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Let ootAfter a lot of map studying, we decided to go from the Loch Doon side as travel time was less than the loch Trool side.
We started with everyone in the group stating disclaimers to fitness levels mouldy boots and previous injuries in the carpark including but not limited to, “not been out for a year” and “don’t know what’s in my rucksack but it doesn’t smell to good” we then set off pleased to be finally let loose but with trepidation and an underlying nervousness in group about vague wording to distance estimations and walk times in the plan for the day
, followed by raised eyebrows
about planned short cuts. This was followed by chance for an undeserved good ribbing and taking the absolute something out of some solely for the amusements of everyone else
, even after a year nothing much has changed in this respect.
The forest tracks felt like an eternity, as we would find out later this was nothing in comparison to how long the walk out would feel.
The forest track eventually disappeared and we were left with no choice but to make for open hill
- Leaving the forest
Surprisingly we reached the ridge towards hoodins hill relatively quickly
and everyone’s doubts about fitness seemed to disappear as the view back towards loch doon finally opened up.
- View towards Loch Doon from the ridge leading towards Hoodins hill
As we reached Hoodins hill the weather changed with hail all the way to the top it didn’t feel like a good time to break the news we weren’t half way
, after everyone having a really good soaking in some bog and the hail it felt better for my own safety to quickly retract the statement with a "just joking"
Luck was on our side however as we neared the summit and we felt incredibly lucky when the hail disappeared and the visibility and sun came out.
- Mullwarcher Summit
- Scotland Hikers on Mullwarcher Summit
- Descent Loch Enoch
The descent was rough and we made a rough course for the forest track views towards Loch enoch and the Merrick were fantastic with many taking the time to point out a nicely parked car on the forest track as we contemplated the long walk back out no way to make that sound any better.
Its reputation as a remote hill is well earned very few hills can provide such fantastic views and still provide that feeling of isolation. By the time we reached the carpark at Loch doon we could feel every cm of the 22km, however overall, this was a brilliant day out and a reminder that its still possible to enjoy a hill too yourself in Scotland.
