Final Galloway Sub2k.....Pibble Hill

Hill: Pibble Hill

Type: Sub2k

Height: 383m

Woke up to a rare blue sky day, was meant to be doing something else but this weather opening could not be wasted. As it was a last minute decision a short walk was required. Ferries were still a bit erratic after last two days of stormy weather so a short trip to the Galloway Hills to finish my last of the South Western Sub2k’s.

Lovely drive which took longer as I was going slowly trying hard to avoid the potholes hidden at times by the very low glare of the morning sun.

Made it and parked up on the obvious grassy area on the Corse of Slakes Road close to the maintenance road for the masts on Cambret Hill. 

On stepping out of the car I was met by a bitterly cold wind, wow not used to this. Hat and jacket on immediately and gloves donned at start of walk, long time since I did that. From the car I had a clear view of where I was heading over rugged and barren Glenquicken Moor. I suspected a small hill that I could see in the distance, slightly right and behind the main ones had a point on it, was that Pibble?

Although this is a short ramble I had always chosen something else over it due to its reputation as being a moorland bog fest. The reality? Well in parts it definitely was but considering the amount of rain we have had recently it was was much better than expected.

Typical pathless D&G moorland

View over barren ground Gatehouse about 4 miles thataway

Ahead lay a sprawling typical D&G moorland. From the car there was a faint ATV track that I could see so started with it which disappeared just as quickly. These were proper foot rolling tussocks but on the out ramble I picked my way quite well using on off ATV tracks and water tracks which at least gave flatter non ankle rolling walking. Don t expect to go in a straight line just meander as your eye sees best.

Keep the wall on the left

Cairnsmore of Fleet in background

Any ascents are gentle I just kept heading to the higher ground looking for harder surfaces. They were there but higher up more defined ATV tracks could be followed for longer but surprisingly these were also the wettest bits.

I reached the ‘high’ ridge where to be fair the wind was stronger and cooler. But the views were good particularly over Cairnsmore of Fleet.

Very little wildlife so far a solitary meadow pipit and solitary raven.

Final humps and tumps

The hill I could see from the car was very close and it did indeed have a pointed stone cairn, an easy 55 minutes from the car. The stone is a thin whinstone with a larger example alongside some flat stones in the woods. This area has many historical sites and this could well be another one.

View to Cairnsmore of Fleet and mine over that wall

View north

View south

Zoomed in and Lake District hills at top

As I said earlier the views over Fleet excellent, viewing south the rugged moorland dominates and the Lake District hills are just obvious in the haze.

As I stood at the summit looking northwest there is an abandoned copper/lead mine on the slopes on your left, not visible from here. You can go up a track from Creetown to this historically important mine worth a short read Pibble Mine - Northern Mine Research Society (nmrs.org.uk)

Return route masts just seen on Cambret on the left. No snaps after this due to low sun and glare

Returned the same way along the upper level with the masts on Cambret Hill a straightforward navigational guide.

After that I was aware that I was varying my route slightly and although not far away from the ascent this section was much wetter and harder to pick a line in the tussocks so just aimed for the car. One plus was springing a snipe zig zagging away with its unmistakable weird call.

So a gentle ramble to finish my SW Sub2k’s. These are hills that get sparse visitors and all the better for it. Very pleased I did it today with the blue skies and the long distance views.

Ascent: 206m

Distance: 5k

Time: 1.45

Wildlife: Snipe; Raven; Meadow Pipit

Grey ramble on.....Bengray

Hill: Bengray

Type: Sub2k

Height: 366m

Its raining, its pouring, as the saying goes, but today might stay dry before it is all returning tomorrow.

I hadn't planned to go out today but after watching Judith the weather on the BBC app, whilst snuggled under the duvet, I decided to go for it.

Judith forecast that ‘almost’ all of the country was going to have a beautiful day, full of late year sun and great views.

A short outing was required. I drove heading south into the glare of the low sun moaning that I should have gone north with the sun behind me.

However, it did not take long before I began to doubt the wisdom of heading south, not because of the glare but when reaching Patna I was in full mist and fog conditions, trying to remember where the fog lights were in this car, yip it was that bad.

Above Loch Doon optimism rose again as although the lower levels were still shrouded I had risen above it and if one was on these hills a grand inversion.

On the descent to Carsphairn everything went downhill, not just the pot holed road but the lack of visibility. It couldn't stay like this could it? I watched Judith tease me on the map, no clouds to be seen down here.

Thought it was clearing at start but wrong

When I arrived at the start it was indeed no joke slightly clear with limited visibility ahead. A consequence of quickly throwing gear together was about half way on the drive I realised that I had left my GPS at home and had not brought a map. Luckily I had a signal and opened the OS map on my phone, drew a few straight lines that would bear little reality to the actual ramble but at least I had a map.

Last time I drove past the starting point there were coos everywhere but today they seemed to be congregated around the feeders on the other side of the road. 

The walk starts via a signpost for Loch Whinyeon so I followed that track for a short spell. The huge deposits on the track indicated the coos might still be around.

Was still optimistic

Over a very slippery wooden style and followed the track for a bit before making a decision to head off across the moor towards Benfadyeon. 

Then this for most of ascent

With theses misty conditions the hills and hummocks appeared with the distortion of being much larger than they were. I was on the pathless moorland heading for the highest top that I could see and when reached of course another one appeared. According to the map it should have been a relatively flat walk from Benfadyeon to point 272 and beyond. But on the rough moor it did not feel like it.

Taken on way down ATV track I stumbled across far left

After point 272 I crossed a broken stone wall and stumbled across an ATV track which would take me to point 362. Wet and boggy in places but much better than the moor.

Final top getting closer

The summit top is only 4 metres higher than this point and it is not far away. It was only whilst looking around that I remembered walk reports mentioning a barbed wire fence and I was looking at it. I had changed rucksacks and emptied this one to find my covering for an assault over barb wire, yipee.

A scramble over with a slight tearing sound, inside trouser leg, minor damage. Between here and the trig was by far the worst of the going and that says a lot but 5 minutes later I was at the trig. Sadly nae views.

Stumbled back towards where the fence was and a bit of luck, I was further over and found a section with the barbed wire cut at NX 629598

Feeling good at crossing the fence without more damage I was even happier when I a couple of stags started calling. In this mist they could have been anywhere but it sounded like they were south of me.

Started to lift on descent but came down again just as quickly

Far side still in cloud

I followed the ATV track and initially the mist lifted giving me some views re where I was heading. It was not long before the clouds descended again. I followed the ATV for longer before the brain warned me it was going south of where I wanted to be. No big deal as I would have reached the loch at some point. I took it as far as I could to shorten the moorland section which was a good decision. At one point, a Woodcock just about gave me a heart attack it literally stayed hidden until I almost stepped on it.

Bird on left best profile

Slightly better viewing on the final section. The hills across cleared and I was amazed and delighted to see a pair of birds making wide effortless circles, going higher and higher in the thermal they had found. Huge wingspans no doubting the sighting. They have released over 40 birds as part of the Moffat programme so they must be spreading all over the South of Scotland seeking out their own territories. So despite the weather what an end to the ramble, thanks Judith.

Ascent: 288m

Distance: 5.11km

Time: 2.11

Wildlife: Golden Eaglex2; Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit; Woodcock; Red Deer Stag calling

Butterflies & Moths 2020

Just passing the Covid time so decided to catalogue the butterflies that I see on my walks. Hopefully all will have pictures, not necessarily in good focus but good enough to show what they are. Initially these will be restricted to my local woods, river, beach and golf courses but expecting at least a dozen varieties. Hopefully later in the year I might get some of the Northern species. The blog will be updated when a new sighting comes around.

Peacock

My first sighting this year was in March and was the beautiful Peacock. Common in garden later in year but plenty around the woods and golf courses just now.

No more were spotted until April when the sun came out and the butterflies emerged. First was the Orange tip, definitely one of my favourites. One has taken our garden into its patch, first time I am aware of this. But this was taken in Shewalton Woods and plenty on Western Gailes as well.

Orange Tip Male

Then next up was another white variety, The Green Veined. Just beside the railway line going into Shewalton woods, as I write this is still the only one that I have spotted.

Green Veined butterfly

Next up was the Small Tortoiseshell. Abundant in the woods feasting on the dandelions but a few on the golf course as well. The vibrant blue edging at the bottom not showing as well in the photo.

Now the Small White. A morning walk along the golf course and was lucky enough to get this just as I was finishing.

Small White

I had read read that locally there were good views of the rare Holly Blue, a butterfly I have never spotted before. They like holly trees obviously and we have one in our garden. Sitting in my study I spotted something fluttering at said tree. Grabbed camera and ran outside, panicking the good lady and delighted to have added this stunner to my collection.

Holly Blue

Getting frustrated as not been able to my collection. However, in the woods today there was little butterfly movement with this exception. They are probably getting to the end of their first showing but a female Orange Tip. The male is pictured above.

Orange Tip Female

Now into May and after a barren spell suddenly it was all go again. I had spotted a Small Copper weeks ago but could not get a decent snap. It took quite a few walks before I spotted another and although quite numerous they are very small, a normal thumbnail and they like to sit with there wings closed. Still persevered and was rewarded with this.

Small Copper

As i walked back chuffed at getting the Small Copper I noticed an equally small butterfly or moth flying. To the naked eye it looked different but it was not resting for long and when it did it was buried in the grassy stalks and wings closed. But it did show itself and another first this year a Small Heath. Luckily it has an eyespot at the tip to give it away.

Small Heath

And then, not finished yet. Just before I left the golf course this pink/red and black moth looked spectacular in the sunlight. What a busy moth it never stopped for more than a few seconds. As soon as I raised the camera it was gone but it did stop briefly enough to let me snap my first Cinnabar moth of the year.

Cinnabar Moth

When I was walking back from Kilwinning (see blog) I detoured via Eglinton Park and was delighted to get my first Red Admiral of the year. Sadly a combination of the bright sunshine, not so good camera and my photographic skills the colour is more orange than red. 
(Replaced original with garden visit today. I have included two shots, the upper one traditional pose but the lower one is with it's wings closed and you can see the fabulous camouflage particularly if against bark.

Red Admiral top side

Red Admiral wings closed

As I came back over the golf course this small moth appeared a few times asking for its picture to be take. There are over a thousand UK moths and this one has me guessing. After research I think it is the Common heath, the feathery antennae prominent clue.

Common Heath Moth

On a roll just now as on my bike ride today I spotted a few Large Whites flying about but not stopping on any vegetation, but there again I was on a workout so i was not wanting to hang about. By chance in the afternoon one appeared in the garden for a brief period before a Red Admiral chased it off. I am sure I will get a higher quality snap as the season moves on.

Large White (female I think)

A couple of new moths around. The first spotted on the golf course just as evening approached. So focused on snapping it nearly got clobbered by a golf ball, my fault, not used to having golfers on the course.

Silver ground carpet moth

Out on Fell of Fleet there was an abundance of these but they were very difficult to snap. They would only sit on the heather for seconds before flying off a good distance. Very frustrating considering how many there were. Plus my small walking camera has difficulty focusing on items in mixed ground. I am told it might be a Sandy carpet moth.

Sandy carpet moth?

Absolutely delighted today to get my first sighting of the year and to snap one of my favourite butterflies the Small Blue. The first thing you notice is the vibrant blue colour flying around but then it lands and its camouflage kicks in, its underside being totally different to the top. Nature at its best.

Small Blue as you would expect to see it.

Small Blue underwing

Whilst clambering about in deepest Dumfries & Galloway I got a couple of new varieties for the season. The first was this Meadow Brown who was determined to not let me get a decent snap of it. As soon as I focused off it went until I got this under wing but clear what species it is.

Meadow Brown under wing

And by chance today in Eglinton Park there were quite a few flying, mostly landing with folding wings but one did let us see its upper wings.

Meadow Brown upper

My other find of the day was this Fritillary. Now there are various very similar species but I am reliably informed that this is a rather rare Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary. Having studied my reference material and online searching I was still not sure but put it out for expert verification. A stunning orange and black with the white bordering. Apparently it is all about a 7:3:0 dot pattern on the wings, chuffed.

Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary

After the thunderstorms a wee wander around Western Gailes golf course brought another couple of firsts for the season. The first is the Ringlet which I had spotted the other day in a park but it refused to pose. This one did but only for its underwing.

Ringlet underwing

The second was a a small but striking moth whose colour contrasted well with the leaden grey skies around. This is the Yellow Shell moth.

Yellow Shell Moth

In the garden the other morning I noticed movement in some shrubs, going closer it jumped out and snuggled into the grass so sorry not the best quality but first time i have ever seen one of these, a Silver Y moth, presumably named after the two marks half way down, one on each side.

Silver Y moth

The golf course is providing rich pickings with another small moth, this time the Latticed Heath moth. Well camouflaged in the grass perched on the dying seed heads, only had my phone so picture not the greatest.

Latticed Heath moth

Spotted this little beauty high up on Benn an Lochain. Distinctive black wings and a conspicuous yellow body was wrapping itself around the grass as if creating a cocoon. Beyond my ID skills but thankfully the experts recognised it as a Red necked Footman moth. Quite rare so well pleased even though picture quality not high.

Red necked footman moth

Great Glen Way Fort Augustus - Invermoriston but no Nessie

Whilst I was in the area it was an opportunity to complete another section of the Great Glen Way. Time was not fully on my side so the short section from Fort Augustus to Invermoriston via the high route was today’s walk.

The car park at Fort Augustus was almost full with plenty of tourist coaches around. They were to create bedlam later, blocking cars from leaving, police called so be aware which section you park in. The charge is 60p (4 hours)-£1(10 hours) but there is also a free car park up the hill at the start of the route.
Weather was grey but dry so we turned left out of the car park then soon another left and followed the sign up the hill. This excellent seat is a maybe for walkers coming the other direction but too early for us today.

Take a short walk through here on a tarmac road via some nice housing and just before this rejoins the main route another signposted left turn takes you into an old forest. The track winds its way upwards on a zig zag easy trail past some magnificent huge fir trees amongst others.

On a flat section the bench is reached where an opening should let you see the signposted Crannog. Well maybe in the past you could but now the trees have grown too tall, even standing on the bench no view of the Crannog.

Left for the high route

Avoid the white sign post opposite the bench and go further down the track, 1.5 miles from the start, the track forks giving the option of the high or low routes. 
High route today for the views. Again quickly off the hard packed route the track goes left and for a mile or so steeply zig zags through lighter woods with the pleasant noise of a burn tumbling down for company. Lots of different mushrooms here for those foragers in the know.

The walk breaks out onto open moorland and 5 minutes later the first good views both up and down Loch Ness. Pleasure boats are taking tourists on sedate trips whilst small rib style boats are doing fast tight turns, the squeals can be heard up here. Thankfully this does not last for long.

Looking back down the Glen & Fort Augustus

This recently well constructed high route path continues at this high level for another 3 miles before it starts its descent, plenty of time to take in the outstanding views. 

About half way along a newly built sheltered stone seating area has been constructed, ideal for a break to check the map and identify some landmarks. The radar station ahead is the hill that we will bend around. Had a good look but no sign of Nessie on the water today.

The track is still staying high but the gradient is now more of a descent. Surprisingly little wildlife to be seen, a few meadow pipits and stonechats, a couple of butterflies and that was it. No raptors nor even ravens and crows.

The route now winds its way around the hill and begins a very steep descent through the forest. Less of a zigzag than the ascent this would be a steep pull up. The striking white of Invermoriston lodge can be seen through the trees.

At a marked intersection go across, do not be tempted to stay high, and follow the track through the lower woods. It is slightly disconcerting as for over half a mile it takes you inland away from the loch before reaching a signpost where a right turn leads you to a road. Another right turn and the road takes you back to the striking bridge at Invermoriston.

We took in the short walk to visit the falls before finishing with a visit to the café, just a stroll up the Skye road, for a well deserved coffee and cake.

Probably my favourite section of the walk so far, mainly due to the high level views.
Time: 3.06
Distance: 7.99 (12.86km)
Ascent: 1769ft (539m)