Glen Tig January 2013

Tuesday the 15th of January

I got up to a very hard frost this morning.

I'm heading up to South Ayrshire for a recce with three others.

The roads were very slippery, but once I was north of Barrhill it felt like I'd gone into another country.........definitely a few degrees hotter.

I'd walked Glen Tig with Slew and the Ayr and District Ramblers before. I thought it was four years ago, but I see it's less than three years ago..............what a memory,

May 2010 walk with Ayr and District Ramblers  

Scoop, The Teacher and Spike are my companions today

The first thing to catch our attention was this deer that couldn't make it's mind up which way to go.
We're following the 'Water of Tig' through Craig Wood.

It was quite wet and muddy underfoot, but we soon made our way to the grain mill ruins.

This looks like it's been a wonderful piece of engineering. If anyone who knows more about this ruined mill reads this post, please let me know and I'll update the information.

All that I can find about a mill in Glentig is on this Wikipedia Page about Dunduff Castle near Dunure where it mentions " the 10 Merk lands of Glentig, and it's grain mill"

There has been an old road along here at one time. I don't think the Ayr Ramblers have been back.

There were stretches of half decent paths, but then we'd run out of path, or trees and brambles would slow us down. At times we'd have to climb up steep slippery slopes to get past obstacles.

Some of the scenery however was gorgeous. Craig Wood is an SSSI (a site of special scientific interest)

The sun shining on the Water of Tig would often make a sparkling spectacle.

I could have taken a lot more colourful fungi, but at the next batch I was climbing out of a thorny hole so needed two hands free. This could be possibly be a walk for the hard core walkers of our group, but I think we'd need a long dry summer to consider it.

There was what appeared to be a reasonable track on the other side of the river and if this bridge had been complete the going might have been easier. We were having fun though.

River froth often looks quite revolting, this looked like freshly made candy floss.

Eventually we came out into a bit of open country.

At this point the walk with the Ayr group had left the river and climbed up the green fields to begin the return over farming country. My idea was to continue to reach Pedens Mount and begin the return from there. 

Another pair of deer wondered if we were a threat.

After studying us closely they decided we were and headed off up the hill.

We continued through the fields but then came to another wooded area alongside the river.

I'd wrongly thought that this was a short section of wood, but it turned out to be longer and just as hazardous as Craig Wood had been. 

Eventually we emerge on the hillside above the Meraddie burn.

Time for a lunch break and a rethink.

The snow covered Galloway Hills looked beautiful.

During lunch the plan changed.

Since we were way behind time-wise, we agreed we'd go no further along Glen Tig, but follow the Merradie burn up to it's source at Loch Meraddie.

Following the Merradie burn we had some fun with shadows.

We heard the hum of quad bikes.

Two quad bikes and two working dogs were rounding up around a hundred sheep.

It was brilliant to watch, but into the sun.

Once the dogs had manoeuvred the sheep through an open gate, the farmer came over to see us with a warning about continuing up to Loch Merradie. 'If we got into the next field but one we'd probably never be seen again' It was just a quagmire he informed us.

We were welcome to walk through his farmyard at Bellimore on Tig.

So now it would be track and road back to the cars. The Galloway hills looked magnificent.

She may be vertically challenged, but Scoop still has a fair stride.

Scoop was ready to photograph this flock of starlings swooping as we shouted and banged to make them fly away. We failed miserably, they mostly ignored us.

More inquisitive onlookers.

This is one of the collies we'd seen rounding up the sheep.

Talking to the shepherd as we passed through Bellimore on Tig, he told me they win their fair share of sheepdog trials.

Now it's all downhill and we get wonderful views.  

A flock of gulls take off. Somewhere along here we did our good deed for the day. A sheep had it's head through a square mesh fence and was frantically trying to dislodge itself. We needed to twist it's head round to free it. It was a happy sheep as it ran back to the flock and was quickly surrounded by other sheep. Caring sheep !

A tree lined avenue, a jumbo jet and a casual wave.

We could see Ireland and the Mull of Kintyre coming down here.

No Ailsa Craig though, last Saturday's hill obscured it's view.

Overlooking Laggan House Country Park and Heronsford.

"I love to go a wandering"...................... but getting back in one piece makes us happy

It was tough but enjoyable.

Scoop also took many excellent pictures
Here's a few.

Her camera is also a Canon of high quality.

It's a Powershot G1X ....takes great pictures.

Back home at Newton Stewart my last picture of the day was the one below.

A new moon.

Wigtownshire Ramblers-Knockdolian-January 2013

Saturday the 12th of January

Today we're up in Ballantrae, South Ayrshire for one of our regular favourite walks.

I'm leading a group of twenty five today.

The walk report will follow the images.

Previous posts

2008

2009

2010

2011

I find it hard to believe we didn't climb it in 2012

Ballantrae Information Boards

Accessing the beach

One or two of today's pictures will be from the recce ten days previously.

We saw a few flocks again today. I didn't get a picture of the closest flock, they were in an adjacent field on the drive home.

Passing what's recorded as the wreck of a fishing boat.

Allowing the back markers to catch up.

The fence and wall climb. I'm not sure what we're going to see on Scoop's Blog post when it's done.

The back markers

At the very cool summit.

Overlooking Knockdolian House and Castle

The descent

We didn't get very close to Knockdolian House and Castle on the walk.

Luckily while on the recce we were allowed to walk through the grounds, hence the next few pictures are from the recce.

Knockdolian House, castle and crest.

The ladies of the manor

The Ornamental Bridge and their Lord and Ladyship

Knockdolian fishing stretch.

Last leg to Ballantrae.

Wigtownshire Ramblers Walk Report 

Saturday the 12th of January 2013 

Twenty five walkers met at the Ballantrae shore car park for the walk start. Two new walkers were welcomed to the group. It was a fine but cold morning with a light mist. The walk began by heading north. The first point of interest was a notice board telling the 1933 story of Johnny Hood an Islandmagee ferry operator who amazingly survived after drifting for 36 hours on freezing choppy seas before his boat smashed on to the rocks of Ballantrae. Another board stated the beach has been listed by Scottish Natural Heritage as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I.). The area is noted for the shingle beach, which provides a habitat to a wide range of coastal plant material, and as home to a breeding colony of birds. Now began a two kilometre walk along the beach. A heron and other seabirds were seen. Stopping to view the remains of a fishing boat, sweets were distributed. Reaching a point where the Red Burn flows into the sea, a path led over the dunes to the busy A77 road. After crossing the road, a short walk eastwards along the B734 brought the group to Corseclays Farm. Now a farm track took them onto the lower slopes of Knockdolian. A drystane dyke alongside a barbed wire fence proved to be a challenge. After many contortions all walkers were safely on the other side. After crossing a short boggy section the firmer ground of the steeper slopes were reached. A quad bike track was now followed to the 869ft summit. A sea mist hid the usual extensive views west. Nothing could be seen beyond Ailsa Craig. Closer by, Colmonell could be seen along the Stinchar valley while above Glen Tig to the south the blades of Arcleoch wind farm were seen turning. Dropping below the summit, refuge from a strong easterly wind was sought in a sheltered rocky outcrop for a lunch break. Directly below and owned by the family of the Duke of Wellington the mansion house of Knockdolian was in clear view. A new book by Lady Jane Wellesley entitled “A Journey Through My Family” mentions that Knockdolian was the favourite place of Lady Diana Wellesley, the late duchess. After lunch a steep descent brought the group to a gate leading into a boggy field. The route now passed the prominent mound of the ancient hill fort of Duniewick. Reaching the burn at the Duniewick plantation another mini obstacle course involved ducking under the fence of a burn outlet and crossing over a wooden fence. Photographs were taken. Another boggy field now led to the minor B7044 road. Knockdolian House and the ruins of the 16th century Knockdolian castle were viewed from the road. A short road walk led to a track down to the banks of the River Stinchar. The riverside path took them south through Finnart Holm before re-joining the road below Macherquat farm. A pair of dippers were spotted flitting on the opposite bank. After passing the extensive ruins of Balnowlart House they regained the riverside path which took them to the bridge at Ardstinchar. An information board gave the history of Ardstinchar Castle and the old and new bridges over the river. A flock of curlews and skeins of geese were among other birds spotted today.

Back at the car park, rucksacks and boots were soon stowed away.

The majority of walkers now descended on Craigiemains Home and Garden Centre for tea, coffee, scones and cakes. The cream to top an enjoyable day! The next walk, on Saturday the 19th of January will be a 6.5 mile ‘Woodland walk into Newton Stewart’ from Kirroughtree. Meet at the Riverside car park Newton Stewart at 9.30 am,the Breastworks, Stranraer at 9.00 am for car sharing, or at the walk start at the ‘Fisherman’s Car Park’ (Nx 441 648) at 10.00am. New members are always welcome, for more information or if going to the walk start, contact the walk leader on 01671 402733

Barrhill Woods Phone Mast Walk - January 2013

Thursday the 10th of January 2013

I'm trying to shake off a cold, sore throat and phlegmy (I know there's no such word, but it suits me) cough, so I'm off up to the phone mast.

I'm heading over the frosty fields by Barbuchany.

A rusty bucket's my first picture today.

Once I'm up at the mast it's still misty, but clearing. I don't have to wait long before a window in the mist opens.

There's a thin ribbon of a view between the low cloud and the mist below.

I've uploaded the short panorama to both Clevr and Panogio

    Panorama of Barrhill Phone Mast, Newton Stewart on CleVR.com

This is also on full screen on Panogio at Barrhill Woods Phone Mast

That's Larg Hill and Lamachan in view. Newton Stewart's down in that mist.

Now to the north east the mist is clearing. I spot a distant farm that I think must be 'Risk' since it's in that direction. 

As I zoom in I realize that it's not Risk but is Barncaughla

I keep zooming in for a few pictures.

As I've said before, I don't need an extra zoom lens with my Powershot SX40HS

I move over to the east to overlook the river.

I set the video running as I have a coffee

I think the tide's just turning

The A75 has the occasional convoy passing.

Heading back into town.

My next door neighbours feeder finishes the pictures today.

I should be OK to lead Saturday's walk up Knockdolian

Wigtownshire Ramblers Baldoon Kilsture January 2013

Saturday the 5th of January

Today's walk is along part of a walk we've done previously.

November 2011 Walk

Scoops November 2011

I'm the report writer for today's walk and as usual it'll be after the images.

I'll be putting a couple of pictures in from Scoop and the Milkmaid, however I'm sure Scoop's own report will also have some more cracking images.

There are seventeen of us today.

It's a potholed Shell Road 6 that gets us to the start point.

Baldoon RSPB Car Park (I haven't been down here since it became a nature reserve)

The new notice board

Baldoon Salt Marshes

Thanks to Scoop for the next two pictures

A boggy crossing at Skellarie

I copied a passage from a History of the Lands and Their Owners in Galloway by Peter Handyside MacKerlie the last time we were here. It's a free download from Archive.org.

Approaching Dunroaming Farm

Happy horses and a not so happy sheep

I like the lizards

Thanks to the 'Milkmaid' for the above picture (she got my good side)

Passing South Balfern Holdings

Kilsture Woods Car Park

Ferns, bracken and eerie pools

Lunchtime

Hazelbank

Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca)
Identified by the 'Milkmaid'

Variable Oysterling (Crepidotus variabilis )

A previous walker's artwork (possibly not the N.E. who's initials were carved in the rock.

A view across Wigtown Bay and Dunroamin Farm

The last stretch

Wigtownshire Ramblers Walk Report

Saturday the 5th of January 2013

A cloudy but mild morning saw seventeen walkers travel down the nicely potholed Shell Road 6 to gather at the new RSPB car park at the Crook of Baldoon for the walk. Two potential new members were warmly welcomed.

The walk began on the muddy flood bank track south alongside Baldoon Sands.

Passing the remains of what was the 'Tracked Target Range' of the former Wigtown R.A.F camp they continued along the salt marshes until they reached the Skellarie Plantation. Here, a swampy burn was crossed to gain access to a grassy field leading up to Dunroamin Farm. Some friendly horses in adjoining fields came up to the fences to say hello. Evidence of the recent poor weather could be seen in the many pools of flood water scattered over the fields. A small but noisy skein of geese passed overhead.

From Dunroaming Farm a tarmac road now led through South Balfern Holdings and up to the B7004 Garlieston Road.

Crossing the road below Turkey Hill, the site of a water reservoir and a 20 m high mobile phone mast, Kilsture Forest was entered. A short stop saw the distribution of a selection of sweeties brought along by the walk leader.

There are two waymarked trails in Kilsture Forest, the Woodpecker Trail and the Deer Trail. Today the Deer Trail was taken. The dominant feature of this mixed woodland today was the moss and fallen leaves covering much of the forest floor. An amateur botanist in the group explained and showed the difference between bracken and fern. The walk continued along the often muddy track, passing reflective almost mystical pools and seeing the occasional flitting of birds. Shortly before reaching the outward loop of the Deer Trail, a lunch break was taken, a lush section of fallen branches provided excellent seating. A deer was spotted hurredly leaping across fallen trees to make a quick getaway from these interlopers.

After lunch the outward point of the walk at Hazelbank was reached. There are a number of Dawn Redwood trees at this loop, but were somehow missed by the group.

The Deer Trail now looped back north towards the car park. Along here were some fascinating fungi on the forest floor which got the cameras clicking. Like miniature red egg cups they were later identified as Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca). More tiny white fungi with an oyster gill were later identified as Variable Oysterling (Crepidotus variabilis ). The former delicious, the latter deadly !

Once back at the forest car park the group now retraced their route back to Dunroaming Farm from where they took a farm track back to Shell Road 6 and back to the walk start point.

To finish an enjoyable and dry day's walking, coffee,tea,scones and other delicacies were enjoyed at the Wigtown House Hotel in the Bayview Nursery.

The next walk, on Saturday the 12th of January is a 8.5 mile circular B walk from Ballantrae to Knockdolian Hill. Meet for car sharing at the Riverside, Newton Stewart at 09.00 am. The Breastworks Car Park, Stranraer at 09.30 am, or the walk start at Ballantrae Shore Car Park (NX082825) at 10.00 am. New members are always welcome.  If going to the walk start or for more information, contact walk leader on 01671 403351.