The Wigtownshire Ramblers-Cairnsmore via the Dukes Path July 2010

It's Saturday the 17th of July 2010.
Todays walk is a circular to the summit of Cairnsmore of Fleet.Wherever we can find it, we'll take a path built by a previous incumbent of the Cairnsmore estate, the Duke of Bedford.

To get an idea of todays walk I've copied the following tract of text from the Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve's webpage.

The imposing granite hill that is Cairnsmore stands above Wigtown Bay and is one of the most southerly of the Galloway Hills. It is the only remaining large area of unforested ground stretching from the Fleet river valley bottom to summit top. There is a diverse range of upland habitats, heather moorland, blanket bog and wind clipped summit heath, all of which provide a home to species such as bog cotton, sundew, sphagnum moss and heather, wheatear, skylark, curlew, black and red grouse. Peregrine falcon, hen harrier and merlin hunt the moorland, and if you’re lucky a golden eagle may also be seen. Brown hares inhabit the lower ground with their cousin, the mountain hare, at higher altitude. Red deer and wild goat can be seen on the hill, with roe deer found where the Reserve meets with forestry ground.

The fact that today's walk has been graded as an A,is reflected in todays numbers.Were a group of nine.
After rendezvousing at the Cairnsmore car park we set off in northerly direction via Strathmaddie,Greenheights Plantation and The Belts before joining the track running alongside the Cairnsmore Burn.
I'm deputy walk leader today and we're hoping for a little better weather than we encountered on Wednesdays recce.
We continue along the track as it turns more easterly until reaching the forest at Ardwell Hill.Now we take a path which will lead us through the woods to a forest road.Todays leader makes sure the group safely cross a slippery plank over a fern covered burn.

N.B After initiating nicknames for some members of the group,the idea seems to be catching on, and proving to be a topic of fun.Todays walk leader has since been christened 'Shorty'.
Reaching the forest road we continue north.Here the trees are a fair height and only occasionally a view appears.Here we get a look over to Curleywee.
Continuing on for a kilometre or so,we cross the Mill and Blairbuies burns.After a long dry spell the burns are again tumbling down the mountainside.Dry is good,wet makes the pictures.

Now we leave the firm footing of the forest road for a muddy forest path which takes us around Blairbuies Hill.Lots of evidence here of how well built the Dukes Path once was.

The point we've now reached links two of our previous walks.Last July we were here doing the Billy Marshalls Walk,and January this year we'd done much of what we've walked up to now on our Bargaly Walk
Time for a quick drinks and jellybabies break
Now out of the woods we're on Cairnsmores lower rocky slopes.
A change of direction now as we head south along what was possibly the Dukes Path.It feels steep, but the gradient at the moment probably averages around 1 in 5.
A lone tent sits below between Corwar and Dallash.There were two tents on Wednesday,someones had enough of the wet weather perhaps.
The weather up to now has been of wet flurries,and the walkers have been busy donning and discarding waterproofs fairly frequently.
We didn't encounter the goats on Saturday's walk.These pictures are from the recce.
On Wednesday's recce this was probably the last picture I took before descending again.From here upwards we were in the clouds and rain.
Today looks more promising...fingers crossed.
Now I've got a view over the Cree Valley....
...turning to this ten minutes later.
As deputy walk leader I'm in my correct position,to the rear.Ha ha.I've got the staying power,but when it comes to climbing steeply I'm very slow.We're on the steeper climb to Eastmans Cairn here where the gradient is more like 1 in 3,and sometimes 1 in 1.
Now we reach Eastmans Cairn.From here it's a much gentler slope.
This is a boulder strewn landscape here.On Wednesday around about here we found a small piece,about 8 inches square of light aircraft metal.I didn't take a picture since it was pouring down, but it was probably a remnant from a Heinkel HE-111 which crashed here in 1941.
Scotlands Air Crashes
Almost at the summit.Between the misty flurries there are views to be seen.The Cree estuary on one side and Loch Grannoch down the other.
A pile of stones,another cairn slighly lower,a trig point and a drystane shelter signifies our arrival at the summit.It's quite cold up here.
We get ourselves settled into the shelter for lunch.
Where I'm sitting is too close to the others to get them all in one picture.I'll try stitching a couple of the above pictures to see what it produces.........................

............a result ! Well,almost! I'm not sure if I've captured Slew at his best.Ha ha.
Here's a few pictures of a previous visit on a much nicer day.

Here's the memorial stone erected to remember the airmen who perished in various air crashes on Cairnsmore during World War 2.
Both the original and the metal etched additional plaque are getting a little weather-beaten.
We're taking the well walked traditional route back down.The weather's improving all the time,and it looks like we've seen the last of the rain.(On Wednesday the path was more akin to a burn).
We can see that the tide's coming in.The Cree estuary always makes a better picture with lots of water.
We're soon back down to the forest.Now the nicer weather's here no ones in a hurry.We're also missing our walk leader Shorty and one other walker at the moment.We've christened the other walker with a nickname.It's going to be either 'The Wanderer' as is his habit, or 'The Wonderer' as in the statement 'Wonder where he is'.
A nice stroll back through the Cairnsmore estate gets us back to the vehicles,where those of us who have to wait get ourselves relaxed and comfortable (No one's more relaxed then Slew).
Shorty turns up without the Wanderer.
All well that ends well though,our missing man has made an appearance,though not where he's expected.
A good hard walk with great company and an exciting conclusion.Very enjoyable.

The Jam'd at Glanford Park July the 4th 2010

On the day I filmed those magnificent youngsters The Foottappers,I later filmed another music genre at another venue.

Glanford Park, the home of Scunthorpe United were holding an open day and there to entertain the crowd were the Lincolnshire tribute band The Jam'd.

Not all blog readers will consider this their type of music. Punk rock/mod revival is the label and it certainly appealed to much of those in attendance.

It was certainly entertainment.


Strange Town


In The City


Thick As Thieves


Modern World


Going Underground


When You're Young

To those that can...enjoy !
To those that can't...sorry !
To the indifferent...have a click anyway !

The Foottappers at the Winterton Show

Being in the area on the 4th of July 2010, I managed to fit in a short visit to see the Foottappers at a windy Winterton Show.

Besides these three clips of mine,I see there are other Youtube uploads from the show.Youtube user donnylad73 has filmed quite a lot of the show,probably on a phone camera.








It was great to see you again gentlemen.

The Wigtownshire Ramblers-Ardwell Drumbreddan Barbecue 2010

Saturday July the 10th 2010
It's an overcast day and the forecast is a poor one, so no nice bright pictures today.
We meet up at the picnic site at Chapel Rossan Bay near Ardwell.
Today it's our annual barbecue to follow the walk.

We're heading across country from the eastern side of the South Rhins to it's western coast.
We follow the minor road to Barhill farm.There's a lot of dogs barking as we pass through.
I'm reminded a little of Ireland here.In Ireland quite a number of farms have abandoned vehicles scattered around.The one in the above collage was one of three we saw.
After an interesting interlude concerning the movement of cows and bulls,we take to the fields crossing over a number of well constructed stiles.These rolling hills go by the names of Drumbawn.
Now we round Fort and Kirkholm hills where the ruins of Drumbreddan cottages come into view.
A short walk down a track via Slewdown (Take note Slew) brings us to Drumbreddan Bay and our lunch break.Up to now the weather's stayed dry and the suns had a peep out.This is a lovely isolated bay.Worth some exploration on a sunny day I think.
Somewhere close by is Doon Castle, the best example of an Iron Age broch in Dumfries and Galloway.
There's a lot of colour about.
I took the picture of the board marked A-B-X-Y on our return leg at Drumbreddan Farm.
I've really no idea what it signifies,could it be the auction of some farm machinery?

Now we're heading back and the route takes us via Drumbreddan Farm.We're told that Drumbreddan Farmhouse is quite a substantial dwelling, but we only got a view of one small corner of it.Texel Sheep and these wooden houses generated some interest.

After walking on tarmac for a while we agin take to the fields...
...these are the ruins of Killaser Castle,the ancestral home of the McCullochs, who formerly held Ardwell.
The cattle seem to be interested in our exploration.
Now we move on via Barhill Plantation to the edges of the gardens of Ardwell House.
Ardwell Gardens is 970 acres in size and surrounds the 18th-century Ardwell House.As well as this big pond,it also has a walled garden and a medieval motte.Thats it cover with an iron mesh.The view to the village creates an interest as it shows where our chairperson used to live.
It's started raining as we arrive back at Chapel Rossan Bay.
Our chef for the barbecue is Slewtrain,appropriately dressed for the occasion.
Undeterred by the rain, our barbecue organisers have laid on a splendid spread.We're soon into the chicken, beefburgers,sausages and salads.A mix of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are available,and champagne is being quaffed.
Good dialogue,corny jokes and the rain easing,increased the merriment.A good time was had by all.
Too soon it's time to leave.
A lovely day.

Addendum

I've just received the walk leaders report.
It's so much more detailed and delightfully written.
I've used her report quite a few times now, so much so that blog readers will begin to identify her style.
And I have permission to use it.

Despite a poor weather forecast the rambler’s barbeque walk took place with almost no rain at all. From the meeting place at Ardwell picnic site a grassy footpath took the company along to Barhill farm, meeting the cows going to pasture along the way. From the farm steading a route was taken across the fields, which were a little muddy due to the overnight rain, and under the shadow of the Drumbreddan windmill to reach another path past ruined cottages.
Drumbreddon beach was reached via a good track; the full tide was washing the rocks as a welcome coffee break was taken. The shore, which a few days before had been covered with common jellyfish, was now strewn with a great variety of seaweeds. Bladder wrack, sea belt, sea lettuce, red seaweed and carragheen had all been washed ashore and littered the sand with their bright colours. Terns and gannets were diving, and a lapwing urgently called whilst a kestrel hovered above. Reluctantly the ramblers had to leave this wild haven and continue the walk.
Drumbreddon farm was skirted and after a short road walk, the remains of Killasser castle, near Ardwell church, was visited. Built around the end of the fifteenth century, this stronghold of the McCulloch family is now not much more than a couple of walls and a pile of stones, but imagination could furnish it with stairways and a vaulted undercroft.
Ardwell gardens were now entered and a delightful woodland track led the party to the pond walk which brought them to the second castle of the day. The Norman motte is reached across a footbridge which spans a deep ditch. There is a good view of the modern Ardwell house from the top where a path leads around the pudding shaped mound. An old well in the centre has survived surprisingly intact though devoid of water.

As the path led around the pond, swans and three cygnets came to enquire about lunch but the mallards and moorhens kept their distance as the rain at last began to fall. The picnic site was now quickly reached once more, where a delicious barbeque awaited and the rain did not dampen the enjoyment of this summer social event.
The next walk on Saturday 17th July is a 10mile A walk up Cairnsmore via the Duke’s path. Meet for car sharing at Breastworks, Stranraer, 9am, Riverside , Newton Stewart, 9.30am and Cairnsmore car park 10am. All are welcome. Please phone the walk leader for more details or if going directly to the start. 01671 401222

The Glebe on Vacation-Lincolnshire-North East-Cleethorpes at the beach

My last place to call on this round trip is Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire.

This is Jack and Charlotte on a recent camping trip to Edale.Thanks for the pictures Mum.The last time I saw them was a visit to Galloway last August.
I composed this YouTube video of their visit.
Today we're having a morning on the beach.We're down at Humberston Fitties.The south end of Cleethorpes and the Pleasure Island theme park.Mum and Dad get the wind shelter up.
The sand's too dry for Jack to build sandcastles, but he gets lots built later close to the tide.Charlotte does a balancing act before leaping into the sand.

Time for a splash,mum and dad get wet as well.Grandad digs down to get some firmer sand for Charlotte to build a castle.
Jacks doing a good impression of Superman...
...then along comes Supergirl.
Back into the water.
Grandad got splashed and he's seeing double.
Other stuffs happening at the mouth of the Humber.
Bottom right is Haile sands fort,one of a pair,it was commissioned during WW1 to guard the River Humber, finished in the 1920's and used to defend the Humber during WW2.(Bull sands fort is a little further out).

The helicopter was flying all day...it's £99 pounds for a fifteen minute trip...if you join any of the services it's free!(Mind you it'd probably be in Helmand Province)

The drilling rig's been moored up for a few days.(When I worked at Immingham,there were often big modules passing through.)

This is a beach that allows dogs.Very rare these days.They're always happy dogs when they get down here.

These two are having a great time.
Here, Superboy uses his supernatural powers to explode the sand that he's been buried in,while Charlie's angel Charlotte takes cover.

The Glebe's Vacation is almost over and will be heading back to bonnie scotland soon.
It's been a great round trip and the weathers been great.

Loved seeing all the folks up in North Wales where the hospitality was wonderful.

Loved visiting the bonnie lassies and their partners down in Cheltenham (As well as the camping out)

Loved visiting the family in North and North East Lincolnshire, and I particularly loved seeing the young folk who's names are Jack James and Charlotte and Callum and Erin.

See you all again soon.

Dad Grandad x

N.B
Just got to upload some video to YouTube sometime soon.

The Glebe on Vacation-Lincolnshire-North

July 2010
The run up from Cheltenham went well enough and I've landed in the village of Keadby near Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire.
These are the two lassies I'm visiting over the next couple of days.
Mind you they've changed a bit in the last um em ...well however many years it is.
One things for sure they've passed on the looks to the kids...my grandkids, who'll feature mostly in this and the next post.
This is Callum and Erin,both a little older and maybe wiser since I last uploaded pictures of them.

We're having a day out at Normanby Hall Country Park
The first thing as always is to feed the ducks.It's always very colourful here in the summer.

I hope that bridge is safe.Normanby Hall is the traditional home of the Sheffield family,and beyond the duck pond is a pets graveyard.Although North Lincolnshire Council now own the hall and grounds,it's apparent the family still have rights here.
The latest addition being a small square stone dated 2006 with the wording 'Bertie Tilly Rosie beloved terriers of the Sheffield family'
Next we move on to an area set aside for birds and squirrels.There are lots of feed tables and tree boxes about.

Cal and Erin like to try and get close to the squirrels.

I'm sure this sculpture has a name.I worked for British Steel when it was erected.
Erin adopts a variety of poses.Maybe she's got aspirations of being a model.She'd be great eh!
Now we move on to the climbing tree.Always popular with the youngsters.Today the kids are lucky,there's no one else playing on it.
Scunthorpe is known as the 'Industrial Garden Town'.Having spent quite a number of years working here,I've learned to appreciate places like this.After a shift at the 'Coke Ovens'this is a great place to escape to.Even in the centre of town the local authority always kept the public gardens in glorious bloom.
The hall itself is quite popular for weddings, conferences and other functions.
The lawns in front of the house are great for playing games on.Erin's doing great playing tennis while balancing on a bottle top...
...Cals got his eye on the ball though.
Mum takes over with the tennis racket while Erin gives her grandad a good whuppin at table football.
Don't ask me what these chickens are up to.Cluck cluck.Hopefully they've had as nice a day as I have.

The next set of pictures are from an open day held by Scunthorpe United on the 4th of July 2010.
I arrived towards the end of the day.
No1 and Steve were both on duty albeit on adjacent stalls.
Scunthorpe United have a fair sized Irish following,and Steve ran the Irish Iron Stall.Their websites here
Irish Iron
Lot's of other stuff was going on including the fair (Wish these rolling balls had been invented when i was a kid)the army, and a tribute band called the Jam'd (Wonder who they're a tribute to?) Youtube clip to follow....
...and some classic cars.

My vacations almost over.

Still to come is Cleethorpes beach with Jack and Charlotte and a few Youtube clips
Stay Tuned