Long Cairn & Louden Hill

Another cracking action packed day out with the good folks from KOIR. Officially Autumn ends this week but we have been in winter dress for a while now. Today was a crisp blue sky morning, few clouds, cold but just the ticket.
Starting in Darvel this was a circular walk to Long Cairn then across to Louden Hill and back via the old railway line to Darvel. For a sedate tranquil farming area this place is packed full of history, more of which later. Today it felt that there were more fences to clamber over than in all my walks combined this year, not quite but there were a few.
At the start it was much colder inland than at the coast with black ice the initial obstacle but no injuries.

Walkers go past Long Cairn behind photo flattens out the humps

A pleasant combination of river, woodland, moorland and farmland took us to the Long Cairn.
‘The Long Cairn, the longest in Scotland at 335 ft, with a history of some 5,000 years. This chambered cairn, although robbed and disturbed long ago, held the burial chambers for 5 long dead chieftains‘. 

Still cold here no sun yet

An opportune spot for a snack before crossing the wooden bridge at the ford over the Tulloch Burn and then continued along this road – part of which was the old Edinburgh Road – to link with Loudoun Hill.
A swift dash across the busy road and we walked up to Louden Hill. A frog was on the path, should you not be hibernating?

Louden Hill

The beautifully formed but compact volcanic plug of Loudoun Hill, 1054 ft above sea level, might be small in stature but on a day like today it did not disappoint. The small effort was rewarded with panoramic views back down the valley over Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, the Firth of Clyde and Arran. Cairns Table and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn clearly seen. Strathaven can be picked out. There is a plaque on the summit of Loudoun Hill to commemorate Wallace’s victory of 1297. You may also see, if you look hard, the ruins of two houses – aptly named “Nae Place” and “The Back of Beyond”! 

Up the slope

But before we got the views we had to get up there and we followed the path up the south face of Loudoun Hill, some mild scrambling, hand holds required, which provided us a challenge albeit not quite the rock climbers route.

Summit & trig

Then lunch at the top, soak it all in, just ignore the hundreds of wind turbines. If you want to see what Salmon’s legacy has done to us this view says it all.
The wind picked up, temperature dropped and now back down the other side, all the traps well hidden by the fallen leaves, a few slips, wet bums, but no damaged bodies only egos. 

Looking west down the valley

The remainder of the walk followed the old railway line and it was pretty much a bog fest and also many more fences to climb. The cattle had walked all of this so you can imagine the gloop at times. 
At Darvel one of the group tried to take us through some inhospitable habitat, one of the few that beat this group. A retreat was made down to the road.
Still a super day, fab weather, great humour as always, no pity taken on the fallers!! A visit to the Black Bull and home, a very satisfying day out. 


Distance: 8.91m (14.34km)
Ascent: 1057 ft (322m)
Time: 4.47

Loudon Hill Short but Sweet

View from the carpark

The typical recent weather of strong winds and heavy rain disrupted my plans today. I originally had planned to climb the Graham, Blackcraig Hill in Glen Afton, but looking at the MET office rain forecast I would be very wet and cold without seeing any decent views.

Desperate for a short morning walk I drove out to Dalry to revisit Loudon Hill, another volcanic plug, short climb with great views. It is also a Hugh, I am ticking these off from the book even if I have been up them before. Rain was off and on during the drive but when I caught sight of it I could see the top so good enough. The last time I walked from Dalry (see previous blog) but today it was to be simply the hill.

Bridge over the River Irvine

I parked the car at the standard carpark, windy but dry. I opted to do the circular route going south around the back of the hill then ascending to the summit. I did not have my walking poles with me but they would have been a good idea. At least there is a wooden bridge crossing the head of the River Irvine. The ground from then on was pretty muddy and where it was just earth very slippy. Along with a heavy leaf covering and hidden greasy rocks this was a lot more awkward than it should have been.
Looked up at the crags which are used for introductory rock climbing but nobody around today.

Slippy slopes

Around the back of the hill the track is leaf covered and I find these are also a cover for deep gloopy mud. Boots well covered in the brown stuff. Up the slope hands were needed to stop me sliding on the muddy surface, did not expect to be scrambling today. Breaking out to the grassy summit a hail shower greets my arrival. 

At the trig it has eased but still very strong blustery winds. Still, I took 10 minutes or so to take in the views which even today are superb, except for the enormous amount of wind turbines. Even pockets of blue sky around. Looking south east it looks grim, glad I didn't head that way. Not many places that you can get views like this after less than 30 minutes effort.
Another slippy slide back down and followed the track round the other side and back to the car park. 

Is it summer, no.

Actually there are now pure blue skies above, quite summer looking, if not feeling. A couple of minutes later back to grim grey. It is a dramatic little hill and does look like a granite stopper.

I spend some time at the information board and enjoying the Spirit of Scotland sculpture. This area is packed full of history with links to Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, Covenanters etc. Read all about it. Then the rain came on again and time to go home.
Just over an hour up and down, about 350 feet climbed, short and sweet and I feel better. Storm Doris coming in tonight!!