Life or death on Bogrie Hill

Hill: Bogrie Hill

Category: Sub2k

Height: 432m

Another Covid, outing picked for ease and hopefully isolation, a dead easy little hill with the bonus of excellent views.

I am getting well used to these minor roads in the middle of nowhere but a delightful drive so long as you do not meet something coming the other way, few passing places.

I parked up just after a cattle grid beside an obvious ATV track going up the hill before the normal start at Shillingland.

Camera has flattened the view from the start

To one side the ferns were thick and tall, not for me, so I wandered up through some open sheep fields. Thankfully the stone dykes were in disrepair so no climbing involved.

I noticed there were plenty of coo pats, most old but some looked fresh so the ascent involved keeping a lookout in case there were coos and calves around. Closely looking into the deep ferns, from previous experience a good hiding ambush spot for cattle.

Loch Urr and building clouds

I was still breathing deeply, not yet got my full walking fitness yet. Plenty of bike and jogging fitness but the hills are different.

Still I followed the ATV track to where it levels out at the top of the hill, near the trig, when I had the life or death incident. I could see the leg of a sheep swaying gently in the heather just off track, a dead one should be stiff so intrigued I went over. It was alive and on its back with its head in a separate hole. The kicking legs trying to do me in as I helped it suggested it still had strength. 

Rescue Sheep

After a couple of attempts I managed to get it out of the hollow. It wouldn’t stand up and had a nasty weal on its back with its struggles.

Trig on the horizon

The trig was not far away so I headed to it and had a look around. Surprisingly good views but it is a stand alone hill. 

Cairnsmore of Fleet in distance

It was hazy but could still see Cairnsmore of Fleet and the Solway. Looking over Loch Urr and the Wether Hill wind farm in the distance stands Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. I suspect Cairnsmore of Dee is also in view but cannot confirm for sure.

Looking back it had not moved and seemed to be more on its side but nothing else I can do.

Spotted the car homeward bound

Headed back down the same way and surprised to see a couple walking up. A brief social distance chat and back down to the car.

A short but enjoyable walk, another tick and great views on a nice day.

Wildlife: Buzzard; Wheatear; Skylark; Vole.

Time: 1.01

Ascent: 221m

Distance: 3.5k

Surprisingly excellent views from turbine central....Fell Hill

Hill: Fell Hill

Category: Sub2k

Height: 417m

With the Covid restrictions easing but still in place I was looking for risk free hills so I decided to go for an easy non risk option up today’s newbie, Fell Hill. The standard route is a fairly straightforward moorland yomp but the few reports I read included cattle en route and at this time of the year a herd of coos are best avoided if possible.

From the start, yip heading up to those turbines

I knew that the summit was now at the top of a wind farm, sadly seen a few like that recently, so there was the option of trudging up the wind farm hard packed road.

However, when looking at the OS map and Google Earth there seemed a better route by taking the forest track to Loch Howie then onward passing Loch Skae. From here Google Earth showed the landscape deforested so I could head directly to the trig or take a slightly shorter route onto the road. An almost risk free route and apart from the odd dog walker should be people free.

As it turned it out the planning was perfect.

Track leading to loch Howie

There are two signposted tracks going to Loch Howie and I stopped at the 2^nd and parked opposite my walk start at another signposted walk, room for 2 cars. The other side was no parking ongoing forestry work.

A locked barrier to duck under then a pleasant forest walk with birds singing all around which soon brought me to Loch Howie. 

Loch Howie

Nice water but these angling boats have not been used for some time, take a lot of bailing out.

Need a bucket to get rid of that water

A slightly longer track section before reaching the deforested opening. Luckily the working track had been extended further lessening the debris crossing. The deforested area crossing was actually straight forward with lots of small hard packed tracks to aid walking.

Bonus track went further than I thought

Broke through this area and headed up the moor to the first turbine. An unexpected obstacle, a barbed wire fence. Shaky and loose not worth the risk climbing here so I wandered up the wire and found a spot where I could lower the barbs and leg over without damage.

Twin peaks

I was soon on a turbine track but got to do some hillwalking so hopped onto the moor again heading to a small cairn then onward to the top where there is a trig and a surprisingly large cairn.

Looking south to the normal walk in route

The views were surprisingly good. The hill stands alone and although not big its position gives excellent views south to the Solway (probably Lake District hills behind) and over to the Galloway ones from the other day. Looking east the radar ball on Lowther Hill was shining in the sunlight. Carsphairn, Glen Afton hills etc. 

My walk in and the two lochs

So all round delighted with this little outing. Plenty of dried coo pats around the turbines so the beasties get to roam here but not today.

On the way back I had a look at Loch Skae, this is the proper fishing water, more and better boats. A private club but all locked up. I wonder if it is because no-one could travel less than 5 miles to get here, surely not?

Better boats, pontoon etc this is the proper fishing water

On the descent the weather which had been threatening brightened up so a pleasant stroll back to the car. Spotted movement quartering the deforested area, delighted a Red Kite.

Red Kite

Objective achieved, a no risk outing to a new hill and didn’t see another person. Probably start on some bigger ones now.

Wildlife: Red Kite; Buzzard; Great tit; Long tailed tit; Blue tit; Wren; Chaffinch; Mistle Thrush; Skylark; Meadow pipit; Red Admiral; Orange Tip; Large White; Small Heath, few fat voles; Stoat, with something in its mouth but couldn’t get a good view.

Time: 2.22

Ascent: 238m

Distance: 9.5k

A Galloway masochists idea of heaven. Fell of Fleet

Hill: Fell of Fleet

Category: Sub2k

Height: 470m

This was to be my 113th sub2k so as anyone knows, anything with the number 13 needs to be carefully thought about, not that I am superstitious.

Still in easing Covid restrictions so once again I picked a hill that I was unlikely to see anyone on, this was a no brainier as if you had any brain you would not be going near this one. Still apart from being stupid my excuse was picking a hill I had not climbed before within reasonable travelling.

Fell of Fleet fitted the bill but I knew from the very few route reports this was to be a challenging short day out.

Clatteringshaws Dam at the start

So, for anybody reading this and considering it don’t unless you want to tick a box. If still determined/stupid take the shorter route up and come back down the same way. If still daft enough to make a circular route I will provide a few tips later.

That's it ahead looks a fair way away

There are ongoing forestry operations so there is a hard packed track from the start near the dam. You could drive a lot further but If the gate was closed on your return?

Roughly 30 mins walk brings you to a junction where you continue straight on for another half an hour. 

Do not stand on the logs, Loch Grannoch behind

My circular descent brought me back to here. At least the views have opened up with Loch Grannoch looking good for fishing but I doubt it gets fished much at all.

I had a route prepared but this went to pot as soon as I left this road. I expected to find a track but it was deforested and immediately became a case of small steps, trying hard to avoid the many pitfalls. Not a day to call the rescue people, even worse on the descent.

Ascent route

Painfully slow going, not physically tiring just full on concentration for about 40 minutes until I reached a plateau. Cut down tree debris, big hidden holes, rotting timber, sphagnum moss deep and soft, you get the picture not easy walking. 

Plateau

Thought the top would be easier, it was marginally, but this was good old Galloway tussock terrain. Still high potential for a twisted ankle or worse.

I had short cut my planned route and headed directly to the cairn. My one good decision of the day about 2 hours to the top.

Summit to right of trees

A red grouse burst out of the undergrowth playing injured so I knew what was coming. About 6 fledglings left the cover one after the other half flying/walking after their mother. I quickly left them in peace but a magical moment.

In fairness the views were good in all directions the sun glinting off the water of the Solway Firth.

Cairn with Cairnsmore of Fleet behind

My first ADRC walk was Cairnsmore of Fleet, which I was looking at as I ate lunch. At the time I thought it was a challenging terrain walk but compared to this one it’s terrain was a bowling green.

Well that uphill was breeze compared to the descent.

I decide to do a circular route heading roughly over towards Shaw Hill a big mistake. The descent was skirting the tree line but the hidden holes were deeper and more frequent really hard walking.

Descent I have to get to the loch

I reached the steep section and could see that I had no option other than to head for newly planted trees and go through them. I could also see a short firebreak after about a third so aimed that direction.

Wow, when I hit the trees they were so closely planted I was forced to barge through them. Additionally they were planted on a deforested section so it was a walking nightmare. Fully enclosed I pushed, fell, cursed, sweated until I reached the opening. So much for a hazard free outing.

I followed the break which was still tough walking and to really hit you in the gut the trees closed in again forcing one last fight to get to the trail. I don’t think I have had a worse descent in my life.

Looking back from the track

Looking back at the hill if I had kept going for about 200 metres there was a deforested area which would have been easier, hindsight!

The walk back along the hard trail was much longer than I expected about 90 minutes but significant as morale was low.

Possible Sandy carpet moth

My attention was caught by a large rising bird followed by a second. Circling rising higher into the sky. Large feathered upright wings obvious, could they be part of the South of Scotland eagle release scheme? Never mind what a sight.

The binoculars to my eyes then off to my right a sound I thought I would not hear this year. A cuckoo began calling, was I hallucinating, no off it went again, this finish was the highlight of my day.

As I neared the car I felt a pain on my left leg and looking down two huge lacerations weeping blood, damage from fighting my way through that enclosed tree plantation, the Adrenalin must have kept me from feeling it earlier.

Common Heath moth

So if you have to go, when descending stick to the treeline there is a firebreak seen from below. Or keep walking east as described above.

Or from the top head over Gormal Hill to a big cairn/trig. from there a short descent over deforested ground would save at least 30 minutes.

if you don’t want to tick this box there are plenty of good views elsewhere.

I ticked the box but won’t be doing it again lol.

Wildlife: Chaffinch; Meadow Pipit; Red Kite; Robin; Wren; Red Grouse + chicks; Cuckoo.

Time: 3.53

Ascent: 473m

Distance: 15.9k

It's great to be back a ramble up Hods Hill

Hill: Hods Hill

Category: Sub2k

Height: 485m

It’s been just a few but long months off the hills during lockdown and it sure is great to be back. The hills are once again alive to the sound of Des huffing, puffing and snorting his way up the slopes. Still it was worth it.

Even with the restrictions being eased I was going to walk solo and did some research to really focus in on this one.

1. It had to be a new hill so go for a sub2k.
2. It had to be remote so I could avoid people.
3. It had to be relatively straight forward to avoid any accidents.

Daer Reservoir supplies water to central Scotland

Thus on a beautiful morning I drove down to Daer reservoir and enjoyed the journey via Wanlockhead where the hills were spectacular, what a sight. Also for this early time quite a few people parked up beside the burn, picnic tables and chairs out, maybe they were all looking for gold.

Nice open area to start the walk

I parked on a grassy verge at a crossroads also for the Southern Upland Way. Was wondering if any locals would say anything but as I got changed two farmers came past on quad bikes both waving and smiling a good start.

The grassy trail looks more obvious looking back

I had copied a GPS route but god knows where they thought they were going as I went over a new footpath under construction, a deforested area (so much for avoiding accidents). Round a tree line, over fences before reaching a grassy route, all this in the first ten minutes.

From here cannot go wrong just wander up the grassy slopes, small hard tussocks which rolled the ankles to reach a fence line. At a stone dyke junction with the fence it meets the SUW path, guess which way I will be descending.

Cotton grass meadows the top is near the treeline top right

The cotton grass meadows and slopes were full of meadow pipits and skylarks with the odd curlew and lapwing also nesting. At one point a pair of skylarks hopped the fence calling and I suspected a youngster about. As I neared some reeds it rushed out from them across my path straight into the reeds on the other side, at some pace I might add.

If you are on the right side of the fence helpful styles

Now just follow the fence line and the SUW markers, a few false summits before the top of Hods Hill is reached. Excellent views if you ignore the turbines.

True top over fence about 100m

I had read that the actual summit was a diversion of about 100 metres further back to an unnamed top, it did not look it but according to my GPS it was 8 metres higher so glad I went over to it.

Hods Hill from the true top

When I was on that top a hill runner went by on the original track, the only other person on the hill today.

Daer reservoir and Durisdeer hills behind

As I descended the views over the reservoir were spectacular, the blue water a real stand out. The Durisdeer hills are behind and interesting to be seen from this angle. 

Lowther Hills

Also the Lowther range were just beautiful. I suspect Cairnsmore of Carsphairn was the big lump over to my left but far away. Small heath butterflies everywhere.

Wheatear more concerned with the raven above than me, there was a nest nearby.

Nearly back at the car when I spotted a familiar shape on a wire, was that a cuckoo? But even from this distance I could see it had food in its mouth, they don't feed young? However I have seen cuckoos trying to attract a mate with food and as it flew into the trees another bird appeared which it tried to give food to before they both disappeared under cover. Not 100% sure if it was a cuckoo and delighted if it was as I did not think I would see one this year. I will keep looking for a clearer sighting.

Overall I fully enjoyed this short walk and time to start building it up for the bigger ones.

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Curlew; Raven; Peewit; Small Heath; Small White; Wheatear; Cuckoo?

Time: 2.21

Ascent: 326m

Distance: 8.1km

A Kilwinning ramble via Eglinton Park

When I read about the award winning war memorial at Kilwinning I was surprised to find that there was another memorial in the grounds of Kilwinning Abbey so my long trek for this week was decided. Another 4-5 hours with a rucksack on, albeit a light one, good practice for the forthcoming hills.

Impressive ruins

My starting point was the ruined Abbey, circa 1100, which is in a similar state to a lot of the folk hanging around its pedestrianised main street. A new bit of trivia for me, I did not realise that there was a St Winning whom the town was named after.
I wandered the grounds and found no sign of the war memorial but there were some impressive old ruins and gravestones. Time to Google and got up a picture of it, lined it up with the background and walked around again. I was standing beside before I realised it. Sadly for the original war memorial it is in a poor state and needs refurbished. I wonder why two memorials, maybe a local political dust up, whatever it needs help.

Glasgow 32 miles not today

I wandered down the cycle path, I like the creative signs that have been put up around here.

As I headed homewards I had no fixed route in mind so seeing a sign I decided to do a circuit of Eglinton Park. We used to come here regularly as a family to walk and cycle but I realised it must be at least 5 years since I have been here.

War Memorial seat

The sun was out, top layer off and followed one of the grass tracks and found another war memorial, albeit just a bench around this tree but a nice surprise.
The park was exceptionally quiet for such a nice day.

Green veined white

The loch area used to be a popular fishing spot but no room to cast unless spinning, nobody fishing today as not allowed. But glad I did go down as spotted movement and snapped my 1st Red Admiral of the year for my Butterflies blog record. Also plenty of green veined and orange tips still flying.

Meadow

Nothing much has changed in the park. I had a pleasant spring country park walk enjoying the wide open spaces and the excellent views over North Ayrshire. 

No movement in the burn

Birds constantly singing and a Fly Catcher came out of some trees and disappeared back in before camera could snap. I waited in vain but no further sighting.

White Tournament Bridge

The iron Tournament bridge looks as if it has had a new coat of paint since my last visit. The cost of having a tournament was the downfall for the finances of the owners. Of course, being Scotland, the heavens opened on the day.
The local coos had calved, the mothers giving me the evil eye daring me to cross their field, nope not today. 

Eglinton Tower

This solitary Castle tower is the only substantial piece of the existing castle still standing, now only for the wild birds that want to frequent it. Old rumours were that a secret escape tunnel ran between Kilwinning Abbey and the castle though this has never been confirmed.

At the cafe this was not the only thing disappointed that the facilities were fully closed for Covid. Saw a few grey squirrels, rare to walk here and not see one.

Things were getting raucous above me and when I looked up the buzzard was being mobbed by a pair of crows, possibly a youngster nearby. 
Headed back via the beach and Western Gailes where I got another addition for my blog, a new moth to me.
A good walk and one I will repeat but hopefully just as a winter wander, bigger things to walk up coming my way.

A Covid sea front walk Ayr - Barassie

I needed a change from starting walks from my doorstep so the good lady gave me a lift into Ayr and I started this walk from Wellington Square. Essentially following the Ayrshire Coastal Path route.
The forecast was for warmth but at this early stage a cool breeze meant top kept on.

I have walked around here many times but was surprised and delighted when I glanced behind the courthouse to see another war memorial which I didn't know existed. Dedicated to the Royal Scots Fusiliers, happy to add this to my blog.

I headed along the shore front, initially following the Lang Scots mile signs, which proves we were hardier than our southern counterparts.

Down at the docks this ruined boat is going nowhere soon but it does make a decent snap.

Heading into town this Black Guillemot was not the least bothered when I looked over a fence to get a closer look.

Most of the mute swans were in this sleeping pose but I am sure the eye was open watching me.

I had a nice surprise meeting Lorna on the bridge, so after a social distancing chat I headed down to the Newton area. Sadly this is the most depressing run down section of the walk but soon I have passed it by including the new travelling site. Four portable toilets situated for 6 caravans. Don't they have loos in their vans? Special treatment all right.

The place was very quiet but it twigged as In crossed the golf course that people were in their homes listening to Wee Nic and our future. Well this course will not be empty soon. Needed some food so headed into town to the excellent Electric bakery for a non healthy sausage roll and apple tart. Well, i am walking off the calories and I have a pear in my rucksack!

A nice walk across Prestwick golf course hoping to get a new butterfly but nothing spotted. Passing the caravan park a stoat ran out of the foliage onto open ground but by the time I got camera out it was back in the long stuff. It has been a long time since I spotted a stoat and certainly not here. Still Troon golf course reached, time for an apple tart picnic enjoying the view over to Arran.

Tranquility disturbed as this military transporter roared overhead heading over Arran, USA bound?

Although the skies were blue it was not the scorching heatwave predicted. The police at Troon do not have any problems clearing the beach today.

Almost home and the last stage of the walk. To be fair I was getting a bit tired, not enough water I suspect. The tide was out at North shore beach, a nice NW view to lead me home.
This felt like a new normal day in these sad times. Glad I did it and now I think time for a beer in the garden, cheers to more walks like this.