Wigtownshire Ramblers Loch Whinyeon Carstramon May 2013

Sunday the 26th of May 

It's a Sunday walk today, we just got back from our six days in Ireland late last night (posts to follow)

It's a variation on a walk we've done a couple of times. 

February 2012 Walk

Today's leader is the 'Milkmaid' and her report will follow the pictures as usual.

It's a half decent weather forecast.

Knocktinkle Car Park starting point

The view west looks good

A short walk up the road before taking to the slopes to the east. A couple of commemorative stones in the dyke on the path to Loch Whinyeon.

There are nine of us today

Loch Whinyeon 

Cairn on Craigtype

Cairn on the Fell of Laghead

I try out a ten second delay shot to get us all in

Descent to the Laurieston road and ascent to Green Lumps (what a great name for a range of small hills) and Castramont Hill

Lunchtime on Craig of the Fell

There's a kite flying around. The top picture above was taken by my fellow snapper Scoop, while I took the bottom one. I've lightened them to see the shades.

Lunch over.

Our leader gets us moving again.

I get in the picture again thanks to Scoop

Descending to the Little Water of Fleet valley

A.O'K spots this nest after a wee bird flies out from close to her feet.

It's a Meadow Pipit's nest

Crossing the Castramont burn

 Charolais Bull. There's a few of them.

The field is no where near as muddy as last February

As we enter Carstramon Wood we're treated to the most amazing sight of bluebells.

We're not the only ones enjoying the spectacular colour, on our walk through the wood we pass a few other folk

It's not only the bluebells either. The above collage is just a few of the wild flowers we spotted

There's barely a patch in the woods that isn't blanketed with bluebells.

We thought we might have a shower of rain today, but the weather's just getting better

Leaving Carstramon we turn north east at Lagg Bridge for the last stretch

Knocktinkle's in view.....................

........................and the last couple of gates gets us there.

It's been a fabulous walk.

Now we're away for scones in the Galloway Lodge in Gatehouse.

The 'Milkmaid's' report will appear here when I get it.

Wigtownshire Ramblers Report 26/05/13

The previous week’s strenuous rambling holiday in Northern Ireland caused a depleted number of 9 walkers to meet on Sunday in Knocktinkle carpark, Gatehouse of Fleet. The 8 mile circular walk was to cover hills, woodland and farm tracks. Setting off in bright sunshine, accompanied by those ubiquitous sounds of spring, a cuckoo and bleating lambs, the road towards Laghead Farm was followed.

 Just before Laghead Bridge, the anglers’ path across moorland, towards Loch Whinyeon, was taken. The lade tunnel through the hill side and the sluice gate next to the loch were inspected, part of the route by which water used to be brought to Gatehouse mills.

After watching tadpoles in the shallow edges of the loch behind the fishermans hut, and listening to a skylark, a steep but short climb brought the group to the summit of Craigtype. Looking back, over the south east, views were admired over Loch Whinyeon towards Bengray and the Glencap Forest.

The group headed downhill then back up again to reach the highest point of the walk, the Fell of Laghead, at 292m. From here descending towards the junction where a forest road meets the Lauriston Road the group crossed a cattle grid and followed a path leading up the adjacent hillside.

Crossing the Green Lumps, towards Castramont Hill the group paused to watch a red kite repeatedly ride the air currents, then drop something before picking it up and starting again. 

After Castramont Hill a rocky outcrop sheltered from the wind and bathed in sunshine was deemed a worthy spot for lunch. From here, Grobdale and Cairnsmore of Fleet with its summit in the clouds were seen.

The final hill reached was the dome shaped Craig of the Fell. A descent was made towards gates and a ford crossing Castramont Burn. On the way the group surprised a meadow pipit with a nest full of chicks which they were careful not to disturb. A roe deer was seen.

The ford was crossed and Carstramon Woods reached. An endless swathe of bluebells seen at their best carpeted the woodland floor and delicately scented the surroundings. In places this scent was overpowered by the more pungent wild garlic. Wood Anemone, stitchwort, dog’s mercury, and dog violet were also flowering. Green veined white butterflies fluttered in sunny glades. Some children were enjoying climbing through gnarled old coppiced beech trees whilst their parents watched.

Leaving the woods and following the road the walkers soon turned onto the track to Lagg Farm steading and Lagghead farm before crossing some fields back to the cars. Tea and scones were enjoyed at Galloway Lodge in Gatehouse of Fleet before heading home.

The next walk on Saturday 1^st June is the 10 mile A- grade Auchinleck circular,a hill walk taking in Drigmorn and Millfore.

Meet for car sharing at Breastworks, Stranraer 9.00am, Riverside, Newton Stewart 9.30 am or the walk start at Auckinleck Bridge Car Park (NX448 705) at 10am. New members and those going to the start of the walk must phone walk leader 01671 401222.