Wigtownshire Ramblers Cairngaan December 2012

Saturday the 29th of December 2012.

It's the last walk of the year and we're down near the Mull of Galloway.

Today's walk leader is 'The Weaver' and the deputy walk leader is 'The Milkmaid'

The walk starts at the West Cairngaan farmstead.

Here are the links to a couple of previous walks from here.

January 2011

December 2011

I'll leave it to 'The Weaver' to give her (always excellent) account of the walk after the photographs.

Farm track heading south from West Cairngaan

A happy group at the narrow section of land between East and West Tarbet Bays

Portavaddie to Chapel Wells

The story of Medana

We still haven't ventured down to this cave. Next time I'm in the area !

This is the story.

In the 8th Century, Medana, a beautiful Irish princess and a convert to Christianity, fled her native land to settle with some of her handmaidens in a cave near East Tarbet Bay and, from that bleak spot, ministered to the early local Christian community.

One day, to her horror, Medana was confronted by her former lover who had followed her from Ireland.

To escape him the saintly virgin simply stepped onto a rock which conveniently floated across Luce Bay to Monreith and, in thanksgiving for her escape, she built a chapel at Kirkmaiden in Ferness.

Undaunted, however, at her speedy departure, the besotted Irishman chased her to the Machars and, on being asked what made her so attractive, indicated that her eyes were so beautiful that he could not live without them. At this point, the pious lady plucked them out and cast them at his feet shouting "take them then", whereupon he rushed off homewards very much shaken.

However, on washing her now bleeding face at a small well, known today as St. Medan's Well, Medana's sight was miraculously restored.

She then resumed her religious life and travelled all over Scotland founding several churches, before becoming governess to a Saxon king's daughter

Portlennie

Salty or Sandy kept an eye on us.

I had to eat my words here.

I'd said that you didn't get seals along the eastern shore of the Rhins, like you seldom get seals along the eastern edge of the Machars. It's the first one I've seen on the eastern coast.

There's all you need to know about these gorgeous creatures at Seal Scotland

Descent to Marion's Isle

No shortage of seabirds today

It's lunchtime at Maryport.

Thanks to Scoop for this picture. I avoided the incoming wave.

The gulls are great to watch as they pick away at the seaweed, then lift up just as a wave is about to engulf them.


I take a short bit of video.

It's a steady climb up to Creechan

Here's a wide view

Crossing fields, fences and the Mull of Galloway road to reach Auchie Glen

The last stretch

The Weaver's report

Ramblers’ report Saturday 29th December 2012

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. 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.

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. 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 slippy 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.

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.

The New Year’s programme starts on Saturday 5th January, 2013, with a 6 mile stroll from the sea shore to the woods, Crook of Baldoon to Kilsture forest. Meet for Car sharing Breastworks, Stranraer 9 am, Riverside, Newton Stewart, 9.30 am or the Crook of Baldoon Car park, NX 442 531. 10 am for the walk start. If going directly to the start please phone walk leader for up to date information 01988 840268. All visitors will be made most welcome to join the ramblers on the walk.

A Merry Christmas

  

Wigtownshire Ramblers - Door of Cairnsmore Recce and an entirely different walk - December 2012

The first part of this post is of the recce that myself, Shorty and the Teacher did for the walk scheduled for Saturday the 22nd of December.

The second part of this post is of the walk we actually did on the 22nd of December, which, because of the diabolical weather, was completely different from the recce.

Part 1 - the 13th of December

The recce should have started from Cairnsmore hill climb car park, instead for a change we were dropped off at Crinan at the top of the military road above Creetown.

After passing through Clanery Farm, we came across the above iron casts in the track. Anyone know what they are ?

With having an early start the sun was low in the sky, the incoming tide showed the Bishopburn and the Cree estuary. The ground was quite solid with frost.

Cairnsmore had a covering of snow.

On reaching the north side of Blairs hill, we followed a drystane dyke northwards. Over towards Cambrett hill, lochs, lochans and floods added to a colourful misty glow.

Reaching Knocktim we found the track leading to the 'Door of Cairnsmore'

We followed the track up to the rocky edifice that is the 'Door'

We managed to disturb at least four Red Deer.

Above on the rocks we spotted some mountain goats.

I zoomed in for a closer look.

Making a 90 degree turn we took to the moorland to head southeast to Craig Hill. The sky's now seemed to silhouette everything. This is quite a desolate outlook here. Occasionally we'd be able to follow a quad track and the frost helped us underfoot.

To the north the Clints of Dromore came into view. Approaching a stile into the forest of the estate the ground was extremely boggy and tussocky necessitating a very careful crossing.

Upon reaching a forest track we took the opportunity to have a spot of lunch.

After lunch we followed the track as it turned west.

Icy pools and waterfalls caught our attention.

On reaching the old 'Paddy Line' we continued west.

One group of nervous cattle gathered to let us past, while those in the next field showed us their backsides.

Over towards a small coppice of trees at Craig Yard we spot a number of Red Kite circling.

They are so fast in their movement, this was the best picture I could get.

We came off the old railway track at the bridge where the Gatehouse Station road crosses it.

When I've looked at the carving of Hitlers coffin before, I've never really looked at other names carved into the bridge. I don't know anything about D.Nutt or HxP, but I believe the coffin was the work of a Polish Stonemason who happened to be billeted close by.

We now have a short stretch of road walking. Here we're passing a lonesome Scot's Pine.

Now we reach the 'Teapot' cottage. Here we pass the time of day with the owner who tells us how it got it's name. Apparently when the navvies were building the railway, there was occasionally a supply of whisky from a nearby still. If the teapot was in the window of the cottage it meant that distillation was complete and a dram or two could be purchased. They were always wary of the excise man of course.  

After crossing Culcronchie Bridge we followed a farm track to Falbae farm, then a path that led us back to our start point.

The sun was again low in the sky as we walked along the military road awaiting our transport.

Part 2 - the 22nd of December

Because of the weather, high winds and rain forecast for all day, Shorty decided we'd have a more enjoyable walk around the lower western plantations of  Cairnsmore. I agreed with him. His report will follow.

The turnout reached a new record low. Five of us. There was myself, Shorty, Scoop, the Weaver and the Cabby. I didn't take my main camera with me, and the small one I had, had battery problems. I'm borrowing a few of Scoops pictures for this post.
We did a large part of this walk on the last day of January 2009
2009 Walk
We were also around here in the snow in January 2011.
This is Scoops report of that outing.

We began from the hill climb car park.

Finding a path through the trees, Shorty soon got us onto this forest track.
Myself and Scoop were often at the back hoping for photographs.

I was having problems from the outset.

Here I inadvertently got taking video. So for fun I've stretched it and added appropriate music.

The next two pictures are Scoops....

...........though I took the bottom one.

Although the rain barely ceased, we were all well kitted out with waterproofs and having fun.

After crossing the Cairnsmore, Mill and Blairbuies burns we again take to the woods.

Lunch is taken with a modicum of protection from the rain.

My camera had just about packed in and apart from the last picture in this post, the rest I've borrowed from Scoop.

After a short distance walking west we're heading south alongside the Knock burn.

Above Bargaly Farm we're in among some great old beech trees.

Scoop gets busy snapping the variety of fungi around.

After walking through the woods above Bargaly House, we drop down to Woodend Bridge and Bardrochwood. From here we climb Machars Hill and veer off towards Greenheights Plantation. 

I somehow recall this bottom rung.

Once through the ruins of the old mill and dairy at Strathmaddie, it's a short walk back to the cars.

On arriving at the car park I'm in a spot of trouble. There's no sign of my keys.!

I emptied every pocket, looked in my rucksack and found nothing. I'm now thinking of what I must do. 

First get a lift home and hope my neighbour is in so I can get in my house to get my spare car key. Get a lift back here to collect the car, then come back tomorrow to retrace my steps to where I think I lost my keys. Damn!

I take off my gaiters, then take off my waterproof trousers and begin rolling them up. As I get to the leg bottoms I feel something in the lining. I've been carrying my keys around my ankles! What a relief. There was a very small hole in the pocket of my waterproofs, hardly the width of a pencil, but my keys had worked through. Must remember to get the needle and thread after they come out of the wash.

After walk refreshments which included Mulled Wine, Cakes, Mince Pies and other delicacies were enjoyed back in Newton Stewart, courtesy of Shorty's good lady, our secretary.

Shorty took this picture with his phone. 

I've no idea why I'm laughing ! I haven't looked that happy for years. It must be an age thing !

Shorty's walk report will appear here. 

Wigtownshire Ramblers 22 December 2012 – Below Cairnsmore

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.

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.

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.

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.  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.

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.

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.

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.

Next week’s walk, on Saturday 29th December, will be a circular walk around the Mull of Galloway and the new coastal path starting from West Cairngaan at 10:00am.(Grid Ref. NX 129 319)  Meet at the Riverside Car Park, Newton Stewart at 09:00 or the Breastworks Car Park, Stranraer at 09:30 to share transport.  If meeting at the start or for any other queries please contact the walk leader on 01776 840226.
The following week’s walk, on Saturday 5th January, will be a leisurely 6 mile walk from the Crook of Baldoon to Kilsture Forest.  Meet at 09:00 at the Breastworks Car Park in Stranraer or at 09:30 at the Riverside Car Park in Newton Stewart  to share transport.  The walk will start from the Crook of Baldoon (Grid Ref: NX 442 531) at 10:00am.  Please contact the walk leader on 01988 840268 for any queries or if intending to meet at the start.  New walkers are always welcome.