tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23110909011954830412024-02-21T13:28:22.157+00:00ScoopsPictures and reports
from my walks with the
Wigtownshire Ramblers.
Reports by their respective authors.
My additional comments will usually be in italicsThe Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-13227526021312371732013-04-28T22:00:00.000+01:002013-04-28T22:00:48.573+01:00Last post for a while - A lochan on Mulldonach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the Glebe on behalf of Scoop letting readers know that she's decided to rest her blog for a while.</div>
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Thanks to all readers who've ever landed on her pages. </div>
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She may well be back, never say never.</div>
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Hwyl fawr am nawr!</div>
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Wela i chi!</div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-19925675751039953922013-04-14T19:45:00.000+01:002013-04-15T08:00:05.215+01:0013 April 2013 Balloch Wood and Larg Hill <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">13 April 2013 Balloch Wood and Larg Hill </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Report by Andrea Kay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I was collected at the crossroads by Thomas in his new red car and drove in superb comfort to Glenluce where we picked up Claire. We met the other walkers at the car park in Creetown and it was good to be joined by new walkers, Eile, Anne and Sandra, all from the Machars area, and to see Morag again. There were 24 walkers in all, a good turn out again, the other walkers being little Mary (leader), Andrea (back up), Richard (for pointing!), Jim, Erica, Rosie, Margaret, Ken, Catherine, Irene, Duncan, Audrey, Jimmy, Mary McC, Alison, Carl and Robin. I phoned the Gem Rock Museum to let them know that 22 of us would be with them about 2.30pm.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For the first time since the Wigtownshire Ramblers group was formed, members from the Machars outnumbered those from the Rhins – a sign of the growing popularity of this group around Newton Stewart. Twenty four walkers gathered at Adamson Square in Creetown for the start of the walk on a cloudy but dry morning. They seemed to be in high spirits as a spanking pace was set through Creetown and up the hill to Balloch Wood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Andrea reminded us of the leadership, map reading and navigation training for next weekend before Mary gave us a short description of today’s walk and introduced the new walkers and we set off through the village, turning off to make our way upwards towards Balloch Wood. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">After trying to keep up with Mary (or was it a few rogue walkers in front of her?) and gaining red faces and shortness of breath we stopped to replace some oxygen and to let our blood cool at the site of the circle of carved marble with their etched pictures of flowers and butterflies and artistic wording.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A pause was taken to read the haikus written by pupils from Creetown School on the polished granite at a Callanish Stones lookalike at the entrance to the wood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now it became quieter as the group was forced to walk in single file along the path through the trees. Photographers lagged behind as they strove to get choice pictures of the Balloch burn and walkers were intrigued to see the Chalybeate well with its red stain caused by iron rusting in the water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They were also surprised to see that the stage had been cut down probably because it had become slippery and dangerous. The log seating was all that remained and while one member gave an impromptu tap dance show the remainder were enjoined to take a seat and applaud.</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We were going past the ‘amphitheatre’ – benches made out of halved tree trunks above which had once been an open air stage – when I asked if everyone would take a seat (some stood as the seats were not all sit-upon-able!) so I could get a good photo of the spread out group. Having ‘delighted’ them with my gold medal award tap dancing skills (well, bronze or silver anyway) I received their applause, but not until after I had urged them to give it! Some people can’t recognize talent when they see it!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The group eventually emerged from the wood at Cardoon Ponds above the Balloch Bridge where they stopped for sweeties and to admire the metal framed sculpture of the seated man. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Some of us left the pathway to view it more closely and I was glad that the planting of climbers which would have covered it had not been successful as it would have spoilt its simplicity and clean lines. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I love the way the iron has become a beautiful bronze colour, blending in with its surroundings while still standing out well from above it, from some angles.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Catherine bent to test the temperature of the water in the ponds – why, goodness only knows why as there was no way she could be thinking of swimming there today – maybe this was to get an indication of the likelihood of being able to do so in a day or two?!!! Perhaps she will come back with her swimming costume later this week.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The walkers now proceeded along the Corse of Slakes road past the Garrochar Christmas tree farm which had famously provided the tree for Number 10 last Christmas. They soon came to a sign pointing over the moor with the information that it was one mile to the top of Larg Hill and two and half back to Creetown. The walkers followed the direction of the signpost upwards through the sometimes muddy track towards the summit. The incline soon had the walkers stretched out with the fittest at the front and the determined bringing up the rear.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We had reached the road and followed it uphill until we turned off towards Knockeans Hill. I am obviously getting my energy back as I was able to move upwards, take photos, talk all the time and not get too much out of breath! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Slushy snow greeted us near a dyke – some walkers bravely stepped over the slippery fallen stones while the rest of us, having skirted most of the boggy ground near it, went through the open gateway. WE then had to negotiate the dyke!</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">From there I probably talked less, breathed more heavily but took just as many photos as we stopped short of the summit of Knockeans Hill (297m) and experienced slightly increased winds, coming from the south east. Some photos taken, we were quickly on the move, aiming for the top with its distinctive cairn. As we got closer, suddenly Richard fell as his leg was sucked down into a tremendously deep boggy area. It had been covered over by an old iron gate, obviously to discourage going over this area, but his leg went down between its bars and diagonal braising and it took a huge effort for him to extricate his leg which had gone down up to his knee. Fortunately he was uninjured and the accident book was not needed. I would not have fancied being one of the people needed to carry him back down the hill! Actually, really glad you were OK Richard!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All eventually reached the summit of Knockeans where they were rewarded with views over Wigtown Bay and Cairnsmore with its cloudy hat. Sheltered spots were now chosen for lunch, although some intrepid members preferred to stay at the summit and have a windblown lunch with a view. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">The sun came out and the skies turned to blue as the surrounding area gained some clarity. It was hard making a move afterwards as we were quite comfortable sitting on our heather covered bank.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> Before we moved on I got photos with the whole group in glorious ‘Technicolor’! </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lunchboxes packed away, the walkers resumed their ramble, although with some divergence of opinion as to which route to take as the direction</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">posts which had guided them this far were now conspicuous by their absence. Eventually all reassembled at the bottom of Knockeans and began the climb up to the top of Larg.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">The next high point of Larg Hill (276m – we had to go down to go back up but it was not far) and some of the group seemed to bypass its summit in favour of reaching a good vantage point below us. The views from here from the top and from where they were standing were equally good of the Breakwater that meanders through the Wigtown Sands and of the wonderful snow speckled hills in all directions. I was not the only photographer in the group who thought so – cameras were in use everywhere!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The views were even more spectacular from here with the Cree estuary mapped out below and a clear view over to Wigtown and beyond.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> A steep descent was now made through patches of snow causing some to plunge unexpectedly knee deep into the drifts. The soft snow proved irresistible to some members and snowballs began to be lobbed amongst unsuspecting ramblers.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Fun followed once again as we negotiated a deep pocket of slushy deep snow, managing to keep upright and then watching as Ken and Carl came down from a different, more difficult, direction. Snowballs accompanied my attempt at getting through this section – it took all my concentration stepping where others had gone before me and I was pleased not to have the distraction of a direct hit by one of them! </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> Below us Mary and Audrey were trying to clean off their muddy boots in another pocket of snow which turned into a disco dancing session, accompanied by Jim’s incongruous rendering of the ‘Hokey, Cokey’!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Walkers were saddened to see the remains of one or two lambs and sheep which had undoubtedly been caught in the recent blizzard and sympathy was felt for the farmers who must still be struggling with the aftermath of the wet summer followed by a cold spring and no new growth to be seen in the fields. However, the group was heartened by the sight of small lambs gambolling about on the lower slopes and the beautiful carpet of purple crocus and yellow daffodils in the church yard which greeted them on their return to the outskirts of Creetown.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We reached lower ground and walked beside Castle Cary Wood, encountering a lone lamb on the track, bleating for its mother who was struggling in the distance to extricate herself from an area of deep snow. The sheep was heading in the opposite direction as Jim tried to bring her lamb closer. Thomas was surprised that the sheep had ‘abandoned’ her offspring and wondered if they would re-unite successfully. Certainly the lamb seemed reluctant to see us go.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We entered Creetown and passed its
impressive church, surrounded by crocus’s and daffodils before reaching our
cars, divesting ourselves of muddy footwear and making our way to the Gem Rock
Museum where the staff coped brilliantly with the influx of 22 hungry and
thirsty walkers. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The group now
made their way to the Gem Rock museum for a welcome cuppa and tempting cakes. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My fruit scone was excellent, thank you
Claire. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">One of the leaders took the
opportunity to liaise with the owner, Tim Stevenson, who will be guiding one of
the walks during the Newton Stewart Walking Festival which is now only a few
weeks away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Andrea
and I sought out Tim Stevenson, the curator of the museum, and I arranged to do
the recce with him and others at the end of April, before he joins us on the NS
walking festival walk which includes a visit to the Devil’s Bridge near Port
Logan on Sunday 12 May. 16 people have
already booked for this walk and there are only 6 places left on it. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Next week
will see a change to the usual Saturday walk as members will be treated to a
training course on the Saturday night at the Fire station in Stranraer starting
at 7pm to be followed by a practical map reading course on Sunday, meeting at
New Luce Village Hall at 10am. A good turnout is looked for as the speaker is
the official Ramblers instructor and is travelling all the way from Perthshire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-65641942597026785572013-04-06T00:00:00.000+01:002013-04-12T22:04:55.929+01:002013 - 6th April 2013 – Glen App Circular<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">6 April Glen App Circular</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Report by Richard Kay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Twenty-five ramblers met at the entrance to Dupin Farm, just off the A77 in the upper reaches of Glen App. Thanks to the farmer they were able to park their cars each side of the track and away from the main road. The sun shone brilliantly from a clear blue sky and the fierce easterly wind had moderated to a gentle breeze. Although there were still remnants of snow scattered around the hills it seemed that spring might finally be arriving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> I drove Cath and Thomas to Stranraer where we met other walkers, including Rachel and Catherine who came with us in my car to Dupin Farm, in Glenapp. There were 25 of us in all, the others being Allan (who led the walk), Ken (back-up), John, Peter, Audrey, Irene, Duncan, Jimmy, Mary McC, Graham, Alison, a language teacher who walked with us once before, David Pride, Jim, Christine, Richard, Andrea, little Mary, Carl, Hilary and a new walker, Robin. Allan gave a short description of the walk and we set off, in sunshine.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The group set off past the farm and up the forest road which climbed the steep sides of the glen to reach the woodland.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They were relieved when the slope eventually levelled off and the road turned south-eastwards through the forest around Muillbane Hill.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A few geese took off over their heads, honking loudly and most of the walkers took a short diversion to view a duck pond which had been constructed in the forest.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A pair of Greylag Geese were practising sedate synchronised swimming on the peaty water unfazed by the appearance of the brightly clad ramblers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The ramblers returned to the road and followed it through the forest and out onto the open moorland below Drumdowns. </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Sunshine through the trees brightened the forested section of the walk and we soon reached open moorland where remnants of snow still lay beside a fence. I have no idea what Jim was trying write but I bet whatever it was has gone now!</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">From here we had good, open views, especially across to the distinctive summit of Carlock Hill.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The track then turned downhill above the Altimeg Burn and the walkers soon found themselves back on the valley floor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On reaching the Water of App they found that the footbridge marked on the maps was in a ruinous state.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some paddled over the shallow ford but others found a new footbridge a little further down the river.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
good wide track brought us down to the Water of App where I could remember the
bridge being in a state of disrepair. It
was beyond that this time and many of us forded the river without difficulty,
only to find that others had discovered a newly built bridge close by – they
would not have had as much fun using it as we had in burn-hopping though!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Beyond the river they passed the pheasant rearing pens, empty at this time of year.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A little further on a pet Magpie was fluttering up and down a pen, its feathers shining blue, black and white in the bright sunshine.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The route then started to climb the northern side of the glen.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As they rounded the bend they had a view of Carlock House, the Scottish home of the Earl of Inchcape.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The house is sheltered by magnificent conifer woods but maintains fine views down the valley and across the hills to the south.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> The ramblers followed the road up to the A77 which they crossed carefully and took a further forest road which climbed through the forest on the slopes of Carlock Hill. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They walked along the road and came in view of a large dead tree which reminded them of the cacti in the Wild West. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This area was chosen as a lunch stop with its numerous tree stumps providing ideal seats.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> After a short walk beside the A77 we crossed the road and entered Aughtshillan Wood and followed the forest road until we reached an area which had been deforested, providing us with tree stumps upon which to sit and have our lunch while looking over to the other side of Glenapp to where we had just been walking, and beyond, to the snow speckled Altimeg Hill.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> After lunch
they carried on along the track which followed the contour high above the main
road. The track became more and more
overgrown and the ramblers had to weave among the fallen and regrown trees. </span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These
hampered our progress but all the while the sun shone through, casting shadows
across our path and providing a beautiful foreground for the views we could see
below us, in Glenapp. Suddenly, there was no-way to go but down! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Eventually they reached a point where they had to descend to the river.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The route chosen was steeply down through some scrubby woodland and bracken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> This was taken slowly and with a variety of techniques; some proceeding boldly straight down, others sitting down and sliding on the steepest sections.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They were all delighted to find small primroses flowering shyly amongst the dead bracken.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> To me this was the most exciting part of today’s walk, sometimes keeping myself upright as I slithered from tree saplings to tree trunks and trying to avoid the occasional brambles, or deciding that the closer to the ground I got, the shorter the fall! Apart from a few minor scratches, we all reached another forest track where we were rewarded with extra sweets for our efforts!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Eventually they all reached another forest track which led them southwest above the river amongst regrowth of larch and sharp whins.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DBkMKyA55E/UWhunMfC-iI/AAAAAAAAcdo/ADrmX3H3KQw/s1600/Glenapp+Circular+135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DBkMKyA55E/UWhunMfC-iI/AAAAAAAAcdo/ADrmX3H3KQw/s640/Glenapp+Circular+135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The route
passed the cars, inaccessible on the other side of the river and continued down
to the Bridge of Mark near Glenapp Church.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs3MmWr_uRtltiGfU4pShrTSDxmJ_bqmUr58sBKU9nvA-aoolXf23gPLgBAtSlKTJSpc3tko8nZ6_7hnjHP77xFp5AqKLIfUa3juKqiysj5yhy4a4EnfzmwIKipryCytRyILFwcxIhgc/s1600/Glenapp+Circular+137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs3MmWr_uRtltiGfU4pShrTSDxmJ_bqmUr58sBKU9nvA-aoolXf23gPLgBAtSlKTJSpc3tko8nZ6_7hnjHP77xFp5AqKLIfUa3juKqiysj5yhy4a4EnfzmwIKipryCytRyILFwcxIhgc/s640/Glenapp+Circular+137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oL5YMi2Cz98/UWhupOSgWdI/AAAAAAAAcd4/XN1uAYYXznM/s1600/Glenapp+Circular+140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oL5YMi2Cz98/UWhupOSgWdI/AAAAAAAAcd4/XN1uAYYXznM/s640/Glenapp+Circular+140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0pu8CjUhDI/UWhuo46EdJI/AAAAAAAAcd8/aBvUC-pjZFQ/s1600/Glenapp+Circular+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0pu8CjUhDI/UWhuo46EdJI/AAAAAAAAcd8/aBvUC-pjZFQ/s640/Glenapp+Circular+143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They crossed the bridge and the main road and entered the churchyard where they viewed the impressive memorials to James McKay, 1</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Earl of Inchcape and his family.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJxyIZramaM/UWhurvPKZpI/AAAAAAAAceY/osnexEdSWTk/s1600/Glenapp+Circular+151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJxyIZramaM/UWhurvPKZpI/AAAAAAAAceY/osnexEdSWTk/s640/Glenapp+Circular+151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">The track brought us out onto open ground and we followed the Water of App to the Bridge of Mark before crossing the A77 and going to view Glenapp Church and its graveyard. </span></i><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSVhiFut9Ac/UWhurB2_b6I/AAAAAAAAceM/2NzR8gAN630/s1600/Glenapp+Circular+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSVhiFut9Ac/UWhurB2_b6I/AAAAAAAAceM/2NzR8gAN630/s640/Glenapp+Circular+154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">After stopping to view the numerous memorials and headstones of the McKay family, we took the track ahead of us, going northwards though attractive woodland, back to our cars. </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid6OD6UG9vgRLA585ymReHWY44t_uEwktN0buZaiA9MwjtEuNoTE2W7sYZa6DsTBW64WPngxlWGKNqw1HmRlQyWJBLgN5E2A9bkYYZAtFUKSGTznfO22kuI36YgChS69UFyd4YHqvi7s/s1600/Glenapp+Circular+164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid6OD6UG9vgRLA585ymReHWY44t_uEwktN0buZaiA9MwjtEuNoTE2W7sYZa6DsTBW64WPngxlWGKNqw1HmRlQyWJBLgN5E2A9bkYYZAtFUKSGTznfO22kuI36YgChS69UFyd4YHqvi7s/s640/Glenapp+Circular+164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd2MJKL1_Dw/UWhuuu375UI/AAAAAAAAce4/wKVW0B4XPRc/s1600/Glenapp+Circular+168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd2MJKL1_Dw/UWhuuu375UI/AAAAAAAAce4/wKVW0B4XPRc/s640/Glenapp+Circular+168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Beyond the graveyard they
followed a farm track, which ran parallel to the main road, back to the cars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> After
thanking the leader for creating a most interesting walk most of the ramblers
proceeded to the Craigiemains garden centre at Ballantrae for tea and scones which
they enjoyed sitting on the terrace in the sunshine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Allan,
John and Peter took their leave of us and the rest of us went to Craigiemains
Garden Centre in Ballantrae where we sat outside in the sunshine (bit windy
though!) enjoying our refreshments before heading home.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Next week’s
walk, on Saturday 13<sup>th</sup>, will be a moderate five mile walk around the
hills above Creetown. New walkers are
always welcome but please contact the walk leader before joining. Meet at 09:00 at the Breastworks Car Park,
Stranraer or at 09:30 at the Riverside Car Park, Newton Stewart to share
transport. The walk will start from
Adamson Square, Creetown at 10:00 (Grid Ref: NX 475 589). If going direct to the start or for any other
queries please contact the walk leader on 01988 840268.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-12941193982357284412013-03-07T11:58:00.000+00:002013-03-08T12:50:43.975+00:00Silver Rig Lead Mine Recce February 2013<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>This is my first venture into the world of blogging! Many thanks Jim for having done all the work for me previously, for giving me instruction on how to take over from him and for the help I shall undoubtedly need in future! To say that this has been easy is a total untruth! What a nightmare! It is hit and miss whether or not the text wraps around the pictures and I lost the toolbar which enabled me to make a picture a different size. Some of them could do with being larger! What looks OK in the 'draft', is wrong on the 'preview' but I have given up on trying to improve on it for now - maybe another time! Bear with me, it should only get better!! If anyone can shed light on the toolbar problem I shall be happy to hear from you! </em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Thanks to all of you who have wished me better health - it is on the way - I have turned that corner! I shall soon return to the fold and drive you mad with my taking of photos. Frances.</em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>23 Saturday
February Silver Mine Recce with Cath & Rachel<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span></div>
<em></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Cath took
me, Rachel and Allan to the Galloway Forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had opted to walk with them rather than with the Ramblers as I was not
sure if I could manage today’s walk when Cath and Rachel lead it next Saturday
as I shall be doing the recce with Florence and Brian next Sunday for our walk
the following Saturday and don’t think I shall manage to do both walks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it happened, I did not walk Saturday or
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See end of my blog.<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<em></em><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Cath parked
at the picnic area between High and Low Camer Woods and we walked a short way
southwards along the road (I stopped to chat to a man with three Labradors, one
of which is 14 (and black/grey) and the mother of the other two, both females,
one black and one almost white) before turning off to the right and taking a
path through Low Camer Wood, which was lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJSlcxgDSf-m1cC7Cw_cflgoivBNgmnWkaGXdSsxkgsqXodUxhMTQREpPX5rROCH4Gk5ff-QfWUTqM7yVoTmqCNbTPVzKgnDBerhLBO9e0L54f9LiiMyJFGJsLbqaI5d-n2JzarbZABY/s1600/Silver+Mines+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJSlcxgDSf-m1cC7Cw_cflgoivBNgmnWkaGXdSsxkgsqXodUxhMTQREpPX5rROCH4Gk5ff-QfWUTqM7yVoTmqCNbTPVzKgnDBerhLBO9e0L54f9LiiMyJFGJsLbqaI5d-n2JzarbZABY/s320/Silver+Mines+018.JPG" width="240" /></em></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RBspgv60sybL2efDKActQsDL6J9SVpt0kRtEs7Fnk6jF9c2FKjFa2xGbHIUUDIeNTjdJmYPe-TMgCe-fOAd_ZphH9xRbMdFvioCGbh_56DYwS_kXOdI2h4iLAFQVDjEJhfCXCqNw8lw/s1600/Silver+Mines+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RBspgv60sybL2efDKActQsDL6J9SVpt0kRtEs7Fnk6jF9c2FKjFa2xGbHIUUDIeNTjdJmYPe-TMgCe-fOAd_ZphH9xRbMdFvioCGbh_56DYwS_kXOdI2h4iLAFQVDjEJhfCXCqNw8lw/s320/Silver+Mines+005.JPG" width="320" /></em></a><em><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We soon
returned to the road and then turned off to the left to enter more
woodland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having missed where the track
continued, we crossed over a burn and headed for a tall dyke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmu4NbemN73oEUiTVb189P2Q1dUr2wSUGzcUpFGyECbcuR-aRUT8l1jsI3d_-q7b4ZxPALh2HlUX__hdsqJxbI5ohNke2VaoBvT5kZLvCeelkHkfUgdgVKuQduCKAIy17ubeQM8gnW54/s1600/Silver+Mines+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmu4NbemN73oEUiTVb189P2Q1dUr2wSUGzcUpFGyECbcuR-aRUT8l1jsI3d_-q7b4ZxPALh2HlUX__hdsqJxbI5ohNke2VaoBvT5kZLvCeelkHkfUgdgVKuQduCKAIy17ubeQM8gnW54/s320/Silver+Mines+020.JPG" width="320" /></em></a><em><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></em></div>
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<em>
</em><em>
</em><em>
</em><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8pIjO-EW0eGNZvwz-hNXJ0cWdhofwVGf3JzPllLF_bFSgPQlg-jbCYI9agq1QXv2SRsJyhPgu9RGXv_TobVYcNzrBtG36FJ-tngKKCzGRhmUojQf2Wk1a0x5U2_yVsB__RRdQCrlgpA/s1600/Silver+Mines+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><em><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8pIjO-EW0eGNZvwz-hNXJ0cWdhofwVGf3JzPllLF_bFSgPQlg-jbCYI9agq1QXv2SRsJyhPgu9RGXv_TobVYcNzrBtG36FJ-tngKKCzGRhmUojQf2Wk1a0x5U2_yVsB__RRdQCrlgpA/s200/Silver+Mines+023.JPG" width="200" /></em></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Leap back on course!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>On closer inspection, we found it was
accompanied by barbed wired fencing and Cath and Rachel turned to the map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After retracing our steps for a short way we
mounted a small hill and could see the right track below us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l4Oj846ng7zI8N6XZjootQeNQxSv6yOm7eOvVnDu8B-TCavsnJvZwEqUZ-0Y-AlEaZxAiJRawiuNPHMeKDjDLqwC5ht4BgbNKkFNuZs__lrLwvQJHyOLXVdVv2tNfcgG2VjgwCffdfU/s1600/Silver+Mines+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l4Oj846ng7zI8N6XZjootQeNQxSv6yOm7eOvVnDu8B-TCavsnJvZwEqUZ-0Y-AlEaZxAiJRawiuNPHMeKDjDLqwC5ht4BgbNKkFNuZs__lrLwvQJHyOLXVdVv2tNfcgG2VjgwCffdfU/s320/Silver+Mines+025.JPG" width="320" /></em></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtE5NZqEIWi7MchAHQ7UvyApPlmyluw77o9G_7M2ikR9O0lpo9J_g5fbz454CKnE-PaRtUJ4Vzsr7_3QJ0C2FUy_rB6usujOklkvMhfOMnp50v6TyS1eDuOnuhV0M2XUgCImZA8JoTmM/s1600/Silver+Mines+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtE5NZqEIWi7MchAHQ7UvyApPlmyluw77o9G_7M2ikR9O0lpo9J_g5fbz454CKnE-PaRtUJ4Vzsr7_3QJ0C2FUy_rB6usujOklkvMhfOMnp50v6TyS1eDuOnuhV0M2XUgCImZA8JoTmM/s320/Silver+Mines+028.JPG" width="320" /></em></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>We rolled under the fence which surrounds the
deepest of the mine openings and explored what we could, in safety, returning
the way we had come and continued onwards to find the building which had housed
the wheel .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtE5NZqEIWi7MchAHQ7UvyApPlmyluw77o9G_7M2ikR9O0lpo9J_g5fbz454CKnE-PaRtUJ4Vzsr7_3QJ0C2FUy_rB6usujOklkvMhfOMnp50v6TyS1eDuOnuhV0M2XUgCImZA8JoTmM/s1600/Silver+Mines+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtE5NZqEIWi7MchAHQ7UvyApPlmyluw77o9G_7M2ikR9O0lpo9J_g5fbz454CKnE-PaRtUJ4Vzsr7_3QJ0C2FUy_rB6usujOklkvMhfOMnp50v6TyS1eDuOnuhV0M2XUgCImZA8JoTmM/s1600/Silver+Mines+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<em>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq7oC4scc2L0keobBGvmK2knpTTWfxiYPXGLe9hfwAGIbqx3gAKxVqDaNssRYKrpiAdqmGmBHo3ZfxD6T6AkVPfZHJfwCBMKO6hyphenhyphenujJd8-hXPyY9wMigESpXTX8LNK7FL82ZKZbd7OAs/s1600/Silver+Mines+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq7oC4scc2L0keobBGvmK2knpTTWfxiYPXGLe9hfwAGIbqx3gAKxVqDaNssRYKrpiAdqmGmBHo3ZfxD6T6AkVPfZHJfwCBMKO6hyphenhyphenujJd8-hXPyY9wMigESpXTX8LNK7FL82ZKZbd7OAs/s200/Silver+Mines+037.JPG" unselectable="on" width="200" /></a><em><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfOSGJSs_cGn7KeZrewx70Kji-OauSPSFNnIiXGmj37qTezXfgA37GjjrhZEZuokB3Ad5DnIGC3_CAwX1tGRxS0KQRz0Vkws7K6D5O9LWDKssvWIsyRP8e-RnD9kkayf8BFay9qJo3hs/s320/Silver+Mines+035.JPG" width="320" /></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>There was another, larger
building close by – housing perhaps?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>There
followed a section of ground covered in tussocks, through the trees, before we
came upon the vastly reduced water of the Silver Rig Loch, an artificial one
which provided the water </em></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp75ppr5yh-adnnjkpSLl_nri9Z49XGPqkegog_faE-c-TQlF8t8oNCB84c8GV480xxAwIsUzzYa8RPi8OvjKaZ3znvg9mMNlfieBePe9kBig0xo900UwSGca3pfPwoiUi2zCqiMH_y0U/s1600/Silver+Mines+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp75ppr5yh-adnnjkpSLl_nri9Z49XGPqkegog_faE-c-TQlF8t8oNCB84c8GV480xxAwIsUzzYa8RPi8OvjKaZ3znvg9mMNlfieBePe9kBig0xo900UwSGca3pfPwoiUi2zCqiMH_y0U/s320/Silver+Mines+047.JPG" width="320" /></em></a><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">for the mine workings, </span>evidence of which was discovered by Allan and Cath in the original outflow with remains of a w</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ooden sluice system.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>More tussocks followed, accompanied by boggy
ground, over which Allan and I really struggled. </em></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-4dHqTJ6YbDtMvwD_1woi0cLfmkAg8ZUuW9-oPuO6PXgsdDe9BlJJlCkIy8Vy4_Sf8-n_3rd3hI8nDrtt2d4F5Mc3t6LWhdsexrsikrZHJ5luVRm5WlPxaaNqtpOYpaIKPijX1PCSD4/s1600/Silver+Mines+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-4dHqTJ6YbDtMvwD_1woi0cLfmkAg8ZUuW9-oPuO6PXgsdDe9BlJJlCkIy8Vy4_Sf8-n_3rd3hI8nDrtt2d4F5Mc3t6LWhdsexrsikrZHJ5luVRm5WlPxaaNqtpOYpaIKPijX1PCSD4/s320/Silver+Mines+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn81p4AkGdNxY_THctJ02OzionztXx5F3NFfUsdVXeWe35tF7AioZe3fA-j3By_pIwCKPw7isx2iMU6Htn_Kel7CVrEL6HoE2pe-UccyZYNU7PO53q29FwJ5dnTY7dgQJyPD7NvSFy6Y/s1600/Silver+Mines+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn81p4AkGdNxY_THctJ02OzionztXx5F3NFfUsdVXeWe35tF7AioZe3fA-j3By_pIwCKPw7isx2iMU6Htn_Kel7CVrEL6HoE2pe-UccyZYNU7PO53q29FwJ5dnTY7dgQJyPD7NvSFy6Y/s320/Silver+Mines+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDqU5vcRM1WELt-zRDm1BILSJHPFBmfv4yR6n1iCxZtt_MkgaBb4wKPjMQkxX0ZecaIcUmuXqKlI3L_htP0ioBISfFxw41dtO48fI3Pavs0VMKYUXsMVwjx-xsMrccKLDecWFzdB2mV8/s1600/Silver+Mines+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDqU5vcRM1WELt-zRDm1BILSJHPFBmfv4yR6n1iCxZtt_MkgaBb4wKPjMQkxX0ZecaIcUmuXqKlI3L_htP0ioBISfFxw41dtO48fI3Pavs0VMKYUXsMVwjx-xsMrccKLDecWFzdB2mV8/s1600/Silver+Mines+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDqU5vcRM1WELt-zRDm1BILSJHPFBmfv4yR6n1iCxZtt_MkgaBb4wKPjMQkxX0ZecaIcUmuXqKlI3L_htP0ioBISfFxw41dtO48fI3Pavs0VMKYUXsMVwjx-xsMrccKLDecWFzdB2mV8/s320/Silver+Mines+060.JPG" width="320" /></em></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Eventually we reached an easier section and a dyke, beside which we walked until we reached a forest road (at Laggery Howe?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last time Cath and Rachel had walked here, with Thomas, this had a better surface but it was evident that recent forestry had churned up the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Click on this photo to get a better view of the sheep fold.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></em></span></span></em></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn2-pFhNBksu2Y91otWGDz_97jhmWqI7EyeEWDom4VBOk_j_q4tZ6TFdZ8pNZmsJ68hE69JWe9H2ii9UX5wKCT9chYYXZRC5cgPjG3FCt_IPqamdmzuWl8OfxxNUb4VoXy5s6XHIoVPg/s1600/Silver+Mines+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn2-pFhNBksu2Y91otWGDz_97jhmWqI7EyeEWDom4VBOk_j_q4tZ6TFdZ8pNZmsJ68hE69JWe9H2ii9UX5wKCT9chYYXZRC5cgPjG3FCt_IPqamdmzuWl8OfxxNUb4VoXy5s6XHIoVPg/s320/Silver+Mines+068.JPG" width="320" /></em></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn2-pFhNBksu2Y91otWGDz_97jhmWqI7EyeEWDom4VBOk_j_q4tZ6TFdZ8pNZmsJ68hE69JWe9H2ii9UX5wKCT9chYYXZRC5cgPjG3FCt_IPqamdmzuWl8OfxxNUb4VoXy5s6XHIoVPg/s1600/Silver+Mines+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn2-pFhNBksu2Y91otWGDz_97jhmWqI7EyeEWDom4VBOk_j_q4tZ6TFdZ8pNZmsJ68hE69JWe9H2ii9UX5wKCT9chYYXZRC5cgPjG3FCt_IPqamdmzuWl8OfxxNUb4VoXy5s6XHIoVPg/s1600/Silver+Mines+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em><br />
<em> </em></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>There was a recent addition to it, turning to the right, which we ignored and walked between the piles of logs until we crossed the bridge over Pulniskie Burn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><em> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A fungus decease had
necessitated the removal of larch trees which did open up the vista for us and
created more opportunities to take photos, of the log piles and of the
surrounding area. </span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em> The waterfalls of the Pulniskie Burn were a great incentive to leave the forest road and I was in photographic heaven taking loads of photos here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure Rachel must have been kicking herself for leaving her camera at home – the last two wet walks having put her off bringing it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP99Zfl6MdHDkoU6cEaex5XG6lg6jODXmu7NggR9pocWU4jtoFmeVud5Fm4fFfx6gYQSVCCzLHECarml1i74JD0AV2jpBrFKD4ydYUnmkFuTK1Gtq46fRCz1FTHYfRz1jhLI4Z3nRwpmo/s1600/Silver+Mines+106a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP99Zfl6MdHDkoU6cEaex5XG6lg6jODXmu7NggR9pocWU4jtoFmeVud5Fm4fFfx6gYQSVCCzLHECarml1i74JD0AV2jpBrFKD4ydYUnmkFuTK1Gtq46fRCz1FTHYfRz1jhLI4Z3nRwpmo/s320/Silver+Mines+106a.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0R2ZiTVJdwRHPbLihach0qeDEbZLT9tKYb7EXLH5sLgZn5CE178__FqavIWWNQapKrMkHWtLLzQHg6HfgQXq_oBrmUJt0Qe8TD_ghyphenhyphen_MoMYSUwv6VPggVZkP04VgSWJKRv5IL5yyoAU/s1600/Silver+Mines+090b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0R2ZiTVJdwRHPbLihach0qeDEbZLT9tKYb7EXLH5sLgZn5CE178__FqavIWWNQapKrMkHWtLLzQHg6HfgQXq_oBrmUJt0Qe8TD_ghyphenhyphen_MoMYSUwv6VPggVZkP04VgSWJKRv5IL5yyoAU/s320/Silver+Mines+090b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>I caught up
with the others after clambering over discarded branches and trying to avoid
the brambles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had left their
rucksacks further down but I had not seen them as my eyes were elsewhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>We came back down, noting that the foliage on the other side of the burn with its waterfalls, was lower and they were planning to take the walkers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on that side next Saturday and to stop over there for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>We found a grassy spot near the water and had our lunch, about 12.45pm, by which time I was extremely hungry!</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>This photo is best viewed as a larger one!</em></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw5v46OBJzv3SAxSM58N40SYNAFDKWnbQcbH08vV_E42Xg8GCeTp0WxDJSQsG11D_aVF8V3uBsWcCR1h6r3E4YdLBwSki0CrVyX_XLB0HuUd5ecVEhPbSI1wRLMdjk4-Ge7_8dvZS9OE/s1600/Silver+Mines+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw5v46OBJzv3SAxSM58N40SYNAFDKWnbQcbH08vV_E42Xg8GCeTp0WxDJSQsG11D_aVF8V3uBsWcCR1h6r3E4YdLBwSki0CrVyX_XLB0HuUd5ecVEhPbSI1wRLMdjk4-Ge7_8dvZS9OE/s320/Silver+Mines+122.JPG" width="320" /></em><br />
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<em> </em></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><em></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>The forest road continued downhill and bore to the left.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soon afterwards we left it to join another track which eventually brought us to the Old Bridge of Minnoch.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw5v46OBJzv3SAxSM58N40SYNAFDKWnbQcbH08vV_E42Xg8GCeTp0WxDJSQsG11D_aVF8V3uBsWcCR1h6r3E4YdLBwSki0CrVyX_XLB0HuUd5ecVEhPbSI1wRLMdjk4-Ge7_8dvZS9OE/s1600/Silver+Mines+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw5v46OBJzv3SAxSM58N40SYNAFDKWnbQcbH08vV_E42Xg8GCeTp0WxDJSQsG11D_aVF8V3uBsWcCR1h6r3E4YdLBwSki0CrVyX_XLB0HuUd5ecVEhPbSI1wRLMdjk4-Ge7_8dvZS9OE/s1600/Silver+Mines+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2TDHJvnreZDqy1J916KTubHS23m2y6MB7x5L1ILpyO7BaOQe2XwGvnSPNo0KNoHi-UdVBdGrsXFCIxl08AtnXLCNww0stMpQ-jHWzHBQAEq3_N9vUNs36od93T_6rqaGSXRFDC4ez4/s1600/Silver+Mines+135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2TDHJvnreZDqy1J916KTubHS23m2y6MB7x5L1ILpyO7BaOQe2XwGvnSPNo0KNoHi-UdVBdGrsXFCIxl08AtnXLCNww0stMpQ-jHWzHBQAEq3_N9vUNs36od93T_6rqaGSXRFDC4ez4/s320/Silver+Mines+135.JPG" width="320" /></em></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2TDHJvnreZDqy1J916KTubHS23m2y6MB7x5L1ILpyO7BaOQe2XwGvnSPNo0KNoHi-UdVBdGrsXFCIxl08AtnXLCNww0stMpQ-jHWzHBQAEq3_N9vUNs36od93T_6rqaGSXRFDC4ez4/s1600/Silver+Mines+135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2TDHJvnreZDqy1J916KTubHS23m2y6MB7x5L1ILpyO7BaOQe2XwGvnSPNo0KNoHi-UdVBdGrsXFCIxl08AtnXLCNww0stMpQ-jHWzHBQAEq3_N9vUNs36od93T_6rqaGSXRFDC4ez4/s1600/Silver+Mines+135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2TDHJvnreZDqy1J916KTubHS23m2y6MB7x5L1ILpyO7BaOQe2XwGvnSPNo0KNoHi-UdVBdGrsXFCIxl08AtnXLCNww0stMpQ-jHWzHBQAEq3_N9vUNs36od93T_6rqaGSXRFDC4ez4/s1600/Silver+Mines+135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6hDfEB_Oj9H6ZiNUz_9cXYkp5VR6KTRRybhGNyQfEZHOYNG4jLICYfbRUq1FE5cMaO1ziOo8x7gpwOgTNL7gWov_vSkndhIbjn9qwhskd665EaIoPsu6RlFPbF8oCmbvfzukYBt9EIk/s1600/Silver+Mines+140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6hDfEB_Oj9H6ZiNUz_9cXYkp5VR6KTRRybhGNyQfEZHOYNG4jLICYfbRUq1FE5cMaO1ziOo8x7gpwOgTNL7gWov_vSkndhIbjn9qwhskd665EaIoPsu6RlFPbF8oCmbvfzukYBt9EIk/s320/Silver+Mines+140.JPG" width="320" /></em></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>There was much evidence of the flooding which took place in December,
with the rocks having been gouged away, close to the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woodpeckers had had a field day decimating
a couple of trees nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped for
photos on the bridge before moving south eastwards, following the Water of
Minnoch beside which dead vegetation could be seen high up in a number of
trees, more testament to the wild winter weather.<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbvhS6-Bqu4Zyb0ayV6U50P2nsxfyoonTCbQZ6xtolJFsz0YlRGf5w33BzQhQVPspZmC_bVxR52AM00ATnjx0sHtduNn1x7g0SoShxzL7ckkGM4x5wqLL19-TGP2BU5PeUr1fpostlRo/s1600/Silver+Mines+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbvhS6-Bqu4Zyb0ayV6U50P2nsxfyoonTCbQZ6xtolJFsz0YlRGf5w33BzQhQVPspZmC_bVxR52AM00ATnjx0sHtduNn1x7g0SoShxzL7ckkGM4x5wqLL19-TGP2BU5PeUr1fpostlRo/s320/Silver+Mines+143.JPG" width="320" /></em></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>I had to
keep moving quickly to catch up with the others as they moved on without me –
the temptation to take more and more photos was overwhelming!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZXNYY_kYlE-pbnO3m7igy-g9HygSVPISKdn783W824BjjH3RViLqaqlMBG7-C_aM16EPtS2QCVQBXt6SjD0ox3ntZqsIDGUp918hkxciHHbnTMUQRjij5LUvEHxwO_BOavW3nIocl9M/s1600/Silver+Mines+172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZXNYY_kYlE-pbnO3m7igy-g9HygSVPISKdn783W824BjjH3RViLqaqlMBG7-C_aM16EPtS2QCVQBXt6SjD0ox3ntZqsIDGUp918hkxciHHbnTMUQRjij5LUvEHxwO_BOavW3nIocl9M/s320/Silver+Mines+172.JPG" width="320" /></em></a></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZSXw8PFl8JKWnUOHGJwge4aEc92TZ3BRq4OnqEdjoI6USYEAOsa_R7PamFqzc7hSaJ3bUJG8_24tvp88CWCu1TO_5EcjLxLKt3BY6syGMtoBXePyV1JMv4lfN1CMim9OQo9Oe23bWNc/s1600/Silver+Mines+187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZSXw8PFl8JKWnUOHGJwge4aEc92TZ3BRq4OnqEdjoI6USYEAOsa_R7PamFqzc7hSaJ3bUJG8_24tvp88CWCu1TO_5EcjLxLKt3BY6syGMtoBXePyV1JMv4lfN1CMim9OQo9Oe23bWNc/s320/Silver+Mines+187.JPG" width="320" /></em></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Cath waited for me as we got closer to the
parking area near Cashnabrock Weil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
gaining the road we turned left and followed it for a while before turning off to
our left and taking this wide track for a short while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp6_YKgveEAlKi52R7MzO0r5ZKOnCO9rDb72sxHxOvovmN90WfASu-g_M-AbwCF4bCJm74hd_aDsG3q7U0QChw5AjA37FzXe9Wzf14rbWnZbXUjlCk7JhRmOYkXhrZkVCiuBqjy7jfSg/s1600/Silver+Mines+192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp6_YKgveEAlKi52R7MzO0r5ZKOnCO9rDb72sxHxOvovmN90WfASu-g_M-AbwCF4bCJm74hd_aDsG3q7U0QChw5AjA37FzXe9Wzf14rbWnZbXUjlCk7JhRmOYkXhrZkVCiuBqjy7jfSg/s320/Silver+Mines+192.JPG" width="320" /></em></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Rachel noticed where a track went off to the
right and we followed this up to where we got really lovely views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I climbed this section, tiredness and my
aching body took over and I needed to sit for a while and take some painkillers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This done, and a short rest taken, we set off
again, following a dyke before turning off, through it, to walk on its other
side. </em></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn__um7ya6Xp0_guCJ_2BSGAc4EbCiUepWcoxvKUHvRa79zNuWvyOG5yCcQ8VIEjOftNOjx0VBm4Gn-gHMSqrmSrqUL1xmsJk6e4kCqbxMZXMC3kFlmZsbC9JH8xkQrR79omNqp9Lz3U/s1600/Silver+Mines+196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn__um7ya6Xp0_guCJ_2BSGAc4EbCiUepWcoxvKUHvRa79zNuWvyOG5yCcQ8VIEjOftNOjx0VBm4Gn-gHMSqrmSrqUL1xmsJk6e4kCqbxMZXMC3kFlmZsbC9JH8xkQrR79omNqp9Lz3U/s320/Silver+Mines+196.JPG" width="320" /></em></a><em> </em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Cath and
Rachel were looking for some derelict buildings but these got missed and there
was one short section where we changed direction slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cath persuaded me to climb a hillock – Peat
Crag or Bughtduloch Crag? from where the view was wide and good but the effort
was a tremendous one for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>We returned
to what was now a really good track which eventually brought us back to where
we had parked the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we changed out
of our muddy (not much) footwear we were joined by the same man and his
Labradors, and his wife?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said her
name was Carol and they live in the house opposite the picnic area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We think we may have persuaded her to join us
next week but time will tell.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>We came back
via Minnigaff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cath and I went into
Woodlea, in Sandhead and she had coffee, I had tea and almond slice, which was
lovely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><em> * This was to be a walk which I was leading but my energy has deserted me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Florence, bless her heart, is standing in for me and Claire is her back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of everything else, Florence is walking the whole length of the Mull of Galloway Trail, 24 miles, on Friday, to raise funds for the school in Chatra’s village, in Nepal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I am hoping to join them at its start, at the Mull, at 7.15am and walk with them to Drummore -far enough for me at the moment! Good luck to all those involved.</span></em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b>Ramblers report Silver Rig Mine March 2<sup>nd</sup>
2013 by Cath Birkett</b></span></h3>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The beautiful weather in the week must
have encouraged an exceptional number of ramblers to turn out for the Saturday
walk when 29 walkers assembled at High Camer Picnic Site. As the ground here
was quite soft, it was with grateful thanks that the offer of hard standing in
a neighbour’s garden was taken up by many drivers.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The walk headed off south down the
road, for a path leading through Low Camer woods. The restoration of these
ancient oak woodlands is managed by the Cree Valley Community Woodland Trust, a
local charity which is a partnership of expert representatives from official
interested bodies. Set up in 1998 with a vision of managing the habitats of
woodlands bordering the Cree ‘from source to sea’, in this wood it has provided
interpretation boards which tell of the flowers, insects, and birds to be seen.
Bird boxes and squirrel feeders were much in evidence, but the undergrowth had
not yet started to show through the dead grasses. The splendour of the winter
woodlands depended on views of the River Cree seen through a screen of gnarled
and muted colours provided by the sleeping trees.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Next an indistinct track was followed
leading to the Silver Rig Lead Mine. A report by CFA Archeology LTD in 2002
contained a plan and interpretation of the mine which was thought to relate to
three distinct phases. With this plan it was easy to see the open cast features
from the eighteenth century; the following underground mining of the nineteenth
century and the later technical innovations which included the remains of a
waterwheel pit and its attendant lade system. The group spent some time
exploring the remains before moving on over tussocky ground to Silver Rigg
Loch, a man made, earth banked reservoir, which supplied water for the mine
wheel.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The loch was much silted with a boggy
surface and only patches of open water, but the original outflow with remains
of a wooden sluice system was found before the party moved on around the banks
and once more into tussocky ground interspersed with woodland. After some rough
walking, trying to keep to open grassland, a dyke was reached which now could
be followed to a forest road.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It is sad to see how many larch trees
are being felled because of<i> phytophthora ramorum,</i> the fungus like
disease which is now spreading rapidly, causing resin bleed and eventually a
dying off of branches and then whole trees.<i> </i>A slight compensation means
that the lie of the countryside is much easier to see; crags and hills have
been revealed where previous views were negated by overshadowing trees. The
green forest road had been ploughed up by heavy vehicles transporting timber,
but the open path made rapid walking to a lunch spot by the Pulniskie burn.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Former use of these upland pastures
were demonstrated by ruined sheep pens set in particularly beautiful
surroundings, with a series of waterfalls making delightful company for the
ramblers at rest. Deep pools, water gliding over large flat rocks, tumbling
along series of jagged outcrops and cascading down from higher falls delighted
the photographers and made the lunch stop a rather protracted one.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Back on the forest road the walk then
led westwards to the river Minnoch and the Roman Bridge, a photogenic pack
horse bridge which once took long forgotten tracks across the river. Here the
damage caused by the flooded river during the winter was plain to see. The path
alongside the bridge is undercut, river pebbles are strewn for long distances
beside the banks and debris is scattered far and wide. This storm damage
continued to be remarked upon as the company walked the east bank of the
Minnoch back to Borgan Bridge and the road.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The last section of the walk took once
more to the Cree Valley Woodlands, High Camer Woods. An exploratory stop was
made at the old farm steading of Camer, hidden amongst hazel saplings, dead
bracken and brambles. From here it was a small step to the cars, but first an
enormous badger set with numerous sandy openings was sought out, though no
badgers were in evidence in the daylight and with noisy company nearby.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Although the walk was only six miles
long, it was tiring terrain and the ramblers were glad to retire to ‘Cinnamon’
in Newton Stewart, for a warm welcome and delicious refreshments.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Next week’s walk is an 8½ mile ‘B’ walk
in the upper Fleet Valley. Meet for car sharing at Breastworks, Stranraer, 9am.
Riverside, Newton Stewart, 9.30am, or SNH Dromore Car Park, NX 555 638, for
walk start at 10am. New walkers must phone walk leader for further information
01776 870441. All are welcome. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07725580497632731788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-36436169329936188262013-02-09T00:00:00.000+00:002013-04-12T21:22:50.568+01:002013 - 9 February 2013 – Knockman Wood & Garlies Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9
February 2013 – Knockman Wood & Garlies Castle</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Report by Richard Kay<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Isobel,
Frances, Claire, Linda, Mary, David Pride, and Jimmy arrived at the turn off
into Knockman Wood just as Irene was opening the gates for Duncan and his other
passengers – thanks Irene! We drove on to the car park a bit further along the
forest road where we met the other walkers: Audrey, Forbes, Richard (leading),
Andrea (back-up), Robert, Rosie and a friend of hers, Margaret, Jim, John two
sticks, Christine Sloan, Hilary (not seen her for ages, now lives quite close
by the woods) and a visitor, Morag. I
phoned the Galloway Arms to let them know our numbers and estimated time of
arrival for refreshments.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twenty-one ramblers assembled at the Forestry Commission
car park at Knockman wood near Minnigaff.
The weather was overcast with low cloud but the forecast hinted at
better things later in the day so they set off up the new forest road towards
the summit of Knockman Hill. As they
went they were distracted by a loud whistling noise; apparently a bird call.
None of the walkers could identify it.
The road climbed through the coniferous woods and soon reached the old
deer park dyke which formed the boundary with the areas managed by the Cree
Valley Community Woodland Trust. Here
the conifers had been cleared and a mixture of older oak woods, new broadleaved
planting and open spaces provided a more open aspect. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
weather was misty and it deteriorated through the day, turning to mizzle and
occasional drizzle but just kept off actually raining until the walk was
over. I struggled with the initial
uphill section but enjoyed being side-tracked by photographing fungus pointed
out to me by Jim and by the barren and sometimes dead trees. The mist hung everywhere which, of course,
added atmospherics to everything. The
walkers disappearing into the distant murk just gave me extra material instead
of spurring me on to catch up although I had to do some of that! However, with
the walk not being a long one, there was no hurry and most of the walkers were
glad of the excuse to stop on their way uphill to look at the information
provided on the plentiful boards provided through funding by SNH.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> A newly repaired path led the group steadily
up the hill towards the Boreland Chambered Cairn. The group paused briefly to
examine the cairn and then continued to follow the rough track through the wood
pasture zone towards the summit of the hill.
Numerous information boards outlined the environmental interest in the
area. On the way up they met a small
group of walkers who were resting on their way back from the summit. They had intended to make a more strenuous
walk in the hills but had changed their plans because of the weather. The group then climbed onwards and upwards
into the mist. When they reached the
summit cairn they paused while the leader pointed out the fine views which were
available. Unfortunately none were
visible in the mist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The ramblers then left the
prepared path and followed deer tracks down the hill while trying to avoid the
worst of the boggy ground. They soon
reached the lower path and turned northwards to continue to descend
gently. A deer fence which enclosed a regeneration
area followed the left side of the path.
At the lowest point of the fence the group again turned off the prepared
path and followed the deer fence until turned back up the hill. At this point the group could then see the
effect of an earlier deer fence where the growth of trees was abruptly cut off
at the old fence line.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
thought of Shirley and Carol all day as I followed behind Andrea and we
reminisced over our day in August when we battled our way through the bracken,
tripping over rocks, going down hidden holes and with me trying to see my way
ahead (Andrea told the others she thought she had lost me a few times!). Today the bracken was down, wet and red,
slippery but easily negotiated after we left the solid path at the cairn. I marvelled at how we had actually managed at
all in some places where, even being able to see where we were putting our
feet, we had to negotiate our way over increasingly wet ground. <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At this point the walkers
left the fence and followed the harder ground through groups of oak and alder
trees down to the old deer dyke; an impressive dry stone wall nearly 2 metres
high. An old gateway gave access onto
the open moor.<i> </i> The route crossed a small burn <i><span style="background-color: yellow;">with the expert help of Richard</span> </i>and an
area of mixed rocky and boggy ground to reach the old track marked on the
maps. The line of the track was just
discernible over the grassy land and led to the site of an old ferm toun; a
collection of long abandoned ruins where once families would have scratched a
living from the unforgiving land. Beyond
the ruins the track led down to Garlies Wood which surrounds the castle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On reaching the castle the
ramblers spread out among various perches to take their lunches. As they ate the rain began to drizzle from
the leaden skies but the trees and ruins provided adequate shelter. After lunch the group headed down through the
woods to the Peat Rigg Strand. This is a
substantial burn. Fortunately it was not
running too fiercely and the group crossed largely dry shod.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before
long we were at the Peat Rig Strand burn and Richard assisted many of the
walkers in crossing it, positioning himself in the middle to give balance to
us. I just had time to get photos of the
waterfall just above where we had crossed before trying to catch up with the
others. I did so just as they had got to
the other side of a sliding wooden gate and Richard was making a pretence of
closing it ! I was actually shattered by
this time and was glad that the next section of the walk, whilst boggy, was
downhill!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The route then led up
through an attractive stand of oak trees to another gate in the deer dyke. They then emerged into open, if somewhat
soggy, grazing land and they followed the wheel tracks of a farm vehicle down
to the track in the valley. The track took
them past the Glenmalloch Schoolhouse.
The group wondered how a teacher had managed twenty-five girls in such a
small room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beyond the schoolhouse the track ran along the wall of
the Cumloden policy woods with its large trees and dense rhododendron. Near the end of the policies the group crossed
the moorland to reach the old track which leads back to the Pheasant Liggat in
Knockman Wood. A small diversion took
them to the top of Torbain, a low grassy hill with a Millennium cairn on its
summit. The group crossed the hill and
regained the track which they followed back to the cars. The somewhat damp ramblers then returned to
the Galloway Arms in Newton Stewart for tea and scones and a warm fire. They were pleased to meet another rambler who
is recovering from a broken leg but had made the effort to join them.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
were delighted when we were joined by Gordon who had primed me not to let
anyone know that he might join us – he was not sure if it would happen and when
he had arrived so much later than us I thought it wasn’t going to! A pint of something alcoholic was his
preference as he was catching the bus back to Ayr! However, he was lucky to get an offer of a
lift home.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next week’s event is a
moderate 8.5 mile walk along the coast from the Isle of Whithorn to
Garlieston. Meet at 09:00 at the
Breastworks Car Park, Stranraer or 09:30 at the Riverside Car Park in Newton
Stewart to share transport. The group
will start with a bus from Garlieston at 10:30 to the start of the walk. New walkers are always welcome but please
contact the walk leader on 01988 840268 to discuss the details.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-30277101654610989742013-02-02T00:00:00.000+00:002013-02-05T11:04:31.915+00:002013 - 2nd February - Dunskey & Killantringan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZmKvc9HWCc/UQ_3lndltUI/AAAAAAAAbSY/j77lqt9O3Cg/s1600/1+Passage+through+Nursery+Wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZmKvc9HWCc/UQ_3lndltUI/AAAAAAAAbSY/j77lqt9O3Cg/s640/1+Passage+through+Nursery+Wood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Passage through Nursery Wood</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnYnKPlpibQ/UQ_3wM6UFHI/AAAAAAAAbTw/3H_gV4QYC3E/s1600/2+Oops,+time+I+caught+up+-+a+shortcut+needed,+I+think..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnYnKPlpibQ/UQ_3wM6UFHI/AAAAAAAAbTw/3H_gV4QYC3E/s640/2+Oops,+time+I+caught+up+-+a+shortcut+needed,+I+think..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oops, time I caught up - a shortcut needed, I think</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf78zzhR2vc/UQ_36xxZRCI/AAAAAAAAbVU/_yFEGPwfy-Y/s1600/3+Getting+closer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf78zzhR2vc/UQ_36xxZRCI/AAAAAAAAbVU/_yFEGPwfy-Y/s640/3+Getting+closer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Getting closer</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9p4jKheEqzA/UQ_4BReW02I/AAAAAAAAbWo/ciMiBYHWYo0/s1600/4+Snowdrops,+at+last!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9p4jKheEqzA/UQ_4BReW02I/AAAAAAAAbWo/ciMiBYHWYo0/s640/4+Snowdrops,+at+last!.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Snowdrops, at last!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVN188RQ8gMvcH-PKePqNZ_YU-YVU0qGIFFHpaljkvcs94ZXc1eWjGR97p6VbQlN859NJvN-UoBvkGAN-PRzwqm-1uSrXX5EQp5qQT-HH4DKDIdJKtcm7bKV0ALXMouNMqZMmFRICHLhU/s1600/5+A+rest+for+some+while+others+visit+the+Orr-Ewing+military+graveyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVN188RQ8gMvcH-PKePqNZ_YU-YVU0qGIFFHpaljkvcs94ZXc1eWjGR97p6VbQlN859NJvN-UoBvkGAN-PRzwqm-1uSrXX5EQp5qQT-HH4DKDIdJKtcm7bKV0ALXMouNMqZMmFRICHLhU/s640/5+A+rest+for+some+while+others+visit+the+Orr-Ewing+military+graveyard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A rest for some while others visit the Orr-Ewing military graveyard</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2BS39MG7gg/UQ_4P3dsTII/AAAAAAAAbZI/s31KCZlV_as/s1600/6+Must+come+back+when+the+bluebells+are+flowering+here..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2BS39MG7gg/UQ_4P3dsTII/AAAAAAAAbZI/s31KCZlV_as/s640/6+Must+come+back+when+the+bluebells+are+flowering+here..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Must come back when the bluebells are flowering here</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wt7jIGdtQlQ/UQ_4P475yOI/AAAAAAAAbZE/WJNQ7nSBGbQ/s1600/7+Bypassing+Port+Kale+-+we+cross+this+bridge+later,+towards+the+end+of+our+walk..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wt7jIGdtQlQ/UQ_4P475yOI/AAAAAAAAbZE/WJNQ7nSBGbQ/s640/7+Bypassing+Port+Kale+-+we+cross+this+bridge+later,+towards+the+end+of+our+walk..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bypassing Port Kale - we cross this bridge later, towards the end of our walk</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2huxV7c1GNE/UQ_4QGG5qwI/AAAAAAAAbZQ/BnVpNGjBAAE/s1600/8+I+am+starting+to+lag+behind+again,+views+are+too+good+to+ignore!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2huxV7c1GNE/UQ_4QGG5qwI/AAAAAAAAbZQ/BnVpNGjBAAE/s640/8+I+am+starting+to+lag+behind+again,+views+are+too+good+to+ignore!.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am starting to lag behind again, views are too good to ignore!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5mTIVa9dJI/UQ_4RIVlpnI/AAAAAAAAbZY/m9S78dPTrQ0/s1600/9+The+trees+don't+need+leaves+on+them+to+impress!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5mTIVa9dJI/UQ_4RIVlpnI/AAAAAAAAbZY/m9S78dPTrQ0/s640/9+The+trees+don't+need+leaves+on+them+to+impress!.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The trees don't need leaves on them to impress!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj4ISN1Hm90/UQ_3mgmcNGI/AAAAAAAAbSg/fZHyu3oWAzg/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj4ISN1Hm90/UQ_3mgmcNGI/AAAAAAAAbSg/fZHyu3oWAzg/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mx_w0RliQM/UQ_3lQg4X6I/AAAAAAAAbSU/plZxrixcMRw/s1600/11+Colours+reflecting+in+Dunskey+Burn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mx_w0RliQM/UQ_3lQg4X6I/AAAAAAAAbSU/plZxrixcMRw/s640/11+Colours+reflecting+in+Dunskey+Burn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Colours reflecting in Dunskey Burn</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjA1DGZCp6c/UQ_3nN8URPI/AAAAAAAAbSo/V_DlnpzGO0g/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjA1DGZCp6c/UQ_3nN8URPI/AAAAAAAAbSo/V_DlnpzGO0g/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-px5nPl9wVmo/UQ_3oo4PcJI/AAAAAAAAbS0/Y5w-zrrXoeU/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-px5nPl9wVmo/UQ_3oo4PcJI/AAAAAAAAbS0/Y5w-zrrXoeU/s1600/13.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvS7Lfp3r2s/UQ_3pvGVZ4I/AAAAAAAAbS8/mLwmEkSHq8o/s1600/13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvS7Lfp3r2s/UQ_3pvGVZ4I/AAAAAAAAbS8/mLwmEkSHq8o/s1600/13a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju7Gz_8juko/UQ_3qPi74dI/AAAAAAAAbTE/-RD-QkPab6k/s1600/14+Got+to+try+to+catch+up+-+can%2527t+see+anyone+ahead%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju7Gz_8juko/UQ_3qPi74dI/AAAAAAAAbTE/-RD-QkPab6k/s640/14+Got+to+try+to+catch+up+-+can%2527t+see+anyone+ahead%2521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Got to try to catch up - can't see anyone ahead!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu7amLBzi-g/UQ_3rKeufAI/AAAAAAAAbTI/gvvdL_FjQdY/s1600/15+I+can+hear+voices..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu7amLBzi-g/UQ_3rKeufAI/AAAAAAAAbTI/gvvdL_FjQdY/s640/15+I+can+hear+voices..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1QuFXqKOB8/UQ_3tNlxcdI/AAAAAAAAbTY/oLlf1PxjlBo/s1600/16+The+group+has+paused+to+admire+the+waterfalls+-+what+a+beautiful+bridge+-+and+far+too+many+opportunities+for+the+taking+of.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1QuFXqKOB8/UQ_3tNlxcdI/AAAAAAAAbTY/oLlf1PxjlBo/s640/16+The+group+has+paused+to+admire+the+waterfalls+-+what+a+beautiful+bridge+-+and+far+too+many+opportunities+for+the+taking+of.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can hear voices</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRkiDxy_rkM/UQ_3tPTN0dI/AAAAAAAAbTU/5eUg0y_wqnI/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRkiDxy_rkM/UQ_3tPTN0dI/AAAAAAAAbTU/5eUg0y_wqnI/s640/17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The group has paused to admire the waterfalls - what a beautiful bridge - and far too many opportunities for the taking of photographs</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNrLtM2p8II/UQ_3tntfwZI/AAAAAAAAbTg/V6abrqUOq0s/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNrLtM2p8II/UQ_3tntfwZI/AAAAAAAAbTg/V6abrqUOq0s/s640/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr4fSUhXnTI/UQ_3vwG05YI/AAAAAAAAbTs/FvMrndRx4gM/s1600/19+From+the+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr4fSUhXnTI/UQ_3vwG05YI/AAAAAAAAbTs/FvMrndRx4gM/s640/19+From+the+bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lp3HHV4C9I/UQ_3xXaJpVI/AAAAAAAAbT8/qIqZGgMT7c4/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lp3HHV4C9I/UQ_3xXaJpVI/AAAAAAAAbT8/qIqZGgMT7c4/s1600/20.jpg" /></a></div>
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From the bridge</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlaSGZK5UDE/UQ_3x4l3H_I/AAAAAAAAbUA/zQ3JU_Y10ts/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlaSGZK5UDE/UQ_3x4l3H_I/AAAAAAAAbUA/zQ3JU_Y10ts/s640/21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIQFrgYRGVc/UQ_3yzCBvyI/AAAAAAAAbUM/xOM0yaGAMos/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIQFrgYRGVc/UQ_3yzCBvyI/AAAAAAAAbUM/xOM0yaGAMos/s640/22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4APF4b1wqyI/UQ_3zsJBqeI/AAAAAAAAbUU/WgeyvW8SY24/s1600/23+The+track+is+getting+muddier+so+the+group+will+be+getting+slower+-+I+might+catch+up+soon%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4APF4b1wqyI/UQ_3zsJBqeI/AAAAAAAAbUU/WgeyvW8SY24/s640/23+The+track+is+getting+muddier+so+the+group+will+be+getting+slower+-+I+might+catch+up+soon%2521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The track is getting muddier so the group will be getting slower - I might catch up soon!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfV1nXuDvdI/UQ_309HB1hI/AAAAAAAAbUc/FI_OH06jnDM/s1600/24+Lovely+wide+track+through+the+woods+on+Craigbouie+Fell..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfV1nXuDvdI/UQ_309HB1hI/AAAAAAAAbUc/FI_OH06jnDM/s640/24+Lovely+wide+track+through+the+woods+on+Craigbouie+Fell..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lovely wide track through the woods on Craigbouie Fell</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUAD-wQLRl4/UQ_31Y9JY-I/AAAAAAAAbUg/qPRWz_FiPt0/s1600/25+A+surprise+climb+up+from+the+track+brought+us+to+Old+Loch..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUAD-wQLRl4/UQ_31Y9JY-I/AAAAAAAAbUg/qPRWz_FiPt0/s640/25+A+surprise+climb+up+from+the+track+brought+us+to+Old+Loch..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A surprise climb up from the track brought us to Old Loch</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0VPvO5mQeU/UQ_324yZx9I/AAAAAAAAbUs/S7GXT5F9ttQ/s1600/26+Wow%2521+Snowdrops+-+our+second+sighting+-+well+spotted+Jim%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0VPvO5mQeU/UQ_324yZx9I/AAAAAAAAbUs/S7GXT5F9ttQ/s640/26+Wow%2521+Snowdrops+-+our+second+sighting+-+well+spotted+Jim%2521.jpg" width="587" /></a></div>
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Wow! Snowdrops - our second sighting - well spotted Jim!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRFmL2r9Hb4/UQ_34GJb1CI/AAAAAAAAbU4/KaXCWor-8pc/s1600/27+Sunshine+through+the+trees+accentuate+autumnal+colour+beneath+this+fabulous+beech+tree..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRFmL2r9Hb4/UQ_34GJb1CI/AAAAAAAAbU4/KaXCWor-8pc/s640/27+Sunshine+through+the+trees+accentuate+autumnal+colour+beneath+this+fabulous+beech+tree..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sunshine through the trees accentuate autumnal colour beneath this fabulous beech tree</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1uNUvqZdjQ/UQ_331bHJZI/AAAAAAAAbU0/MfMPJOiQia0/s1600/28+New+Loch+-+time+for+another+short+pause..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1uNUvqZdjQ/UQ_331bHJZI/AAAAAAAAbU0/MfMPJOiQia0/s640/28+New+Loch+-+time+for+another+short+pause..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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New Loch - time for another short pause</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwjxdslCbn0/UQ_343e9FkI/AAAAAAAAbVE/vIQc3fcUvdI/s1600/29+Back+a+bit+Jim..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwjxdslCbn0/UQ_343e9FkI/AAAAAAAAbVE/vIQc3fcUvdI/s640/29+Back+a+bit+Jim..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Back a bit Jim.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYO6dGxy_eE/UQ_36UHOG9I/AAAAAAAAbVM/PfwI14icn48/s1600/30+Decided+not+to%252C+I+guess.+Wonder+if+you+noticed+the+boat+shed+has+lost+its+roof..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYO6dGxy_eE/UQ_36UHOG9I/AAAAAAAAbVM/PfwI14icn48/s640/30+Decided+not+to%252C+I+guess.+Wonder+if+you+noticed+the+boat+shed+has+lost+its+roof..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Decided not to, I guess. Wonder if you noticed the boat shed has lost its roof</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXNZBxWAVwo/UQ_37poFxRI/AAAAAAAAbVc/_W635dm5lCA/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXNZBxWAVwo/UQ_37poFxRI/AAAAAAAAbVc/_W635dm5lCA/s640/31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0mFpd6FhZw/UQ_38sMpzJI/AAAAAAAAbVk/fC4etzn3b5E/s1600/32+Who+threw+my+toys+out+-+we+think+this+is+a+Newfoundland+dog+-+he+did+not+seem+interested+in+us+at+all..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0mFpd6FhZw/UQ_38sMpzJI/AAAAAAAAbVk/fC4etzn3b5E/s640/32+Who+threw+my+toys+out+-+we+think+this+is+a+Newfoundland+dog+-+he+did+not+seem+interested+in+us+at+all..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Who threw my toys out - we think this is a Newfoundland dog - he did not seem interested in us at all</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFwTWZBKl8Y/UQ_386eclsI/AAAAAAAAbVo/DQJjCSlyZ9s/s1600/33+Lunch+just+before+1pm+-+early+for+an+Allan-led+walk+and+much+appreciated..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFwTWZBKl8Y/UQ_386eclsI/AAAAAAAAbVo/DQJjCSlyZ9s/s640/33+Lunch+just+before+1pm+-+early+for+an+Allan-led+walk+and+much+appreciated..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lunch just before 1pm - early for an Allan-led walk and much appreciated.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSNGkOCCRMs/UQ_39B2IACI/AAAAAAAAbVs/HFEFM2UK-Iw/s1600/34+Great+to+be+going+downhill+after+lunch+for+a+change+-+easy+surface+too..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSNGkOCCRMs/UQ_39B2IACI/AAAAAAAAbVs/HFEFM2UK-Iw/s640/34+Great+to+be+going+downhill+after+lunch+for+a+change+-+easy+surface+too..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Great to be going downhill after lunch for a change - easy surface too</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAUGYeQPU3k/UQ_3-dfBjcI/AAAAAAAAbWE/JP2x_6UFrRY/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAUGYeQPU3k/UQ_3-dfBjcI/AAAAAAAAbWE/JP2x_6UFrRY/s640/36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93wNQFpH5L8/UQ_3-3B3X_I/AAAAAAAAbWI/fPKA0oh0VuQ/s1600/37+Killantringan+Bay+with+its+patchwork+of+colours%252C+beautiful+as+ever..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93wNQFpH5L8/UQ_3-3B3X_I/AAAAAAAAbWI/fPKA0oh0VuQ/s640/37+Killantringan+Bay+with+its+patchwork+of+colours%252C+beautiful+as+ever..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Killantringan Bay with its patchwork of colours, beautiful as ever</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dip22PtumNU/UQ_3_JizuaI/AAAAAAAAbWQ/8rke7Fyq9gI/s1600/37+Killantringan+Lighthouse+-+sure+I+saw+more+of+the+wreck+of+Craigantlet+last+time+I+was+here.+Perhaps+the+tide+is+higher..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dip22PtumNU/UQ_3_JizuaI/AAAAAAAAbWQ/8rke7Fyq9gI/s640/37+Killantringan+Lighthouse+-+sure+I+saw+more+of+the+wreck+of+Craigantlet+last+time+I+was+here.+Perhaps+the+tide+is+higher..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Killantringan Lighthouse - sure I saw more of the wreck of Craigantlet last time I was here. Perhaps the tide is higher.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsIif_HH8Sc/UQ_4AjMXE4I/AAAAAAAAbWc/iErJmyRamzU/s1600/38+I+love+this+section+of+the+walk%252C+over+Ouchtriemakain+Moor+-+a+much+better+day+than+when+we+were+last+here.+Thought+of+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsIif_HH8Sc/UQ_4AjMXE4I/AAAAAAAAbWc/iErJmyRamzU/s640/38+I+love+this+section+of+the+walk%252C+over+Ouchtriemakain+Moor+-+a+much+better+day+than+when+we+were+last+here.+Thought+of+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love this section of the walk, over Ouchtriemakain Moor - a much better day than when we were last here.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLHFNiJ-E5o/UQ_4Akf3rhI/AAAAAAAAbWk/zgKjEsL2bC0/s1600/39+I+got+in+the+picture%252C+thanks+to+Jimmy..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLHFNiJ-E5o/UQ_4Akf3rhI/AAAAAAAAbWk/zgKjEsL2bC0/s640/39+I+got+in+the+picture%252C+thanks+to+Jimmy..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got in the picture, thanks to Jimmy</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KNlEzLOUekPSe9YYqTHijaoW3Uf5NYAGxSpgi8LE4bdf9X91Nk91LAT64kdI0jz31_Ln6MrhDLGm7-m9hcj9lkgmmhezqfMZ4km6rzfc2HtjE7mVGf3iHhlSs7IINB0jNVLm4SVhCMM/s1600/40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KNlEzLOUekPSe9YYqTHijaoW3Uf5NYAGxSpgi8LE4bdf9X91Nk91LAT64kdI0jz31_Ln6MrhDLGm7-m9hcj9lkgmmhezqfMZ4km6rzfc2HtjE7mVGf3iHhlSs7IINB0jNVLm4SVhCMM/s640/40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib7dUo7N7DBPc4DT07IDM4a6Abgl7PgoDT7vcwsLRcQ9fCcyWhWhPAzqzilMr7RsFl8jOd_nIZa56UNOtbaqUHNl6NPE46wE47Za9nAUh7Jsu94pLN7NIBFp3UPTlmKj3heu3C8HzUgI/s1600/42+Down+to+Portavaddie+and+up+March+Howe..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib7dUo7N7DBPc4DT07IDM4a6Abgl7PgoDT7vcwsLRcQ9fCcyWhWhPAzqzilMr7RsFl8jOd_nIZa56UNOtbaqUHNl6NPE46wE47Za9nAUh7Jsu94pLN7NIBFp3UPTlmKj3heu3C8HzUgI/s640/42+Down+to+Portavaddie+and+up+March+Howe..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Down to Portavaddie and up March Howe</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfiL4Viy3Lo/UQ_4EZ52bmI/AAAAAAAAbXM/GuhTZNhtEU4/s1600/43+.......+after+which+we+had+a+well-deserved+rest+for+a+short+while..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfiL4Viy3Lo/UQ_4EZ52bmI/AAAAAAAAbXM/GuhTZNhtEU4/s640/43+.......+after+which+we+had+a+well-deserved+rest+for+a+short+while..jpg" width="640" /></a>....... after which we had a well-deserved rest for a short while</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmp6f6K5c5w/UQ_4Ei_79lI/AAAAAAAAbXY/6CQrU4I1Xis/s1600/45+Approaching+Port+Kale+beyond+which+is+Port+Mora.+Between+them+is+the+burial+area+for+Orr+Ewing+family%252C+visited+by+us+earlie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmp6f6K5c5w/UQ_4Ei_79lI/AAAAAAAAbXY/6CQrU4I1Xis/s640/45+Approaching+Port+Kale+beyond+which+is+Port+Mora.+Between+them+is+the+burial+area+for+Orr+Ewing+family%252C+visited+by+us+earlie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Approaching Port Kale beyond which is Port Mora. Between them is the burial area for Orr Ewing family, visited by us earlier</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUw4M_IbLOQ/UQ_4Gx8MgQI/AAAAAAAAbXk/Q9P8gS-7uhw/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUw4M_IbLOQ/UQ_4Gx8MgQI/AAAAAAAAbXk/Q9P8gS-7uhw/s640/46.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oweuYuk6I18/UQ_4HBfHdvI/AAAAAAAAbXs/yM3rXCKySaE/s1600/47+Shorter+legs+have+more+difficulty+getting+down+these+steps+but+the+chain+link+rope+is+a+great+help..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oweuYuk6I18/UQ_4HBfHdvI/AAAAAAAAbXs/yM3rXCKySaE/s640/47+Shorter+legs+have+more+difficulty+getting+down+these+steps+but+the+chain+link+rope+is+a+great+help..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shorter legs have more difficulty getting down these steps but the chain link rope is a great help</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky8cUE8v9b8/UQ_4HRrz-5I/AAAAAAAAbXw/zgU8uSdCOmM/s1600/48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky8cUE8v9b8/UQ_4HRrz-5I/AAAAAAAAbXw/zgU8uSdCOmM/s640/48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZmjveN95FviYE12ZIsy-44wydICmmH4tuaVoKhlulaTngDMOSxGxcSjCzJlDAS1SQAOcBQVwEWb3KoqtA4xaKJlmTIp9C-5YhkbS0XC_6DDIil833xLYuWq3yjdzPzXAijBUs_nkoKI/s1600/49+What+was+going+on+here+-+can%2527t+be+Poo+Sticks%252C+water+was+flowing+the+wrong+way.+The+%2527huts%2527+in+the+background+were+used+as+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZmjveN95FviYE12ZIsy-44wydICmmH4tuaVoKhlulaTngDMOSxGxcSjCzJlDAS1SQAOcBQVwEWb3KoqtA4xaKJlmTIp9C-5YhkbS0XC_6DDIil833xLYuWq3yjdzPzXAijBUs_nkoKI/s640/49+What+was+going+on+here+-+can%2527t+be+Poo+Sticks%252C+water+was+flowing+the+wrong+way.+The+%2527huts%2527+in+the+background+were+used+as+b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What was going on here - can't be Poo Sticks, water was flowing the wrong way</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JK9bQZqxBHw/UQ_4Kzw0r1I/AAAAAAAAbYQ/umkUV36tQos/s1600/50+Port+Mora.+Cath+gave+us+some+history+of+the+waterfalls%252C+said+to+have+health+benefits%252C+and+of+historical+evidence+of+human+o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JK9bQZqxBHw/UQ_4Kzw0r1I/AAAAAAAAbYQ/umkUV36tQos/s640/50+Port+Mora.+Cath+gave+us+some+history+of+the+waterfalls%252C+said+to+have+health+benefits%252C+and+of+historical+evidence+of+human+o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Port Mora. Cath gave us some history of the waterfalls, said to have health benefits, and of historical evidence of human occupation</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35dVmevHx4E/UQ_4KzcmyoI/AAAAAAAAbYM/t6VklWFwMws/s1600/51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35dVmevHx4E/UQ_4KzcmyoI/AAAAAAAAbYM/t6VklWFwMws/s640/51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TMA1SeRh1c/UQ_4LKcLIQI/AAAAAAAAbYU/vBUdYnPW0zQ/s1600/52+Looking+back+at+Port+Kale+and+the+headland..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TMA1SeRh1c/UQ_4LKcLIQI/AAAAAAAAbYU/vBUdYnPW0zQ/s640/52+Looking+back+at+Port+Kale+and+the+headland..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking back at Port Kale and the headland</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5zOgXEEiJQ/UQ_4NPKlceI/AAAAAAAAbYk/7drUBWseoHM/s1600/53+Someone+is+conquering+his+fear+of+%2527edges%2527+-+well+done..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5zOgXEEiJQ/UQ_4NPKlceI/AAAAAAAAbYk/7drUBWseoHM/s640/53+Someone+is+conquering+his+fear+of+%2527edges%2527+-+well+done..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Someone is conquering his fear of 'edges' - well done</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTy66Zl5AN4/UQ_4NdmtNyI/AAAAAAAAbYs/3rCZR3TI5jM/s1600/54+Nearing+Portpatrick+and+the+end+of+our+walk+-+hope+they+have+got+the+kettle+on+at+the+Crown+Hotel..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTy66Zl5AN4/UQ_4NdmtNyI/AAAAAAAAbYs/3rCZR3TI5jM/s640/54+Nearing+Portpatrick+and+the+end+of+our+walk+-+hope+they+have+got+the+kettle+on+at+the+Crown+Hotel..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nearing Portpatrick and the end of our walk - hope they have got the kettle on at the Crown Hotel</div>
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Tea and scones were good, time to go home now</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2
February 2013 – Dunskey Circular </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">– Report by Richard Kay<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A bright breezy February morning greeted 24 ramblers as
they assembled at the south car park in Portpatrick:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Cath, Frances, Isobel, Richard, Andrea, Jim, Erika, Anne, Ken,
Margaret, Audrey, Shona, Irene, Jimmy, Rachel, Heather, Claire, John, Allan,
Marilyn and Jim, with their dog, Charlie,
Jacqui, with Tilly, Linda (delighted to see you! ) and a visitor,
Rachel, who had joined us for the day</i>. <i>The
Crown Hotel was informed that 22 of us would be there about 3pm to have
refreshments.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Far way to the south the Mountains of Mourne peeked over
the horizon; the destination for an excursion by members in May.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The group assembled and, after a few words
from the walk leader, set off round the bay and then took to the back
streets.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The route followed streets not
previously visited and then climbed a steep overgrown path which took them to
the old railway line.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After a short
pause to regain their breath the ramblers continued upwards as views over the
village opened up below them.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A little
further on they passed the school with is bright copper roof and then looked
down onto the site of the railway station.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A short walk took them to the edge of the village and the
ramblers crossed the main road and followed the road to Dunskey Home Farm. A
pair of roe deer bounced off across the fields. From there they descended
through the Nursery Wood and along to the edge of Dunskey Glen. The track following the rim of the Glen led
them eventually to a brackeny promontory between Port Mora and Port Kale where
the owners of the estate had created a small family cemetery. The well kept stones recorded several
generations of the family on a site with beautiful views southwestwards over
the sea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
turned inland again and followed really muddy tracks up through the glen
following Dunskey Burn and all its waterfalls.
I was having a field day and was not concerned about catching up as the
tracks were so slippery and deep in mud where diversions were often needing to
be made, that I knew the group would be slow, having to go in single file. I made
the right decisions in the turnings off when needed – always obvious ones, and
caught up with them as they reached a substantial bridge over a particularly
deep waterfall. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They
moved on after I had managed to get a few photos of them, the bridge and the
waterfalls and then spent much more time recording the action of the water as
it cascaded down the glen and over the rocks, the moss covered trees and rocks
beside them reflecting the sun into the water.
The autumnal colours turned the water into a multi-coloured pallet.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After a short pause the group followed the track down to
the burn in the bottom of the glen and then took the muddy path back up
alongside the burn as it tumbled down to the sea.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After crossing the burn twice by excellent
bridges the path led them back to the estate drive which, with the kind
permission of the owner, they followed northwards to the Old Loch.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is an unusual loch which crosses the
watershed and has a dam at each end.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
dam was once used as a water source to power the estate sawmill.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The sluice gate is still visible at the end
of the southern dam. The loch is now an attractive feature and home to a pair
of swans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The ramblers crossed the southern dam and followed the
path through the wood beyond. There had
been extensive planting of a variety of rhododendrons which are now growing
well and will provide a real show later in the year.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We admired magnificent birch trees, bereft of their autumnal leaves
which still coated the ground beneath them.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Beyond the wood they crossed a field and reached the bank
of the New Loch, a somewhat larger body of water, apparently well patronised by
fishermen.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The group walked round the
south end of the loch to the North Drive.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They were surprised to see that recent gales had lifted the roof
completely off the boathouse and deposited it on an adjacent rhododendron.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The walkers took the north drive </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(at the end of which most of us were delighted to have our first
sighting of a New Foundland dog – a huge black dog by its kennel, seemingly
undisturbed by 24 people walking by) </i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">to the Lochnaw road which they
followed northwards until they reached the road to Kilantringan
lighthouse.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On entering that road they turned
off to find a sheltered spot among the whins to enjoy lunch in the sunshine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Envigorated by their lunch the ramblers set off
cheerfully down the road towards the lighthouse. The remains of the
Craigantlet, which was wrecked in the bay below the lighthouse thirty years
ago, were just breaking the waves in the high tide.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There seemed much less of the ship since our
last visit. </span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Only I took photos of
Killantringan Bay as the others started to make the steep climb up the hill on
top of which is a SUW marker – then down the other side! The view from it was probably worth the
effort although the lighthouse, foghorn and meagre remains of the a ship
wrecked in Portmaggie Bay could be seen just as easily from below it!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On reaching the sea the group turned south following the
Southern Upland Way along the cliffs back towards Portpatrick.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
walk from there was lovely, the weather showing no similarities to that
experienced last time we had walked along this stretch of coastline. I was telling Jimmy about the company of
Tasha and Estelle in November and remembering just how cold we all were! Today would have been a much better day for
them to have joined us!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The deep glen above Portavaddie caused some to puff a
little but a mostly easy path soon got them back to Port Kale.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At this point the path descends steeply by
rough steps cut in the rocks to sea level.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The fixed chain at the side of the path was a great assistance.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The group crossed the beach and the bridge
over the Dunskey Burn </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(the dropping of
sticks down into the water of the out burn from the bridge caused much hilarity
but whether this was a twist on the practice of throwing Poo sticks into water
to judge whose stick would flow fastest, I could not tell!) </i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">and then
followed the narrow path round below the grave site and descended to Port
Mora.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This was the site of the landfall
for one of the cross channel telephone lines.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Until recently there had been a small hut which had contained the cable
junctions and switch gear.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This has
completely disappeared and all that marks the site is the painted pole which
supported the marker beacon.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
adjacent visitor centre was firmly closed, and in spite of a notice suggesting
it might open, no one could ever remember seeing it in use.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once
into Port Mora a few people stopped to hear Cath tell of the historical
evidence of human occupation of the caves and of the supposed health benefits
of the waterfall, which was tumbling into the sea beneath which the walkers were
now taking an uphill path.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The ramblers climbed over the rocks below the two caves
on the south side of the beach and then ascended the path to the golf
course.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The radio masts above
Portpatrick and the end of the walk were now in sight which spurred the group
onwards and back down into the village as the sun lowered its way down towards
the Irish coast.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The event finished with
tea and scones in the Crown Hotel which was greatly enjoyed by all.</span></div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-34276637350226090372013-01-26T00:00:00.000+00:002013-01-29T21:39:11.072+00:002013 - 26 January Finnarts Bay to Cairnryan <div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">26 January Finnarts Bay to Cairnryan</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
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Where to now ?</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">26 January Finnarts Bay to Cairnryan</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Report by Cath Birkett<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cath,
Thomas, Frances and Isobel drove to the car park on the north side of Cairnryan
where Carl was already waiting although we were all early. It was a lovely surprise to see Carl who had
just found out that he could use his caravan until the end of January. We walked to the bus stop in the village and
most of the other walkers joined us there, the others making the most of the
amenable bus driver who picked them up at the car park later. We almost filled the local bus – Florence,
Leslie, Mary x 2, Audrey, Margaret, Ken,
John (bike), Allan, Irene, Duncan, Shona, Rachel, Claire, Jim, Mike, John (two
poles), Richard and Andrea swelling our numbers to 24 who, with two other passengers,
were probably the most people ever to have used it on a ‘regular’ run at one
time! Having given thanks to our driver,
we left the bus at the turn off for Finnarts Bay. </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">With the cars left at
Cairnryan, 24 walkers took the bus to Finnarts Bay for a leisurely walk of
9miles, which was to include part of the Lochryan Coastal Path. In great
contrast to the previous wet and stormy day, the weather was kind, the snow
left by the last week almost completely washed away by rain, and even the
sunshine appearing for brief moments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The route began by passing
the former Finnart’s fish processing factory, now in a dilapidated state but
remembered well by the walkers, with one of the number reminiscing about
working there. From here a small hump backed bridge crossed the tumbling burn
of the Water of App and an estate road led through Garry wood alongside carpets
of snowdrops to Finnarts farm and the ruined remains of the mansion house. The
cylindrical dovecot on the hillside above was a collecting point for beaters,
soon joined for a shoot by the guns passed along the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The next stretch coincided
with the Ayrshire Coastal path which led back across the Bridge of the Mark
over the Water of App to the little gem of Glenapp kirk. Unfortunately there
was not time to visit the memorial to Elsie Mackay, Lord Inchcape’s high flying
daughter, who disappeared in a presumed air accident in 1928.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The path south from here
becomes the Lochryan coastal path which climbs steeply up above the A77. One
burn falling in small cascades with the light behind illuminating the peaty
brown water was particularly beautiful. Magnificent views across Glenapp to
Sandloch and Penderry hills made the hard going well worthwhile, with Lochryan
itself coming into view and a brief glimpse of a ferry sailing down the loch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
views back the way we had come, on this forest track were worth stopping to
admire, giving us an excuse to catch our breath. I took a longer break when we crossed over a
burn where the burnt orange of the peaty water formed small colourful waterfalls
as it cascaded over rocks, swirling around, creating bubbles and frothy
delights in the sunshine.</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Buzzards floated in the sky
above whilst a forest road was followed, leaving the coastal path temporarily
to avoid much of the wet boggy ground. A new double deer stalkers’ ladder with
good views down the intersecting forest rides announced that it could only be
climbed by authorised personnel. This area had provided a fairyland spectacle
earlier in the week, when snow lay on the ground and decorated the trees to
look like crinolines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Traces
of the snow encountered by the walkers who had done the recce in week could
still be seen as the track continued uphill, getting wetter as we entered the
forest. Before this, however, I was
delighted to see the fast flowing water of Pinwherran Burn with its peaty
waterfalls and could see much of its progress as it descended below the
track. </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The forest had been felled
further on, and it was here that a line of tree stumps made dry seats for the
ramblers, who sat resembling a line of pixies having lunch. The views were now
over the rolling hills above Cairnryan, which would make the returning route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
emerged from the forest onto a vast area where logging had recently taken place
and where the logs were piled high on either side of the forest road. The colours of the logs were deeper with the
dampness of the recent snow and rain and created a lovely lining to the track
along which we walked towards our lunch destination. Tree stumps and discarded logs provided
excellent seats for us all. Mary and I
sat on one log which tipped up when either of us moved - like a seesaw! Despite the sunshine, we soon cooled down and
were happy to move on after helping our blood sugar levels to rise!</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">After leaving the forest road
the way became boggy, the recent rain swelling the moorland drains and creating
the perfect conditions for reeds and peaty quagmires. The Lochryan Coastal path
was rejoined by a series of bog hopping and squelching areas alongside a dry
stone dyke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Irene
had warned me that the going would get more difficult and so I was ready for
the ‘adventure’ of finding our way over some ‘interesting’ terrain! My occasional squeals accompanied those of
others who did not always find the driest route through the marshy ground – bursts
of laughter were more frequent than cries of dismay though!</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Soon the border between
Ayrshire and Wigtownshire was crossed at the Galloway Burn and lucky timing
showed two ferries passing in the waters below. Across the loch could be seen
the woodland on Clachan Heughs, north of Kirkcolm, which had been laid out in
the exact formation of Sir John Moore’s troops at the battle of Corunna in 1809
by Moore’s brother or nephew, who inherited Corsewall estate. Unfortunately the
‘Ace of Spades’ wood is straggling a bit now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Another war gave the area
more remains; when the top of the rise was reached the ruins of gun
emplacements and ancillary buildings were explored by some walkers. The site
was to have been an anti-aircraft battery for four 3.7 inch guns, one of four
such batteries built to protect the military port in Lochryan, but it is not
certain that the guns were ever removed from their covered storage place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The Taxing Stone was the last
historical interest of the walk. A six foot high standing stone which is said
to mark the burial of King Appin, murdered in Glenapp in 741, was also the old
boundary between the kingdoms of Galloway and Carrick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we
left there we could see a Stena Line ferry entering the waters of the loch
while that of P&O was making its way out of Cairnryan. Carl, who is a tremendous fan of all water
transport, stopped to video their passage towards each other – their passing
occurring just below where we were walking.
P&O disappeared into open water as we watched Stena’s boat manoeuvre
into its berth in the new terminal. He
and I managed to catch up with other walkers who had been distracted by the
ferries. Totally oblivious to what was
going on out in the loch was a flock of sheep who seemed to be more interested
in the passing of 24 walkers!</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">From here it was downhill
back to the picnic place in Cairnryan, enhanced by good views over the new
port. An easy end to a delightful walk, on an unexpectedly bright and rainless
day, brought the ramblers back to the cars and on to ‘Stir It’ in Stranraer for
welcome social refreshments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were
lucky to have had the best of the weather for our walk. After visiting Stir It and moving half a dozen
or more tables together before enjoying our refreshments (thank you Beth for
the great cakes and for putting the tables back!) we drove home as the rain
threatened!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-86490061450481368702013-01-19T00:00:00.000+00:002013-01-21T21:32:22.054+00:002013 - 19 January - Kirroughtree – Newton Stewart <div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">19 January Kirroughtree – Newton Stewart</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">19 January Kirroughtree – Newton Stewart</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Report
by Richard Kay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Eighteen ramblers and one well
behaved dog met at the Anglers’ car park at the top of the Mines Hill above
Blackcraig. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Frances, Isobel and Sheila (new), drove
to Newton Stewart where they met other walkers: Richard (leading), Jim, Mary,
Claire, John (two poles), sisters Erica and Rosie (new) and Ken. I then followed Richard who turned off at
Blackcraig and then took another left turn which took us up a really steep hill
with passing places, to the Fisherman’s Car Park. Peter walked up the road from his house, with
Bella, his dog. Florence arrived soon after with Jimmy, Mary (Cairnryan) and
David (not put off by his epic climb last week!) as did Irene and Duncan. We were a total of 18 walkers. Richard was leading us as Andrea was unable
to do so and he proposed me as backup because I am ‘always at the back anyway’! I phoned Cinnamon to advise them of the
number of scones required and gave them an estimated time of our arrival there.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The weak winter sun was working
its way through the thin clouds and the ground was sprinkled with a light
dusting of fine snow. It promised to be
a fine day for a walk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was totally surprised when we went uphill into the forest and came
across a way marker for the Lade Walk in Kirroughtrie – I had no idea that this
was so close to Blackcraig! </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The group
headed off following the newly constructed Yellow Route which wound its way
through the trees down to the Bruntis Lochs. These were built as a water source
for the lead mines and could be regarded as industrial dereliction but are now
a most attractive feature of the forest.
When they reached the big loch a pair of herons wheeled above the glassy
water, silhouetted against a clear blue sky.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Richard led us over
tracks and forest roads and we soon reached the Bruntis Lochs. The reflections were just wonderful which,
added to a big area of ice on the water, gave the photographers amongst us
plenty of scope! We had a long stop on
the other side of the larger of the two lochs, having crossed the beautiful
bridge over a burn and admired the Jewel Stone.
There was plenty of photographic material here and I had to rush to
catch up with the others with Mary who, like me, was trying to capture the
image of a beautiful robin who kept pace with us for a while.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There was a short pause to admire
the ornate bridge over the outflow from the main loch and the repaired Jewel
Stone, a symbol of one of the Seven Stanes cycle routes. As they stood there a cyclist whirred past on
the downhill run towards the visitor centre.
The group then made their way round the north-east side of the loch
until an old track led northwards to a forest road. The forest road was followed round the north
side of the loch until the leader realised he had missed a turn and they back
tracked a little way to where the Blue walking route led up through the trees
to yet another forest road. This road
was followed south-westwards until a short track followed a moss decked dyke to
an upper road where the group turned northwards, following the white trail
round Larg Hill. Along the way they met
two other ramblers who were walking a borrowed dog in the opposite direction. Greetings were exchanged and the ramblers continued
on their way. </span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were delighted to see Marie
and Peter coming towards us with a spaniel – that of friends – which was more
interested in greeting Bella, Peter’s spaniel. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Views of
the snow covered hills were seen sporadically through the larch trees. They looked magnificent in the sparkling
sunshine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon afterwards we left
this stretch of forest road to negotiate a moss covered dyke into the rougher
ground of one of the fields of Larg Farm.
Peter and Bella left us then to return home and the rest of us
concentrated on avoiding brambles and admiring the views of the snow covered
hills in the distance.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The group followed the lower road
below Larg Hill until they reached the edge of the fields of Larg Farm. At this point one member and his dog left the
group to walk home and the remaining walkers crossed the fields down to the
remains of the Larg Tower, and ancient tower house believed to have been the
seat of the McKie family. This was built
on land granted to the McKie family by Robert the Bruce for services to the
king during the wars of independence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After examining the ruins they crossed another field and reached the New
Galloway road by Larg Cottages. The road
was crossed and the ramblers followed the old road line up into the Doon Wood. </span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was really brilliant being led on
a walk where most of us had not been before and the interest continued after we
crossed the road and entered more woodland.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">They left the track and walked
through the lovely larch wood to the Parliament Knowe. This was an old hill fort of unusually small
dimensions which had been used as a traditional camping ground for passing
tinkers. It is believed that the name
derives from the practice of local miners meeting there to discuss their mutual
problems. Lunch was taken on the top of
the knowe where quarrying activity had provided ideal seating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The sun now disappeared behind
scudding clouds and the temperature dropped markedly. The ramblers returned to the old track and
climbed towards the Doon Fields. The fields which are completely screened by
woodland, had once been used as a training site for young motocross
riders. All signs of their activities
have now healed. The group crossed the
field and went back into the woods. This
section is known as the Wild Wood. The
area is predominantly conifer plantation but scattered older broadleaved trees
suggest that there may have been an old wood on the site.</span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was here that I was lucky to catch sight of a buzzard taking off from
its high point in the trees.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The original intention was to walk
further round Clark’s Wood to the east but felling of areas of Larch following
the identification of the Phytophthora disease meant that they avoided these
areas and turned directly down to the Bower Wood. There was no sign of the local Fallow Deer
which are commonly seen here. Perhaps
they had all gone down to Minnigaff village where they had been causing
problems for gardeners. The group left
Bower Wood and crossed the golf course to the doocot which stood between the
fairways. This was examined and the group was amazed at the number of cells in
such a small building. As no golfers
were in sight, the ramblers then crossed the next fairway and entered the track
leading to the Kirroughtree Stables. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The track was followed round
through the chalet park and down to Minnigaff.
The main road was crossed and the group picked their way by the driest
possible route past Broomisle Cottage and down to the river. This cottage was most unusual in that it has
no road access and the occupants have to make their way as best they can over
the fields. Recent wet weather had
apparently made this very difficult. The
group reached the riverside path and were amazed to see how high the debris
from the recent floods had spread up the riverside trees. The path had also been severely eroded by the
floods. The group made their way round
the potholes and crossed the Sparling Bridge to the end of their walk in the Riverside
car park. While the drivers were ferried
back to the start to collect their cars the remaining ramblers made their way
to Cinnamon where they all enjoyed tea and scones.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I went in Jim’s car, along with Ken
and Jimmy back to Blackcraigs to collect my car before joining the others in
Cinnamon. We were really pleased that Andrea
was able to join us. The staff at
Cinnamon had put lots of tables together for us and, with a little bit of
shunting, we managed to get all the walkers, including Ken, sitting together!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-87539111700547961932013-01-15T00:00:00.000+00:002013-01-18T20:02:59.199+00:002013 -Tuesday 15th January - Glen Tig <br />
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<b>15 Tuesday Glen Tig</b></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;">Eddy was still not feeling great this morning and I left him in bed when I set off for my walk with Leslie, Jim and Douglas. I picked Leslie up at the Clock House at the Lochans turn off and drove to Ballantrae, taking the turn off for Colmonel before reaching the village. I took a wrong turning which brought us down to a farm. The next turn off to the left was the right one and I met Jim on the outskirts of Heronsford. Douglas arrived soon afterwards. We went a bit closer to the village before trying to park our cars up the farm road to Mains of Tig. Douglas’s car was OK there but Jim and I moved ours further along the road, making the most of a big passing place!</i></div>
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<i>Passing the Mains of Tig turn off we walked on a short way before leaving the road and crossing a field towards the Water of Tig. We were delighted to catch sight of a deer which ran back and forth along the top of a bank, undecided in which direction to go! We climbed over a gate and followed the river over a lovely green field for quite a way before entering Craig Wood.</i></div>
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<i>The track soon deteriorated and we started the bog hopping and low lying branch avoidance which accompanied us for much of the day! However, it was a lovely day and spirits were high. </i></div>
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<i>There was evidence of the past existence of an old road along here which would have assisted transportation of grain from the mill, the ruins of which we explored at length before trying to continue on what was occasionally a good track!</i></div>
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<i>There were stretches of half decent paths, but then we'd run out of path, or trees and brambles would slow us down. At times we'd have to climb up steep slippery slopes to get past obstacles, making the most of flexible but reliable saplings to aid our ascent or descent! I actually found the challenge exhilarating and a good upper arm muscle workout!</i></div>
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<i>All the time I made the most of photographing the wonderful scenery, all the better for the sunlight which was streaming into the woodland and on to the Water of Tig for most of the time we were there. Jim told me that Craig Wood is an SSSI (a site of special scientific interest).</i></div>
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<i>On one occasion we had to climb higher and then, when trying to get back down to the river, Jim slid most of the way, managing to stop himself by grabbing hold of a horizontal tree trunk. I was soon behind him, sliding on my backside too! Leslie did his usual flying leap but Douglas was well and truly stuck in an area surrounded by mud on which he just could not budge! When I tried to get up to him to indicate a way out of it I slid all over the place! I then had to try to find a way to get back down, following his example in going higher before descending in an easier place! I came down on a leafy slide again when the saplings deserted me!</i></div>
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<i>I have to admit to feeling very relieved when we left the wood and we came out into open country. Jim got great photos of another deer on this hillside.</i></div>
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<i>His plan was to continue walking to try to reach Pedens Mount and begin the return from there so we continued to follow the Water of Tig until we reached another wooded area.</i></div>
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<i>Evidence of cattle movement gave us a false expectation of close proximity to farmland. These were soon dashed when, once again, we became entangled in those *****ed brambles and branches and we were soon trying to scramble upwards away from the deteriorating track beside the river. This woodland was only going to last a couple of hundred yards, according to Jim but a couple of hundred yards it was NOT!</i></div>
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<i>However, we were now climbing back into the sunlight and the woodland was criss-crossed with the tracks made by deer and much easier to negotiate than earlier. </i></div>
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<i>My right ankle was complaining about the angle at which I was walking and I was really happy when we at last emerged above the woodland and into a field.</i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;">With helping hands (and shoulders) we made short work of the barbed wire fence over which we had to climb before accessing the hillside above the Meraddie burn.</i></div>
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<i> Jim had hoped to cross this and climb the hill opposite before stopping for lunch but, to avoid a mutiny from me, we found a bracken cushioned place to sit and consume some much needed calories! OK, time to consult the map again! </i></div>
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<i>We agreed we'd go no further along Glen Tig, choosing instead to follow the Merradie burn up to its source at Loch Meraddie. As we were crossing a marshy field we heard quad bike movement and were treated to the sight of two quad bikes and two working dogs rounding up a huge flock of sheep.</i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;">Once the dogs had manoeuvred the sheep through an open gate, the farmer came over to see us with a warning about continuing up to Loch Merradie. 'If we got into the next field but one we'd probably never be seen again'. It was just a quagmire he informed us.</i><br />
<i style="text-align: start;">We were told we were welcome to walk through his farmyard at Bellimore on Tig. We were relieved at his attitude having expected further discouragement to our being there, from past experience! </i><br />
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<i>As we made our way over a couple of his fields we looked back often to enjoy the view of the snow covered Galloway Hills looking beautiful in the sunshine.</i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;">For me, this was the best part of the walk, across moorland, with the great expanse of open ground around us!</i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;">This is one of the collies we'd seen rounding up the sheep.</i></div>
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<i><i>Talking to the shepherd as we passed through Bellimore on Tig</i></i></div>
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<i><i><i><i>, he told Jim that they win their fair share of sheepdog trials.</i></i></i></i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"><i>It was an amazingly long rough farm road which we then took down to and by the turnoff to the Mains of Tig while looking across to Ireland and the Mull of Kintyre.</i></i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"><i>Douglas commented that this was the longest he had seen Leslie on any of the walks he had been on with him – he had not disappeared ONCE during the day!</i></i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"><i>Somewhere along here Jim did his good deed for the day. A sheep had its head through a square mesh fence and was frantically trying to dislodge itself. While I tried to enlarge the mesh hole, he had to twist its head round to free it. Quick to bound away, it soon rejoined the flock which quickly surrounded the errant animal.</i></i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"><i>Another ‘flock’ of wind turbines were clearly seen on the horizon before we reached the end of the road and were surprised to see Douglas’s car, much to the amusement of Jim! We had not believed him when he said that this was where it had been left earlier – our sense of direction was proved to be wrong!</i></i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"><i>Douglas did not want to go for coffee afterwards, Jim was not keen either and Leslie would have gone under sufferance so I did not get my tea and scone, yet again! Roll on the return of Cath and Thomas – we nearly ALWAYS end our walking day with this treat!</i></i></div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-7472978525984409222013-01-12T00:00:00.000+00:002013-01-17T17:19:59.602+00:002013 - 12 January Knockdolian<br />
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12 January Knockdolian Report by Jim Deans</div>
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Twenty five walkers <i>(Isobel, Frances, Audrey, Margaret, Shona, Peter, John, Allan, David (new, friend of Allan’s),David Pride (Crusty), Florence, Leslie, Jimmy (new, from Cairnryan), Rachel, Claire and her friend, Claudia, Forbes, Mary, Ken, Jim (our leader), Richard, Mary, Peter, Marie and Peter)</i> met at the Ballantrae shore car park for the walk start. Two new walkers were welcomed to the group. It was a fine but cold morning with a light mist. <i> I was back marker for the day.</i><br />
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The walk began by heading north. The first point of interest was a notice board telling the 1933 story of Johnny Hood, an Islandmagee ferry operator, who amazingly survived after drifting for 36 hours on freezing choppy seas before his boat smashed on to the rocks of Ballantrae.<br />
Another board stated the beach has been listed by Scottish Natural Heritage as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I.). The area is noted for the shingle beach, which provides a habitat to a wide range of coastal plant material, and as home to a breeding colony of birds.<br />
Now began a two kilometre walk along the beach. A heron and other seabirds were seen.<br />
Stopping to view the remains of a fishing boat, sweets were distributed. Reaching a point where the Red Burn flows into the sea, a path led over the dunes to the busy A77 road.<br />
After crossing the road, a short walk eastwards along the B734 brought the group to Corseclays Farm.<br />
Now a farm track took them onto the lower slopes of Knockdolian. A drystane dyke alongside a barbed wire fence proved to be a challenge. After many contortions all walkers were safely on the other side. After crossing a short boggy section the firmer ground of the steeper slopes were reached. A quad bike track was now followed to the 869 ft summit.<br />
<i>Trying to avoid the wettest part of this sometimes marshy ground, we went through an open gateway to gain the easily climbed hill, sometimes overlooked by a few sheep. It was a testing time for one walker who is 77 as, slowly but surely, we made our way up this fairly gentle side of my favourite hill. He was determined to keep going and, with encouragement from the back markers and the loan of a couple of walking poles, he made it!</i> <br />
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A sea mist hid the usual extensive views west. Nothing could be seen beyond Ailsa Craig.<br />
Closer by, Colmonell could be seen along the Stinchar valley while above Glen Tig to the south the blades of Arcleoch wind farm were seen turning.<br />
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<i>We reached the summit some time after midday and stopped for a while for many photos to be taken. The sun was now out and the blue sky helped to make the awesome, if slightly hazy views ones to spend time in surveying and recording! As predicted, the wind was stronger from this side and we moved on to start our descent so that we could find a more sheltered place to have our lunch. Most of the group was ahead of Mary, David and me and they seemed to have dropped out of our view – Mary, however, pointed out a hat which turned out to be worn by one of the walkers and we headed that way. People had spread out trying to find the best spot to sit in and we joined Audrey and Margaret who had found a reasonably sheltered place.</i><br />
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Dropping below the summit, refuge from a strong easterly wind was sought in a sheltered rocky outcrop for a lunch break. Directly below and owned by the family of the Duke of Wellington the mansion house of Knockdolian was in clear view. A new book by Lady Jane Wellesley entitled “A Journey Through My Family” mentions that Knockdolian was the favourite place of Lady Diana Wellesley, the late duchess.<br />
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After lunch a steep descent brought the group to a gate leading into a boggy field. The route now passed the prominent mound of the ancient hill fort of Duniewick. Reaching the burn at the Duniewick plantation another mini obstacle course involved ducking under the fence of a burn outlet and crossing over a wooden fence. Photographs were taken.<br />
<i>Jim led us towards a marshy area where we had to negotiate a wire fence which crossed a small burn – easy enough for me with my being so short but not so good for others – maybe they were vertically challenged instead of me, for a change!? With no mishaps at this obstacle we easily climbed over a couple more fences - wooden slatted ones – which we managed easily, with everyone mastering the placement of feet on the other side perfectly!</i><br />
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Another boggy field now led to the minor B7044 road. Knockdolian House and the ruins of the 16th century Knockdolian castle were viewed from the road. A short road walk led to a track down to the banks of the River Stinchar. The riverside path took them south through Finnart Holm before re-joining the road below Macherquat farm. A pair of dippers were spotted flitting on the opposite bank.<br />
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<i>The group was always considerate of the speed at which we, at the back, were walking and paused frequently for us to catch up. I asked Rachel if she would mind doing her Samaritan act again and trying to get back to her car as quickly as she could to return to pick up a couple of walkers who were struggling with the distance and slippery surfaces. We left them both heading for a nearby bench on which they could sit for a while before moving on to another one. Many thanks to you Rachel.</i><br />
<i>The rest of us continued along the road, jumping onto its verges occasionally to avoid fast flying tractors and then returned to the riverside, slipping and sliding on the leaf covered muddy slope. A muddy track brought us through woodland again and then along a long wide grassy area to reach the ancient bridge over which vehicles once crossed. The ‘new’ one runs parallel to it into Ballantrae, within sight of the remains of the old castle, blocks from which were used in the building of the original bridge. I had a wonderful time, relieved of some of my back up responsibility, taking photos of the river and looking back along the track we had taken. I caught up with them at the old bridge.</i><br />
After passing the extensive ruins of Balnowlart House they regained the riverside path which took them to the bridge at Ardstinchar. An information board gave the history of Ardstinchar Castle and the old and new bridges over the river.<br />
A flock of curlews and skeins of geese were among other birds spotted today.<br />
Back at the car park, rucksacks and boots were soon stowed away.<br />
The majority of walkers now descended on Craigiemains Home and Garden Centre for tea, coffee, scones and cakes. The cream to top an enjoyable day! <br />
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<i>We had changed our footwear and were driving towards Caigiemains when we saw Gordon and Anne, parked by the side of the road having been flagged down by others. We were quick in joining them and hugs and kisses were shared. Gordon looked well and Anne looked as if she was surviving the trauma of having him at home so much now, temporarily. They had already been to the garden centre so turned down our request for them to join us there. Get well soon, Gordon, we miss you. John, Peter and Allan were the only walkers who went straight home. </i><br />
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<br />The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-5681370082223638432013-01-05T00:00:00.000+00:002013-01-08T13:05:42.741+00:002013 - 5 January Crook of Baldoon<br />
5 January Crook of Baldoon Report by Jim Deans<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Photo by Jim Deans</b></span></div>
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A cloudy but mild morning saw seventeen walkers travel down the nicely potholed Shell Road 6 to gather at the new RSPB car park at the Crook of Baldoon for the walk. Two potential new members were warmly welcomed.<br />
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<i>I drove Cath, Thomas and Isobel to Bladnoch and took the left turn off after going over the bridge so drove along a very rutted back road – a BIG mistake – but this eventually joined the road along which I should have driven. This was not a lot better until it merged into the gravel one installed by the RSPB which ended at the car park for the reserve at the Crook of Baldoon. We met the other walkers – Mary, who was our leader for the day, Duncan, who was designated her back up as Andrea was unable to come owing to her succumbing to a cold, Irene, Audrey, Ken (welcomed back after a short absence), Jim, Allan, Rachel, Claire, Anne, John (two poles) and two new walkers from Stanraer, Jane and Tony – 17 of us in all.</i><br />
<i>The walk began on the muddy flood bank track south alongside Baldoon Sands. We followed the muddy and often difficult track beside the marshy ground which edges Baldoon Sands, for quite a long way, passing a tree which has been the nesting place for Osprey. A platform had been installed high up to encourage its nesting but this was ignored in the summer of 2012, to the disappointment of many bird watchers.</i><br />
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Passing the remains of what was the 'Tracked Target Range' of the former Wigtown R.A.F camp they continued along the salt marshes until they reached the Skellarie Plantation. Here, a swampy burn was crossed to gain access to a grassy field leading up to Dunroamin Farm.<br />
<i>The burn was easily crossed and a double barbed wire fence was negotiated with the help of a fallen tree and by John who was there to aid our balance on some slippery stones as we entered a field. Sweets were distributed before we crossed the field, skirting some sheep which had watched our progress and headed for the gateway on the other side.</i> <br />
Some friendly horses in adjoining fields came up to the fences to say hello. Evidence of the recent poor weather could be seen in the many pools of flood water scattered over the fields. A small but noisy skein of geese passed overhead. From Dunroaming Farm a tarmac road now led through South Balfern Holdings and up to the B7004 Garlieston Road.<br />
Crossing the road below Turkey Hill, the site of a water reservoir and a 20 m high mobile phone mast, Kilsture Forest was entered. A short stop saw the distribution of a selection of sweeties brought along by the walk leader. There are two waymarked trails in Kilsture Forest, the Woodpecker Trail and the Deer Trail. Today the Deer Trail was taken. The dominant feature of this mixed woodland today was the moss and fallen leaves covering much of the forest floor. An amateur botanist in the group explained and showed the difference between bracken and fern. The walk continued along the often muddy track, passing reflective almost mystical pools and seeing the occasional flitting of birds. Shortly before reaching the outward loop of the Deer Trail, a lunch break was taken, a lush section of fallen branches provided excellent seating. A deer was spotted hurriedly leaping across fallen trees to make a quick getaway from these interlopers.<br />
<i>Constant rain over the weeks had turned the tracks into ones of mud, mud and more mud but the group happily negotiated some of the wider and wetter sections until a good lunch spot was found. Fallen trees covered in soft moss were excellent seats for us all and moving on seemed to be difficult for some – maybe too many of us were still trying to eat up Christmas leftovers!? We were enjoying the mild weather which accompanied some blue sky and more than occasional sunshine – for the first Saturday in what seems to be a very long time!</i><br />
After lunch the outward point of the walk at Hazelbank was reached. There is a number of Dawn Redwood trees at this loop, but were somehow missed by the group.<br />
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The Deer Trail now looped back north towards the car park. Along here were some fascinating fungi on the forest floor which got the cameras clicking. Like miniature red egg cups they were later identified as Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca). More tiny white fungi with an oyster gill were later identified as Variable Oysterling (Crepidotus variabilis ). The former delicious, the latter deadly!<br />
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<i>The highlight of the remainder of our time in the forest came when the strong red colouring of some fungus drew the botanists and photographers to the edge of the track and a long time was spent trying to get the best vantage points – then we found that the fungus was so prolific that we had to try not tread on any of it. Subsequent investigation by Rachel has rewarded us all with her email: </i><br />
<i><b>‘I have had a bit of fun with identifying the fungus. It is a Scarlet Elf Cup of which there are two species in the UK. The difference between the two is found in the microscopic hairs found on the pale outside of the cup. Sarcoscypha austriaca has curly hairs and Sarcoscypha coccinea has straight hairs. Because we took a specimen I was able to examine it and you cannot see hairs with the naked eye. I made up a slide and examined it under my microscope. The hairs are like corkscrews so it is Sarcoscypha austriaca which is actually the commoner of the two. Apparently it is edible but I don’t fancy trying it.’</b> Thanks, Rachel.</i> <br />
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Once back at the forest car park the group now retraced their route back to Dunroaming Farm from where they took a farm track back to Shell Road 6 and back to the walk start point.<br />
To finish an enjoyable and dry day's walking, coffee, tea, scones and other delicacies were enjoyed at the Wigtown House Hotel in the Bayview Nursery. <br />
<i>We were amazed to be met with platefuls of cakes, including really good scones, and lots of cream! Since it seemed that we had a fixed price for our drinks and cakes, many of us ate more than we would otherwise have done and came away overfull but very content!!! Well done Mary – great walk, great weather and yummy cakes!</i><br />
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-79872432716646812992012-12-29T00:00:00.000+00:002012-12-31T12:14:48.317+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - Cairngaan Circular 29 December <div style="text-align: center;">
<b>29 December Cairngaan Circular Report by Cath Birkett </b></div>
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The day for the last walk of the year dawned clear and dry, although very windy on the Mull of Galloway, where the last piece of the coast path was to be slotted into place. The east side of the Mull was quite sheltered and the wind was behind the walkers for much of the way, as they walked northwards.
Sixteen ramblers felt in need of exercise after Christmas indulgence and were well wrapped up to cope with the mud - the result of the last few weeks of rain.<br />
<i>Isobel collected me from home and took me to Cairngaan to join Cath, our leader, Rachel who was back up, Thomas, Clare, Jim and Peter. Our numbers swelled from 8 to 16 after two more cars arrived just after 10am. Carl, Duncan, Irene, Mary x 2, Leslie, Christine and ‘two poles’ John joined us as we left Cairngaan and headed southwards.</i><br />
From West Cairngaan the way took the farm lane and then a well-made track over to the Mull road, where tarmac ensured a little cleaner surface until East Tarbet was reached. The road was empty, a ferry was being tossed in the distance, and the lighthouse stood in solitude high to the south, the wind scraping the ground free of debris.
With thankfulness the party turned north in the lee of the fields, looking over Luce Bay along the coast path. Stopping to read one of the notice boards, provided by the local Rotary club who had worked hard to make up the coast path, the ramblers learnt the story of St. Medan who for a time is said to have inhabited a cave below the cliffs here, to escape from a persistent paramour. When he eventually caught up with her and remarked on her lovely eyes, she plucked them out and threw them at his feet, escaping by floating on a boulder across Luce Bay to Kirkmaiden, near Monreith, where she miraculously had her sight restored by the healing waters found there. Not one of the ramblers wanted to descend the cliffs to inspect the cave below.<br />
<i>We disturbed a flock of sheep as we made our way along the grassy stretch above the rocks with their many shapes and contours – the result of disruption 40 million years ago when the horizontal layering was pushed upwards.</i><br />
A ladder stile took the company into a field for a few yards before descending lower and walking the rocky foreshore accompanied by the roaring incoming tide. A hare ran by the walkers and a seal bobbed in the water below, curiously watching as they passed.<br />
<i>Short areas of grass covered rocks were followed by narrow muddy tracks through gorse bushes until we reached Portankill.</i><br />
The kirk burn was crossed, where a peculiarity of the pebbly beach means that the burn disappears below the surface for some feet before reappearing to enter the sea - this ensured dry feet for most, as the cliffs were climbed once more, gaining a slippery and muddy path alongside a fence.
After descending once again past Marion’s Isle – a higher piece of land out to sea, which is usually covered by the tide - the beach was walked, and Carrickcundie passed. The tide here was almost to the base of this rocky outcrop, the pebbles slippery and covered with banks of seaweed brought up by the rough weather.
The lunch spot was now in sight, a boulder embankment in front of Maryport Caravan site where the seaweed had brought scores of gulls to feed on the rich pickings of the tide line. They rode the waves and rose in banks as the sea crashed against the shore. This was a highlight of the walk, so many birds around, that the rest of the countryside must have been denuded of their presence. The tide became higher splashing at the feet of the picnickers, carrying the pebbles forward as the water surged and then dragging them back rattling against each other as they went.<br />
<i>Jim was searching for something on the beach close by and just about managed to dodge some of the incoming foamy water as had Rachel earlier. Cameras were recording this excitement with still and video photography by the usual offenders! </i><br />
It was with reluctance that the walkers continued on their way steeply up through Creechan farmyard and once more on to a farm track which led through fields, high above the cliffs already walked and giving wonderful views backwards to the benign countryside with its rolling pastures, around Drummore, backed by a sea sparkling and dotted with white horses. The sun even made an appearance for this stretch of the day.
The Mull road was crossed to walk the woods of Cairngaan, still muddy but nicely sheltered back to the farm lane where the walk had begun. Tea was served in the farmhouse, a very sociable end to the walks of 2012.<br />
<i>Cath provided us with sumptuous cakes and scones, her large farmhouse table groaning under the weight of the edible hospitality, soon followed by groaning chairs after 16 of us had tried to do justice to the wonderful baking provided by our hostess. If she entered the Great British Bakeoff the other contestants would have NO chance! Very many thanks Cath for a brilliant walk and for your usual warm welcome!
</i>The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-10247342696665047462012-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:002012-12-30T19:11:54.406+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 – Below Cairnsmore - 22 December 2012<br />
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<b>22 December 2012 – Below Cairnsmore Report by Richard Kay</b></div>
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<i>I did not want to get up, especially as the wind was howling and the rain was lashing against our windows. Also, I was sure that the walk would be cancelled! However, I got up as though I was going to be walking and packed my lunch before trying to phone Richard with my mobile phone(our land line being out of order) – only succeeding in leaving a message on his answer phone. I phoned Cath who said she was all ready to go and would be doing so unless I heard of a cancellation but when I got through to Jim he said that we would be walking, even if it was an alternative! Cath was here about 8.15am and she drove me to the Cairnsmore car park where we met Richard and Jim. Duncan arrived a bit later. So there were just 5 of us! </i><br />
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The weather on Saturday morning was atrocious with heavy rain and a cold, gusting south easterly wind. The numbers were depleted by a mixture of pre-Christmas preparations and the weather so only five members assembled at the car park near the Cairnsmore viaduct. After a short discussion the group decided not to attempt the planned walk which would have involved a long walk over exposed moorland towards the Door of Cairnsmore. Instead they decided on a less ambitious walk through the forests on the lower slopes of the Cairnsmore.<br />
The group set off up the traditional summit path until they had crossed the first section of recently replanted forest. On passing the dyke they turned into the forest out of the wind and rain and followed a brashed track through the trees which climbed gently towards the forest road. It was rather dark under the trees but the wind had disappeared and the rain was confined to a few drips from the forest canopy.<br />
<i>I kept my camera in my rucksack for a while, only getting it out when I was desperate to take a photo, and then I kept it under my jacket for easier access. I was amazed to find later that I had taken 84 photos, some of which had an ‘atmospheric’ misting over part of them – caused by dampness getting in between two lenses! However, some of them came out reasonably well.</i> <br />
A short climb brought the group out onto the forest road just below an area of Larch which had been felled as part of the control measures for the Phytophthera disease. They passed the piles of logs at the roadside and crossed the Cairnsmore burn which roared through its culvert below the road. Here they emerged onto open land and once again felt the force of the wind and rain. Misty views towards the Cree valley were admired briefly then the group crossed quickly to the northern section of the forest.<br />
The forest road wound northwards through the trees. Along the way they were fascinated by the moss and fungi which grew on the roadside banks and old logs. They obviously appreciated the dank conditions. <i>Despite the rain, I was taken with the colours of the fallen leaves and, having removed a lense from my camera and therefore the misting, I was able to get some photos of the lichen and fungus in various places.</i><br />
Two more areas of felled Larch were passed and the group soon reached the top of Jock’s Brae. Here they turned off the forest road and followed an old track down into the valley of the Knock Burn. Once they crossed the burn they found a sheltered area under large spruce trees for lunch.<br />
<i>Before then Richard had aided our blood sugar levels to rise by dishing out jelly babies! We perched on a moss covered dyke which had seen better days and the rain found its way through this opening between the trees to fall on us, our sandwiches and our drinks! However, we were suitably revived when we set off again. </i><br />
After a leisurely lunch the ramblers continued along the grassy track and eventually reached the end of the wood and emerged once again into the wind and rain. A short passage across the field led them to an old track which descended through the older woods towards Bargaly Farmhouse. However, the group turned off the track and walked between some old beech trees which had grown into fantastic shapes and were festooned with moss and bracket fungi. After passing these trees they walked through Larch and Spruce woods seeking an old track which led down to Bardrochwood. Eventually they found a track which connected a series of old charcoal burners’ platforms and they reached the valley road just before the Mill Burn bridge. Across the burn they could see an unusual elongated motte with one sheep proudly surveying the countryside from its summit.<br />
<i>Richard was in constant communication with Andrea who wanted us to make sure we did not get back to their house before 3pm! We joked about going round in circles to make up the time but actually the walk was timed brilliantly. However, following one such phone call when Richard gave an estimated time for the end of our walk to Andrea, who was out walking with Irene and Isobel, she, thinking our arrival would be earlier than anticipated, cut short their walk by half!</i><br />
After crossing the bridge they turned off the road and followed the farm track past the steading and up the long slope up to the Machars Hill. After viewing the motte there, a more traditional round one this time, they followed the tractor tracks across the fields to Strathmaddie farm. They descended to the road again and were soon back at the cars, a somewhat dedraggled but cheerful bunch. <i>We got the all clear from Andrea as we got back to the cars and then were held up while Jim hunted, in panic, for his car keys. He checked everywhere over and over before finding them in the lining of his over trousers. He had a small hole in his pocket through which the keys had fallen, down to the bottom of his trousers – what a relief for us all!</i><br />
Another group, who had declined the more strenuous walk, met at the secretary’s house and took a short walk around Doonhill Wood and Blairmount Park in Newton Stewart where they followed the paths which had recently been upgraded by the Cree Valley Community Woodland Trust. They particularly admired the boardwalk and dipping platform which had been constructed around Blairmount Pond. They were disappointed to find that the swans had emigrated for warmer, or drier, climes. After the walks both groups met up back at the secretary’s house for the traditional pre-Christmas mulled wine and mince pies.<br />
<i>I could only manage a piece cheese on toast later while we watched the first part of ‘Strictly’. The second part came later in the evening - I had expected Kimberly to win but the trophy went to Louis Smith (gymnast who got a silver medal in the Olympics) after his amazing show dance! Jim was pleased with that result.</i><br />
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-74331599083180214402012-12-15T00:00:00.000+00:002012-12-30T16:45:44.119+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 – Drummore – Sandhead<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">15 December Drummore – Sandhead </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Report by Cath Birkett<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Ramblers’ report Saturday 15th December.</b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">A mild but overcast day encouraged twenty two ramblers to turn out for a 10mile walk along the coast path on Saturday. The route was to lead northwards from Drummore to Sandhead. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>I led the walk and Cath was back up. There were 22 of us in all, the others being Andrea, Richard, Mary, Jim, Audrey, Susan, Margaret, Jacqui with Tillie, Florence, Leslie, Duncan, Irene, John with two walking poles, Carl, Catherine, Allan, Heather, Peter and John. After explaining about Elaine’s inability to be there and giving a short explanation about the walk we set off out of Drummore.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">Cars were left at Sandhead and a bus journey taking in the delights of the Southern Rhins eventually dropped the company off in Drummore, to start the walk from the old mill by the harbour.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">The tide was coming in, but there was no wind, so the problems were not expected, which had plagued the previous day’s high water, where debris consisting of mounds of seaweed and quite large stones were thrown up onto the path. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">The shore on the west side of Luce Bay is being washed away by the rough sea and the walk showed just how vulnerable the land is along here. The old road out of Drummore is no longer accessible by motors because of erosion, but provided a quiet introduction to a length of road walking where some walkers took to the wide sea wall with a good view of the water below.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">A section away from the sea, following the track up to Grennan farm brought a panoramic sight of Luce Bay, before descending once again to the road along by hidden quarries and brushy undergrowth. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>The weather was fine, not frosty and clear as it had been on Tuesday when we did the recce but certainly warmer. The downhill section from Grennan Cottage was probably a bit wetter than it had been and we slipped and slithered down it to the gateway next to the road. After following the track for a short while I led half of the group across the road, totally missing the extension of the track beside it. Cath found it, of course, and they joined us when they went through the kissing gate beside the entrance to the riding stables.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">Tarmac was avoided by walking a path alongside the road, through the edge of Grennan wood, sometimes muddy after the recent rain, to Terally road end. Across the road the foreshore, with the sea approaching rapidly was now enjoyed, until the roofless Terally coal store was reached. Old pictures show horses and carts queuing here to be loaded from beached shipping, a reminder of how this inaccessible corner relied on sea transport for such a long time. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">The sandy beach at New England Bay was nowhere to be seen as the tide rose and when Balgowan Point was rounded the shore had to be abandoned for the path cleared above the tideline. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Well, there was a little sand here at Balgowan Point.</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">Logan Mill is now just a tower lacking its sails, a corn mill dating from the seventeenth century. It was a perfect stop for lunch, where a late arrival put the numbers up to twenty three. The waves crashing onto the shore provided a pleasing accompaniment to the sociable picnic. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Isobel joined us here for lunch.</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">With time at a premium because of the short daylight hours, the walkers were soon pressing onwards, forsaking the coast path for a while to turn inland and pass by the nineteenth century Saint Agnes’ chapel. This was built by James McDouall, the Laird of Logan, and named after his wife, Agnes Buchan Hepburn, for the use of estate workers. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>The track was flooded in parts but we negotiated the puddles easily enough, trying to avoid touching the electric fence beside it, which I was told was ‘live’.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">The coast path was picked up once more at Auchness where woods and fields alongside the road gave a safe path to Ardwell picnic site. Two delightful small bridges could be seen carrying the road over small burns, one with a beautifully built rounded arch. A ruined building and large gateposts were discovered along the old entry into the Logan estate.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">The shore was once more reached at Chapel Rossan house, where the old road used to take the seaward route, but was washed away long ago. The site is named for St. Drostran, an Irish monk. However, there is no sign of the old chapel to be seen today.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">Killaser burn is wide and deep and the road bridge crosses it, which meant that the pretty village of Ardwell, with a miniature town nestled between trees in one of the gardens, and a Norman motte above the old shop, was not missed. Again the ramblers progressed to the shore by Ardwell chalets and on to Ringvinachen point and the West Freugh outpost, used to monitor the range in the bay. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">Another rest was taken at Dyemill before skirting the house along the A716 and dropping to the beach once more by way of an old green road. The Dyemill is a reminder of the old textile manufactory of the area when it was renowned for its flax production. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">The high tide kept the walkers to the wooded path and the rather overgrown trail for the next section, passing Ardwell mill and a small cairn raised to commemorate someone’s beloved dog, Rebel. There was no sign today of the long legged, long beaked white bird, perhaps a great white heron, which had been seen feeding by an outfall pipe on Tuesday’s recce.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"> As Sandhead came into view, a landslide which had fallen earlier in the week from the road south out of Sandhead, had been surprisingly washed away, with very little sign left of it on the beach, but leaving a great scar on the hillside, another sign of the encroaching sea on this coast.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">As the sky darkened and dusk began to fall, Tigh na Mara in Sandhead, welcomed the weary ramblers with tea and mince pies, a fitting end to this December walk. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Having no footwear to change into, Cath and I were amongst the first to go into the Tigh-na-Mara where we helped to distribute tea and coffee with mince pies to the walkers. When we got there we found Isobel’s daughter, Joanne, and her partner, waiting for us. There were also quite a few other people there who wisely or very kindly made a move to allow us to take over their seats. Allan was the only one who did not join us. We were really warm in there, the fire burning well! There were more mince pies than walkers and some of us got a second one – I am not really a gannet, I think, but I had two!!</i></span></div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-24369025822887230642012-12-01T00:00:00.000+00:002012-12-30T16:12:46.032+00:00Scoops Reports 2012– New Luce Circular<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1 December 2012 – New Luce Circular - Report by Richard Kay</b></div>
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I got to the Freugh road turn off at Sandmill just a few minutes later than I had planned and then got stopped by a policeman in a van who was monitoring the closure of the road owing to the blasting of an incendiary device by army personnel and was really worried about not being able to pick up Marilyn. To cut a long story short, I was eventually allowed to go that short distance to pick her up. Meantime, I had left a message on Andrea’s mobile answer phone and she phoned us as we were on our way. I said we would be 10-15 minutes late.
When we got to New Luce I realized that I had left my camera at home! By this time I was ‘spitting feathers’. My mood did not improve when I heard someone say ‘thank goodness’! I know who it was and I forgive you!! Then Marilyn, bless her heart, offered me the use of hers. Suddenly all was right with the world! We (Allan (our leader), Jim, Carl, Audrey, Margaret, Susan, Christine, Rachel, Jacqui, with her dog, Tilley, Irene, Duncan, John Smith, Peter Reid, Richard, Andrea, Ken (backup), Mary, new walkers Graham, John and Ian, Marilyn and I) walked out of New Luce towards Glenluce.</i><br />
Saturday dawned with clear blue skies and a sharp frost. The low sun provided little warmth but twenty three ramblers assembled at New Luce memorial hall anticipating a brisk walk to Castle Kennedy. We set off down the Glenluce road and soon passed Cruise Farm. The group turned through a gate and descended the frost covered field towards the river along the Southern Upland Way (SUW). Once we reached the lower ground there was evidence that the river had taken a shortcut through the field during the recent floods. The “new” bridge over the river, an elegant suspension bridge erected by the army, took us over the Water of Luce.
After crossing the bridge we turned off the SUW and climbed onto the wooded banks below the railway line. As we walked along a train passed at head level as it scurried down to Stranraer. A little further along the bank our leader pointed out the remains of an old railway cottage and a level crossing. He remembered when the track was passable for motor vehicles travelling between Craig Farm and Airyolland. There is little evidence of t he track at this point other than gates in the rail side fence. He also recalled an aerial ropeway in place which brought milk from Galdenoch Farm on the other side of the river.<br />
<i>The walk followed the course of one done previously but I did not realize this until later when we were crossing a burn. I took lots of photos here and was last to cross it. Allan assured me that he would be helping me with both hands to reach the other side, telling me to jump onto a large rock in front of him. It looked slippery to me and I told him so but he was adamant that it was fine. Of course I slipped on it but did not fall in the water, thank goodness! I bruised my thigh and a bit of my pride but I was OK. No-one was quick enough with a camera to record the slip – ha! </i><br />
After crossing a small burn the track became more evident. It was followed to Craig Farm and then further south to a second railway crossing. Here we were met by an enthusiastic Labrador who proudly showed off her two excited puppies who were corralled in the porch. The leader then telephoned the signalman and, having been given the all clear the ramblers hurried across the line and up into the forest. At the start of the path we noticed a squirrel feeder attached to a tree. We then realised it was being monitored by a camera. The scientists will be seeing some unusual activity in the area.<br />
<i>Ian was struggling to keep up as we went up through a wide section in the forest but insisted that he was fine. It was really boggy here and everyone was taking a slight detour to avoid this section. A short halt in our ascent enabled Jim and Allan pass around some sweets, a much needed aid to raising our blood sugar levels! We are used to having a late lunch on Allan’s walks but it was with relief that lunch time arrived so that Ian could have a rest. John was managing fine, as was Graham. John had brought some lunch but Ian had not and he refused all offers of food from us.</i><br />
A steep climb through the wood then led us to a forest road. We then continued uphill to the end of the road where the group paused for lunch in a grassy clearing bathed in the weak winter sun.
After lunch the group struggled to their feet and entered the forest follo wing an old dyke northwards. Several minor diversions were necessary to avoid boggy ground and fallen trees but eventually we arrived at the end of another forest track. The track was followed westwards. Initially it was overgrown and very wet in patches but it improved as we went along and soon the walkers were able to walk side by side and conversation returned to its usual pitch.<br />
<i>Allan had not done a recce recently which was particularly evident over the next section of the walk. It was incredibly boggy and littered with fallen trees but we managed to get through the first part of it until we reached a moss covered old dyke. Richard diverted to the right and was followed by a sensible group. I stayed behind Allan who took us through the forest, jumping pools of water between the lines of trees in an effort to stay close to the dyke. I loved this part of the walk, finding it funny and took lots of photos. We met Jim coming towards us from the opposite direction to help us through a dodgy part through which they had struggled before us!</i><br />
As we went along numerous deer tracks from both Red and Roe deer were seen. Later we met the stalker driving in to commence his evening session of deer control. We also noticed various red tapes tied to trees and bushes and sections of fine string running along the forest road.<br />
<i>I was getting concerned about the time, having arranged with the County Golf Club to provide refreshments for us if we could get there and away by 5pm. It became increasingly evident that Allan’s estimate of the finish of the walk being 3pm was way out and I phoned the golf club to let them know we would not be there in time.</i><br />
A little further on we came to the old quarry where there had been recent work leaving newly cut rock faces and large piles of crushed stone. We suspected that further felling is planned and that the track will be in much better condition next time we visit. The tapes and string were probably marking and measuring the work required.
A short walk then brought us to the SUW again and the main New Luce to Castle Kennedy road. The walk had taken longer than anticipated and darkness was approaching. It was therefore decided to abandon the route along the SUW to Castle Kennedy as originally planned.<br />
<i>Rachel went with John and Ian, and Peter and John then left them walking along the road while she RAN to Castle Kennedy along the SUW path, collected her car and came back to pick up Ian who waiting in a gateway! She drove him back to CK (the others wanted to complete the walk) and then drove back to New Luce to join us. </i><br />
A small group followed the road down to Castle Kennedy and the waiting cars while the remaining walkers stegged back to New Luce along the road.<br />
<i>Meantime, the rest of us walked the 3.25 miles along the road back to New Luce. It was bitterly cold and we were all walking as fast as we could to get warm!</i><br />
Once again the hosts at the Kenmuir Arms provided a warm welcome and excellent tea and cakes, making a superb end to the walk.<br />
<i>It was lovely and warm in there and we spent a pleasant half an hour or more before heading home.
</i>The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-81210571904563040772012-11-24T00:00:00.000+00:002012-12-25T00:36:01.059+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 24 November Loch Trool Circular<br />
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<b>24 November Loch Trool Circular Report by Rachel Richardson</b></div>
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<i>I collected Heather and Rachel and drove them to Loch Trool where Carl had already arrived. The others got there soon after: Richard, Andrea, Tasha and Fanny (French, from Normandy, a new arrival at Kirkcowan), Ken, Mary, Duncan, Irene, Peter Reed, Catherine, Anne, Leslie and Jim. Irene had the boot lid of her car come down on her head and took quite a long time trying to recover from it. After explaining that our walk was going to be a shorter one than on the programme owing to the height of the water and the flooding we had encountered last week, that part of the planned walk around the Loch would include more road walking owing to work still ongoing with the logging companies, about the possibility of encountering disinfectant provided on the route because of the recent worries about larch tree infection, introducing Fanny and telling them that Rachel would be my ‘back-up’ and THEN telling them that she would be leading and that I would be her ‘back-up’, we eventually set off on our walk!!! </i><br />
On Saturday, 17 ramblers, including two visitors, one from New Zealand and one from Normandy, met at Caldons car park, Glen Trool, for a circular walk around Loch Trool. This was shorter than originally intended. Part of the walk was abandoned due to flooding of the Water of Trool.<br />
Setting off through the old campsite the air was fresh and crisp, the trees and undergrowth coated with frost. A red squirrel was spotted in the branches overhead.<br />
When the new footpath along the south side of Loch Trool was reached, it was found to be a big improvement over the old one. In spite of the recent bad weather, the going was dry and clean, a welcome respite from the mud the group has become accustomed to. The walkers enjoyed the views along this part of the walk. With very little wind, the still waters of Loch Trool reflected the trees perfectly. The Fell of Eschoncan, Benyellary and Buchan Hill were clothed in the burnt orange colours of dead bracken leaves and grasses.<br />
<i>I was so lucky to be at the back as there were so many photos to take! The autumnal colours were lovely despite the day being somewhat overcast but there was no sign of rain as we went along what was now a more feet and hip friendly path, aided by the fallen leaves which covered the hard surface. Carl and I were constantly rushing to catch up, sometimes joined by Jim – he stayed with the group more often and got lots of great photos of them as well as of our surroundings. We had a sweetie stop at the eastern end of the loch where a view point had been created – at present it is in a clear area and probably this will continue as below it is a stretch of low land which might not be a great tree planting area.</i> <br />
On reaching the end of Loch Trool a visit was paid to Glenhead farmhouse where walkers found the doors and windows blocked up with breeze blocks. This classic Galloway farmhouse is facing demolition if no other use can be found for it soon.<br />
Pausing to admire the Gairland burn in spate, and the waterfall at Buchan Bridge the group arrive at Bruce’s Stone for lunch. This monument was erected in 1929 to commemorate Robert the Bruce’s first victory over an English army in the Scottish wars of independence.<br />
<i>The forest road was followed all the way to Bruce’s Stone but we had a long stop at the bridge over Gairland Burn which was in full spate, unsurprisingly, and Carl and I stopped at what he now knows as one of my favourite places for a photo-shoot. I told him I would have to ‘make-do’ with him as my perspective and foreground ‘interest’ and got a good photo of him between two trees with the wonderful hills in the background. Thank you Carl. </i><br />
<i>We did what I hate in others – stayed at Bruce’s Stone a long time eating, taking over the view which other photographers would now find ‘blighted’! However, we did not encounter any later visitors. The road walking back to the cars was lovely as it was mostly downhill and the views which surrounded us were mostly good. It is horrible seeing the destruction where the recent logging has left behind the remnants of branches and the chewed up ground. We had hoped that the new pathway would have been formed by now but that possibility seems distant.</i> <br />
The path along the north side of Loch Trool was closed due to logging. Larch trees in this area have been infected by the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum which can kill a tree in one growing season. Once the disease has been detected felling is essential to control the outbreak and stop it spreading to our native trees.<br />
Walkers made their way down the road to reach Caldons car park, where rucksacks were stored in cars. A visit was then made to the nearby Martyrs Tomb which marks the place where six covenanters were killed while at prayer in 1685. From here the group continued to the Water of Trool, pausing to admire bracket fungi on the trunk of a dead tree, before returning to their cars.<br />
Tea, scones and a roaring fire were enjoyed at The Galloway Arms Hotel in Newton Stewart<i> by most of the walkers. We had been lucky to have had this venue made available to us in lieu of the Belted Galloway. The owners hope to re-open this establishment on Tuesday following the mopping up and drying out process after its recent flooding, along with most of lower Newton Stewart, when the banks of the River Cree were overwhelmed after continuous rain earlier in the week.</i><br />
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-48146110352668176942012-11-17T00:00:00.000+00:002012-12-23T14:09:10.035+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 17 November Stranraer – Portpatrick <br />
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<b>17 November Stranraer – Portpatrick Report by Gordon Phillips</b></div>
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Saturday November 17th Wigtownshire ramblers met at Stranraer to walk 10 miles to the lovely village of Portpatrick on the Southern Upland Way (SUW). Fifteen walkers, including two visitors, one from New Zealand and the other from the U.S.A., left from the Breastworks car park on a clear, cold and sunny morning to climb up past the cemetery to join the SUW at Gallowhill Farm where our leader showed us two Belgian Beef Cattle grazing in the field. These are a rare breed to this area.<br />
<i>Two young women who are working at Kirkcowan to earn their board and keep – Tasha who comes from NZ and Estelle from California joined us today. Tasha was well equipped for the day while Estelle had on cut off leggings and trainers with tiny socks! She was told what the walk would entail but this did not put her off joining us. It was decided that Mary would drop them off at their hostel later, on her way home. With these two women, we were a party of 15. The other walkers were: Duncan and Irene (leader and backup), Gordon, Audrey, Margaret, Mary (x 2), John, Florence, Carl, Claire, Christine Sloan and me!</i><br />
On reaching Knockquhassen reservoir two latecomers joined us swelling our numbers to seventeen. Passing the water a gaggle of pink footed geese were feeding until they heard us and took off with a very fine display of their ability to fly without crashing into each other. This section of the SUW to the cairn on Broad Moor is extremely muddy which made it very challenging finding a way through the bogs and peat. Everyone was disappointed that the authorities have allowed the path to deteriorate into this condition. Some duckboards could be put down to help walkers pass through without resorting to wading in the standin g water. The leader is going to get in touch with the group’s paths officer and report the condition of the SUW at this point and hopefully something can be done to save this valuable asset that brings thousands of visitors to the area every year.<br />
<i>When we had finished the seemingly endless trek uphill, along the road, we reached our turnoff point to go through a double gate and it was here that Steve joined us. He and Dawn recently moved to a cottage close by. Leslie had also joined us along the way. Before too long we were bogged down on a track which had deteriorated drastically since Duncan and Irene had done the recce, last week and there were squeals of alarm and surprise as we tried to navigate our way through some pretty bad terrain! The person who found it the most difficult was, of course, Estelle who gave up trying to keep the water and mud out of her trainers and just headed through it all without a murmur! </i><br />
<i>This section was at last left behind as we went through the new gate and climbed the hill from where we got good views of the reservoirs and of the wind turbines. It was certainly windy enough today to keep them turning! Coming down from the top we encountered another boggy section caused by animals using the water trough but this area was soon passed and we had more road walking to do. Sweets helped to raise our blood sugar levels – very necessary as it was after noon and lunch time was not expected to be had until we reached Killantringan. We met Jacqui and her dog, as we got closer to the coastline. When we got close to the bay, Duncan veered off to the left but I walked with Tasha and Estelle towards Killantringan so they could get a glimpse of this lovely part of the coastline and take photos. Irene also went that way as she knew there was a gate through which we could go.</i><br />
Once we reached the hard road Knock and Maze the leader pointed out a fine example of a standing stone before we arrived a Killantringan Lighthouse for a lunch stop sitting on a hill overlooking the sea with its fine views over the channel to Northern Ireland.<br />
<i>Duncan came back towards us to let us know that they were having lunch behind the hill, the summit of which we usually reach after seeing the lighthouse. It was windy where they had sat but a bit more sheltered where Jacqui was sitting with Tillie, her lovely little boxer dog. It would have been harder getting going again after lunch but we were fairly keen to move as we were getting colder!</i><br />
<i>I kept back with the ‘girls’ as they took more photos so the group had moved on too quickly for me to get another photo with everyone in. Before long it was obvious that Estelle was suffering from the cold and I stopped with them while Tasha took off her socks to give to her. Estelle really struggled to loosen her trainers’ laces enough to put this thicker pair of socks on and then struggled into Tasha’s over trousers. </i><br />
<i>She also got Tasha’s gloves and my ‘buff’ – I was happier that she now had something on her head to stop the heat from leaving her that way. I had waved to Irene to keep moving but Florence came back to us and gave Estelle some ginger tea to warm her inside.</i> <br />
The next part of the SUW is a cliff walk on excellent paths past Dunskey Glen and the old coastguard station before a steep flight of steps took us down the village of Portpatrick from whence the local bus took us all back to Stranraer for a well-earned cup of coffee with fresh scones in the warm comfort of Stir It, a popular local tearoom. <br />
<i>The four of us moved on, Florence and I trying to set a pace for them to keep up to get their circulation moving – Tasha was perfectly alright having been prepared for the weather anyway and she was enjoying the walk. Estelle kept asking how much further we had to go and I could not tell her without depressing her further. Once we came down into the first of the bays she was happier as she had more photos to take but Florence was trying to get us to move more quickly so that we could catch the bus due to leave at 3pm. We got there just in time for 14 of us to board it. A dozen grateful walkers went to Stir It where Beth and her staff had started to clear everything away! For one awful moment I thought all the scones had gone! However, I was in luck along with 4 or 5 others and I enjoyed my fruit scone with my strong tea. </i><br />
<i>The others were spoilt for choice with the other cakes on display! Gordon had been able to join us as his bus was not due until later.</i><br />
Our leaders were thanked for their efforts today as the appalling ground conditions experienced by the group on the SUW had made the walk a great deal more challenging than had been expected.<br />
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-73766277400881003012012-11-10T00:00:00.000+00:002012-12-23T13:50:30.907+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 10 November Castramont<br />
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>10 November Castramont Report by Cath Birkett</b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Frances, Cath, Thomas and Rachel drove to the car park at Knocktinkle where we found Robert there before us. Soon afterwards Ken arrived with Peter, Jim with Mary, Audrey with Margaret and Susan. A ‘new’ walker whose name I was told was John but which was in fact David Pride, came with Carl and Leslie – a total of 15 walkers. Rachel was to be our leader, Cath having passed on this job to her as she was a quick walker and could keep others who wanted to surge on, in check!</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">On Saturday, 15 ramblers met at Knocktinkle car park, Gatehouse of Fleet, for an 8 mile walk over moorland, hills, and woodland and farm tracks. The weather was bright, but showers were forecast. The car park is dedicated to the memory of the late Betty Murray-Usher, who, along with the Stewartry Drystane Dyking Committee, founded the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">Setting off over moorland towards Benfadyeon the group crossed a part of the lade made to transport water to Gatehouse-Of-Fleet. In 1790 the water power scheme started to supply the new mills in Gatehouse as the Fleet did not provide enough. It cost £1400 and supplied 4 cotton mills, 2 tanneries, a brass foundry and brewery. The water came from the end of Loch Whinyeon through a tunnel and was canalised down the burn to two mill ponds at each side of the village. The system was extensive, originally 6.4 km long and there are over 4.6 km remains. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Our first obstacle was a dyke which had an electric fence beside it – we were not sure whether it was live or not but could not take the chance! After removing a number of stones from the dyke we had a good space through which to scramble and were guided under the wire – great photos! Quick repairs were made to the dyke after we had all got through and the fields were enclosed once again. We were led through a marshy area which we had avoided on previous walks there but we got through it quickly.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">The climb up Benfadyeon was rewarded with 360 degree views over the surrounding area which included Gatehouse of Fleet and the Solway with the Wigtown peninsula just visible. To the west threatening clouds loomed above Ben John and Cairnharrow. Loch Whinyeon, a popular fishing destination, well stocked with brown trout, could be seen for the first time. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>This brought back memories to David who had fished there many times during the period when he lived in Gatehouse with his family from the age of 13.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">The descent from Benfadyeon disturbed a well camouflaged snipe and a couple of grouse. On reaching Loch Whinyeon, the end of the lade tunnel and sluice gate for the water power scheme were explored. Today water is extracted from the dam at the opposite side of the loch and is now used as the local water supply.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">After leaving the shore of Loch Whinyeon a short steep climb led to the summit of </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Craigtype where ramblers paused just long enough to don waterproofs before a heavy shower encouraged them to head downhill and back up to the highest point of the walk, the Fell of Laghead at 292m. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">After descending and crossing the Lauriston road, the forest road led to a footpath following Castramont burn. Due to the recent weather the path here was very muddy. Lunch was taken close to waterfalls with a red kite circling above. The burn was followed down to Culreoch farm road with a pause to admire a beautifully patterned new dry stone wall. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>The track down through the glen, sometimes around small trees, their branches low and often rooting into the ground which was usually boggy, sometimes giving us glimpses down onto the waterfall littered burn, always through orange-red bracken and always with fabulous views with autumnal colour, was littered with duck boarding and bridges – either side of which would be surrounded by almost impossibly traversable ground! Boots disappeared often below what had been thought to be a stepping stone and trousers and gaiters became the universal colour of brown! I was keeping close to a dyke and trying to make the most of stones alongside it to get through a particularly muddy bit, followed by Robert when I suddenly heard the sound of one stone hitting another behind me and felt some of the grungy stuff hit my legs! I squealed and Robert couldn’t have apologized enough! I just thought it was funny and assured him I was fine – he had thought I was out of range of his stone throwing action. Even funnier was Cath’s response, offering my body to be lain down in front of him so that he could walk over it!</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">A screeching jay announced the entry of the walkers into Carstramon Wood. Bronzed fallen leaves covered the meandering path through predominantly oak woodland with many glorious, gnarled old coppiced beech trees along the way. The remains of charcoal burning platforms from the 19th century were passed. Oak was chopped and burnt here, to produce charcoal for the iron, copper and brass industry. Timber from Carstramon Wood was also used to make bobbins in the Gatehouse mills.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>We reached the road along which we walked for a short while before turning off into Castramon Wood. Its map was perused and discussed before we had another uphill track to follow. I knew from previous visits what to expect and was able to enjoy sharing my love of this place at this time of year with Carl who was trying to record as much of it as he could. At one time he and I were following closely behind a walker who was trailing a long piece of grass, tucked into his boot/gaiter, having obviously been noticing it for a while when, suddenly, both of us decided to put a foot on it to remove it! It’s such a daft thing to have thought so funny but we could not stop laughing over our instinctive synchronised response!</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Photography took over again and we followed Cath’s gaze and then footsteps as she headed for a dead tree trunk which was extremely rotted, broken off in many pieces, which was covered in many different fungi. We heard shouting from ahead and had to make a move to try to catch up with the others. Soon afterwards we reached the tree which had double trunks through which our track took us. Then we reached the tree with the ‘bumps’ and carvings which kept many of the walkers amused for a while before heading on to find the charcoal platforms. These were found by most of us but Leslie, who had taken a wrong turning, was missing and Thomas went off to find him. Cath gave a bit of information about the platforms but then we had to get a move on as we knew that from here the downhill section would be difficult. It is usually slippery down this way but now we had to contend with slippery wet leaves overlaying slippery wet ground! No-one actually landed on his or her own backside but it was often a close call!</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>As we reached the road and caught up with the quicker walkers we were joined by Thomas who had found Leslie waiting at the other entrance to the wood. He was suitably apologetic! </i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">Leaving the woods the walkers continued along the road to Lagg Farm passing a field of blackface tups with magnificent spiralled horns. A farm track was followed towards Laghead Farm, before crossing some fields to the car park and retiring to Galloway Lodge for tea and cakes. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>We were met by a curious flock of sheep which held their ground for a long while before moving away from the early group of walkers and then headed for the rest of us. Carl and I were treated to the sight of these lovely looking creatures coming our way and then making a run for it! </i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>I phoned the cafe/restaurant to inform them of our estimated time of arrival (about 4pm) and said that 15 of us would be there. However, after we had been sitting there for about 10 minutes, having given our orders, we realized that Susan, Audrey and Margaret had obviously decided to go straight home. No doubt Susan was looking forward to soaking in a hot bath to relieve her knee/ankle jarring from her fall in the late morning. As usual, she had continued walking without complaint for the rest of what was quite a long walk!</i></span></div>
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-6309871126097923962012-11-03T00:00:00.000+00:002012-12-23T12:53:26.933+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 3 November Beneraird<br />
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<b>3 November Beneraird Report by Gordon Phillips</b></div>
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<i>Frances, Jacqui, Leslie and Florence drove to the start of the walk, near the power station between Glenapp and Ballantrae where we met the other walkers. Cath, Thomas came with John, a man who had walked with us a few times, years ago and who had rejoined us recently, Mary Sloan and Anne. Rachel came with Claire and French Claire and a new walker, Dunlop who wore wellies which was probably the best footwear for the walk, as it turned out! John came on his motor bike and Richard arrived with Jim. Gordon had travelled by bus, as usual. With Christine Sloan and Carl there were 19 of us setting off but our numbers swelled to 20 when Robert caught up with us later.</i><br />
Wigtownshire ramblers did an eight mile circular route up Beneraird and Smyrton Hills which are just two of the many hills situated in the Glenapp area. Twenty walkers met at the crossroads just off the A77 where there is ample car parking for the cars that came from Stranraer, the South Rhins and Newton Stewart. The leader welcomed and introduced three new members to the group and hoped they would enjoy today’s walk.<br />
Setting off on a clear sunny but cold morning along an old farm road they passed the electricity convertor station which takes the power to Northern Ireland. The equipment hummed loudly in the quiet morning; more intrusive than the traffic on the nearby main road.<br />
After all the recent heavy rain that has fallen recently in this part of Scotland the going was very muddy, slowing their progress until they reached the old road that takes you from Ballantrae to New Luce, a distance of some 19 miles. As this road once carried horse drawn traffic many years ago the ground was somewhat easier to walk on. The first stop was at an area described on the map as hut circles where we learnt that these were small dwelling places with low earth sides and a timber structure was erected above this. Today all that is left are several circles in the grass where the houses once stood.<br />
<i>It was cold and windy but sunny as Gordon led us along a track with which we are familiar but which was much muddier than when we last used it and we arrived at the top of Benaraird by mid-day. </i><br />
Making their way up to Beneraird they met the farmer on his quad bike taking feed to the animals grazing on the hillside. This was a relief to some of the group as the beasts turned their attention to the food and ignored the walkers completely. Once on the summit the leader pointed out several hills visible today mainly towards the Galloway ranges.<br />
Heading down the road towards Lagafater Lodge the leader took the group to the remains of a Liberator aircraft which crashed on the hillside in 1945 resulting in 17 deaths out of the twenty that were on board on that dreadful day. The plane was on its way from Northern England to Prestwick when, in thick fog and perhaps due to the lack of reliable navigation aids, the plane hit the hill. One of the survivors crawled to the lodge to raise the alarm and when the rescue services finally got to the site they discovered two of passengers were still alive. This was made even more remarkable in that two days had passed since the accident happened. A lunch stop was taken there beside the wreckage whilst they remembered all who had perished on that fateful journey.<br />
<i>Our return to the main track became one of pot luck on the terrain over which we travelled! Carl was lucky not to be sucked down to Australia when he fell forward after getting stuck up to his waist in a marshy, mossy section. I was too late to record the event with my camera as he extricated himself pretty quickly!</i><br />
After lunch they retraced their steps to the top of the pass and then crossed over a grouse moor to the headwaters of the Water of App. A brace of Red Grouse took off noisily and swept down into the valley. After crossing the burn a short steep climb took them to Smyrton Hill with its panoramic views of the Clyde and Loch Ryan with the ferries making their way to and from Ireland. From the summit it was a very steep descent down to Smyrton Bridge and the track back to the start. <br />
<i>John had been struggling a bit as we had gone upwards but felt even worse as we had a fairly steep descent back towards Smyrton Bridge. Richard and I held back for him with concern – his knees seemed to be giving him a lot of pain.</i> <br />
The group thanked the leader for an excellent walk in the autumn sunshine before retiring to Stranraer for coffee and scones in “Stir It”, one of the many fine tearooms to be found in the town.<br />
<i>Rachel had received a phone call to say that Mary had gone into labour and Rachel was needed to take care of their son, Luke, so she had to go straight back to Stranraer. It was agreed that we would go to Stir It so that she could join us after collecting him. The four of us went with Cath, Thomas, Anne, both Claire’s, Mary and Rachel, later, with her nephew. Florence had phoned Ian who came to pick her up and we were delighted when he joined us with his tea and cake! We heard later that Mary had a baby girl.</i><br />
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-41418142220373221402012-10-06T00:00:00.000+01:002012-12-23T12:37:02.784+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 6 October Newton Stewart Circular<br />
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<b>6 October Newton Stewart Circular Report by Jim Deans</b></div>
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<i>Frances, Isobel, Rachel and Heather met the other walkers in Newton Stewart: Carl, Irene, Duncan, Mary x 2, Peter, Ken, Margaret, Audrey, Gordon, Linda, Leslie, John and Jim who was leading the walk. Jim and I did a quick recce of the Belted Galloway, a recently new restaurant at the side of the car park and then enquired of the Ramblers who wanted a scone later. We informed the owners of this lovely venue – a dozen, we thought.</i><br />
On a bright morning with a decent weather forecast, eighteen ramblers met at the Riverside car park, Newton Stewart for the walk.<br />
The walk began by crossing the Cree at Sparling Bridge, and following the river up to Creebridge. It's recorded that Robert the Bruce forded the Cree at this point in 1329 on a pilgrimage to St Ninians.<br />
From here the route went through Minnigaff to Kirroughtree House. A short stop was taken for the walk leader to read out some of its history and association with Robert Burns and the Heron family. <br />
<i>The garden through which we were walking was full of early autumnal colour, in particular the rhododendrons and maples.</i><br />
The perimeter path of Newton Stewart Golf course led up to the tenth tee where Wild Wood was accessed. The walk continued along the sometime muddy track to Bower Wood and the Old Edinburgh Rd at Minnigaff.<br />
<i>Carl and I lagged behind here, taking photos of the view of NS from the golf course and then of the tracks of footprints formed by the walkers as they disturbed the early morning dew! A haze hung around the perimeters of the course which diverted us before we joined the others in the wood. Here, the leaves were not in full autumnal colour but the bracken was in various stages of change while the floor of the wood was covered in an orange carpet.</i><br />
The group now made their way to the Queen Mary Bridge, the site of the old Cumloden Woollen Mill. Now converted to upmarket flats, a millstone is still visible through one of the windows on the Penkiln side. On the bridge attempts were made to secure a wish by cleanly dropping pebbles into the wishing pot. A cheer would accompany a successful drop.<br />
The next point of interest was Minnigaff Parish Church. The 900 year old Yew tree and the listed Heron memorial were among the many points of interest. Here the walk leader set the group the task of finding the headstone depicting an arrow piercing two ravens. This is related to the legend of the three brothers, McKie, Murdoch and McLurg trying to impress Robert the Bruce. One of the brothers shot two ravens with one arrow. The search was successful. <br />
<i>I love wandering around this amazing cemetery, full of interesting memorial stones, many of which had been sculpted into beautiful shapes – some of these were not quite so beautiful as demonstrated in the one which a member of our group found – was its discoverer Audrey?</i><br />
A lunch stop was taken on the banks of the Cree by the King George V and Queen Mary suspension bridge. A light shower saw a number of umbrellas produced.<br />
<i>Jim retraced our steps for a short way after we realized that Mary (Cairnryan) was not with the group. She had not realized that we had left the cemetery but had met some walkers to whom we had chatted fleetingly earlier, and they had pointed her in our direction. She was not far away when Jim met her!</i><br />
After lunch the group made their way over the bridge and up to King Street. Here they learned that when the mills were in production, King Street and Arthur Street went by the names of Cotton Mill Row and the Gorbals.<br />
A left turn at Duncree led to the old coach road which originally went from Old Hall Farm to House O' Hill. Here panoramic views of the Galloway hills were enjoyed.<br />
The route now took a ninety degree turn south. Following drystone walls and crossing excellent stone stiles, fields of various sheep were crossed above Old Hall farm and Douglas Ewart High School to reach Corsbie road.<br />
After entering Blairmount Park, an unexpected diversion took the group up to the trig point on Doon Hill. Very few people knew of the existence of a trig point in Newton Stewart. After encircling Blairmount Pond, the Barnkirk road and the A75 were carefully crossed.<br />
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Open fields were now crossed to begin the ascent to the mobile phone mast above Barrhill Wood.<br />
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Arriving at the mast a tea/coffee break was taken. The view of Newton Stewart from this point truly shows the town to be the Gateway to the Galloway Hills. The good weather allowed most of the hills of the Minnigaff range to be identified.<br />
<i>It is from here and down towards the Cree Valley that I always love the views and I took just as many photos as usual – Carl was busy recording the view with his video camera – we had to hurry to catch up again!</i><br />
The descent eastwards afforded wonderful views of the Cree Valley. After crossing the embankment of the old railway line into Newton Stewart, an old metal gate was climbed and the riverside walking and cycle path accessed. From here a lovely riverside stroll brought the group back to the start point.<br />
Tea, coffee, scones and other culinary delights at the Belted Galloway completed a very enjoyable day.<br />
<i>I think the only walker who did not partake of refreshments here was Peter who was anxious to get back to Bella, his dog, so that he could have another walk! Despite asking for a dozen scones to be set aside, when the group saw the selection of cakes available, many of them had a change of mind! The owners were very accommodating and made sure that we had plenty of tea and coffee – we shall go there again!</i><br />
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-62568653503305422692012-09-22T00:00:00.000+01:002012-12-22T07:45:26.083+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 22 September WW2 Explosives Factory<br />
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<b>22 September WW2 Explosives Factory Report by Jim Deans</b></div>
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<i>Cath, Thomas, Frances and Isobel followed two other cars from the roundabout at NS which were going to the start of the walk too and we all turned off into Penninghame farm buildings, as directed by Jim. We met up with the other walkers: Robert, Richard, Ken, Peter, Carl, Margaret, Audrey, Duncan, Irene, Linda, Mary, Allan, John (on his motor bike), Rachel, Heather, Leslie, Christine Sloan and lastly, Catherine!</i><br />
A bright but crisp sunny morning saw twenty three walkers gather in the Mains of Penninghame farmyard for the walk. Thanks must go to the farmer for the parking arrangements. The walk started by following a farm track south to the Wood of Auchleand. A friendly wave was given to anglers at a popular fishing pond. <br />
(After) A short distance along a forest road a rough track was taken to ascend White Hill. After surmounting an awkward ditch and dyke and long wet grass the hill top was reached via a cattle grazing field.<br />
A short break was taken to enjoy the wide panoramic views across Wigtown Bay and north to the Galloway Hills. The sunshine made this a great day for photographs.<br />
A gradual descent brought them to a farm track. A herd of cattle decided to precede the group along this track. A farming member of the group was dispatched to herd them together to allow the group to pass. This transition was successful but muddy and Auchleand Farm was reached. <br />
<i>The track was extremely muddy and concentration was essential in negotiating it. However, my mind was elsewhere at this time, having realized that no provision had been made for the group to get their essential refreshments at the end of the walk. After a long search for its phone number, I managed to contact Cinnamon, the cafe thought to be the most central one for us all. When we reached firmer ground I did a count of all the scones required and phoned Cinnamon who offered to bake another batch of fruit scones! What a relief!</i><br />
After passing through Auchleand Farm a solid track was followed to reach the main Newton Stewart to Wigtown road. Here another short break was taken to talk to the farmer and to learn of a cattle track that could be used on future walks, taking out the need for walking along the busy A714 road.<br />
Now the busy A714 was followed in single file for almost eight hundred yards north before turning in to Carsegowan Cottage. Here a delightful surprise greeted the group. Having learned of this walk taking place, Dennis Sawden, the author of the book “Carsegowan Moss Explosives Factory”, gave the group an outdoor presentation of history, facts, plans and photographs of the former ICI plant. After the enthralling talk, Mr Sawden was thanked profusely and the group continued into the works. <i>Jim made sure that he got the author’s signature in his copy of the book.</i><br />
Now the walk went through the northern end (Unit2) of the ruins. The largest concrete structure they passed was identified as 'Incorporation Runner Mills' within which nitrate, sulphur and charcoal were mixed by rotating rollers set in a metal bowl. Bunkers, Press Houses and Magazines were amongst other structures Identified.<br />
<i>We had gone along a good wide track and were approaching a metal gate aimed at deterring motor access when we were met by a man in full camouflage combat clothing, including a mask which covered his face, except his eyes and mouth, carrying a huge gun with a long-range sighting and holding a knife. He was extremely scary and it was a relief when he took his mask off and told us ‘you are in a dangerous place here’. Jim agreed, saying that we had kept to the obvious routes and not wandered where we should not have been. The weird man said that what he had meant was that he was there to cull the deer who were destroying the new trees and that we could have been shot. Now, as it was, we would have scared them off and he would have no chance of finding them. He became slightly less threatening and we walked on along the planned route!</i> <br />
After completing a circuit, lunch was taken by the old Home Guard quarters. <i>There were a dozen chairs in one of the buildings which we took outside so some of us had a reasonably comfortable seat although the surroundings were pretty unattractive. It seems that these chairs, a table and some papers left there, indicated that the building is used by a scouting group.</i> <br />
After lunch the group made their way to Carsegowan moss. This raised moss is one of only a few left in Britain. The surviving bog is blanketed by sphagnum mosses and heather amongst which lichens, bog asphodel, cranberry and sundews can be found. Various plants were identified, and the elusive sundew was photographed. The walk leader also mentioned the RAF plane crash on the edge of the moss in 1942 which resulted in the death of all five crew, two of who are interred in Kirkinner graveyard.<br />
Leaving Carsegowan, a track alongside the old railway line took the group up to Bishopburn Bridge from where they followed the old road running parallel to the A714. The A714 was crossed at Causeway End where the minor road north west was taken. A short way along this road a stile over a drystane dyke accessed a grassy field which led to the disused Newton Stewart to Wigtown railway track. The track was now followed to reach the old graveyard at the Clachan of Penninghame.<br />
Headstones, some dating up to 300 years old with familiar local names were viewed. It was noted from certain headstones that in many cases there was continuity of ownership of farmland and property.<br />
Back on the minor road they continued north to the T junction at Barwhirran Croft where a depression in a field goes by the name of Foul Hole. Half a mile west the Mains of Penninghame road was taken back to the walk start. Enjoyed by all, the day was capped with a visit to the Cinnamon Café in Newton Stewart for tea and scones. <br />
<br />The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-80126528318752589952012-08-18T00:00:00.000+01:002012-12-21T13:54:53.767+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 18 August Damnaglaur Circular<br />
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<b>18 August Damnaglaur Circular Report by Cath Birkett</b></div>
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The optimism of nineteen walkers was well rewarded this Saturday when a misty start to the day’s excursion turned into hot sunshine by its end.<br />
<i>Jim was first to arrive, with Robert, followed by Robert (Rab) Simpson who was a visitor and whose mum lives in Creetown. Soon afterwards Ken, Margaret, Audrey, Mary Sloan, Graham (with beard, not seen him for ages), Florence and her friends from the Dales, Judy and Mike then Leslie, Cath, Catherine, Forbes and Isobel arrived. I introduced my friends, Shirley and Carol, who were staying with me for a week.</i><br />
<i>I eventually managed to gather them all together, between all the cars and introduced all the visitors before leading them all through the garden to the back gate, forgetting to tell them anything about the walk!</i> <br />
A stroll around the beautifully kept garden of the walk leader at Damnaglaur began what was to be a ramble of continuous delights. The flocks of geese, turkeys and hens at Buckie Knowe along the road, together with various breeds of sheep, gave an interest which was heightened when the old track across by Kildonan croft was taken, with great views down to the little harbour of Drummore, now filled with the incoming tide, shining in the sun.<br />
The school road was climbed to the church on the hill, the Kirk Covenant, so named because it was built in the year of the signing of the Covenant, 1638, to replace the old Kirkmaiden kirk, the remains of which are to be seen on the Mull farm. A diversion into the graveyard was taken to inspect the memorial to those who died on the SS Main, which was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1917. The ship was raised and visitors were allowed on board for a small fee, the money was used to pay for this memorial.<br />
Now the walkers took a route down the dappled Glen Road and across a field to view the standing stone near Kilstay. This is thought to mark an early Christian site and burial ground which is adjacent to another early church recorded nearby.<br />
A little dog thought to join the walkers just at the corner, but was deterred by its owner, and the sea wall was taken to by well-balanced people for the next stretch of the walk, which now took the route of the new coast path.<br />
<i>The walk went mostly to plan except that Forbes and Carol opted to walk along a ledge below the sea wall which was great for a while and then became REALLY difficult as the ledge narrowed and even got covered by the sea and seaweed! They had really wet feet for the rest of the walk!</i> Entertainment was provided by a couple who walked along a ledge above the tide, which was not deep at this point, but gave a few wet feet before the road was once more gained.<br />
A colourful garden at the entrance to the village was inspected and the abandoned shore road was followed past flowery and picturesque cottages, now a quiet corner fronting the sea. The harbour, with a half built or half demolished shed spoiling the view, was passed, and an old eighteenth century mill inspected, with its wheel and fast flowing water from the leat still intact.<br />
Along Cailiness road a picnic site with comfortable seats on the beach welcomed the ramblers for a lunch break, a pleasant interlude with birds flying low over the water and the rushing music of waves close by.<br />
A path cut through rampant wild flowers, including the now seeding cups of wild carrot and stands of aromatic mugwort, provided an interesting specimen of ‘robin’s pincushion’ on a wild rose – a hedgerow gall, looking like a mossy ball, which is caused by the minute gall-wasp which lays its eggs in the rose bud in spring.<br />
The caravan site at Maryport was soon reached and the new coast path was left, to climb steeply uphill up past Creechan Farm, the exertion rewarded by splendid views over to the Mull and its lighthouse.<br />
<i>We took advantage of the veranda at the ‘shack’ at Maryport to have a rest and for the walkers to catch up before we went through the boring and deserted caravan site. The slog up from the site was followed by the lesser but longer one up to and through Creechan, with a stop to view its lovely garden from where there is a fabulous view across to the Mull.</i> <br />
Now it was only a short distance through a field <i>which, just a few days ago, had just been the stubble after silage but which was now very green and often boggy</i>, and along the road back to Damnaglaur where delicious tea in the sunshine awaited hungry walkers, having completed a most pleasant and relaxing circular excursion in the southernmost part of this area.<br />
<i>I got lots of help especially from Shirley, Carol and Audrey, making drinks and cutting, buttering and putting jam on scones before we sat outside, joining the others in the sunshine. It was a lovely relaxing time and I enjoyed showing Catherine around the garden.</i><br />
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-63558277906452292772012-08-04T00:00:00.000+01:002012-12-21T13:39:15.032+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 4 August Loch Inch & Balker Fell<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4 August Loch Inch & Balker Fell Report by Richard Kay</b></div>
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<i>Cath, Thomas and Frances were at Castle Kennedy gardens at 10am to meet the other walkers: Jacqui, Mary, John, Duncan, Irene, Margaret, Audrey, Ken, Mary Sloan, Richard, Andrea, Robert, Gordon and a new lady from near Port William, Anne. I did a scone count and went into the tea room to ask them to put 8 aside for us for later. Allan Leiper was supposed to have led the walk but was unavoidable detained elsewhere! Cath agreed to lead the walk backed up by Richard who brought along his map too!</i> <br />
Saturday morning was bright and sunny with only a few clouds sailing across the largely blue sky. Seventeen ramblers assembled under the trees at the Castle Kennedy gardens car park. The group set off away from the gardens along the Estate road. They turned off along a path through the woods around the south-eastern corner of the Black Loch and turned back to the New Luce road. This was followed for a short distance until they reached the road leading to Sheuchan and Meikle Tongue below the escarpment of Sheuchan Hill.<br />
The track turned uphill into the woods around the slopes of the hill. Once they had crossed the Sheuchan Burn they turned back along the forest road through an area of recently thinned conifers. The sharp tang of the recently cut logs stacked along the roadside added to the moist smell of the woods. The machinery had turned the road rather muddy but it was soon passed. The route then reached the open fields with views across the woods and lochs of the Estate. The track followed the contour below the woods past Cullurpattie and on towards Balker Farm.<br />
At Balker the ramblers were greeted vociferously by several dogs who were surprised to see such a large group. Their owner soon silenced them as the group paused for a short chat. Beyond Balker the track climbed gently. Along the way they paused to examine a well set in an alcove in the wall. A small plaque identified the date as June 1931. <br />
<i>It was Allan’s plan to go up to the mast from where we would get great views and we could have our lunch. Well, after following the road past various buildings and then getting clogged down in mud as we walked along a track churned up by logging machinery, we started to climb up a good track towards the mast.</i> <br />
Beyond the well the walkers turned right up a track which climbed through the woods to the aerial on the edge of the moor. Further thinning work had been carried out in the woods and piles of logs for the sawmills and small roundwood for firewood lined the track. Above the woods the track crossed rougher moorland and climbed along the edge of the wood to the mast with its numerous aerials and equipment cabins. The group had intended to pause here for lunch but the growth of the trees had obscured the view and the midges were enjoying the damp air hemmed in by the trees. The ramblers decided to seek a better area and continued across the moor until they reached the open fields above Meikle Tongue. Here they found a grassy bank with lovely views over the Black Loch to Castle Kennedy and the sea beyond. A slight breeze kept the midges at bay. A rumble of thunder and a few spots of rain drew attention to the dark clouds amassing to the north.<br />
<i>Fortunately we only got a very light shower despite the thunder clattering behind us and Margaret got to blow out her one birthday candle which I had stuck into her sandwich and tried to take a photo before the wind did the job for her.</i> <br />
After lunch they descended the steep brae and followed the track back to Cullurpattie. After the houses they turned down through the woods towards the bridge over the tip of the Black Loch. After pausing to admire the water lilies on the loch they climbed to the Estate road leading to Lochinch Castle. They turned away from the castle and followed a rough track between the fields of grain until they reached the woods. Once they reached the main belt they turned south along an attractive but muddy path through the wood until they reached another track. The group took this route past some friendly miniature ponies until they reached the main drive. A single Greylag goose was grazing in the field next to the drive. Others could be heard honking on the loch below.<br />
A short way up the drive the ramblers turned down towards the old Inch Church and graveyard. The ruins were well overgrown with ivy and rhododendron and many of the old and ornate gravestones were hidden amongst the vegetation. <br />
<i>I enjoyed spending a bit of time in the old cemetery with its derelict church – many members of the Dalrymple family are buried there, the last seeming to be in 1996, but the area is vastly overgrown, which surprised me.</i><br />
After crossing the graveyard they followed the old track which was marked only by shallow depressions in the field. On reaching the woods they turned eastwards until they reached the Castle Kennedy drive. As they walked back along the drive they had fine views over White Loch to the ruins of the old castle and a distant view of the current one. Unfortunately the rain decided it had waited long enough and proceeded to deluge the group as they hurried back to their cars. <br />
<i>I was really flagging and cadged a couple of jelly babies off Richard which gave me a quick sugar boost and then we came to the main drive down into the garden.</i> <i>Soon afterwards it started to rain in earnest and waterproof jackets were donned for the short section left to walk back to the cars.</i> <br />
The day was concluded with welcome tea and scones in the tearoom before the group dispersed. <br />
<i>We had a quick footwear change before most of us piled into the tea room (not Gordon who had a bus to catch). We all laughed a lot and enjoyed a longer than usual chat before leaving. While we were in there the rain bucketed down but eased off as we were about to leave. </i><br />
<br />The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-1864952527083078932012-07-28T00:00:00.000+01:002012-12-21T13:18:36.313+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 28 July Logan Gardens – Devil’s Bridge<br />
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<b>28 July Logan Gardens – Devil’s Bridge Report by Cath Birkett</b></div>
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<i>Cath, Frances and Elaine got to the gardens just before 10am and met the other walkers there: Jim, Ken, Margaret, Audrey, Florence, Jacqui, Leslie, Linda, Duncan, Irene, Andrea, Robert, Mary, Carl, Catherine Makepeace, Catherine (from PP caravan), Hilary and Mary from Cairnryan. Elaine went into the Potting Shed Bistro to give the number of those wanting a strawberry tea later and I led for a short while until she caught up with us.</i> <br />
Despite a dismal forecast for the day, the ramblers set out from Logan Gardens in fine weather. Twenty one walkers took the track past Logan House to Logan Mains where they eventually turned towards the sea and Port Gill. Undergrowth was lush, yellow vetch brightened the path and the air filled with the delicious scent of pineapple weed crushed underfoot.<br />
Ducks, guinea fowl, geese and hens greeted the company at the entrance to the little bay of Port Gill, which was viewed from the cliffs above. Boats pulled up onto the rocky beach and a few caravans by the little inlet made the peaceful bay an ideal holiday hideaway.<i> I think they are just fishermen’s ‘huts’.</i><br />
The walk led onwards to the south now. The Iron Age fort of Duniehinnie caused some interest with a few hardy souls adventuring across the narrow link from the cliffs, to explore the remaining lumps and bumps left on the sea cropped grass.<br />
The flowers were still creating a colourful carpet on the banks and headlands. The delicate Grass of Parnassus grew profusely in one place, while yellow hawkweed dotted the ground and created a golden glow, enhancing the hot sun which appeared from time to time.<br />
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<i>I joined Jim, Florence and Catherine in clambering over to a wild flower covered area which looked like it was separated from the main area but which had a narrow section over which we ‘walked’ – I used Catherine for balance until I felt secure enough to do this on my own. This was the Iron Age Fort of Duniehinnie. The wild flowers were prolific although they were well past their best. </i><br />
<i> After this I went upwards with Ken, Margaret and Audrey as we had reached a section with a narrow track. It was easy following the progress of those below us and it was quite good getting photos from a different perspective.</i><br />
The folly on top of Mull Hill beckoned as the cliffs were navigated. Now only a single wall, which resembles a tower, it was once part of a larger building, but its original purpose is now obscure. Wild carrot, whose flowers were being inspected by a host of orange insects, clothed the steep grassy sides which led to narrow inlets all along this stretch of cliff, with the sea roaring through restricted passages, creating a foamy swirling surface.<br />
A curious seal popped up to watch the ramblers pass by.<br />
The force of the sea acting upon the rocks was seen in the jagged shapes of the sea girt stacks and caves which have been eaten out of the cliffs, and then the spectacular Devil’s Bridge, a great archway with a large flat rock alongside where shags rested. Here the company also rested for lunch whilst herring gulls wheeled overhead, screaming at the intrusion of so many walkers.<br />
<i>Some of the walkers stayed further up, reasoning that if they came down they would have to go back up again but I tried to encourage some to come to see the bridge – they had not realized that this was what I was calling to them about!! Even the small groups near where Florence and I sat having lunch did not know that this was the reason this lunch spot had been chosen. Some walkers moved on not even seeing the bridge! Soon afterwards, Jim, Catherine and Florence made their way down to stand on the top of the bridge which is MUCH wider than it seems from either side, and we took loads of photos of them from the other side of it.</i><br />
Views across to Ireland were hazy but the Mountains of Mourne stood out, and the gap which showed the entrance to Belfast Lough could be clearly seen. The broch at Ardwell Bay and the nearer bay of Drumbreddon were picked out along the coast north, and then as the corner turned the view south included the picturesque village of Port Logan; this all increased the satisfaction of walking on such a beautiful coastline. <br />
Another rock bridge, this time much smaller, was passed where a new core path was being fenced to create better access along this coast.<br />
<i>There was a short section where we looked down onto rocks with their wonderful semi-vertical layering, the sparkling blue of the sea, while in the distance black storm clouds were coming closer, in </i><i>contrast to the stunning yellow of the ladies bedstraw which lined our track – it was magic!</i><br />
As the walkers crossed the fields to a quiet road leading onto a Logan estate track, and passed the gamekeeper’s house with kennels of barking dogs, the rain suddenly came on with force. But by the time the cars were reached once more, the tarmac on the car park was steaming.<br />
Heat from the summer sun welcomed the ramblers to a cream tea in the restaurant, set alongside the lovely walled gardens. A delicious end to a most enjoyable walk.<br />
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The Glebe Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09609629219727888442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2311090901195483041.post-34225182018179058362012-07-21T00:00:00.000+01:002012-12-20T11:36:17.441+00:00Scoops Reports 2012 - 21 July Big Hill of Glenmount & Ness Glen<br />
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<b>21 July Big Hill of Glenmount & Ness Glen Report by Jim Deans</b></div>
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<i>Elaine arrived in the nick of time to join us on the bus from Stranraer. The driver was anxious to be on the move as were Frances, Rachel, Audrey, Margaret, Susan, Jacqui, Mary, Linda, Leslie and John. Susan and Carol followed behind in their car. There was a hold up at traffic lights on the A75 after we had picked up Ken – a lorry had gone off the road and was on its side in a ditch. So we got to Newton Stewart 10-15 minutes after the time scheduled. Jim, Mary Sloan, Robert and Catherine joined us. Our driver dropped us off at the Roundhouse – a cafe where we ordered a dozen and a half scones to be consumed later! Waiting for us there were Douglas, Christine, Gordon, Lorna (who Douglas and Gordon walk with each week), Carl and Christine Sloan. A few of the walkers decided to have tea before we set off so, added to the fact that we were late in arriving anyway, we were a good half hour late in starting our climb up away from the cafe.</i><br />
Twenty-four walkers met at the Roundhouse on Loch Doon for the walk start. Two thirds of them enjoyed a comfortable ride up in a Wigtownshire Community Transport bus. The forecast was for white cloud with occasional sunshine.<br />
<i>Jim decided to cut out the first of the hills we were to climb but Leslie headed off there anyway – we could see him clearly when he reached its summit.</i> <br />
With a resplendent Loch Doon behind, the walk started westerly with a gradual climb of Glessel Hill. From here the next target of Big Hill of Glenmount could be seen. First a scrubby patch of moorland had to be crossed. Occasional quad bike tracks assisted, but tussocks and bog slowed down progress. Eventually a drystane dyke below the hill was reached and the going became easier.<br />
After a steady climb the trigpoint on the summit at 382 metres was reached. There were no far reaching views today, but magnificent views of the Galloway hills and surrounding lochs were enjoyed. <br />
<i>We eventually got to the top of the Bill Hill of Glenmount, and we thought we would see Leslie there. Unfortunately he wasn’t so, after a photo call and some discussion, </i><i>it was decided that Gordon would go to look for him since he knows the area well. Lorna went with him so that she could enjoy going at a quicker pace than ours!</i><br />
After a short break the walk continued. A long downhill stretch, more tussocks and a steady climb via bracken-strewn slopes now brought the group to the Wee Hill of Glenmount. With occasional glimpses of the sun, a lunch break was taken.<br />
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Looking back, the Big Hill of Glenmount looked like an enormous pyramid. A picturesque drystane sheepfold enhanced the view. Following a leisurely lunch the group now made their way north over moorland to the ruins of the former farmstead of Little Shalloch.<br />
The boggy track now accessed was once a main thoroughfare connecting the hamlets of Dalcairney and Knockdon. After following the track northeast for one kilometre, a change of direction east across the moors brought them to the small hill of Carwaur. Here another short break was taken while the sun shone.<br />
Fields of horses were now visible as the estate of Craigengillan was in reach. Also in view was the almost completed Scottish Dark Sky Observatory. Due to open in October, it will be open to the public and school groups for day-time and night-time visits. <i>It was here that Ken realized he had left his pole back at where we had taken our last break. Nothing could stop him from going back – a long way – and a few walkers opted to wait with Christine Sloan who was the back up. We found out later that his pole was not there and he thought that perhaps he had left it at the derelict house! Christine and company had waited half an hour for him. </i><br />
After passing a small reservoir the group now entered the estate and made their way to Craigengillan House. Here the walk leader told some of the history of the founding family in 1580, the McAdams, and their descendants, who remained the proprietors until 1999. They also heard the tragic tale of one Quintin McAdam who died in 1806. They also learned of the hard work of the present owner Mark Gibson in opening up the estate and Ness Glen to the public. <br />
<i>As we went through the wood we met up with Leslie, Gordon and Lorna. Gordon had been in touch earlier to say that he had found Leslie. When we reached the river we parted company with Gordon who had left his car nearby. (These are Jim’s photos)</i><br />
A short tour of the estate including a lovely view of a picturesque thatched cottage now saw the group reach the northern end of Ness Glen. Restored to its full glory in 2004/5 this geographical delight of the Victorians followed the River Doon back to its source of Loch Doon. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, the deep gorge has a myriad of rare mosses and ferns, while the river runs over rapids, falls and fast flowing streams. Needless to say the photographers in the group had a field day.<br />
<i>I took so long over photographing the bubbling, cascading water that Christine’s group caught up with me – the rest of the group with whom I had been walking were long gone! I moved on more quickly than the others which was just as well as there were only two scones left although one had been put aside for me anyway!</i> <br />
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Back at the walk start, the proprietor of the Roundhouse catered admirably with tea, coffee and various scones and confectionery for the after walk refreshments. It was a contented crowd that mounted the bus back to Wigtownshire.<br />
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<i>We enjoyed sitting outside having our tea/coffee and scones, for about 15 minutes before the driver of our bus said he was ready to go. Rachel moved forward on the bus to get a seat where she was less likely to feel sick and Susan joined us at the back. The journey took two hours each way but the return journey seemed to go quicker than my expectation! My body did not seem to be quite so shaken up either!</i><br />
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