Panic on Nutberry Hill

A crisp last day of Autumn, not to be wasted indoors. I chose the sub 2000, Nutberry Hill 522m, remote moorland but should be snow free. Minus 2 degrees on the car warning as I approached the start from Strathaven. 

The only trail marker spotted

I parked just at the farm entrance, beside the Martyr’s grave signpost (the last signpost I spotted on the trip), enough room for one car without blocking access, I hope. 
You can almost see Nutberry Hill way in the distance up at the far tree line but it is hidden behind. As I looked I did not imagine the panic that would occur later on the walk, but more of that in due course.

Cold start 

An exciting outing today as I was using my new GPS for the 1st time, indeed any handheld map GPS. Always been map and compass but if you don’t want to be labelled an old dog learn new tricks. Chuffed I had downloaded a track/route from Google earth, would it work?
I walked the icy and rutted farm track, take left branch which is a clear follow all the way to Priesthill, where I had to make my first decision. Go to the left as there is the ruin of an old fence with stile!! Or actually go up the short tree line and emerge onto moor. Out with GPS and it seemed to suggest the tree line, fine.
Now onto the big open moor and the first objective was the Martyr’s grave of John Brown. Just one of many Covenanter memorials in this area but this one is well remote and hidden from view.  
Thankfully the recent cold snap had hardened some of the ground but still many plunges into deeper stuff. The poles were well used today. The wind was biting but I was well wrapped up.
As I am reluctant to stop and put on my reading glasses I followed my memory and trekked across the moor waiting for a high point which never materialises in the lower slopes. Just tussocky moorland and no features, couldn’t even see the tree line anymore.

Spotted the grave in distance

No obvious trail to follow other than sheep lines but I thought the grave must be nearby. Stopped and GPS out, well I was west of my purple line so angled in the direction of the grave waymarker and before long I was looking down on it.

John Brown's grave

Another GPS check and a line at 10 o’clock should get me to this hilltop. Other reports have headed for the trees but the weather was bright, should not get lost, so follow my more straight purple line.
There was plenty of zig zagging avoiding the reeds and wet bits as much as I could. Finally I reached the fence line and stopped to get an apple from my rucksack. Good view ahead of Nutberry Hill, half an hour I imagine.

Snowy Arran behind turbines

What are the views, well mixed. Great if you like wind turbines not if you don’t. 
However the better views included Arran, Middlefield Law, Cairn Table, Lowther Hill radar station amongst others.

Windfarm nightmare

I climbed over the barbed wire fence managing to avoid ripping my trousers and made a bee line for the right angle corner to then turn up to the trig. This was by far the heaviest going so far, much deeper tussocks, lots more deep water, much of it hidden, so I angled slightly away from the direct line and headed for the next fence.
This was now easier walking apart from the buried stumps of the previous fence that I kept tripping over, but it took me without incident to the corner and then up the short pull through the more grassy slopes to the trig. 
Pleased, I went to get my GPS to check my trip data and to my horror it was not attached to my rucksack strap. I had bought a protective cover which could not be used with the secure clip but it seemed to have a decent attachment to my strap.
Lots of cursing, panic and I immediately set off downhill trying to retrace my steps but in this terrain I soon realised this was a lost cause. The last time I looked at the unit was just before the first fence, no need to look afterwards since as a I had a clear line of sight to the trig. But the terrain just after had been so rough it could have fallen off in that.

Gps lies on tussock at 9oclock could not be seen when I planted poles from other side of fence

I took the shortest way I could back to the fence but had no clear marker as to where I crossed it. I leaned over and stuck my poles in at a point I thought was around my crossing and walked up this side of the fence to a gate I had noticed just after crossing, eyes focussed on the ground. 
No joy so walked back the other side to my poles. Again no joy, almost greeting, my new toy!! I picked up my poles and miracles as I was looking down to adjust them I spotted the black cover on a tussock. Wow what relief. Look at the snap how jammy was that? Get the lottery ticket bought.

Zoomed Lowther Hill radar

GPS safely tucked away I headed back and decided to eat my apple, as I had eaten nothing in my panic attack at trig, chomp and bit my tongue. Real pain, more screams, blood flowing, this was definitely a hill to remember.
No more dramas on the descent, I just made the most direct line I could back to the farm and onto the car. 

Weather front looming

Just as I reached Priesthill the winds increased somewhat and looking back the sky was blackening, so much for the clear day.
Back at the car I reflected that despite everything I had enjoyed it. The going was mostly awkward walking but at least the skies were blue and I was dressed for the cold. 
However, lessons learned, proper attachment from now on and see if it has a set up ‘find my GPS’ to my phone. Sub 2000’s always seem to bring more drama the big boys!!
Thankfully my watch GPS functioned fine so I still had my walk data.
Wildlife: buzzard, raven and grey wagtail.

Time: 3.56
Distance: 7.94m (12.79km)
Ascent: 978ft (299m)

River Ayr Way Muirkirk - Sorn

Typical River Ayr scene

Having completed my Forth & Clyde canal walk last week it gave me the incentive to complete the other long distance walks that I have semi completed. The easiest geographical one and today’s walk is the River Ayr Way. 
Today I have to rely on public transport and as such I cannot find transport from Muirkirk to Glenbuck so I am only going with Muirkirk to Sorn today and return to complete Glenbuck to Muirkirk tomorrow.
Three bus journeys gets me from Barassie to Muirkirk, an experience in itself and that's before I even start my walk.

I have no doubts that this is the most scenic section of the river walk but I am glad that I did it on a warm spring day and not a wild winter version.
A stop at the local shop for my refreshments then a walk out to Kames to start it proper. A brief chat with a couple of locals confirms that the route should be ok for livestock ie cattle. The skies are blue but there is still an edge to the easterly wind so light jacket kept on.
The track is good walking and simple to follow for the full walk. Quite soon it feels encouragingly remote but only after walking past the impressive go kart circuit and the more rustic golf course. There is a historic feeling to be walking on the MacAdams experimental tarmac surface.

Tibbies brig

Plenty of sheep around, as all day, but quickly the rugged moorland becomes picturesque, Tibbie’s Brig with its seating, a lovely spot.
Following the old railway track through the light woods I disturb at close order a red grouse, a roe deer and a cock pheasant, all within 5 minutes, now this is a country walk.

When you reach the small iron fenced martyrs grave there is also a board, please read the history. Apt that this spot also returns to the River Ayr which this walk is all about. A very pleasant mile or so of twisting & turning riverwalk, calming water one minute, riffles the next, eroded banking showing what can happen when the river rises. Wildlife in this short section included mallard, grey heron, stoat, roe deer, 11 ducklings scampering into the tree lined embankment, flying across the water like pond skaters. Never saw the parent, hung about for a snap but they were more patient than me and never reappeared.

Opencast plantation

Now there is a reminder of current industry practices, a vast opencast site which is still operational. A huge quarry has been water filled but at least the surrounding area is under plantation to hide it from view.

I crossed the A70 and followed the river to the Airds Moss bridge. You now have a real moorland feel and because it is a relatively low ground there is also a big sky feel. On the exposed landscape the easterly wind is felt but at least it is mainly behind me. New birds: lapwing; stonechat; curlew; meadow pipit (I think one looked different enough to be a tree pipit); oystercatcher.
This is not only an RSPB bird sanctuary but has deep Covenanter history as well as local Muirkirk history. 

The barren moor/bog land is being criss crossed by ravens and crows trying to identify the nests of the breeding birds, a buzzard also makes an experience.
In terms of local history I come across the memorial to the farmer and poet John Lapraik, friend of Rabbie, in the same fenced off field are these Canada geese, surprised to see the geese still around, maybe fully fledged immigrants.
After a couple of miles of following the river the track moves away and rises up to cross more moorland. The remainder of the walk continues this theme of moving away from and returning to the river. Of course most of diversion means climbing but the views remain worthwhile.

Just after leaving the Aird moss area I was reflecting that this landscape was perfect for the Cuckoo, so numerous a couple of days ago on Arran, but so silent here. Then, no kidding, within 10 seconds one started calling, is that spooky or what?

Looking bag Cairn Table in distance

For long periods there is minimal sound apart from the river and the wildlife so just perfect to chill and enjoy a wild walk. In the distance an occasional car is sighted. The moorland is being left behind to return to more traditional woodland but not before isolated trees are clinging to the steep slopes.

Clinging for life

As I approach Sorn there are more pastures and more farmland workings but really you don’t know that you are approaching Sorn until you see the Sorn Estates private fishing notices and then when you leave the wood and join the main road, there you are, the village of Sorn.

Almost at Sorn

For some reason it felt like a longer walk than reality, maybe just tired legs on a sunny day. Very, very different from the temperature when I left Sorn on this journey earlier this year.
Walk distance 12.91 miles which took me 4.52 hours. 216 metres of ascent.
Pity Sorn Inn was closed for the afternoon so no finishing pint!!

River Ayr Way Glenbuck - Muirkirk

Back again to complete the walk. With my good lady around we drove to Glenbuck where she would walk with me for a bit then drive on and meet me at Muirkirk.
Yesterday using public transport it was about 2 and a half hours from leaving home to starting the walk, today’s drive to the same location just under 30 minutes.

As always for me finding the exact start seems to be problematic. We were looking for the signposted lane, not evident driving from Muirkirk!! We drove past the loch, turned back and went up the first right turn, spotted the waymarker and reached the small parking area.
A few minutes taking photos and studying the river Ayr board then the short walk to spend some time at the impressive memorial to Bill Shankly. For people of my generation memories of this great character remain strong.

Almost at the road where we turned in and the track between the hedge and fields is evident. 
A short stroll and you cross the road to now mainly walk the old railway line to Muirkirk. 

In truth there is not a lot to comment on this section. The walk is mainly close to the road absolutely flat, you can see everything ahead. The terrain is open moorland, sheep everywhere. On your right there are good views of Cairn Table, its 2 prominent cairns and its outlying hills. 
It is also interesting to see how small and narrow the River Ayr is near its source but the worn away embankments suggests it can surge fast and high even up here.

On your right is another huge opencast mine/quarry which does not make for very attractive viewing. Is it a sign of the isolation or relative low wealth of this area that they make no attempt to hide these workings, just scarred blots on the landscape.

No hiding the mining

It is worth taking some time to think what this would have looked like a century ago, lead mines, coal mines, the tarmac experiments, railways, a landscape of noise and smoke, very different.

Mrs B headed back and I walked on to my only potential issue of the day. An ex farmer had told me yesterday that that the farmer had been authorised to graze a small group of tups on the walkway but that this exemption had expired and it should be clear. You guessed it there they were all lying across the narrow path. My sage said that with the breeding season over their testosterone levels should be low but never turn your back on them and you can't outrun them. Great. As I closed in one by one they rose, these rams were big headed, big horned, powerful beasts and could no doubt do damage. Luckily they were all prepared to move a little, I had to turn my back on them as they were spread out but no charges, whew. No stopping to take photos.

Muirkirk ahead

I entered a small wood near Muirkirk where I met a fellow who told me he was a conservation officer for the River Ayr Walk and had a complaint yesterday about tups on the path. Well, well, my sage from yesterday I wonder? He wanted to see them for himself before going to the farmer.
Going through the woods I heard my only cuckoo of the day. Mrs will be jealous that she wasn’t here.
A bit of twisting and turning and the walk arrives at Kames, a short walk to end both the day and my River Ayr adventure. The good lady and I then continued to Tibbie’s brig for our windy picnic.
Distance 4.47, a 90 minute stroll with minimal ascent.