Scoops Reports 2012 - 6 October Newton Stewart Circular

6 October Newton Stewart Circular  Report by Jim Deans

 Small hill by Barbuchany.

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.
On a bright morning with a decent weather forecast, eighteen ramblers met at the Riverside car park, Newton Stewart for the walk.
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.
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.
The garden through which we were walking was full of early autumnal colour, in particular the rhododendrons and maples.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.

Open fields were now crossed to begin the ascent to the mobile phone mast above Barrhill Wood.

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.
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!
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.
Tea, coffee, scones and other culinary delights at the Belted Galloway completed a very enjoyable day.
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!

Scoops Reports 2012 - 22 September WW2 Explosives Factory

22 September WW2 Explosives Factory  Report by Jim Deans

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!
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.  Jim made sure that he got the author’s signature in his copy of the book.
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.
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!
After completing a circuit, lunch was taken by the old Home Guard quarters. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Scoops Reports 2012 - 18 August Damnaglaur Circular

18 August Damnaglaur Circular  Report by Cath Birkett

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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!    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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Now it was only a short distance through a field which, just a few days ago, had just been the stubble after silage but which was now very green and often boggy, 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.
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.

Scoops Reports 2012 - 4 August Loch Inch & Balker Fell

4 August Loch Inch & Balker Fell    Report by Richard Kay

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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.  
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.  Soon afterwards it started to rain in earnest and waterproof jackets were donned for the short section left to walk back to the cars.
The day was concluded with welcome tea and scones in the tearoom before the group dispersed.
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.

Scoops Reports 2012 - 28 July Logan Gardens – Devil’s Bridge

28 July Logan Gardens – Devil’s Bridge  Report by Cath Birkett

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.
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.
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 think they are just fishermen’s ‘huts’.
 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.
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.

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.  
 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.
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.
A curious seal popped up to watch the ramblers pass by.
 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.
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.
 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.
 Another rock bridge, this time much smaller, was passed where a new core path was being fenced to create better access along this coast.
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 contrast to the stunning yellow of the ladies bedstraw which lined our track – it was magic!
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.
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.