Cairnsmore of Carsphairn

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Out with the ADRC to Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, a Corbett, and the forecast was for challenging conditions at the top 40-50mph winds with a wind chill factor of -20, fun at the top. It must be 15 years since I have been here but some things never change. Parked at Green Well of Scotland, take care big holes and drop for the car.

Burn fence or Coo muck

For a start, no change re the coo field covered in their droppings which with this cold weather they were at least solid on top but the tail enders might be breaking through the crust, if so we will smell them before we see them.

Landrover track

Another factor unchanged was the dyke wall up Willieanna, Dunool etc but today were skirting it in the ascent. Snow topped summit seen peaking up ahead.
Straight forward up the rough track until we meet the dyke. Plenty of frozen water patches and these icicles show that not much sun gets here.

Still cold

Simply follow the dyke so can’t get lost.

Dyke to top

 It was already pretty cold but we had been partially sheltered from the wind. But as we reached the snowline it was picking up big style. The new snow was soft enough to kick into but the icy patches around rocks care had to be taken.

Wild winds nearing summit

Then the last 100 metres was a different world, it felt like gale force winds battering us and even the biggest and heaviest of us were struggling to keep our feet. It has been a while since I have been on top in such strong winds. 

Trig

Some were hiding behind the cairn, others tried sheltering beside the trig, snow clings to the transmitter mast. One bonus was we could not spend any time looking at the Glen Afton wind turbines. 

The descent

After regrouping a change of plan as we would have been descending into the wind so opted to descend just below the crest of the hill via Black shoulder; Dunool & Willieanna. Still cold and windy but the right choice. Great views of the Rhinns on the descent amidst the many snow flurries.

Black shoulder and top

Finally back through the coos but following burn fence, no volunteers to risk the potentially thawed coo dung swamp.
A wild experience up top but a good day out.

Ascent: 645m
Time: 4.37
Distance: 12.6km

Beinn Bhreac Skye

The morning was spent walking along to the beautiful Coral sands, well worth the short walk and we were rewarded to see a pair of otters swimming at a fair pace on the surface, a real bonus as we have seen individual sea otters before but never a pair, a good start. 
After that the walk leaves from the same car park with a walk to the Sub 2000, Beinn Bhreac at 329m, hopefully another one that the good lady could manage. From our cottage at Stein we look onto the hill from the other side. A trig is visible from the cottage side but this is a fair distance from the real top.

Start here

If I was doing this walk again I would do my route to the summit, then the ridge walk to this trig and descend the rough pathless slopes with the car park in view.
To begin walk up the track for only a 100 metres to a stile and from here there is a great grass farm track that takes you in line with the summit top at 329m. No livestock today but no doubt there will be at other times.

Trig descent route for next trip

Once over the stile straight ahead there is a good view of the trig point and the crags beside it.

Destination in sight

The track turns right and you now look at the crags below the high point of the summit. A gentle gradient rise with this excellent grassy track allowing you time to take in the views, buzzard calling, a hoodie eating something.

Good grassy track

Just before the track ends head up to the crags. This is now deep moorland terrain but ok if you are used to the Galloway hills, not so in the case of the good lady she found this tough.

Off track here to crags

The expected high winds were kicking in as well but thankfully only spots of rain, but when we reached the crag it was enough for her. Almost all the climbing has been done now but still a bit to go.

Trig along ridge

She was settled down so I moved on to towards the high point. From the crags there are two plateaus and at this stage I can see the trig to my left but not the top so followed the GPS line. As expected this area is now very wet marshland with peat hags thrown in so progress slowed.

Summit cairn?

At the next crest I am surprised to see a 2nd trig/cairn to my left, check map nothing marked, but the high point is to my right. I head for that and confirm map and GPS, 329m point located and these small stones appear to represent it within a peat hag.

Looking back to Dunvegan Head

I did have some views back to the cottage but they would be even better from the trigs. Great views over the Tables, the Western Isles and the snow covered Cuillins. As said I will be back and walk the rest of the ridge.
As I have lost sight of the good lady my purpose was to get back ASAP as I knew she would be concerned. Met up, some Jelly Babies as a treat and descended the same way.
So another short walk with excellent views. Not a huge hill but if looking to pass a couple of hours with views at the end, I recommend it.

Wildlife: Skylark, Meadow pipit, Buzzard, Hoodie,
Time: 2.14
Ascent: 358
Distance: 6.1km

Biod an Athair dramatic cliff views

First day of our short Skye trip. The good lady with me today so a short local walk. Picked Biod an Athair because of its fairly straight forward moorland terrain but more importantly the reward for the Mrs of the spectacular views from the trig and they were just that.
We followed the Walkhighlands directions for the outer walk.
Pothole avoidance on this narrow road a priority if you want out again, some big holes.
Parked at the end of the Galtrigill minor road and side on with the croft. Did look around but nobody to chat with to check leaving car ok.

Crags from coo field

Took the rough track up the hill to the left and after climbing a gate soon encountered the coos. No way of avoiding them but apart from looking at us and an extremely pregnant one blocking the path they never moved.
After the mess of the coos field you are onto rough moor. No tracks just keep Ben Skriaig to your left. Biod an Athair is in view for most of the walk from and from here it is slightly to your right at one o‘ clock. The track passes through another gate.

Tight barbed wire fence

Keep the higher ground to your left and after just under a mile you reach the barbed wire fence and the Galtrigill burn. Tight barbed wire so take care.

Looking back to Coral sands

The forward views are all moorland so stop and look back over to Waternish as well as the Coral sands. Walking is reasonable, and as expected, wet in places.

Easier walking

The route report suggests arriving at the skyline well to the left but we must be out a bit as our line took us right to the trig but no issues doing this.

Western Isles behind trig

Once there the views open out big style and two paces on from the trig is the might drop down, a thousand feet quick descent, not good for my vertigo. 

Sheep down there

Bravely, peeking over, I can see sheep on a football pitch size very green plateau, how did they get there?

Brave lady

The good lady loved the island views but so disappointed no whales, dolphins or even porpoises could be seen on the vast open water below. Getting rather cold up here, very strong wind. 

Eagle came this way

However, coming up the cliff tops with the wind, from Neist direction, a golden eagle glided majestically along the tops before planting itself on an old fence post not very far from us. What a beauty it was, close ups through the binos but as I slowly moved the camera up it looked us right in the eye and dropped off the cliff, gone, photo shy.
On the way down two skylarks flew, hung and sang. I have seen a few this year but none singing in flight, spring is coming even if this cold wind doesn’t feel like it.

White croft in sight

On the descent we stayed well away from Ben Skriaig and followed the line of the burn with the fence on our right, far easier walking and also a faint track to follow although not needed. Enjoy the views.
The farm is in sight all the way. Near the bottom some stones have been placed, cross fence and burn here. Meander up and down some fields and the original track found almost at the farm. No coos this way, always a bonus.
A short walk with excellent views, what better.

Wildlife: Golden eagle, skylark.
Time: 2.32
Ascent: 253m
Distance: 5.86km

Ben Geary a simple hill with the unexpected bonus of a history lesson thrown in

Ben Geary Sub 2000 284m
After this morning's walk Mrs B was more interested in her art so I looked for a short hill for the afternoon and within 5 miles was the Sub2000 Ben Geary, perfect. A simple, short, uncomplicated walk which ended with the bonus of some history that I was not expecting.

The start

As I drove closer, I could see a standing stone/cairn some distance from the mast. I knew the mast was the top alongside the trig so I was intrigued.
From the start it is a simple NW via track towards Ben Halistra which then goes all the way to the summit.
I parked in front of the 20mph sign at the top of the hill from the school, a small substation and stile to get you started.

Track to mast

At times it was very wet in places but it is a short walk so no grumbles. As you climb the top of the mast shows itself from time to time. Over to my right the Calmac ferry from Uig heading to Lochmaddy creates a good v wave.
Finally once at the summit go round the back of the mast to the trig, 26 minutes from the start, short even at my pace.

Trig Western Isles on Horizon

 There are excellent views across the Minch to the Western Isles. 

Biod an Athair

The vista includes the crags from this mornings walk, Biod an Athair, stand out sharp angles.

MacLeods Tables

MacLeods Tables which may be on the agenda later in the week also feature.
From here I can see the mysterious structure, checking the map it is marked as a cairn. A bit more exercise required.

Fence to cairn

Simply follow the fence line until just before the structure, where the top barbed wire has been cut to allow you to cross without damage. The following 150 metres was probably the hardest of the walk, sinking knee deep into the heather and moss.

Cairn

As I got closer I could see that indeed it was a cairn not a standing stone and when I went around the other side there was a plaque. 

MacLeod plaque

It is a memorial to the MacLeod blacksmith who was killed by the MacDonald’s from Trotternish way during the battle of Waternish. The views over the sea aside this moor is a bleak place to die. A few moments reflection.

Loch Bay

The views open up Loch bay itself, Waternish & Stein.
Walked back to the mast, a round trip detour of .7 miles, then followed the same route back.
A simple small hill but I enjoyed this short outing. So all you MacLeods go and visit some of your history.
Ready for a beer in the Stein Inn.

Wildlife: sparse today meadow pipit, hoodie & buzzard.
Time: 1.16
Ascent: 217m
Distance: 4.5km

Green Hill circuit Wanlockhead

A cracking day forecast sun and blue skies . Where can I go locally with a chance of light snow on hills? I opted for a trip to Wanlockhead to do the sub 2000/Marilyn, Green Hill, but to include the short ridge walk in full. Some people ticking boxes will be up and down to Green Hill in an hour or less but what a mistake. On a day like today, it is about soaking it in, the 360 degree views from the ridge were top drawer.

Wanlockhead village

I love these rolling hills but I particularly enjoy the drive up to the village of Wanlockhead. The hills are in close proximity, they look way bigger than they should and at the right time of year you can watch prospectors panning for gold in the stream, but none today. The colours are superb and there is snow on them hills. Passed some partridge, like the sheep not bothered by the car.
It helps that this is the highest occupied village in Scotland so saves you a lot of effort.
Parked beside the visitor centre which does not open for another 2 weeks so no coffee and cake later. Another car pulls up, they are heading up Lowther where the snow is heavier and clouds covering the tops, not sure they are equipped for it.
I head back up the road and cut in at the white cottage then follow the snow covered ATV track up to Black Hill. 

Green Hill

The snow is surprisingly soft in places so early fun playing identify the animal tracks in the snow, 3 main options: sheep; deer or dogs. Already good views looking back of the village, Lowther & Leadhills.

Lowther Hills without cloud cover

From Black Hill there is a fence but slightly further on the ATV track is a more direct route to Green Hill, as per my GPS.
Green Hill is the tick box but it has neither a trig or cairn that I could see and does not appear on OS 1:50 maps but does on 1:25, strange. 31 minutes to here. 

Stood Hill stone beside my poles

Walked about the small plateau and GPS confirmed height. It is only 1 metre higher than the next point, Stood Hill, on which I took a bearing and headed across. At its highest point I came across this rock/stone? Is this the beginnings of a cairn?

Fence navigation reassurance if required

The next ridge section is straightforward but in poor weather there is the bonus of a fence to follow to Shieling rig, then a left turn and up and down to Glenaber Hill. Some interesting snow patches to sink into but all added to the fun.

Fence to Shieling Rig, Glenaber Hill on left

Although the Lowthers were getting cloud my ridge remained clear and the views were rewarding all the way along. Absolute silence apart from the odd raven calling.

Still some deep snow

From Glenaber I did not follow the fence but descended northwards to reach the Southern Upland Way track. On this side the snow was still backed up and the SUW was deep in parts although there were some footprints going the other way, presumably following the SUW to Sanquhar.

Southern Upland Way

There are plenty of grouse butts around but not one bird to be seen or heard, maybe they were all shot in the autumn.
I left the track and took a more direct line across the grass down to the bridge. Good views of Sowen Dod which I will include next time I am here.

Sowen Dod

On the track coming from the village I spot 3 figures, lo and behold the ones from the car park. They had found the Lowthers too unfriendly so walked down the track to undertake my route in reverse.
I gave them a description of my route and timings just in case. Just 1 hour 40 min to here, a short stroll.

Mining Heritage

Now simply follow the SUW back to the village. On the hills to my left a male hen harrier was strafing the heather, beautiful grey body and black wingtips. A very endangered bird, indeed my first sighting since the Uists a couple of years ago, so a bonus for the walk.
Take time to take in the industrial mining origins of the of the village, plenty of stuff around apart from people, all the villagers must be hiding indoors. Maybe they are all in the graveyard.
Overall a reasonably short ridge walk but one I would fully recommend, fantastic views and good fun.

Time: 2 hours 15min.
Ascent: 350m
Distance: 7.6k

Criffel

An unexpected start to the day de-icing the car. Is the icy beast from the east coming early?
A full B & B brekkie and then a short drive got me to the traditional car park for Criffel, the main sub2000 on this trip. A smile brought to my face by this roadside structure, is it a rural ad hoc bus shelter?

Criffel behind bus shelter?

Walking up the track my fingers were nipping with the cold but man bravado, no point in putting on gloves too soon take them off, ha ha, bloody cold fingers lasted for a while.

Good track

A well signposted and well constructed track takes you up the early stages. A lovely mountain feel with a running burn besides, very nice in this crisp blue sky morning.

Bridge to where?

This is a steep start to a walk, my infected chest caused my heart to beat like a drum, ominous early signs. Although a pair of stonechat further brightened my mood.

Gloop starts here

Soon the open moor is reached and the next section is just a huge bog. In some ways last nights frost has helped as in parts this gloop is still frozen. At other times of the year this gloop will be a mare.

Voices up there

As I climb I hear voices but they are not ahead, they are up on Knockendoch summit, we eventually meet up at Criffel cairn.
The going is straightforward despite the on off boggy terrain. A line can be followed so no navigation issues.
The latter section is better walking but now spongy sphagnum moss seduces your feet into ankle deep water. 
The guys on the ridge move deer into my path, three small roe hinds. Surprised to see me they stop before bounding away over the ridge. Plenty of red grouse up here as well today.

Summit

Summit reached, trig point and a big cairn. A chat with the guys and time to take in the views over the Solway, superb. A helicopter flying below looked like a small insect. The tide was out but the patterns out on the estuary made for great shapes.

Solway tide out

I had spotted a walker on the same trail behind me who when reached the top went to the cairn not the trig, said nothing to us and immediately headed back down. Strange.

Knockendoch from Criffel

I was tempted to follow the guys back across the ridge to Knockendoch but as I had another hill planned for today decided to stick with the original plan.

Descent looking to Loch Kindar

On the descent 3 buzzards were in clear view, using the thermals, calling to each other, parents still teaching last years to hunt before being chased away?
A quicker than expected up and down but a serious walk with great views, glad I was here today.

Time: 2hrs 22min
Ascent: 538m
Distance: 5.7km