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Showing posts with label St Johns Town of Dalry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St Johns Town of Dalry. Show all posts

Monday, 23 December 2013

Wigtownshire Ramblers - Craigengillan Winter Solstice outing, December 2013

It's the 21st of December, the winter solstice. 
Today I'm walk leader and I've arranged what I hope will be a memorable day. I've been hoping the weather would be good to us. Nineteen of us gathered in Newton Stewart Riverside car park to maximize car sharing. Two of our walkers were travelling direct to the start.  
Our five car convoy then headed across country and up the A713 to the northern end of the Galloway Forest Park.
A rough track from the Loch Doon road brought us down to the Dark Sky Observatory at Craigengillan where we parked the vehicles.

(The day's report will follow the pictures. Thanks again to Scoop for her excellent contribution, especially since a number of my photographs were ruined)
Here's a picture of the observatory I took a while before it's completion.


It was a dull day, but the weather forecast I had seen gave me hope for later in the day.
We began by heading downhill towards the Craigengillan Estate.


All walkers were suitably wrapped up for protection against the biting wind.


After passing the old gashouse we rounded the lovely thatched cottage called 'Forget Me Not'.


Arriving at the house we need to wait a few minutes for our tour guide. We head for the stables.


The horses all seem nicely contented, looks like a nice place to be a gee-gee.


After an introduction to the house and gardens and the story of the Link to Buckingham Palace (read report) we set off. Our guide is Fi McLelland, the lady of the house. The yew tree above is around 600 years old.
(Note to other Ayrshire rambling groups, you'll get a warm welcome at Craigengillan) 


Admiring the lowest of the chain of ponds.


This cracking photo is from Scoop's camera.


It's a maze of paths and terraces.


We're accompanied on the walk by two of Fi and Mark's very friendly four dogs.


The dome houses the water supply to the stables.


The glasshouse with original fittings.


Considering how the house and gardens had been neglected when they took it over in 2000, they've completed a tremendous amount of work. It's an ongoing project however, there's still a lot to be uncovered.


Heading for the house.


Sedan, frontage hall and front door leaded window.


Fi's great grandparents.


Jansen design and other treasures.


The billiard room and tapestry.


Not easily noticed, Fi told a story of someone not liking the tapestry because of the dog attacking the swan.
Close up bottom right.


Old french paintings, a harp and the ornate stair flight.


Feet warming by the welcome log fire.
We have to go and face the weather now!


Start point of our Ness Glen walk. (Nice photographs on the link)


The copious flow of the Doon (Scoop).


A collage of what I could recover from my camera after enhancements.


Bridge over the Doon (Scoop)


Loch Doon (Scoop)


Party Atmosphere (Scoop)


Four of mine that did come out.


Two more from Scoop.
A good day was had by all despite the weather.


Wigtownshire Ramblers Saturday the 21st of December
Twenty one ramblers gathered at the Dark Sky Observatory for today's special winter solstice outing.
A downhill walk brought us into the Craigengillan Estate where we passed the ruins of the gashouse and the picturesque 'Forget me not' thatched cottage.
Arriving at Craigengillan House, on the ancient pilgrims route between Paisley Abbey and Whithorn, we spent a few minutes admiring the horses in the stables while we waited for our tour of the house and gardens to begin.
Soon our tour guide and the lady of the house with Newton Stewart connections, Fi McLelland, appeared.
She began by welcoming us and then telling the extraordinary story of the discovery that linked their house to Buckingham Palace, Mount Stuart, Luton Hoo, Windsor Castle and Sandringham. A few years ago, her partner Mark Gibson, the owner of Craigengillan, and herself were wondering what to do about a stone lined pond in a section of the garden that had been abandoned for at least 60 years.
Hoping to uncover an inlet or drain the couple started digging and, to their surprise, uncovered “a network of sandstone rocks, paths and tumbling waterfalls covering at least two acres”. They were soon hooked and spent every spare moment getting down and dirty, digging and clearing vegetation. Invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, they were amazed at the similarity of the palace rock garden to their own.
More detective work and a pure chance phone call finally revealed that James Pulham and Sons, designers and builders of rock and water gardens to royal houses also designed and created the garden at Craigengillan, between 1904 and 1910.
Now Fi took us on a tour of the gardens and the original glasshouse. We saw stately majestic trees which included a 600 year old yew, we walked uphill on steps, terraces and stepping stones on what has been uncovered so far of the rock garden. We walked around the chain of ponds that are connected by wee burns and waterfalls. We were amazed that there is so much more to be discovered. We also looked in the glasshouse with it's 100 plus year old fittings.
After the garden tour we now divested ourselves of our walking boots for a tour of the house. When Mark Gibson took over the house in the year 2000 it was in a severe state of neglect requiring extensive renovation.
Inside, we were first shown the beautiful hall and staircase, designed by Jansen of Paris. We learned some of the history of the McAdams family who's home it was for almost 400 years. Of John McAdam, the engineer and his kin John Louden McAdam who invented Tarmacadam (tarmac), and of some of the tragedies that befell the family. Next we moved into the billiard room. Here the most imposing feature is the 18th century french Aubusson Verdure tapestry that fills one wall. Fi explained how the previous house owner hadn't wanted the tapestry to be sold with the house, however East Ayrshire planning committee ruled that "The removal of the tapestry would be detrimental to the architectural significance of Craigengillan House and the morning room contained within", so fortunately it stayed with the house. The house featured in Country Life in 2010. More of the house was explored before we retired to the sitting and dining rooms for tea, coffee and cream and jam scones. Here we were to admire more historic items and warm up at the roaring log fire. We thanked our hostess for a wonderful tour.
We reluctantly now donned our boots to continue the day with a walk up Ness Glen.
By now the sky was darkening and the day turned dreich. On reaching the Doon we saw that the river was in a copious flow. The walk up the glen with it's high cliffs and tumbling waterfalls wasn't being fully appreciated due to us having to watch our footing on the slippy and narrow path. Two thirds of the way up the glen and just beyond the footbridge our path was blocked by a fallen tree which was impassable. Our detour now took us over the river to climb the path to cross the Loch Doon dam. Just before reaching the Roundhouse we again accessed the Ness Glen path to follow the high route back to the observatory. The walk back to the observatory in fading light meant us treading carefully along the slippery path and across the just as slippery bridges and decking. Slippery tree roots were many and we were lucky that no walker came a cropper though there were many near misses.
Eventually we arrived back at the observatory where boots were discarded for more comfortable footwear.
We were welcomed into the observatory by the facility manager Rob Ince, where at least we'd be dry for a while.
The presentation began with slides photographs and a film about light pollution. After a while we climbed upstairs to the observation platform, here Rob pointed out the light pollution to the north and west while the view south and the Galloway Forest Park was relatively dark. Now we entered the housing which contained the smaller 14 Inch Schmidt Cassegrain telescope with Rob explaining it's workings. From here we crossed into the dome where we saw the larger 20 Inch Dall Kirkham telescope and watched as Rob operated it and the opening, closing and rotating of the dome. Sadly the rain was incessant and we weren't able to observe any of the night sky.
Back downstairs we were now treated to a wonderful slide show of the heavens, while Rob pointed out some of the well known and lesser known stars and galaxies of the night sky.
After the presentation we thanked Rob for an excellent presentation and climbed into our cars. The rain now began to turn to driving sleet making negotiation of the estates roads and tracks more difficult. After some of the six cars took a few wrong turns we all eventually arrived at the Clachan at St Johns Town of Dalry. Now we could settle down to refreshing drinks and a three course Christmas dinner.
It was ironic that on the way back to Stranraer and Newton Stewart the stars glowed brightly in the night sky.
Apart from the disappointment of not being able to view close up planetary objects, we all agreed it had been a good day out.
Next week’s walk on the 28th of December will be a moderate 5 mile walk in the Mull of Galloway region.
The walk will start at West Cairngaan Farm.
Meet at the Riverside Car park in Newton Stewart at 09:00 or the Breastworks Car Park in Stranraer at 09:30 or the walk start at West Cairngaan (NX 128 319) to share transport.  New members are always welcome but please contact the walk leader for further details on 01776 840226. If going direct to the start please contact the walk leader to ensure there are no changes.

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Walkfest 2012 - The Glenkens

It's Tuesday the 15th of May and I'm joining a walk of the Newton Stewart Walking Festival again.
Our leader today is a Glenkens local member of the Mountain Rescue Team, his back up is the chairwoman of the walking festival committee.
We're a group of twenty as the bus drops us off near Balmaclellan.

We start the walk on the B7075 by this seat. The 'Kentucky' on the seat refers to a dwelling that once stood on this spot. Apparently families of the Clelland clan migrated to Kentucky and still have association with the area.


A red kite circles over head.


As we head north we pass the lodge house to 'The Holme'. The Holme gets a mention in Jardine's Book of Martyrs where a passage reads ‘Lady Holme [on 11 October], … depones that about eight days since or therby about nyne houres at night [on Friday, 3 October] she saw Rennick, the rebellious preacher, with above a (doz., deleted) twelve mo[r]e (ride, deleted) went by the house where she dwelles, but knew not which way they were goeing’. (RPCS, X, 615.)
Lady Holm dwelt at The Holme in the west of Balmaclellan parish.



We leave the main road upon seeing a sign pointing to Grennan Mill Bridge.
Our walk leader is very knowledgeable about the Glenkens and continually updates the group on points of interest.


At Grennan Mill Bridge we begin to climb.
A couple of hailstorms sees waterproofs donned.


A steady climb gets us to the trigpoint at the top of Mulloch Hill.


It's only 170m high, but views are far ranging. Our leader identifies all summits in a 360 degree traverse.


Below us is St Johns Town of Dalry , our next stop.


A short break was taken by the town hall. One of the few remaining Victorian post boxes was among points of interest here. 


A comprehensive information board gives details of local walks.


We reach a suspension bridge by the name of BoatWeil,  the name originally given to the ferry used by pilgrims who included James IV. It's between an ancient motte and the kirkyard containing a Covenanter's grave. 


Now following the Southern Upland Way we reach the Earlstoun Power Station and it's fish ladder.


No apologies for the extra fish ladder pictures. Regular readers know how much I like running water.


We continue upwards on the route of the SUW.


This is Waterside Hill.


Again the views are wide ranging.


Our deputy leader and the scenic St Johns Town of Dalry.


Just below Waterside Hill we take a lunch break.


The weather has improved as we continue after lunch. 
We pass a number of walkers coming in the other direction.


Once over the Garroch burn our walk leader points out the mosses and lichens. Many of them are only found in this area.


Now we're heading up through Long Wood. The bluebells and other wild flowers create a colourful  blanket.

A gradual incline brings us to Old Garroch.
It's wonderfully scenic.


A regular from the Wigtownshire Ramblers, 'The Farmer' is in his element as he finds an old threshing machine and imparts his knowledge of it's history.


Reaching Moss Side we turn south. 
Reaching Upper Loch, our leader imparts more history. 
At some point during the walk he tells us the story of Adam Forrester and Lucky Hair.
Adam Forrester farmed at nearby Knocksheen.  This is an abbreviated version of the story.
This is real story on which Burns based his Tam o' Shanter according to the folks round here,
and transposed it to Alloway, outside Ayr.  He even made mention of the upright coffins!  Adam
Forrester farmed in the 18th century just west of Dalry.  He liked to drink in the inn at Midtown in
Dalry which was owned and run by Lucky Hair.  He used to tease her that she had sold herself
to the devil, as she appeared to look younger each year.  
One evening she had disappeared before he went home, and when he left the pub mounting his
white horse, he rode down towards the river.  On passing the church he was surprised to see
lights and hear dance music coming from the church so he peered through a window and saw
people dancing wildly, most of them old and many known to be bedridden; there were even
some church elders amongst them.  The devil was there himself, dancing with Lucky Hair.  
Adam called out to Lucky Hair and instantly everything went dark and the people came tumbling
out of the door.  There were calls of 'Catch him!  Kill him!  Drag him off to Hell!’  He jumped on
his horse and rode off toward his home across the river and up Waterside hill, hotly pursued by
the erstwhile revellers.  Before he could reach the top of the hill he was being overtaken so he
jumped off his horse and drew a circle round himself and his horse with the words  "I draw this
circle in the name of God Almighty: let no evil thing cross over it!"  The horse was petrified and
for an instant part of its back end was outside the circle, the devil pulled off its tail and Lucky
Hair got her hand on its rump leaving a permanent mark of a black hand print.  All night long the
witches menaced them but could not cross the line of the circle.  At dawn the power of the
witches was gone and they departed hobbling down the hill.  The ground where they had been round the circle was blackened and scorched.  Adam with a fervent prayer was able to continue
his journey home. The mark of that circle stayed on the hill side for a long time afterwards.
(From: Tales of Galloway by Alan Temperley) 



Now we reach the bridge over the Dunveoch burn.


Just below the bridge is a footbridge spanning the gorge.

We spent quite a while here admiring the surroundings.

I had to stitch three photographs together to get this next one.
It's a long way down.


Another footbridge down the glen.


Dunveoch Glen is in magnificent colour.


We continued to follow the Dunveoch burn till we reached the Glenlee Power Station road. Here we walked alongside the Garroch burn as it became the Coom burn.




The Glenlee Power Station from the Coom burn


A farmer and youngster round up sheep over at Knockensee.


Reaching the Coom bridge there's water everywhere.
The large flow above right is the outlet from the power station which itself is fed from Clatteringshaws Loch. Bottom right is where it joins the River Ken.
There's an excellent illustrated downloadable PDF on the Galloway Hydro Scheme at Spenergywholesale.com


Our walk leader has a special treat arranged for us now.
He's been in contact with the owners of the Glenlee estate and the lady of the house will guide us up the glen. We pass the converted Glenlee Home farm buildings.
This would make a fantastic base for a holiday.Here's their webpage.


A wooden bridge brings us to the Craigshinnie burn and an uphill path.


There's some tall trees here.


To the left of the prominent tree in the centre is what was until recently the largest European Larch in the U'K. Apparently it's since been superceded (or superseded, take your pick).


The first of the big waterfalls we come to is called Hell's Hole


It's a steep drop.


This is the base of a Wellingtonia.The next picture shows it all.


Again I've had to stitch three pictures together.
It's straighter than my stitched attempt shows.


More waterfalls follow. The next double drop one is called Buck's Linn.


A welcome break is taken overlooking the falls.


A final footbridge is crossed to bring us to the minor road.


This cottage was once the estate kennels.
We thank our guide for a wonderful tour and begin walking along the minor road south westerly. 


Reaching a track alongside a triangular plantation we change direction to the south east .
A dam complete with summerhouse, is passed. Further along our leader asked for guesses of the previous use of the above small building. No one guessed correctly it was once an armoury.


We continue along passing Airie, Achie and Gallows Hill


Soon views open up to the east and we can see over to Balmaclellan. Sheep and cattle are in numbers creating a wonderful pastoral panorama.


After crossing the Newton Stewart road we're on the last stretch. This is the Old Edinburgh Road into New Galloway.


To the north the mountains are much clearer than when we started the walk. 
Back in New Galloway we say farewell to our leader and thank him for a wonderful walk.
The bus is waiting.
It's been a fantastic walk.
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