Craiglee Loch Doon July 2013

Tuesday this week I headed up to Loch Doon to recce a possible walk for the ramblers.

I was joined by the 'Ranger' and we drove five miles along the western edge of the loch to reach our start point. There wasn't a soul around at that time.

Our walk was to start at Loch Doon Castle

I was last at the castle in 2011

2011 Visit

The info board tells the history. 

loch-doon-castle---dalmellingtons-moving-castle

Ayrshire Orienteering Club

It's quite calm on the water.There was a lot of cloud throughout the day so I've lightened some of the pictures.

We've got a nice path to begin the walk.

I thought at first that this was a spelling mistake on the board since the hill is Craiglee, no 'a'.

After a little bit of internet surfing I think I might have the answer. 

The postal addresses of a one time couple of cottages near the shore was Craiglea, and as we found out the Craiglea Trail is not to the summit of Craiglee. 

In other words, the sign is probably correct.

Canicross:-Scotland - Cross Country Running & Hiking with Dogs 

We're heading up the Wee Hill of Craigmulloch first. This poignant memorial's just off the path.

As we gain height the view back to the loch is beautiful.

Ye banks and braes o' bonny doon

There is a shortage of photographs because of the dullness of the day.

After reaching the top of Wee Hill of Craigmulloch we have to drop down to the Nick of the Mahm before heading up Craiglee. It's an undulating terrain.

Bog cotton, little wild flowers and lots of wild orchids grew profusely.

Most of the orchids were on the wane, but this one was at it's best.

Here's a look at a climb up here by the Ayrshire Blogger.

We saw an imaginary path alongside a drystone dyke up the northern side of the hill. It was a tough climb with plenty of tussocks to get through......... 

...........but we got there. A ten second timed picture caught a funny comment by the looks of it !

Now I'm trying out another panorama website. Spot the sunhat ! I don't even know if the email recipients of my blog will get this part but here it is. (Sorry about the poor quality, but it was dark and the clouds were becoming threatening)

It's called Dermandar, this looks like the site I'll use in future for my panoramas.

This panorama is also on CLeVR and on Panogio but I've a feeling both these sites are struggling for a lack of maintenance. (websites come and go, there are lots of dead links on many of my older posts) 

So after we've had lunch and felt a little moisture in the air we look to descend fairly quickly. We decide to go east down the southern slopes of the hill. I'd mistakenly got the impression that there was an established path all the way up here. That's the Craiglea/Craiglee thing I guess. 

Back at the Nick of the Mahm we cross over the hummocks of  Mulluss before another stretch of tussocks got us back on the downhill path. Council workers were strimming the path. It was now we learned that the Craiglea Trail is a circular walk around the lower slopes.

Back on the shore we talk to a father and son on a day out from Prestwick.

It's much busier now than when we came. The tourist trade is much needed here.

A very enjoyable day in enjoyable company.

It wasn't long after that the sun came out. Sods Law! 

Postscript:-The wild flowers and orchids were really beautiful to look at, but I've a feeling they contributed to a whole 24 hours of sneezing and a runny nose. It took tons of spray and Ilvico tablets before I felt relief.

Wigtownshire Ramblers-Rig of the Jarkness and Craiglee

Its Saturday the 16th of February and today is a test for me-will i be up to my first strenuous walk.Its just under eight miles and much of the route is climbing.
As usual i got a lift to the walk start.
Starting at Bruce's Stone carpark overlooking Loch Trool,seventeen of us set off.



The start of the walk was going fine,the weather was fine and the views with sun coming through the clouds made for good photographing.





Initially the route we were taking was a gradual climb,but after crossing the Gairland Burn the climb became much steeper.

At this point i had a problem!

Scrambling up an almost vertical slope,the walk leader stopped to allow those further down to close up.I dropped sitting onto a rock,otherwise i'd have fallen down.Suddenly the world started spinning.The last time i'd felt like this was in my youth when i briefly embraced boxing and a right hook dropped me to the floor.
A voice asked if i was alright,i managed to reply in the negative.The other ramblers were concerned for my wellbeing.I had visions flashing through my mind of the Mountain Rescue Helicopter and having to be airlifted down.
Gradually the spinning stopped,and clarity returned.
I'm not sure how long we were stopped for but eventually i felt ok to go on.Thanks to the others for carrying my Rucksack and Camera case up to our stopping point.
I dont think this will happen again.I'll heed the warning signals in the future.

Now we're on the Rig of Jarkness having our lunch,and the views are magnificent.
I get my picture taken.

Along the Rig of Jarkness,Clints of the Buss and Craiglee we can view at least nine lochs.Loch Trool where we began,then Lochs Valley,Neldricken,Narroch,Long Loch of Glenhead and Round Loch of Glenhead,Dow Loch,Loch Dee and a hazy Clatteringshaws Loch.
This is so worth the effort to view this magnificent landscape.





A plane flew over leaving these strange smoke signals behind it.

Looking back the Merrick summit is in cloud.

And over to the west the Glenhead Lochs and Lochtrool are in sunshine and shade.

We reach Dow Loch....

...and its time for another break

It's a bit cold up here.

Back walking and as usual the walkers are all upbeat.But when the walk leader pointed out the top of Craiglee where we we're heading some anguished cries were heard(maybe they were all mine).

The sweets are passed round regularly,but judging that look,i'm not sure whether i'm getting one.
Now walking along these rocky edges the views are brilliant.





Having someone in the picture really shows off the whole perspective of the area.
Now we're nearing Craiglee Summit....

...and we're at the trig point.

Lots of photo calls follow.






Now which way will we go down?

Much of the way down was bog,and as such was littered with potential 'up to the knees in mud' potholes.
The map shows a Bucks Hole,but surely this cant be it-can it?

The views on the descent were equally as lovely.

A slight mishap.

Another moments respite,and the mood is still very upbeat.

A zoom on the lens brings in Loch Dee.

And now we're nearing the forest road which will take us the last two or three miles back to the car park.A muddy bog is the last obstacle before we're finally on the road.

The Glenhead Burn means we've not much further to go.

Time for another few minutes.....



....and as the sun's going down.

....it's time for the final push.

The backs of my legs will hurt tomorrow,and with the exception of a few dramatic minutes,(It's my perogative to turn it into a drama)i haven't had this much fun in years.

N.B.First time readers may not know this,but if you click on an individual picture you bring up a full size image.