Wigtownshire Ramblers Mulldonoch April 2013

N.B. Our training weekend has made the news on the Ramblers main website.

 It's here Wigtownshire Ramblers Training Weekend

Saturday the 27th of April

I'm today's walk leader so the report will follow the pictures.

This is my third trip up here this week. On Monday, five of us walked up the Caldons Burn and across Cambrick Hill till we were just above the Nick of the Lochans. The strong wind,rain and mist (we couldn't see much more than fifty yards in front of us) made us retrace our steps and go back the way we came.

On Wednesday I thought I'd take a look at a more direct route I'd learned of when bumping in to a walker a couple of years ago. This recce was successful so I decided we'd go this way on the walk..

Thanks to Scoop for her contribution of photographs to this post (she's also given up blogging for the time being, but perhaps she'll get her diary published at year end)

The last time I climbed Mulldonoch was in 2008. September 2008 Walk 

It's a grand morning. Just off the Loch Trool paths we spot a small herd of goats...............

..........complete with a couple of kids

Glentrool Lodge looks inviting

We begin the climb up to White Bennan

My deputy today is the Milkmaid who's usually like a gazelle on hill walks. Today she get's to look at the views more often

Hey ! I'm in the picture

The higher we get, the more expansive the view

The initial climb up to White Bennan must be almost a one in two incline in places

The view over Loch Dee

Lunchtime

A tub of fruit to give the leader sustenance for the descent

An out of sequence collage

A Mulldonach lochan

The steep descent to the Nick of the Lochans

Frog spawn

The forest edge looking back to Mulldonoch. (note the Weaver shaking snow from her right hand, she'd been up to mischief)

There are still large swathes of snow up them thar hills

A forest ride to the Caldons burn........

............and the crossing

It's difficult to capture the depths of the gorges on the Caldons, but the top right picture shows a little bit of perspective

Almost down

The flora and fauna appears on the last stretch of the walk 

Here's my report for the papers.

Ramblers Report

Saturday the 27th of April

Nineteen ramblers assembled at Caldons Car Park on a bright fresh morning for the walk start.

The weather forecast promised a clear day with the odd cloud.

Crossing the Water of Trool the first part of the walk took the group east along the southern shores of Loch Trool. The recently renovated trail made for easy walking.

Approaching a clearing in the woods the group paused to watch a delightful family group of wild goats complete with two adorable kids. Tall and straight larch trees still unaffected by the disease P. ramorum and looking like columns of ships masts bordered the trails. Apart from the noise from a pair of geese on the opposite bank, Loch Trool looked a picture of tranquillity.

On reaching the Steps of Trool a pause was taken before the serious business of climbing began. Almost opposite Bruce’s Stone, and somewhere near this point was where the Battle of Trool 1307 took place and where Bruce’s 300 men overcame Sir Aymer de Valence 1500 strong army.

A slow steep potentially hazardous but steady ascent now began. After surmounting remnants of forestry operations and strewn boulders the going underfoot became easier. Emerging from the trees, the rocky crags of White Bennan were reached.

As height was gained views became more expansive, soon all the slopes and peaks of Buchan Hill, Benyellery and the Merrick could be viewed. Ravens, Larks and other small birds made the occasional appearance.

The climb was now one of heather, tussocks and rocky outcrops. Occasional animal tracks assisted walkers.

Reaching Gawintoms far reaching views were now enjoyed. Ailsa Craig and the Mull of Kintyre could be picked out. Closer to hand were Neldricken and the Glenhead Lochs. To the east stood the Rhinns of Kells where snow still covered slopes sheltered from the sun.

Eventually the group reached the summit of Mulldonoch, the pinnacle of today’s walk. Lunch was taken overlooking beautiful Loch Dee. To the south east a group of walkers could be seen high up on the slopes of Lamachan.. To the south west the Mountains of Mourne could be identified. To the west, helicopters involved in the last day of the Joint Warrior exercise could be seen hovering and manoeuvring.

A cooling wind and more cloud brought a leisurely lunch to an end. The group now took to the steep grassy slope down the Nick of the Lochans. A few walkers found the easiest way to descend was in a seated position causing the occasional whoops of joy or maybe pain.

A boggy quad track was now followed west. Occasional patches of frog spawn were spied.

Reaching the forest edge a drift of snow was crossed. For some walkers this was the ideal excuse for some fun and frivolous behaviour. Thankfully no injuries were sustained.

A reasonably solid track was now joined to take the group over to the Caldons Burn which was crossed to access the path opposite. Great care was needed on this descent due to the path being muddy in places with steep sided gorges.

The group now followed the glistening burn and cascading waterfalls down to the forest road below Sheil Holm. At this point it’s been custom to cross the burn and follow the right hand path back to Caldons, but at the suggestion of a knowledgeable walker who remembers the main path being on the left, this was taken. Apart from a few missing duck-boards, it seems it’s still in use and this brought the group to the forest road west of Caldons.

On the short walk back to the cars a lizard was spotted darting about the grass. Celandine, wood anemone and daffodils were abundant and if there was any doubt that spring had arrived the appearance of dandelions dispelled that thought.

It was a weary but happy group that made its way to the House O’ Hill for after walk refreshments.

Next week’s walk, on Saturday the 4th of May will be a moderate plus six mile coastal walk in the South Rhins. New walkers are always welcome but please contact the walk leader before joining. Meet at 09:30am at the Breastworks Car Park, Stranraer or at 09:00am at the Riverside Car Park, Newton Stewart to share transport. The walk will start from Logan Gardens Car Park at 10:00am (Grid Ref: NX 097 425). If going direct to the start or any other queries please contact the walk leader on 01776 840636.  

Wigtownshire Ramblers Training Weekend April 2013

This weekend has been a leadership training weekend with Karen Inkster the Led Walks Officer from the Ramblers Association.

This was the blurb.

"The Wigtownshire Ramblers are running a walk leader training event focusing on how to deal with emergencies on walks and navigation training. Karen Inkster, Led Walks Officer, will be doing a presentation on how to handle emergency situations on the Saturday and then offering navigation training on the hill on the Sunday."

I've written a report for the press which can be read after the pictures.

My thanks to Scoop for her contribution of photographs.

Not much dialogue on this post as it's getting late and I'm ready for a cup of cocoa.

Karen standing, New Luce Village Hall

Ready to pace out one hundred metres

Now back a hundred metres. (We were scattered about twenty metres, it looks like some folk take shorter steps going uphill)

A group picture. Who's that lounger on the left ?

I wonder why there are more smiley faces when I'm not in the picture. I don't know whether to take it as a compliment or a snub !.

Heading towards Barnshangan

I managed to reunite the lost lamb with her mother.

A couple of youngsters and the latest in scarecrows

We watched this slow-worm slither and slide for a while.

Here's the report.

Wigtownshire Ramblers Training Weekend.

Saturday the 20th of April.

Twenty ramblers gathered at 7pm on Saturday evening at Stranraer Fire Station for the start of a leadership training weekend with Karen Inkster, the Ramblers National Led Walks Officer.

The evening's session was a presentation on how to handle emergency situations and on walk leader training. 

Subjects covered included leaders check-lists, responsibilities, integrating new walkers, weather, planning walks, insurance and safety and good practice.

Karen also passed on many useful internet links and tips.

A break was taken mid way through the session to enjoy tea and biscuits. Thanks must go to the fire services for the use of their facilities.

Sunday the 21st of April

New Luce village hall was the venue for the start of the second day's training. The first two hours were spent in a classroom environment learning of the various types of maps, national grid lines, map symbols, map orienting, grid reference identification, contour lines. This was followed by learning of the components of a compass, taking compass readings and magnetic variations. A lunch break was taken before the group took to the hills to practice what they'd learned.

A lot of fun was had pacing out one hundred metres and finding out that mobile phones and cameras affected compasses. Karen had a number off tasks for the group to solve. These included pacing out and changing compass bearings sometimes with unexpected results.

On the hills east of New Luce a lamb was reunited with her mother, bogs were crossed and the remnants of a cairn were hopefully found.

After accessing the tarmac road east of Hardcroft this was followed back to New Luce. 

After stowing away walking equipment the group proceeded to the Kenmuir Arms to enjoy after walk refreshments. Top marks to the pub management who had the lounge readily prepared for this influx and where the tea, coffee and scones were of the highest order. 

Karen was given a vote of thanks for her excellent training sessions before leaving for her long run back up to Perthshire. The group consensus was of a well organised and informative weekend. Everyone learned something they didn't know.

Next week’s walk, on Saturday 27th of April, will be a fairly vigorous  B+ climb up Mulldonoch via the Caldons Burn. 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 Caldons Car Park at 10:00 (Grid Ref: NX 397 579). New walkers are always welcome but please contact the walk leader before joining. If going direct to the start or for any other queries please contact the walk leader on 01671 403351.

Wigtownshire Ramblers Balloch Wood, Knockeans, Larg April 2013

Saturday the 13th of April

Today's walk is one we've done previously.

2009 Walk

I've posted  quite a lot around Creetown over the years. Here's a climb up Knockeans in 2008

There's a webpage with comprehensive coverage of Creetown Walks

Twenty four of us start out from Adamson Square. It's a dry morning with a forecast of bad weather coming in later in the day.

The grounds of Kirkmabreck Parish Church  are looking very colourful

Next stop is the Whinnie Face. It's name comes from the gorse that grew in abundance around these slopes.

Creehenge is a group of standing stones with poetry in the form of the Japanese 'Haiku' 

We now head up Balloch (Ballochanamour) Woods passing the Red (Chalybeate) Well

There's a lot of cameras out today

This was the seating for outdoor functions in the woods, but the stage/dancefloor has now been dismantled.

Perhaps it had become a health risk.

This is Creebaby, a wire man at Garrocher Ponds.

It was created in 2011 by sculptor Alex Rigg and originally had roses and clematis climbing the frame.............

................It's hard to make out but a bit of picture enhancement shows the outline.

A seated figure with arms around his/her knees

The wording on the stone reads ' Mrs A.M.N Whamond Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Wigtownshire officially opened the Creetown Community Woodland project on the 2nd of October 2004'

Back on the move passing the Garrocher Tree Farm and the onetime Creetown Water works before heading up Knockeans Hill

It's a steady climb

A few of the surrounding higher hills are cloud covered....

.......... however there are still excellent views

One of Knockeans lower summits

Onwards and upwards

Lunch is taken sheltered from the wind

After lunch the route now takes us over to Larg Hill

Our leaders were a little unsure of the route, but successfully found a marker post to get us on the right track

Another short climb...........

................and a few of us get to the top of Larg. 

The main group headed for the viewpoints overlooking the Cree estuary and Creetown  

The views were pretty spectacular though

Marked stones on the cairn atop Larg Hill

Descending Larg

The Cree looking north

Thanks to Scoop for the above pics

Great fun was had with the snow drifts

The sunshine appears

Cairnsmore of Fleet and Solway Structural

An impromptu Hokey Kokey by a couple of the ladies...............

.......................while these lovelies appeared a little camera shy

The track along the edge of Castle Cary Wood

The ewe took fright and left her lamb bleating. We think they reunited after our passing

A sign that brought smiles

The churchyard looks even more colourful on the way back.

Tea, coffee and confectionery was taken at the Gem Rock Museum's prospectors pantry.

A lovely way with wonderful company to end a marvellous walk. 

Here's the report, written by Knotdolian herself.

Wigtownshire Ramblers Saturday 13^th April 2013 Balloch Wood and Larg Hill

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.

 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

Lunchboxes packed away, the walkers resumed their ramble, although with some divergence of opinion as to which route to take as the direction  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. The views were even more spectacular from here with the Cree estuary mapped out below and a clear view over to Wigtown and beyond. 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.

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.

The group now made their way to the Gem Rock museum for a welcome cuppa and tempting cakes. 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.

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.