have fond memories of the Drumelzier round so this was no hardship to return. The last time I was here I was in company so would probably not have made the detour to The Scrape anyway.

It was a pleasant drive taking in the autumn colours and before I knew it I was at the small parking area where there were already 2 cars and a van. If one of the cars had parked up closer to the others it would have avoided a many point turn and tight parking but got there. No room for any other cars if anyone else turns up.

This area is reputed to be the burial place of Merlin, the Arthurian sorcerer. Buried on the banks of the River Tweed according to ‘Vita Merlini Sylvestris’ a medieval manuscript held at the British Museum. 

Lovely colours from the start

Walkhighlands suggests taking the track behind the cottage but I remember from my previous visit it did not end well so I stuck to the main track. I was higher above the suggested route and could see that it had disappeared in a bracken jungle, seem to remember that from before, a good choice made.

The track is soft grass for about the 1^st third, very nice indeed. As was the scenery even in this harsh low light, should be a lot better on the descent. Through the trees and it was noticeable how prominent Robins have become recently.

Spot the track

I followed the track to Pykestone from where I would head for its subsidiary top. I was surprised at how high the bracken still was, glad that there was a track winding its way through it or it would have been left for another day. It was much warmer than forecast so it was jacket off all the way to the top.

After the soft grass the track is now more awkward, loose stones, laid to help the grouse shooters ATV’s get traction to power up the hill no doubt.

Middle Hill (left), Dollar Law (centre) and Drumelzier (right)

Still, it was a kind walking gradient but from here the tops still seems far away. When the track eases off it becomes more peaty and grassy. The terrain is now full on heather which would be awkward walking. Sprung about half a dozen red grouse, not many for the size of this heather moor.

On left 1st view of The Scrape

Views opening up Broughton Hills foreground, Pentlands behind

When I spotted The Scrape I considered going off route and cutting the corner earlier but chose to continue with the path up to the fence near Pykestone Hill, no rush and no accidents please.

The Scrape

From the stone cairn I could see The Scrape clearly and it was just a case of following a faint track alongside the fence all the way. Looking from above at the bottom section I just knew it would be wet and boggy. 

Looking back to Pykestone

Indeed it was, but only for a short section and 10 minutes later I was on the summit of The Scrape, at a fence crossroads, marked by about a dozen stones, better than some others I could name. It was now a very cold wind, particularly when the sun disappeared, but at least the wind was not the howling gale predicted.

Looking back ascent route

Always a fence

Layered up again before taking in the views which are very good. Looking east the Broughton hills in the foreground and beyond The Pentlands so clear. Behind me the other Donalds of Middle Hill, Drumelzier and Dollar Law.

Back towards my descent the Culter Fell range looked very enticing indeed.

Patchwork grouse moor. Culter hills left and Tinto right.

Too cold for food up top step so I retraced my steps until I found a boulder to sit on, in the sunshine, lapping up the views.

Full zoom to the Larsen trap

On the descent I spotted another Larsen trap, as usual well off the walking track. Looking through the binoculars this looked to be in good condition but nothing could be seen inside it. But yet again no corvids or raptors seen today!

Jacket back off I enjoyed the descent in the slight warmth from the sun but visually warmed by the stunning autumn landscape, indeed a great time of the year to be outdoors.

Another successful ramble on a glorious day. The extra time from Pykestone to The Scrape and back added less than 40 minutes.

Ascent: 620m

Distance: 12.1km

Time: 3.32

Wildlife: Red Grouse; Goldcrest; Meadow Pipit; Great Tit; Chaffinch; Robin