Wigtownshire Ramblers Glasserton Circular February 2012

Saturday the 11th of February 2012.
 It's not a very nice day, and the forecast isn't a good one.
Today's walk is a variation on This One we did two years ago, and This One we did last year.
It rained initially, but the mist stayed with us throughout the day.
I thank my good friend Scoop for contributing at least 50% of today's pictures.
I'm again the leader and the report will follow the images.

Ruined house near Carleton

The walk leader

Cooking range (That pot won't boil again)

Fun and frolics crossing the stile

Trig point (Also in the picture are the walkers who wouldn't cross because we'll be heading back that way

A wet Carleton Fell

The Machermore Mill Stone

We also had lunch here

Now we're heading to Laggan Camp and Pond

Laggan Pond as it was on Wednesday's recce's

A line of nervous sheep

Another obstacle out of the way

Above Claymoddie beach 

A well closed gate to keep the cattle in

The lawned terraces of  the now  non-existent Glasserton House

Glasserton Walk Report

A dreich misty morning greeted the 15 walkers assembled at Glasserton church car park. The forecast was for much of the same throughout the day, but the group as usual were optimistic.
Blankets of snowdrops and a picturesque dead elm tree brought the group to Glasserton Mains cottages from where they headed north-west along the old drovers track.

The first point of interest was the row of derelict cottages by the Row plantation. Here the walk leader had a list of the names he'd found on the internet of the occupants of these cottages back in 1684.

Continuing on, another old cottage complete with an old fireplace was explored. After passing Rouchan Pond the normally extensive views of the Machars were non existent due to the mist.
Movement of cattle had muddied field entrances and mud became a prominent feature of the walk.
Reaching Craiglemine the route now changed direction to the south-west and Carleton.
Reaching Bessie Yon, another derelict house was explored. It contained a delightful old fireplace complete with pot hanger, pot, grate and oven, and although very rusty gave a glimpse of a long since past way of life.

Now an easterly route was taken over the rising undulating and boggy fells.
After carefully crossing a slippery stile over a drystane dyke the group continued upward to reach another drystane dyke. The trig point at the northern end of the Fell of Carleton stood twenty feet away, but only the intrepid few crossed the stile for a closer look. By now the rain had almost ceased, but the mist still had a damp feel to it.

After crossing more rough undulating terrain the next objective of the Machermore's Millstone was reached.
Carved into a rocky outcrop almost a metre wide is an unfinished millstone.
The walk leader had heard a story of it being unfinished due to the outbreak of war. More likely is the local tradition that says the millstone was carved in the late 19th century by workmen rebuilding Carleton farm.

The outcrop of rock, known as Mill Stone Howe proved to be an ideal spot to enjoy a spot of lunch. Although the mist remained, the rough foamy tide at the Point and Lochans of Cairndoon could be seen clearly.

After lunch the outcrop known as Fox Hunt was skirted to reach Laggan Pond and Camp. Another drystane dyke was crossed to reach the top of this large promontary fort.
The amateur archaeologists in the group enjoyed identifying ramparts, ditches and the entrance.

The next section of the walk was along the cliff top overlooking Luce Bay. The unique shingle beach of Claymoddie came into regular view.
After more obstacles including barbed wire fences, dykes, burns and unopenable gates the farm track at Claymoddie was reached.
The route now took them inland to the crossroads of Claymoddie from where the estate road to Glasserton was accessed.

Reaching the site where Glasserton House stood the group learned a little of it's history and owners. To the rear, the outlines of the lawned terraces, blanketed by snowdrops gave a good impression of how majestic it once was.

Now the group moved on to look at the 18th century Glasserton Home farm.A new roof and wall have been incorporated with some of the original structure to create a grain store.The surrounding cottages and a doo'cot also date back to the 18th century.
From here it was a short distance back to the car park and the end of an interesting if somewhat misty walk.
The next walk on Saturday the 18th of February is a C+ circular walk from Auchenmalg to Stairhaven.
Meet for car sharing at the Breastworks, Stranraer 9.30am,the Riverside, Newton Stewart 9.00am or the walk start at the Cock Inn Car Park (NX 236 518) at 10am. For further details or if going to the start please phone walk leader 01988 840268. New members are always welcome