A glorious winters day at Wanlockhead.....Comb Head/Cold Moss via Lowther Hill

 Hill: Comb Head/Cold Moss

Type: New Donald

Height: 622m

Another cracking winters day to take advantage of before next weeks predicted mayhem. Last minute decision so decided that Wanlockhead was worth a visit, been a long time.

When I looked at my list of missing New Donalds/Tops there was this hill called Comb Head which I had never even heard of. As it turned out it is linked to Lowther Hill which I had been up a few times but not to my knowledge crossing over the other side to Comb Head. Traditionally it would have been up the ridge to Green Lowther.

A beautiful crisp morning with more blue sky than cloud. Wanlockhead village was as dead as it normally is, who lives here?

The route is straightforward as it follows the Southern Upland Way for the full ramble. The only issue was that I had to trek up to Lowther HillI first. I have to confess that I had forgotten how steep and continuous that slog is. There was even solid patches of snow to negotiate.

I spotted some people ahead and made the mistake of trying to catch them rather than going at my own pace. Catch them I did but when they stopped to chat I could hardly get the words out for sucking in breath. They must have thought what a numpty. Probably right. Still pushing the fitness was my positive.

Reached the big golf ball in the murk but it quickly cleared.

So onto the new section for me, Climbed over a fence to find there was a gate further on.

I could see the objective. Good views but the valley down below was still covered in cloud. The only negative after huffing and puffing my way up Lowther was that I was descending about 120m. Of course it was going to be climbed later.

The SUW does not get much usage here but although on the slightly boggy side the track was faint but clear. There were a few deep last minute spotted holes at the side of the track, could be interesting with a full coating of snow.

Now back up the way with a low sun keeping my head down, There are plenty of marker poles but in this sun very difficult to spot. Still plodding along I reached the first top but beware this is Cold Moss not Comb Head which is further along with a short drop and reascent. It is an interesting optical illusion as both of these tops look higher than the other from each top but Comb Head is the top with nothing to mark it when I arrived. Good views over to Durisdeer hills, wind turbines in other directions.

A cold wind had risen so backtracked just as a female Hen Harrier glided low over the heather. I used to see these regularly at Wanlockhead but it has been a few years since so happy with that. A Red Grouse broke cover but the raptor did not follow it.

Huffed and puffed my way back up to Lowther and had my food stop in the SUW bothy/shelter nearby. Welcome relief from the biting wind.

Back the same way looking at the village and surrounding hills. Cloud was building but no issues. As I entered the village a lone dog was barking. No people. Not even another dog to egg on the other one.

Cafe closed for the season so no warm drink. Overall a satisfying short winter walk.

Ascent: 656m

Distance: 11.1km

Time: 3.15

Wildlife: Raven; Hen Harrier; Red Grouse

Carlin's Cairn

What a difference a week makes, last Sunday grey, sodden, just miserable. Today the 1st blue skies for goodness knows how long. The clocks changed, potential extra hour in bed, but I wakened with my normal sleeping pattern so up, drove the 45 miles to the Forrest Lodge car park and was walking just before 9am.
My objective was Carlin’s Cairn, a Donald at 807m. This would complete the Rhinns of Kell summits for me. To get there I chose to ascend via the Corbett, Corserine 814m.
As soon as I left the car park there were two deer were feeding on the edge of the forest, nice early morning sight.

The walk in

Head north towards forest lodge then go left (west) up the forest track named Birger Natvig road to pass the house at Fore Bush. The ridge looks particularly good in the morning sun.
Basically just keep following the track and you cannot go wrong.

Turn left here

After 1.97 miles from start the track swings right at NX525874. Take to the track on the left and after 200m or so follow a path off left into the forest on the south side of the Folk Burn, which is crossed across a new mud bridge after a few hundred metres. 
This half mile walk is extremely wet and boggy with few options other than keep jumping from side to side to try avoid deep mud puddles.

Open moor follow the path

Once it emerges from the forest cross the stile onto open moorland and into a nice bowl shaped area. A fairly clear path, but wet and slippy at times, the path continues west onto Craigrine, the NE ridge of Corserine, which is climbed to the summit plateau. The sun was beating down and I was perspiring, is it summer? 

Almost at plateau

Once on top there is a very large cairn, which can be seen from near the start but this is not the highest point. 

Carlin's cairn behind this cairn

Follow the faint path and if like today the trig of Corserine is clearly seen along with great views north of Carlin's Cairn along with the other hills in the north ridge. The south ridge were in bright sunlight so no snaps. 

Merrick from Corserine

Walk has taken 1h 50min from start, good progress, but up here the northerly winds were now giving me the fridge treatment so on went hat and gloves. 
I take a few minutes as the views are superb but this was not my destination so on I went. 

Carlin's Cairn from Corserine

Carlins cairn lies to the north (it is only 7 metres smaller than Corserine). Follow another track and there is a drop of about 100 metres before climbing back up to the large cairn. Of course I had to do it the other way as well and I was feeling my legs by the time I was back up top on Corserine. 
The extra ascent was worth it as the views from here were today better than Corserine. 2hrs 15min to cairn. Just take it all in. I spotted someone at the trig but they didn’t come this way, the only other person so far. Brilliant views of ‘The Range of the Awful Hand’ and Loch Enoch.

Awful Hand from Carlin's

The return has fine views of Polmaddy Gairy corrie (I love the names here), care required from the top if misty. Unfortunately the views on one side are dominated by wind turbines so enjoy the other views. 
On the descent from Corserine it was also care required as the wet grass was very slippy indeed.

Forrest Lodge Black Watch

I actually met some other people coming up so not all alone on the hills after all.
When I finished I had a look at the Forrest Lodge and its history. Belonging to the Fred Olsen liner this handsome Black Watch has a very interesting history but I will leave you to search for it.
A very good walk and particularly nice to see the blue skies.


Time: 4 hours 17min
Distance: 9.6m (15.45km)
Ascent: 2844ft (867m)

A clear day on Corserine & the southern Rhinns of Kells

It was a belated but welcome opportunity to join the guys ‘n gals of ARC today for their walk to Corserine and its southerly Donald’s. This should have been my 7th walk with the group but mainly due to weather it is only my 3rd, still got the next two weekends in the diary as well. It was a bigger than usual group for an A walk today, 21 bodies.
Corserine is a Corbett at 814 metres the highest point of the day although with the ups and downs to the other hills we were probably touching 1000 metres of ascent. This is the southern section of the Rhinns of Kells ridge.
The weather forecast was decent so fingers crossed. A 45 minute drive got us to the walks start. We parked in the decent car park at Forest Lodge, midges’ out but not hanging about here for long.
A decent walk in to the hill, along forest tracks all unusually named after the Olsen family and various other people. We followed the track ‘Robert Watson road’ until the path forks right. Follow the now very boggy track through the woods, cross a stream, until you reach the deer fence/stile, roughly 2.5 miles in.

Polmaddy Gairy on the right

Now you are out in open moorland typical of this terrain. Follow the faint track upwards, initially heading to your right then back. This gets the lungs going and the group is starting to spread out. The ridge is soon reached via Polmaddy Gairy but be sure to stop and take in the views behind you. 

When the top is reached it is now a broad plateau, there is a large stone cairn here but this is not the top, you can see the trig point some way ahead which is the true summit of Corserine, 4 miles from the start of the walk.

Walking towards Corserine trig

To the north there are great views of Carlin's cairn and the rest of the ridge including Meaul and Bow (see earlier blog). 

Carlin's Cairn in the sun

However, we are heading south and there are equally excellent views of our route heading firstly for Millfire, then onto the Donald’s of Milldown & Meikle Millyea.

The Southern Rhinns of Kells

The air clarity was superb so long distance viewing in all directions, plenty of time to try to identify many of the sights.
Although dry the wind had picked up and at this height the chill factor was high so most of us were adding another layer or two.
The walk along the ridge and across the plateau is generally good going, the way ahead is obvious in today’s conditions, just keep dodging about to avoid the many wet sections. This section of the ridge is about 3 miles.

The Merrick

The views of the Merrick and the many lochs in the area are a highlight, constantly changing as the light changes between the sunshine and the clouds but this is what it is all about. The Solway can be seen as can the hills of the Lake District.
Again don’t forget to look back as the ever changing landscape has its rugged beauty on a day like this.
Another stone wall provides guidance onto Meikle Millyea.

The descent is as expected boggier and you are unlikely to keep out of all the water and mud. There is a path of sorts but mainly you are you are following the decaying stone wall. When you finally move away from the wall to make the final section to the forest there is a very steep and slippy section requiring minor scrambling skills. There were a few muddy jackets and trousers after this. 

Finally another deer stile and a short walk through the forest to another road/track (some Professor). Then about a mile and a half back to the car park.
Very little wildlife seen today, highlight was a merlin. Some ravens and a solitary red grouse. 

Loch Dungeon

An excellent walk obviously assisted by the great viewing conditions. On a day like this hill walking in Scotland cannot be beaten. Hopefully more of the same for Ben Ledi on Tuesday and Culter Fell on Saturday.
Time: 5 hours 57m
Distance: 10.55 miles (16.98km)
Ascent: 2957 ft (901m)

3 Donalds ridge walk...Meaul, Coran of Portmark and Cairnsgarroch

This week another day out with the fine folk from the KRC. It was an interesting section of the Rhinns of Kells ridge walk, an up and down day that takes in 3 Donald category hills. The route begins with a walk in then by climbing Coran of Portmark (623m), walking along the ridge to Bow (613m), continue until the highest point of the day Meaul (695m) and then cut across to Cairnsgarroch (659m)and then homewards.

Grey clouds at the start

An early start saw us parked up at the Green Well parking area near Carsphairn and we were walking by 9. After yesterday's awful monsoon conditions fingers crossed but disappointingly there is more grey than blue in the sky, let's be positive.

The track to the mine ruins

Avoid any traffic on the short road section then once over the bridge turn left and follow the track to the abandoned Woodhead lead mines. It is amazing that over 300 people once lived here with their own school, now there are just a few ruins dotted about. You go through a working farm, take care with gates, very grumpy farmer.
Along the track at Garryhorn is another historical spot in the demise of the Covenanters. This was the local base of the infamous Grierson of Lag whose dragoons slaughtered many Covenanters in the area. I love the bit where he was said to be so in league with the devil that at his funeral a black corbie (raven or crow depending on your local speak) perched on the hearse all the way to the grave.

Ruins and hills

After the ruins, go round the back and follow a quad bike trail up the side of Knockower hill and follow the faint lines to the right about two thirds up, going against the ridge and it will soon rise to the trig of Coran of Portmark. There are now superb views down the length of Loch Doon as well as along the ridge you are soon going to walk. Behind excellent views of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn and south with Loch Ken, a silver shining dog leg in the distance.

Loch Doon from Coran of Portmark

The wind was now significantly more than a breeze and turning cold, many jackets were donned, some of the group even adding gloves. Rain can also be seen moving from the west across Craiglee, this is high summer!! But the views are top drawer.
Take time and enjoy this excellent ridge walk with its grand views over 360 degrees. Sadly the wind turbines are aplenty, just try and ignore them. The ridge has some undulating but fine walking. Although we are stopping our walk at Meaul the ridge continues and from here there are also fine views of Carlin's Cairn.

Bow & Meaul from Coran, Merrick on the right

According to the guide on the top of Bow apparently there is a single stone and plaque marking the spot where a Covenanter, John Dempster, was shot by Lag’s dragoons, but we could not find it and with the cold winds not many wanted to hang about.

Meaul ahead

Another up and down on a fairly good plateau track and thankfully we reach Meaul, good views of the high hills including the Corbett Merrick. A stone wall dyke gives us excellent protection from the wind to have a break and enjoy our lunch. So good I thought the wind had died until I stood up.

Meaul trig

We descend some slightly rougher terrain and then climb back up to the cairn at Cairnsgarroch. Underfoot is a getting more challenging, hidden holes in the grass ready to do an ankle to the unwary, but it was to get a lot worse. Time for snaps then a long descent down a steep grassy slope to the burn. 

Cairnsgarroch cairn looking back to the ridge

This was the start of the trickiest section. The grass was still slightly wet and like ice at times, a few slips in the group but thankfully just pride hurt. Once down it was not over as we had about quarter of a mile of treacherous Galloway tussocks and thickets, holes and ditches aplenty and well hidden, every step a potential leg breaking injury. This stretch was not fun.
At the burn a decision was made to cross this straight away which only resulted in one embarrassed water casualty. However, we then had about a mile of the previous terrain, throw in some chest high bracken and you get the picture. 

Squeeze through bracken

Finally back to the Woodhead ruins, no injuries and then we followed the incoming track back to the car.
No doubt that it was one of the slower group walks that I have been on and if it had been a solo trip I reckon I would have cut 1-2 hours off it, but a fun day nevertheless in good company. Plenty of stunning views particularly when the clouds disappeared and we actually got skelped by the sun.
Walk time 7.02 hours. Distance 10.94 miles (17.61km). Ascent 2373 ft (724m).

Hart Fell what a difference a day makes

A misty start

After Sundays dreadful weather day I was back at Moffat to redo the Hart Fell. Hart Fell 808m, is classed as both a Corbett and a Donald. The forecast was for Scotland’s warmest day of the year so an early start was made. I left the house at 6.20 and was on the hill for 8, walking from the green hut.
As you can see from the snap the fog/low cloud was almost a pea souper particularly as I started to climb. Luckily I had recent memories so I decided to go for it rather than waiting for the stuff to lift.

Not improving

Following Sundays route I was soon out onto the moor. There was a quad bike track to follow but it does have cut offs from time to time particularly to the left. Although I knew from the compass that I was moving in the right direction but it was also memory time as one bit of cut grass starts to merge in with the surrounding moor, particularly with this visibility. There is a significant drop on your right side but you should be aware of it.
There was the occasional noise of sheep and lambs calling. Twice a grouse was sprung. They give you a start at the best of times and today made it even more interesting.
For some reason the bio rhythms were not good today and I was struggling a bit, the poorest I have felt on a hill for a long time. Sweating much more than normal and generally a bad legs day, it happens but I had come all this way and I was not having two failures in a week, so head down and plod on.

Breaking through

It was almost an hour before the light was brighter and I came out of the gloom into a bright blue sky and confirmation that I was on the right track.
I took my time as the emerging views were top drawer and spent as much time looking back as forward. The numerous wind turbines to the east were a disappointing sight.

Arthur's Seat

Before long I was at Arthur’s Seat and its small trig. Great views down the gorge and to the ridge of Swatte Fell plus the trail heading up to my destination. Across the top fence line a couple of deer are moving fast, did I spook them? Wild I presume and not escapees from the farm at the start.

Wind Turbine abomination

This is not a difficult hill just a continuous uphill grassy walk and before long I had reached the summit plateau. I headed eastward the trig not yet in sight, just follow the small wire fence which I had to clamber over to get to the trig. Time taken 1.53 which was ok considering my condition.
The views were excellent even if the light was now bright and harsh particularly to the south. To the east the wind turbines must number around the 100 mark, an SNP abomination to the landscape.

Path over the edge

Still keep focused and enjoy the other views. The heat was now living up to the forecast, glad I was here early, more sun cream applied.

The path down

It was an up and down the same way day which was made more interesting as the cloud was only just breaking up constantly changing the views of the landscape all the way down.

Devil's Beef Tub

There is an excellent view of the Devil’s Beef Tub and the ridge to Whitehope Heights, a Donald trip for another day.
On the way down I meet a couple of ladies and later a single guy, my only companions on the day.

The end contrast with start photo

Another really good walk and a new area for my exploration. I am glad I returned quickly to embrace it and I will be back sooner rather than later.
Time 3.34
Distance 7.26miles or 11.68km
Ascent 2156ft or 657.15m