A return to the South West.....Cairnharrow

Hill: Cairnharrow

Type: Sub2k/Marilyn

Height: 457m

Cairnharrow hill

Another poor weather week so had to take advantage of the one good day. Another week and another trip to South West Scotland and the Galloway hills.

It was a beautiful morning for a drive, the countryside burnt orange was impressive. On a day like this I could keep simply keep driving and taking in our beautiful landscape but there is a small hill to be tackled.

After leaving the A75 it is a twisting minor road with minimal passing places. Fingers crossed that nothing was coming my way. It would be a long reverse for someone, probably me. But I reached the pens without incident and went on to the long farm track. At least this is straight but again no room to pass each other but again nothing encountered. 

The car had been washed yesterday and will be washed again after this. Mud and coo stuff spattered all over. A small muddy turning area where maybe a couple of cars could squeeze in.

Still the morning sun was glorious and off I went for this short ramble.

Glad the bracken has died away

At least I timed the season correctly as the bracken had died down. There is a stone dyke to follow but initially the route is through the middle of the fields unless you like climbing over big stone walls.

At the top of field one there is a gate in the middle of the field but it was tied and bolted so I did climb after all. Just sheep in the field today.

Through field two with no livestock and again a gate that was open, good.

Now heading for the stone dyke where a worn track accompanies it. After all the rain the ground was a lot drier than I expected so far so good.

Big tor in the wall!

There are times when you have to go cross country through the tussocks and heather but keep heading back to the wall to find the track.

A left turn alongside the wall and the target is in sight. You are hemmed in a bit between the grassy humps and the wall so not a lot of viewing interest.

Earlier on I had noticed that the dyke was an unusual build with the stones mainly vertical. Up top it was a mixture with the bottom half horizontal stones and the top half vertical. Need to look at dykes more carefully!

Towards the top the wall gets flanked by an old barbed wire fence sometimes on both sides. As I neared the top I spotted a broken section of wall so hopped over the barbed wire easily thinking the top was this side. A couple of minutes later I spotted the trig but of course it was on the other side of the wall and fence. 

Fortunately, another broken section and there I was although the real top is not the trig but a small cairn through yet another hole in the dyke.

Pibble Hill directly behind with Cairnsmore of Fleet the big lump

View across to Wigton

Arty shot lol

Very good views although the low bright sun meant the views down to the Lake District were poor. But good across the Solway towards Wigton. The best views were inland looking over Pibble Hill and behind it Cairnsmore of Fleet with the Glentrool hills further behind. A nice spot.

Still plenty of greenery around here

I returned by the same way flushing a snipe. There was lots of heather but never heard or spotted any grouse. Plenty of meadow pipits flying in pairs.

Another reason for doing this hill was that I wanted to visit the nearby historic Neolithic burial chambers at Cairn Holy which are said to be older than the Pyramids, wow. There are all sorts of theories about the site just like many others eg. are the stones lined up with the stars for pagan rituals or just burial chambers. But there is no doubt important people were here, possibly the mythical Scottish king Galdus/Corbred II. The acidic soil has removed all trace of the bodies but their belongings survived. I was taken with an axe head made of Jadeite whose stone had come fronm the Alps. An indicator of somebody important and of the trading between the communities here and abroad.

So, a ramble that was ‘just what the doctor ordered’. Spectacular weather, an easy ramble along with another Sub2k bagged. An enjoyable traffic free drive in great scenery and some history thrown in. I will take that to pass a day.

Ascent: 287m

Distance: 4.01km

Time: 1.41

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Robin; Chaffinch 30+, Snipe, Carrion Crow

Not sure where it gets its name from but no white up here.....White Top of Culreoch

Hill: White Top of Culreoch

Type: Sub2k/Marylin

Height: 344m

For a number of reasons, I have been unable to walk much recently and I was well fed up. Typically, now that I had some freedom the weather has been pants. The only decent forecast was for today, reasonable for some, but my objective lay on the border line between a dry or a heavy shower day, what chances of it being dry?

I decided to have a scenic winter drive and tick off a small Sub2k at the same time. I only have 4 remaining to do in this SW section of Scotland, so my choice was limited. White Top was the nearest and has the distinction of being the 1065th highest hill in Scotland, thus well off the Munro baggers radar and most other peoples for that matter. Still, it is not all about height as D&G hills are notoriously pathless, tussocky and tough going. Throw in the effects of deforestation and it can be a tough ramble.

I did my research, and the most used and quickest ascent is a direct assault from the parking place. However, I wanted a slightly longer walk so roughly followed another route from Walkhighlands. 

Heading to mid left of the tops

I walked along the 'main' road for about 10 minutes before reaching the unmade road leading to Grobdale of Girthon. I have searched, but not yet found a site, where the meaning of these unusual local names can be explained. Always disconcerting to start a walk by heading away from the summit you want to be on. 

Walked down the track to the old stone dyke and cattle grid before veering left and following an ATV track. 

There were a few of these options

Now all the way to the base of White Top there is everything I expected from this terrain. ATV tracks will get you almost there, eventually, but expect them to disappear many times and if lucky you find the original or another. The lower section of the track is extremely boggy, really just a deep mud track at times, no surprise given the amount of rain we have had. Additionally, I am following the trail of a herd of cows, a very big herd from the amount of dung dropped and the huge depressions in the track that they created. My dodgy eyesight is not as reliable, so every other sense is on high alert, where are they?

Time for the tussocks

After a bit of ascending I hit the tussocks. God only knows where the ATV track has gone. These are proper D&G tussocks. Deep with hidden depths to rock the ankles. 

I find another ATV track but so have the coos from the fresh droppings. At least I have turned and now heading towards the hill. Varying terrain but I reach a high spot with good views of the very rugged and isolated land surrounding me. The rain clouds are not far away, flanking to the west, but I am still dry so far. 

A descent to another dyke, flanked by a barbed wire fence, thanks. After some thought I found a bit of wire I could push down, safely over. 

The war zone

Followed by a short steep wet grass ascent and I reach the deforested zone. I have crossed worse sections and thankfully this was fairly short. But these are high risk injury areas, so progress was slow and sure.

There was no obvious indication of a top although it was clear I was on the summit. Browsing around I spotted the few small stones beside the upturned trees, the summit marker. Sadly understated but understandable for only the 1065th highest hill!! I was thinking that a few years ago it would have been in the middle of trees and harder to find as the surrounding slopes falling away would not have been as obvious.

There was a reasonable view of the wild terrain surrounding me but over towards the Solway Firth the light suggested the brightness was still with them, not me.

Heading for the small row of trees on right. ATV track takes you away.

Remote and rugged landscape

I returned the same way with a few detours from the ascent trail as I spotted so called better options. Some were and some were not. 

The trees get closer and the stag is roaring off to my right

On the descent, I could hear at least one stag roaring, must be right at the end of the rut. Judging by the sound of the roaring it was coming from the small ridge of Craig of Grobdale, over to my right. I had considered descending that way but decided against as I did not fancy solo walking across that rough ground. Although on reflection I might even have seen the stag!

Back to the car where I reflected on a short but good ramble. Plenty of ups and downs added to the ascent. The terrain was rough but been in worse. Never encountered the coos. After changing I started to drive home just as the heavy shower arrived, my luck was in.

 Ascent: 299m

Distance: 7.2km

Time: 2.16

Wildlife: Red Kite; Raven; Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit; Red Deer Stag (heard)

Short and sweet.....Creag Ruadh Dalwhinnie

 Hill: Creag Ruadh (Red Cliff)

Type: Fiona/Graham

Height: 658m

There are times when the worlds collide, and events transpire to say this is really not your day.

I was heading north for a short trip when within the space of five minutes I received two calls about different relatives and hospitalisation. No choice turnaround required.

A few days later I tried to retrieve something from what was left of my trip. Typically, the main event I was heading to and now missed was ascended on a beautiful day. Now storms forecast, the joys. I was for just of a mindset to forget the trip, but the good lady persuaded me to use the last couple of days of the booking I had made.

So, an early morning start as the storms were due that afternoon. After a few hours' drive a break was required, I was looking for a short leg stretcher. Creag Ruadh was on my to-do list so on paper this fitted the bill perfectly. Another benefit was a high-level start meaning less ascent, quicker and therefore less effort. What's not to like for a mid-drive leg stretcher like this.

My original plan was to have some food at Dalwhinnie before the ascent. But as I drove north the clouds had lowered and were much darker so just on with the ramble.

This was now my 2^nd ascent of Graham with the same name and there is still a 3rd out there.

There are varying options to ascend but I chose one of the most direct routes primarily as I was mid journey. Looking at the map there are some grouse shooting ATV trails that could be used but most walking would be across rough pathless heather. At this time of the year, it should be fine.

Creag Ruadh is basically a big featureless heather clad lump, not sure why it is not a top of the nearby Munro of Meall Chuaich but I don't make these lists.

Easy to miss ATV track

I found a report online and parked at a field entrance beside the A9. The start was an ATV track directly across the road, watch out for the fast traffic.

There was an immediate steep ascent of about 150m. More than enough to get my lungs blowing.

When it flattens out the ATV track contours back towards Dalwhinnie. For a longer ramble it can be followed and then a gentler gradient of ascent.

Bit boggy at times but straight up from here

Hidden butts

Drying out a bit as muirburn patches help

But with the weather front approaching I left the track and headed directly across the moor aiming for the high point. It was rough going but aided by muirburn patches and animal tracks good progress was made. Before long I was there.

A huge cairn for by Graham standards even with a built-in shelter. I suspect this is for the benefit of the grouse beaters and not us walkers. 

Good views across to the nearby Munro of Meall Chuaich. 

More impressive views looking south towards Loch Ericht and The Fara whose ridge is under the cloud. 

Looking north the Cairngorms pleasant viewing but nothing standing out, cloud too low.

Rough descent but saw all 3 hares going down

A more direct line of descent spring plenty of red grouse. Also spotted 3 different mountain hares, very nice to see. Interestingly they were all close to muirburn patches, the fresh growth tasty, I wonder.

I nearly stepped on a snare trap, used my pole to spring it and tossed it into some deep heather, my feel-good moment of the day.

Car still parked across the road

A9 south

A short but satisfying ramble, met the objectives. Headed to the Truck Stop at Newtonmore as still early enough for a brekkie roll and coffee. I have earned it. As I sat in my booth and looking out the window, the rain and wind arrived, good timing for a change.

Ascent: 346m

Distance: 4,01

Time: 1.28

Wildlife: Red Grouse; Mountain hare

WHW Inveroran - Glencoe Ski Centre

Walk: West Highland Way

Section: Inveroran - Kingshouse

After yesterdays wash out at least it was dry this morning, even though the temperature was still low and the clouds well down. So what to do with the good lady? She felt up to a small section of the West highland Way, fine with me. 

Inveroran Hotel

Off we drove to our start at Inveroran Hotel, a historic inn dating back to early 1700's. No chance of coffee and scone as yet another place that has a sign up 'only catering to residents'. I wonder what our visitors think of this as it is now so common? The next opportunity to buy food is just under 10 miles away. It really is not good enough for an area dependant on tourism and on a National walking route.

This is a straight forward section of the WHW, even the good lady could not get lost or so I thought. 'Where do we go now' was heard early on. The Black Mount Munros were covered in cloud but breaks give a glimpse into the magnificent corrie.

The road structure can be clearly seen

After the tarmac road to Forrest Lodge the route became more interesting as we were walking on a historic drovers route which was made into a harder foundation as a Parliamentary Road by Thomas Telford. We passed a small derelict quarry where I presumed the stones came from. I could imagine the navvies breaking up the rocks with their hammers, very hard graft. There are the deep depressions on either side of the road, pushed down from the weight of the many carriages of various types over the years. Trees on the other side prevented us getting any sighting of the Black Mount lodge, a private dwelling I think. At least the trees kept the wind at bay.

Good lady heads back to the car

Whilst I keep going

Then it was out into the open moor. This is one of the most exposed sections of the WHW. Today it was fine but yesterday it would have been awful. After an hour of walking the good lady turned back and I hopefully I will meet up with her at the end.

As I walked I was looking at a couple of hills when it clicked that they are a pair of Sub2k's I did last year. Different perspective is why I did not recognise them at first.

Munro Meall a' Bhuiridh comes into view

Rannoch Moor starts here

Not a lot to say about this section, grass and moor with some Glencoe corries and tops to provide interest. It is however, the start of the famous Rannoch moor. I passed a few walkers almost all foreign from the voices, most smiling. 

In the distance I saw this long moving line, my eyesight is not great but even I could tell it was a large human convoy coming my way. When I met up they were sitting on either side of the Ba bridge, most head down, no youngsters and from the few voices I heard a group of Germans. They didn't look the fittest bunch and probably will be even less happy when they reached the hotel 'residents only' at Inveroran if they were hoping for refreshments!! 

Munro of Creise just poking out behind Bhuiridh

Clouds now into Coire an Easain 

I had now completed the highest section, my last small piece of Turkish Delight the reward, before turning and contouring towards Glencoe. The wind was now stronger and colder and the clouds seemed even lower. My hopes of a clear view of the Buachaille dashed. It was there but with an atmospheric cloud covering sadly. At least I have seen these views before. It would have been nicer for the 1st timers behind me to see it in all its glory.

Stob Dearg but hidden in its shroud today

Then the good lady was spotted, not quite dashing to meet up me, more huddled in layers desperate to get to the ski centre café for warmth and cake. Thankfully it was open!

I walked the route faster than most would so that I caught up with the good lady before she panicked. It meant that I did get a slight sweat on despite the coolness. Overall it was a good short ramble to finish what has been a less than inspiring start to the summer.

Ascent: 332m

Distance: 13.8km

Time: 2.59

Wildlife: Raven; Chaffinch; Blue Tit; Meadow Pipit; Pearl Bordered Fritillary; Large White;

Meikle Says Law

Hill: Meikle Says Law

Type: Sub 2k

Height: 535m

A dull day was forecast so I opted for a straightforward ramble. Meikle Says Law is the highest of the Lammermuir hills and also the highest in East Lothian. Andrew Dempster in his book 'The Hughes' describes the Lammermuir hills as the southern equivalent of the Monadhliath range in the Highlands. Rolling plateau with few distinct summits. I can relate to that

As I drove through the scenic village of Gifford there was brief hope for the ramble with some blue sky showing and the moor looking as scenic as it did the last time I visited for Spartleton.

Before long my first obstacle of the day was encountered as the back road over Redstone Rig was closed to all vehicles. A look at the map and measured just over an extra kilometre each way from the junctio0n to the walk start. That was fine as only a short ramble today.

As I walked the tarmac the Fallago Rig wind farm was on my right rising above the moor. Sadly those turbines are where I was heading but I shouldn't be going through the turbines. This area is another grouse moor but I was surprised to see gun butts just a few yards from the road.

Ahead I could see flashing lights but I reached the turn off before hitting the works, whatever it was.

The signpost shows that this is also an ancient walkway, part of the Herring Road, now recognised as a Heritage Pass. I described this in my Spartleton walk description. They were hardy souls these herring women, not an easy life at all.

Not the track on left

I knew from the Walkhighlands walk description that there is an immediate steep descent, probably 50 metres at least and it was steep. The renovated Faseny Cottage on my left, chairs outside, probably a fancy bothy for the grouse shooters lunch.

I could see a track on my left accessed by an expensive looking footbridge. Not a vehicle bridge as too narrow and the ATV’s would use the ford, thought the shooters would as well.

Thats the track I want

But this was not my crossing, I had to get across the ford about 100 metres along, which after last night's rain was running highish. Some slimy stepping stones to negotiate, not fully successfully as my boots did get wet. 

I haven't seen one of these traps for a while. The last time in Perthshire a dead stoat was in one but thankfully empty today.

At this stage the track was well constructed. After a short ascent I reached a junction and another dilemma as I doubted the accuracy of the Walkhighlands description. It wanted me to follow the track left and descend to the burn again and then follow a track across 4 fords.  But my OS map showed it stopping well short of MSL. My map, however, does show a narrow track going to the top so I turned right at the junction.

The track was now heading across the moor, sometimes faint and sometimes disappearing completely. Along the track there are support boxes for the grouse so it is still used by shooters. There were plenty of grouse around but the season still has a few months to go for the slaughter to continue. I was now still heading upwards but veering away from the summit but have faith Des.

Eventually I ran out of track at a peat bog. Off track now and headed across the moor in a direct line for the top. The terrain was awkward patchwork heather and bog but not an issue. But had I made the right choice?

As I neared the top I stumbled across a narrow but well trodden path, was this the one on my map? The trig was soon in sight along with the turbines but this was the edge of them, I was not going into the badlands.

Diverting my eyes from looking at the turbines the view was not too bad if a bit horizontal. I could see the bright blue Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, in sunshine or was that Leith.

To my left the Pentlands ridge was just in sight and to my right was Spartleton Hill. It was a bit chilly so didn't hang around for too long. There was the option of descending via the path heading northwards before dropping down to the Faseny Water and following it back. WH does not recommend it but it was a proper path up here and I can't imagine it being much different from my ascent.

I was only out for a short ramble so I decided to stick with what I knew and returned via my new found track. Although it too disappeared from time to time it was more there than not. Indeed, I passed a few spots where I realised that I had been ascending the rougher ground within metres of the track but did not spot it.

An enjoyable descent allowed me to study the terrain of the moor. Along with the longer views that were still in the sunshine I had good views of Spartleton and its surrounding wind farms.

Steep climb to finish

Feet wet at the burn again and now that steep ascent back to the road and it felt as steep as it looked.

Back on the road and it must be knocking off time as a few workies vans sped past.

Not the most glamorous of rambles but good enough. I enjoyed it and ticked off another high point as well as completing all the Lammermuir Sub2k’s.

Ascent: 315m

Distance: 10.66km

Time: 2.38

Wildlife: Red grouse; Blackbird; Flock of Fieldfare;