Wigtownshire Ramblers - The Buchan Ridge and Loch Trool February 2015

I didn't walk with the group on Saturday.

I was indisposed due to a dodgy knee and another lingering cold.

However I've received pictures and reports from Scoop and Lionheart for both the high and low level walks they undertook.

I should mention that GI Joe led the low level walk.

Here then are the pictures.

The reports will follow the pictures.

Lionhearts pictures 

High Level Walk 

Lionheart tells me that due to an imbalance in the sexes on the high level walk, the following set of pictures should have the collective name,

The Merrick Broads 

Update 4th of March

Here's four more fine pictures I've just received from Nigella

Last time on the Buchan Ridge was returning from a Merrick climb

March 2010 Walk

While we did the Buchan Ridge to Loch Enoch 

March 2009

Scoop's Pictures

Low Level Walk

It was November 2012 when we last walked 

The Loch Trool Circular

Here are the walk reports

Wigtownshire Ramblers Walk Reports

High Level Walk
Nine members assembled at Bruce's Stone for the high level walk of the day. Perhaps the forecast of wintry showers had put some off, but although there was cloud on the top of Merrick at times, our time on the hill was constant sunshine.
After crossing the Buchan bridge, we turned left through the gate and followed the path onto the lower slopes of Buchan Hill. It was warm work, and outer garments were shed as we skirted to the left of the Black Gairey, following the animal track and easiest route. Several stops to catch our breath kept the group in close company, and there was a final break in the shelter of the last rocky outcrop where we donned the outer layer again before emerging on to the exposed open top. Here the wind chill factor was felt. A short walk to the cairn for a quick photo and sweetie, and then we kept  on the move, keeping to the high ground along the Buchan Ridge, passing the second cairn and admiring Mullwharker and Corserine glowing white in the sunshine to the northeast. Along this section we saw some red grouse, and a herd of red deer watched us approach before trotting off, antlers held high. We had decided not to push our luck with the weather and tackle the full route, so a leisurely lunch was enjoyed in the lee of Craignine, looking down onto The Murder Hole, Loch Neldriken and across to Craignaw and the Dungeon hills.
The return route took us across the tussocks to the shore of Loch Neldriken, and then the path down the Mid Burn to Loch Valley and on down the Gairland Burn to Loch Trool. The clear air gave us spectacular views of the snow covered tops all around. The cars were reached without incident, and welcome refreshments enjoyed at a local hostelry.

Low level walk
The second group set off down the road to take the forest trail around Loch Trool.  Earlier wintry showers and blackening skies had not deterred 15 walkers from having one of their favourite walks in the Galloway Hills.  A few spots of rain accompanied them for a short way until they left the road and then took the now more familiar new footpath.  Huge clearances have been made in this area, around the northern shore of Loch Trool, which has opened up the views to give wide panoramas of the surrounding hills.  Sunshine lit up the raindrops on small trees beside the loch.
Crossing the Water of Trool at Caldons, the group entered the colourful woods; the orange pine needles now camouflaging the new pathway laid down to make the traversing of this section of the Southern Upland Way easier.  Reflections of the trees were admired in the still water of the loch before an early lunch stop was taken just opposite Bruce’s Stone, the walkers making the most of the shelter of remaining trees and of numerous rocks littered beside the track.  Lunch finished and the weather still holding they resumed their walk through the trees.
Glenhead Burn was crossed and the forest road was approached before long pauses were taken at the Gairland and Buchan burns which, being in spate, provided good photo opportunities. After a stiff, short climb, Bruce’s Stone was reached and the group had a spectacular point from which to view Loch Trool surrounded by numerous hills, still bathed in glorious sunshine.  From there it was a short walk back to their cars before enjoying the warm hospitality of ‘Cinnamon’, in Newton Stewart.
Next week’s walk, on Saturday 28 February, is a moderate one of 5.6 miles, from Auchenmalg.  Meet for car sharing at Riverside, Newton Stewart at 9am, at Breastworks, Stranraer at 9.30am or at the walk start (NX 236 518) at 10am.  New walkers are welcome but asked to first phone the walk leader on 01776 840636 for details.

Wigtownshire Ramblers Bargrennan Circular November 2014

Wigtownshire Ramblers November the 1st 2014

This walk is one we did earlier this year and in 2011

2011 Walk 

March 2014 Walk 

The walk leader is the 'Milkmaid' with the 'Musician' as her back up. Her report will follow the pictures. 

One of the leaders should have been the 'Weaver' but while holidaying in the sunshine she came off second best in an encounter with a large wave. 

Our treasurer is also indisposed with a badly broken ankle.

Here's wishing them both a speedy recovery. 

Another good turnout as thirty two walkers set off from the Bargrennan lay-by.

   

The route should have followed the S.U.W., but adverse underfoot conditions persuaded the walk leaders to take to forest track.............

.....................probably a wise decision.............

.................judging by track conditions.

Back onto the S.U.W and the path through much felled Brigton Woods.................

...............leads to the banks of the Water of Minnoch.

A short detour to.............

............the Old Bridge of Minnoch.................

..............also known as the Roman Bridge.

Back on the move.

Spot the twins (or the join)

View across the Water of Minnoch to Holm

I recently downloaded a free programme called Paint.Net

I've not looked into the programme much yet, but the above effect is called Polar Inversion.

Crossing the Holm Bridge

We must have disturbed elves and pixies around this big mushroom.

A short break at High Dalane

A short walk along the Water of Trool......................

...............to the footbridge.

Back on the banks of the Water of Minnoch we followed it up to the Glentrool Visitors Centre

..................and lunch.

Plenty seating for thirty two hungry ramblers.

After lunch we took the path through Minniwick Woods.

For a moment I though Shorty had strayed from the group !

From near to Glentrool village it was all forest road back to Bargrennan.

Lovely views, but the skies were darkening................

................we made it back dry though. 

A short distance from Bargrennan is the The House O' Hill, where we enjoyed our after walk refreshments of tea, coffee, scones, biscuits and cake.

A lovely day in the Galloway Forest Park. 

Here's a selection of pictures from 

Scoop. 

Here's the Milkmaid's report.

Ramblers Report 1st on November 2014

On Saturday 1st November, despite the forecast rain, 32 ramblers, including 5 guests, met in the lay-by opposite the old Bargrennan village hall. Members were pleased to see the old hall, which had fallen into a sorry state, being converted into housing. 

The Southern Upland Way passes the lay-by at this point but due to recent wet weather the path along the River Cree had become very muddy. In order to by-pass this for easier ground underfoot the walk started out along the forest road. This road had seen a lot of traffic in recent months with tree felling and removal of timber which until recently created long wood lined tunnels along some stretches.  

The Southern Upland Way path was reached at Brigton Woods where the bracken was finally beginning to die down. The autumn colours always make this a great time of year for a visit to these parts. The banks of the Water of Minnoch showed signs of recent flooding with a line of vegetation abandoned close to the path.

A short detour was taken to visit that old favourite the Old Bridge of Minnoch also known as the Roman Bridge, but actually an old pack horse bridge thought to be built in the  17th or 18th century. Most ramblers took the opportunity to admire the view from the bridge. 

The way now followed the Water of Minnoch and passed through some fine deciduous woodland displaying many species of fungi. Walkers negotiated flooded parts of the path and some very slippy footbridges. A tiny frog, not yet hibernating because of the unseasonably warm weather, hopped from the path, just avoiding a trampling from sodden boots. 

The river was crossed at Holm Bridge and then followed along the opposite side, through younger more recently planted trees, to the confluence where the Water of Trool joins and becomes part of the Water of Minnoch.  Crossing the bridge across the Water of Trool walkers paused to enjoy the swirling fast mesmerising waters below. Abundant holly berries provided a flash of colour on the river bank.

Other walkers out enjoying the mild autumn weather signalled the approach to the visitor centre at Stroan Bridge. Here picnic tables provided a civilised spot for lunch. 

The final leg of the walk followed the path adjacent to the road, through Miniwick Woods, which leads to Glen Trool village. Then a forest road, where trees had been extensively felled giving good views of the Minnigaff Hills, lead eventually back to the cars. Luckily the rain held off until everyone was comfortably settled in the House o’ Hill enjoying tea and scones.

The next walk, Saturday the 8th November, is a C+ circular walk north of  New Luce. Meet for car sharing at the Riverside, Newton Stewart at 9.15 or the Breastworks, Stranraer at 9.30am. The walk starts at the Kenmuir Arms, New Luce (NX174 648) at 10 am. New members are welcome but please phone the walk leader on 01671 401222.