A fine day for a recce at Loch Doon

Looking forward to getting out of this draining lockdown with one of my key objectives for the year is my completion of the Donalds. The most awkward one left is undoubtedly Mulwharchar. There are a number of potential routes that I have researched, none of them looking great and a involving a long day whatever route.

I had been chatting to local worthies on my ramblings around Loch Doon learning from there experiences. The route from Glen Trool is clearly a long slog over rough ground and I am told to avoid unless there is a car at each end when it could be a memorable outing. Another route leaves from Forest drive or near Loch Riecawr the map suggests a lot of rough ground.

The Rhins looking cold up there

With my desktop research my and walking knowledge my preference, which thankfully was backed up by the locals feedback, was to head down from the southernmost point of Loch Doon to cross the small bridge marked on the OS map SE of Hoodens Hill.

So, the recce today was to find out if the bridge still existed and assess the ground from the bridge to Hoodens Hill.

No gritters out today but survived the icy drive along to the castle parking area where with relief my walk started. A crisp clear morning with low cloud hovering over the tops of Coran of Portmark and Meaul. No cars parked today but no doubt it will be full on my return. I had debated parking further on but it would only have saved 5 minutes as the barrier was closed before Forest drive.

Gala Lane just before it enters Loch Doon

A straightforward route admiring the renovation of Starr cottage, part of it looks like a bunkhouse so wondered if it is now a hostel of sorts? 

There is plenty of deforestation around so the track is in good condition. Briefly took the wrong turn at the junction, map out, turned back and now can't go wrong!

Take some trees away and the wind blows the front line down

A mix of open deforested ground, some forests still intact and plenty of trees wind affected and blown over. Hoped for some different bird sightings but it is barren so far.

The cloud was low over over Corserine. The wind was chill enough down here, up there it would be a lot colder, sub zero wind chill I imagine.

First view of The Dungeon Hills, Mulwharchar the peak mid left

Now out of the trees and wandering down the track both Hoodens Hill and Mulwharchar have looked close for a while but seemingly not getting any closer. 

Closer up the new bridge. This area still shows trees on my Harvey map 

Arrived at another junction to find a newly built forestry bridge, definitely a higher standard than the one I was looking for. A check of the map but I suspected that this water is the smaller Kirriereoch burn. Crossed and kept going up the new track to soon find its end, a turning point for the vehicles. 

Ahead the bridge I was looking for

Not all doom and gloom as the good news was the grassy trail heading onwards. And there it was directly ahead, another bridge, more substantial than I thought it would be and over a bigger and wider water. This had to be Gala Lane. A remote but quite stunning spot, no Covid walking hoards here. 

Beautiful remote with the objective ahead

More optimism was that there was a faint track heading off through the rough ground towards Craigmawhannel. No further today but the ridge of Hoodens hill was probably only 15-20 minutes walking away.

Time for lunch and reflection. It was almost 2 hours from the start so four hours to add and still no climbing yet. I reckon that from here to traverse both hills and return to here would be 3-4 hours. So an 8 hour day. However, it could be reduced. If I did it as a solo trip I could cycle to this point probably taking 2-3 hours off so worth thinking about.

The return walk was no hardship particularly once the views of Loch Doon opened up. This is one beautiful spot on a day like this.

Loch Doon ahead

Overall it was a perfect day for a recce and the learning was positive reinforcing my initial thoughts. Roll on when I do it for real.

Must be in the top 10 list of the wettest Corbetts.....Shalloch on Minnoch

Hill: Shalloch on Minnoch (Middle Heel)

Type: Corbett

Height: 775m

This was meant to be the best hillwalking day of the week, clear blue skies and the crispness of an early winters day. It certainly was cold during the night and the car needed defrosting time.  Soon after leaving the house I could see I could see the ridge in the distance and the summits were cloud free, yipee.

For once a short drive but even in that time the clouds had descended so what would I get at the top?

According to the SMC book, Shalloch is 'middle heel'. Not sure what this refers to, I get the heel bit as it is at the end of the ridge but middle? However this is a great but gentle hill set in the barren landscape that you either love or hate, the former for me. It would be a short walk so I extended it by parking at the Stinchar are, no other cars! The downside is that the extra walk is on tarmac to get to the normal starting place but no hardship.

The falls are a favourite spot to start a walk

Once off the tarmac I entered a wet, wet world. The weather has been extremely damp to put it mildly. Even so the normally damp and boggy sections had transformed itself into one deep footstep into mud, bog and the deep water holding sphagnum bog patches. Wow what a start and whats the chances of dry feet today.

Shalloch is a teasing hill. You cannot see the summit top from the start but the hill is a series of gentle ascents, each one kidding you on that you are are near the top. Well today you could not see any top in the clouds so no teasing just a gentle walk. Well not so gentle. Not hard on the feet but sinking in every step was good training for the soon to be snow walking, not so heavy breathing time pleased with that.

Off the tarmac and the boggy walk into the clouds

I was reflecting previous visits and particularly the last time I was here which was probably just before wee nippy locked us up for the first time. There has always been a path of sorts but it was now a wide 4 or five abreast. Clearly a lot of folk have been up here this year.

Cloudy ahead but excellent view looking east

The wet section lasts for almost half the ascent before with relief more normal walking terrain. I wish i could say the same for the weather but although not a pea souper the clouds were hanging about so forward distance was minimal. However looking left there was the odd glimpse of the world I wanted to see.

Something suddenly appeared sparkling in the distance, it was a brief glimpse of the sun breaking through the clouds and shining down on the wee lochan. Not far to go now but I could still only see about half way up the final ascent.

Knockdolian peaking up

This is normally straight up through the stones but they were very slippery so I followed the grassy flanks SW to creep round to the hill. Wow, finally the cloud lifted and I got atmospheric views over to Knockdolian and its twin volcanic plug of Ailsa Craig.

As I summit clouds still holding along 'the hand'.

Final section and the clouds are still hanging about the tops to the south. Finally I stumble across the trig. Looking north and west the views are great including Ailsa.

Trig with marker cairn in the distance

To the south I could see across the flat walk to where the crags are, this was to be my lunch spot so over I went. Glad I did as the views were excellent. 

By the time I got there cloud almost gone the Awful hand shows itself

The ridge was still holding fragments of cloud. You can opt for a long but good ridge walk over Tarfessock, Kirrereoch and even the Merrick but certainly not for me today. Brilliantly named as the Range of the Awful Hand.

Lochs Riecawr & Macaterick. Bothy (white) just at edge of trees on the right 

I was more than content stuffing my face and looking down over the rugged terrain including Loch Macaterick and another winter target Mulwharcher. 

Hoodens Hill and Mulwharchar

The white painted Tunskeen bothy stands out isolated in this shades of brown landscape. Sad but true story. Last year walkers were refused entry to the bothy by a group of 'revellars'. They were forced to continue their journey but the weather conditions were so bad they ended up having to be rescued by the emergency services. The scum inside the bothy were sadly never charged.  

Re the scenery as said earlier, your choice, but it is rugged beauty and a fantastic landscape and what a spot for lunch.

On descent clouds coming and going

Time to head back and as I left the top the clouds were moving in from the west once more. Both plugs had disappeared already. I had a possible option in my mind to descend via Cornish Hill but from previous experience I know it can be brutal terrain so left for another day.

When I reached the wet underfoot (halfway down) a drizzle came on, nothing heavy but just to let me know the weather does its own thing around here not the weather forecasts computer modelling.

Still back at the car I was in good spirits. Damp in one foot and damp in outer clothing but far better than a day spent indoors and a day closer to ending this Covid madness. A good walk not spoilt.

Wildlife: Buzzard; Curlew 12+; Red Grouse

Ascent: 555m

Distance: 12.5km

Time: 3.37

A Galloway masochists idea of heaven. Fell of Fleet

Hill: Fell of Fleet

Category: Sub2k

Height: 470m

This was to be my 113th sub2k so as anyone knows, anything with the number 13 needs to be carefully thought about, not that I am superstitious.

Still in easing Covid restrictions so once again I picked a hill that I was unlikely to see anyone on, this was a no brainier as if you had any brain you would not be going near this one. Still apart from being stupid my excuse was picking a hill I had not climbed before within reasonable travelling.

Fell of Fleet fitted the bill but I knew from the very few route reports this was to be a challenging short day out.

Clatteringshaws Dam at the start

So, for anybody reading this and considering it don’t unless you want to tick a box. If still determined/stupid take the shorter route up and come back down the same way. If still daft enough to make a circular route I will provide a few tips later.

That's it ahead looks a fair way away

There are ongoing forestry operations so there is a hard packed track from the start near the dam. You could drive a lot further but If the gate was closed on your return?

Roughly 30 mins walk brings you to a junction where you continue straight on for another half an hour. 

Do not stand on the logs, Loch Grannoch behind

My circular descent brought me back to here. At least the views have opened up with Loch Grannoch looking good for fishing but I doubt it gets fished much at all.

I had a route prepared but this went to pot as soon as I left this road. I expected to find a track but it was deforested and immediately became a case of small steps, trying hard to avoid the many pitfalls. Not a day to call the rescue people, even worse on the descent.

Ascent route

Painfully slow going, not physically tiring just full on concentration for about 40 minutes until I reached a plateau. Cut down tree debris, big hidden holes, rotting timber, sphagnum moss deep and soft, you get the picture not easy walking. 

Plateau

Thought the top would be easier, it was marginally, but this was good old Galloway tussock terrain. Still high potential for a twisted ankle or worse.

I had short cut my planned route and headed directly to the cairn. My one good decision of the day about 2 hours to the top.

Summit to right of trees

A red grouse burst out of the undergrowth playing injured so I knew what was coming. About 6 fledglings left the cover one after the other half flying/walking after their mother. I quickly left them in peace but a magical moment.

In fairness the views were good in all directions the sun glinting off the water of the Solway Firth.

Cairn with Cairnsmore of Fleet behind

My first ADRC walk was Cairnsmore of Fleet, which I was looking at as I ate lunch. At the time I thought it was a challenging terrain walk but compared to this one it’s terrain was a bowling green.

Well that uphill was breeze compared to the descent.

I decide to do a circular route heading roughly over towards Shaw Hill a big mistake. The descent was skirting the tree line but the hidden holes were deeper and more frequent really hard walking.

Descent I have to get to the loch

I reached the steep section and could see that I had no option other than to head for newly planted trees and go through them. I could also see a short firebreak after about a third so aimed that direction.

Wow, when I hit the trees they were so closely planted I was forced to barge through them. Additionally they were planted on a deforested section so it was a walking nightmare. Fully enclosed I pushed, fell, cursed, sweated until I reached the opening. So much for a hazard free outing.

I followed the break which was still tough walking and to really hit you in the gut the trees closed in again forcing one last fight to get to the trail. I don’t think I have had a worse descent in my life.

Looking back from the track

Looking back at the hill if I had kept going for about 200 metres there was a deforested area which would have been easier, hindsight!

The walk back along the hard trail was much longer than I expected about 90 minutes but significant as morale was low.

Possible Sandy carpet moth

My attention was caught by a large rising bird followed by a second. Circling rising higher into the sky. Large feathered upright wings obvious, could they be part of the South of Scotland eagle release scheme? Never mind what a sight.

The binoculars to my eyes then off to my right a sound I thought I would not hear this year. A cuckoo began calling, was I hallucinating, no off it went again, this finish was the highlight of my day.

As I neared the car I felt a pain on my left leg and looking down two huge lacerations weeping blood, damage from fighting my way through that enclosed tree plantation, the Adrenalin must have kept me from feeling it earlier.

Common Heath moth

So if you have to go, when descending stick to the treeline there is a firebreak seen from below. Or keep walking east as described above.

Or from the top head over Gormal Hill to a big cairn/trig. from there a short descent over deforested ground would save at least 30 minutes.

if you don’t want to tick this box there are plenty of good views elsewhere.

I ticked the box but won’t be doing it again lol.

Wildlife: Chaffinch; Meadow Pipit; Red Kite; Robin; Wren; Red Grouse + chicks; Cuckoo.

Time: 3.53

Ascent: 473m

Distance: 15.9k

A fine winters ramble on Lamachan Hill

Back on home turf and out with ADRC today but ironically after my five D & G hills this week I was back in D & G for more fun. Another glorious blue sky day was forecast albeit with the possibility of high and very cold winds up top. Our target the Graham/Donald of Lamachan Hill 717m, from Glentrool.

Fence walking

Parked at Caldons burn area and headed up the opening track. Quickly the old route had disappeared as the area has been deforested. We had to clamber along a narrow, boggy and tree debris littered route clinging to the fence at times, really not good enough for a national forest park looking to encourage visitors.

Raptor tree

We then had to walk along a new forest track before veering off and started climbing a bracken rocky area, no more ‘easy’ walking. Within the ugly deforestation debris there is always that lone one left standing allegedly for the raptors but I rarely see one being used. 

Getting steeper

The gradient was more or less continuous until the summit of Lamachan.
As we climbed towards Mulldonoch the route twisted and turned so there were plenty of opportunities to look back and take in the great views of the Galloway hills, Merrick, Mullwharcher, Corserine etc. Looking down Loch Trool looked dark and imposing.

Gentle scrambling

At one point when we looked down we could see an old remote and isolated farm building at Glenhead and one of the group mentioned that his grandmother was brought up there, also related some amusing anecdotes but what a hard life it must have been.

The big stane

The winds were picking up, getting much colder but not as bad as feared. Loch Doon now in view on my left looking much larger than I remembered from a few years ago when I fished it.

Just one more top to go

We had a quick lunch in the shelter of the rocks on top of Mulldonoch 562m.
From Mulldonoch the top of the patchwork snow clad Lamachan still looked a fair bit away. Most of the climbing had been done but from Mulldonoch we dropped about 50 metres before making the steeper ascent of Cambrick Hill then the plateau to Lamachan cairn. 

Sunlit snow

However, overall the ascent was now straightforward. Walking at group pace it was slowish at times, I think the bigger hill was catching a few out, but there you go.

Snow topped Merrick

When we reached the top and the small stone cairn the photo shoot was short and we were glad to head downwards with the biting wind now at our back.

Descending Craignaw on left

The descent was via the Caldons Burn, a mostly untracked descent although faint paths appeared and just as quickly disappeared. Craignaw was in our sights as we descended, If I had been on a solo trip I would probably have ticked this one off as well. 

Crossing Caldons burn

An interesting descent. There was a lot of criss crossing of the Caldons burn, the stone dyke, ice patches, many boggy sections and some good views, all combined kept the mind concentrated. The odd small but noisy waterfall to enjoy.
Eventually we all survived intact, well some muddy backsides, and reached base. A good walk in excellent varied company helped the day pass quickly and the weather was better than expected, a real bonus.

Time: 5.34
Ascent:758m
Distance: 13.2km

Cairnsmore of Dee (Black Craig of Dee)

Today was my first outing with Ayr rambling club and very enjoyable it was, a great little hill with challenging terrain, blue skies, superb views and good company, a good day.
There are three hills in the Galloway area with the title Cairnsmore. I have already climbed Carsphain and Fleet so I was glad to add the third. Cairnsmore of Dee is classed as a sub 2000 at 493 metres. The names in this area are fabulous and I believe that Dee is part of the 'Rig of Craig Gilbert'. It is also another hill from the book 'The Hughes'.

View from parking area

We parked just up from the main carpark at Clatteringshaws loch, too mean to pay the £3 daily parking charge. As it turned out the machines were out of order, a free parking day!! There is a cafe and toilets here.

To begin with we took a slight detour to visit Bruces stone, another one? Actually commemorates Bruce's first victory over the English. Then retraced our steps and started our walk proper following the track just across the road from the visitor centre. The aerial mast on Benniguinea is your objective. Follow the forest track for a bit then the muddy track at the first junction until you rejoin the mast track. You can opt to stick to the track. When you break the trees there are good views looking back.

Easy going, gradually gaining height, until just before the mast plunge to the left into the heather, the track has disappeared. There is a cairn at the mast if you want to bag that. 

Benniguinea mast in distance

After a short but very rough walk across this stuff the destination is in sight, albeit still a fair bit to go.

Cairnsmore of Dee appears

There is no proper track and when you do find what you think is one it is very wet, muddy with boots sinking in deep gloop, glad the gaiters are on.
The terrain is typical of this area, deep tussocks, boogy ground, care needed or twisted ankles at best. The best route seems to be low down keeping close to the trees but your choice.

Looking back to Benniguinea

Once over the short descent look up at the hill and pick your route. As mentioned there are short stretches of 'trails' to follow quickly disappearing. New and wet moss clings lightly to large rock slabs, but beware they are eager to give way if you stand on them, another potential danger.

No false summits here once you are up you are there with the trig and cairn almost together. A small new cairn stands a bit away not sure for why. A couple of the ladies decide the height gained was not enough so onto the trig they clambered, good on you.

Mini cairn

The views over the Galloway range are superb, Clatteringshaws loch in view below, the Merrick straight ahead, Corserine to its right and Cairnsmore of Fleet at 8 o'clock.

After lunch in the sun, we simply follow the same route back although as an option the Hughs book describes a circular route. Once on the main track we met families lightly dressed in summer gear, t shirts etc looking at this bunch of loonies heavily clad wondering where we have been.

Very little wildlife about today, a pair of ravens, some meadow pipits but we did get a red kite as we drove out.
Distance walked 7.28 miles, with 483 metres of climbing.
I enjoyed it, glad I was there, better in than out.